Top 5 Misconceptions About Home Inspection You Need to Know

If you’re buying a home in the Chicago suburbs, selling one, or even thinking about putting your house on the market, you’ve probably heard about the home inspection. It’s one of the most important steps in a real estate transaction. But it’s also one of the most misunderstood. There are many misconceptions about home inspection and its role in the home buying decision.

Many buyers and sellers assume a home inspection iis like a test the house must pass. They also assume that the inspector will uncover every possible issue. In reality, a home inspection has a very specific purpose: to provide an objective evaluation of a home’s visible and accessible components at the time of the inspection.

Understanding what a home inspection is—and what it isn’t—can help you avoid surprises and make better decisions during the buying or selling process. Read on to learn about the five most common misconceptions about home inspection.

One of the biggest misconceptions about home inspection is that homes either pass or fail the inspection.

The Reality

There is no such thing as passing or failing a home inspection. The inspector’s job is to simply observe and document the condition of the home’s major systems and components. These typically include roof, electrical system, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, structure and foundation and the interior and exterior components of the home. 

While the inspector reports on issues he or she sees, the presence of issues doesn’t constitute a “failure” of the inspection. Even brand-new homes and well-maintained homes will have issues or concerns noted in the inspection report. The report is simply a detailed snapshot of the home’s current condition so buyers can make an informed decision.

Many homeowners and home buyers believe the home inspection will uncover every problem with the house.

The Reality

Home inspectors are trained to be thorough, but no inspection can uncover every possible issue.

A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive evaluation of the home. Inspectors examine areas that are visible and accessible, but they cannot see inside walls, under flooring, or behind finished surfaces. Because of that, some issues—such as hidden plumbing leaks or concealed structural damage—may not be detectable during the inspection.

A good way to think about a home inspection is as a professional snapshot of the home’s condition, not a guarantee that every issue will be discovered.

Some buyers assume the inspector will tell them whether they should move forward with the purchase.

The Reality

That’s not the inspector’s role.

A home inspector’s responsibility is to provide clear, unbiased information about the property. They explain how major systems work, identify concerns, and point out items that may require repair or maintenance.

The decision about whether to buy the home belongs to the buyer, usually with guidance from their real estate agent. The home inspection report is only one of the pieces of information you should use to make the decision.

Another common misconception about home inspection is that the inspector checks whether the home meets current building codes.

The Reality

Most homes were built under the building codes that existed at the time of construction.  Those local and state-wide building codes change frequently.

A standard home inspection does not determine whether a home meets today’s codes. Instead, the inspection focuses on:

• Safety concerns
• Major defects
• Whether the systems are functioning properly
• Conditions or issues that may require repair or replacement

Building code enforcement is handled by local and building departments, not home inspectors.

Most homeowners think home inspections are only done during the purchase process.

The Reality

While buyers typically order inspections during a real estate transaction, inspections can benefit homeowners and sellers as well.

For example, a pre-listing inspection allows sellers to identify issues before putting the home on the market. This can reduce surprises during negotiations and help transactions move more smoothly.

Homeowners may also choose a maintenance inspection to better understand the condition of their home and plan for future repairs. A thorough home inspection report can help you understand the ongoing maintenance your home requires as well.

Even if you waived a home inspection when you bought your new home, a post-close home inspection is still a good idea. Yes, it’s too late to go back to the seller for remedy if the inspection uncovers undisclosed defects. But you can still gain a lot from a home inspection, even if you’ve already bought the home. Click here to read our post about the benefits of a post-close home inspection.