A good home inspector can be invaluable during the home-buying process. They can help you identify potential problems that may not be immediately apparent and give you an idea of what types of repairs you may need to make.
Their insights can inform your offer on a home or give you the information you need to decide to walk away from the deal. However, they are limited as to what they can and can’t do.
So, what are home inspectors not allowed to do? They can’t pass or fail a home, determine a home’s value, or even access certain parts of the property. Here are 13 other things they can’t do that might surprise you.
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more. How to become a member today: Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Pass or fail a home
When people talk about home inspections, they often say a house "passed its inspection." However, this isn't technically accurate.
Home inspectors aren't allowed to pass or fail homes. Instead, their job is to provide an objective written report on the condition of the property and report any issues.
Determine the value of a property
A home inspection isn’t an appraisal, which means home inspectors can't tell you how much a home is worth. Their inspection is focused exclusively on the physical condition of the home, not its market value.
If you're concerned about whether you're paying too much for a property, you'll need to consult with a real estate agent or appraiser.
Once you know how much you should be paying, request quotes from the best mortgage lenders to find a home loan that works for your budget.
Guarantee that no more repairs are needed
Even if a home inspection report doesn't show any major issues — such as water damage, safety hazards, or material defects — a home inspector can’t guarantee that additional repairs aren’t needed. Over time, all homes require some maintenance and repairs.
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest. National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p> How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Act as a contractor
If the home inspection identifies any home construction issues that will need repairs, you may be tempted to ask them to recommend contractors or ask them to do the work themselves.
Although the home inspector may be an experienced carpenter or electrician and be familiar with local building codes, they aren’t allowed to do any repairs on a property while they are acting as the inspector.
In fact, the code of ethics of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) actually prohibits home inspectors from working on properties they inspected for at least one year after the date of inspection.
Outline property boundaries
You may be concerned about the property’s lot size or neighbors encroaching on the property’s boundaries. However, home inspectors are not allowed to determine property boundaries. This is the job of a land surveyor.
If you're unsure about where your property begins and ends, you'll need to hire a surveyor.
Trending Stories
Move heavy furniture
A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home. This means that home inspectors are not allowed to move furniture or other belongings in order to gain access to areas of the home.
If there are items blocking access to something that needs to be inspected, you'll need to ask the seller to do it before the inspection can take place.
Open locked doors
If there are locked doors or cabinets in the home, the inspector won't be able to open them. The home inspector is only allowed to access areas of the home that are readily accessible.
If you have concerns about a creepy door in the basement or attic, ask the seller for a key before the inspection date.
Climb on a steep or precarious roof
Home inspectors can’t put themselves in danger for the sake of the inspection. If a roof is particularly steep or looks to be in poor condition, the home inspector won’t climb onto it to inspect it.
In these cases, they will have to rely on inspecting the roof from the ground or with binoculars for a closer look.
Inspect solar power systems
Although a solar panel system can be a useful addition to a home, they require specialized installation and maintenance.
According to ASHI’s standards of practice, home inspectors can’t inspect solar, geothermal, wind, or other renewable energy systems, including specialized electrical panels. These types of inspections require special training and certification.
If you're considering buying a home with a solar power system, you'll need to hire a qualified solar energy system inspector.
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2 <p>See website for details.</p> With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year! This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide. Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Identify environmental hazards
Home inspectors can’t test for environmental hazards such as lead paint, radon, or asbestos. These types of tests require specially trained building inspectors with unique equipment.
If you're concerned about the presence of environmental hazards, you'll need to hire a qualified professional to test for them.
For example, if you suspect your home may have lead paint, you’ll need to hire a trained and certified lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor.
Check behind insulation
Home inspectors can perform a visual inspection of the insulation in the home, but they’re not allowed to remove it or go behind it. In most cases, insulation is located in areas that are difficult to access, such as crawl spaces and attics, or may be secured to walls.
Unless the insulation is obviously damaged, the home inspector won’t be able to give it a thorough inspection.
Use non-operable systems or appliances
A home inspector needs to be able to operate systems and appliances to properly assess their condition. This means that if the HVAC is disconnected, the inspector won’t be able to test it.
Similarly, if the air conditioning, heating system, or hot water heater is shut down for any reason, the home inspector is not allowed to turn it on to inspect it.
If you’re concerned about any device or system, ask the seller to turn it on or reconnect it before the inspection.
Advise you about longevity
Home inspectors can’t predict how long a home or its systems will last. They can only report on the property's current condition.
The home inspector will not answer your questions about how long the roof will last or when you should expect to replace the furnace.
FAQs
Do home inspectors look under rugs?
Home inspectors will look under small rugs — such as area rugs or bathroom mats — to ensure the rugs aren’t covering up any damage. However, they usually won’t pull up carpeting that has been secured to the floor because that can cause damage to the carpet.
Do home inspectors look inside closets?
Home inspectors will look inside any closets that aren’t locked. However, they will only do a visual inspection. If there are heavy items within the closet, the home inspector won't move them.
Do home inspectors get on the roof?
Usually, home inspectors will get on the roof during the inspection to check the condition of shingles, gutters, and other roof components. However, they won’t if the roof is steep or otherwise precarious.
Bottom line
Home inspectors are a valuable resource when you're learning how to buy a home. They can identify problems and common issues with the property and give you an idea of what needs to be fixed.
However, the home inspection process can’t predict how long a home will last or tell you whether you should buy a home. If you have specific concerns about the property, ask the inspector before the inspection occurs.
If you decide to move forward with the home purchase after the inspection and need help paying for repairs or renovations, learn about your financing options for home improvement projects to help you avoid wasting money.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.