What a Home Inspection Covers (and What It Does Not)
- guy1061
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
A home is a complex combination of systems (electrical, plumbing, structural, roof, etc.) that function to make your house a home. Many homeowners are not well versed in these various systems, periodic maintenance requirements, or the useful life of these various systems and components until something goes wrong. A home inspection represents an opportunity to give the client an overview of these systems, an understanding of maintenance requirements, and a general education about the property. A home inspection is a practical, time-bound evaluation of a property’s visible and accessible systems. For buyers, it is one of the best tools you have to reduce surprises, clarify priorities, and plan near-term repairs and maintenance. For sellers and listing agents, it is a way to identify issues early so they can be addressed proactively and documented clearly.
At Cedrus Property Inspections, I follow industry standards of practice for residential inspections and focus on three outcomes: (1) identify material defects and safety concerns that are visible at the time of the inspection; (2) explain how major systems work and where they commonly fail; and (3) provide practical next steps so you can make decisions quickly during your inspection contingency period.
What is included in a standard residential inspection
A standard inspection typically includes a visual evaluation of the following areas, as present and accessible:- Roof covering, flashings, roof penetrations, and visible drainage components (gutters and downspouts)- Exterior walls, trim, grading, drainage patterns, and exterior doors and windows- Foundation, visible structural components, and readily accessible crawlspaces- Attic spaces that are safely accessible, including insulation and ventilation indicators- Electrical service equipment, panels, representative receptacles and switches, and visible wiring- Plumbing supply and drain components that are visible, fixtures, and water heating equipment- Heating and cooling equipment, visible ducting, and basic operating controls- Built-in appliances typically included in the home sale, where applicable.
In addition, I use modern field tools to improve documentation and risk identification. Infrared scanning can help highlight temperature differences that may correlate with moisture intrusion, missing insulation, or overheating electrical components. Infrared is a screening tool, not a diagnosis by itself. When it identifies an anomaly, I confirm with additional observations where possible and recommend the right next step.
What a home inspection is not
Most misunderstandings come from assuming a home inspection is a warranty or a guarantee of future performance. It is not. A home inspection is not a technically exhaustive evaluation and it is not destructive. Inspectors do not open walls, remove roofing, or dismantle equipment. Because the inspection is visual and non-invasive, conditions can exist that are not visible or that do not present symptoms on the day of the inspection.
Common exclusions or limitations include:
- Code compliance inspections. Homes are often a mix of eras, and code evolves. The goal is safety and performance, not enforcing every current code requirement.
- Mold testing, asbestos sampling, and other environmental lab work unless specifically contracted.
- Engineering analysis of structural design, including seismic retrofits, unless performed by a licensed specialist.
- Sewer lateral scoping, chimney flue scoping, and similar camera-based services unless added as an ancillary service.
- Predicting remaining life of components with precision. I can often give practical context, but exact lifespan depends on many variables.
How to use the report to protect your transaction
A good inspection report is more than a list of defects. It should help you prioritize. Here is a simple way to review the findings:
1) Safety and immediate risk: electrical hazards, active leaks, combustion safety concerns, trip hazards.
2) Water management: roof drainage, grading, exterior penetrations, plumbing leaks. Water is a common driver of expensive damage.
3) Big-ticket systems: roof, HVAC, electrical service equipment, foundation.
4) Maintenance and optimization: filters, drainage maintenance, caulking, and small repairs that prevent larger problems.
If you are a buyer, align your follow-up questions with your contingency timeline. If the report suggests specialized evaluation, get quotes and scopes quickly. If you are a seller, address simple access and maintenance items before the inspection so the evaluation is clean and efficient.
A Southern California note:
In coastal and inland San Diego County, I pay special attention to water management, roof details, exterior penetrations, and corrosion-prone components. Even in a dry climate, intermittent heavy rain, irrigation overspray, and coastal salt air can create concentrated wear.
FAQ
Q: How long does a typical inspection take?
A: Most single-family inspections take a few hours depending on size, complexity, and access.
Q: Should I attend the inspection?
A: Yes. Attending helps you understand the home and the priorities in the report.
Q: Does a home inspection include code compliance?
A: The focus is on safety and function. Inspectors reference standards and best practices, but it is not a formal code inspection.
Q: Can you see inside walls?
A: No. The inspection is visual and non-invasive. Tools like infrared can help identify anomalies, but confirmation may require a specialist.
Q: Do you inspect pools?
A: Pools and spas can be inspected as an add-on service. Ask when scheduling so the right time is allotted.
Call to action
If you are buying or selling in Carlsbad or anywhere in San Diego County, schedule a home inspection with Cedrus Property Inspections. I provide clear, thorough reporting and I use infrared scanning when appropriate to help identify hidden conditions.
Real estate professionals: if you would like a sample report or want to align inspection timing with your escrow calendar, contact me and I will make it easy.
Sources and further reading
These posts are written using concepts covered in InterNACHI consumer education articles and InterNACHI Standards of Practice. Suggested InterNACHI article titles to link as citations or further reading:
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