A home inspection is one of the most important parts of the real estate transaction, providing a crucial check up on your home structures and systems. But that doesn’t mean that a home inspection will reveal everything there is to know about your future home. Read on to learn what home inspections cover and what they do not.
A home inspection:
Is objective information regarding the condition of the systems and components of a home at the time of the inspection.
Is not a warranty or a guarantee of the performance or useful life of any item, component, or system.
Is used to identify visible defects and conditions that, in the judgment of the home inspector, adversely affect the function or integrity of the items inspected, including those near the end of their serviceable life.
Is not a determination on whether systems are compliant with government codes or regulations.
Is a visual inspection of the property exterior.
Is not an inspection of exterior fences, outbuildings or awnings.
Is a visual inspection and description of the roof covering, drainage, flashing, and skylights.
Is not an inspection of the chimney interior or antenna and does not require the inspector to walk on the roof or remove snow and debris that obscures view of the roof.
Is a visual inspection of the structure, foundation, walls and framing of the home.
Is not an engineering assessment of the adequacy of those structural support systems.
Is a visual inspection of the interior, including walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, stairs, counters and countertops, and garage doors.
Is not an inspection of wall coverings, decorative items, or household appliances.
Is a visual inspection and description of the plumbing systems, including piping, drainage and water flow of fixtures.
Is not an inspection of washer connections, water storage systems, sprinkler systems, and does not determine water quality.
Is a visual inspection of the electrical system, including the panel and light fixtures, and description of the home’s wiring.
Is not an evaluation of alarm systems or secondary electrical systems, or a measurement of the system’s amperage or voltage.
Is an inspection of installed heating equipment and ventilation systems and description of their energy sources.
Is not an evaluation of humidifiers or filters and does not indicate adequacy of the heat distribution.
Is an inspection of installed air conditioning systems and description of the energy source.
Is not an evaluation of air filters and does not indicate adequacy of cooling.
Is a visual inspection of the home’s ventilation and insulation systems and can include a description of areas where insulation is missing.
Is not a measure of indoor air quality.
Is a visual inspection and description of fireplaces and chimneys.
Is not an inspection of fireplace doors or screens, mantels or surrounds, or heat distribution, and does not require the lighting or extinguishing of a fire by the inspector.
You can use Maryland Homeownership’s Home Inspection Checklist to take you through all of the legally required evaluations that will be covered by your home inspector. You can also visit the Maryland Commission of Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies and Home Inspectors License Lookup to search for licensed home inspectors in your area.
