Five Home Inspection Myths
Let’s explore the top five home inspection myths and uncover the truths behind them. Home inspections often come with misconceptions that cause confusion and unrealistic expectations during the buying or selling process. First-time buyers and experienced homeowners alike benefit from understanding these myths. In this post, we break down common myths, such as the belief that a home can “fail” an inspection and the misconception that new homes don’t need inspections. By clarifying these myths, we aim to help you approach home inspections with confidence.
Myth #1: You Can Fail A Home Inspection
False. Home inspections provide an expert opinion on a home’s condition. The report serves as an evaluation, not a pass-or-fail verdict. While the report won’t fail the house, some findings might impact other aspects of your buying process. For example, exposed wiring could fail a mortgage or insurance requirement. Your lending and insurance needs determine how this plays out.
Myth #2: New Construction Does Not Need A Home Inspection
New-construction homes can have defects. Unlike older homes, which require sellers to disclose known issues, builders do not advertise new homes with flaws. Every new construction I’ve inspected had some problem. While these issues might not be serious, it highlights why every home needs an inspection before purchase.
Myth #3: A Long Inspection Report Means
The House Is Trash The length of a report does not mean the house is in poor condition. Older homes often have more entries due to outdated materials or safety issues. Despite this, they can still be more valuable than new homes due to their location or unique design. If your report is lengthy, discuss it with your inspector and Realtor. This helps you understand what’s typical for homes of similar age and location. Older homes naturally show more wear because they’ve been around longer.
Myth #4: Your Home Inspector Should Have Caught That
Contractors may later claim, “Your inspector should have caught that.” Remember, home inspectors are not licensed electricians, plumbers, or HVAC technicians. They have broad training to review the property as a system, looking at how components affect each other. Inspectors point out issues and recommend repairs or specialist evaluations. Their role has strict limits. Inspections visually cover accessible areas, so hidden issues might not be caught. Inspectors do not disassemble systems or conduct specialized testing. They can refer you to experts for detailed evaluations.
Myth #5: The Inspector Will Tell Me if the Home Is “Up to Code”
Home inspectors note potential code violations but cannot declare a home “up to code.” Only building code officials conduct specific inspections for that purpose, as codes vary by state and region. However, inspectors highlight areas that deviate from standard practices so you can follow up with the right authorities.