Home inspectors have specific guidelines and standards to follow when conducting an inspection. They are not allowed to do any work that requires a contractor’s license, such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC. Additionally, most home inspection codes of conduct also restrict an inspector from doing work on a home that they have inspected for at least 12 months.
Inspectors are also prohibited from moving personal property or dismantling any part of the home without the homeowner’s permission. They must inspect the visible and accessible areas of the home and report on their condition, but they are not required to perform destructive testing or move furniture or other personal property.
They are not allowed to open any valves or access panels. It’s important to understand that a home inspector’s role is to assess the home’s condition and report on any visible defects or issues they find. They don’t determine the home’s value or provide an opinion on whether the home is a good investment.
Their main job is to help the buyer make an educated decision based on the home’s visible condition and potential risks. It’s essential to keep in mind that a home inspection is not a guarantee of the home’s condition but rather a way to provide the buyer with information about the home’s condition so they can make an informed decision about the purchase.