While there are a lot of things that are included in a home inspection, there are also numerous things that are not included in a home inspection and it’s important to understand both.
Here at Tech Inspect, we follow the InterNACHI Standards of Practice. These standards outline what we are expected to review and report on and what is beyond the boundaries of the inspection.
Examples of what is not included in a home inspection:
- Determine property suitability, value, insurability, life expectancy, or code compliance.
- Identify pests, mold*, hazardous materials, air quality, or environmental hazards.
- Evaluate efficiency, performance, or costs to repair/operate systems.
- Inspect areas or systems that are unsafe, inaccessible, or shut down.
- Move personal items or dismantle components.
- Offer guarantees, warranties, engineering, or specialized services.
- Research property history or determine age of construction.
*Mold and Radon Testing are additional services that can be performed for a fee and follow specific standards and testing protocols.
Valves:
Home inspectors do not operate valves (such as shut-off valves or manual stop valves) for several important reasons:
Risk of damage or leaks
Valves that haven’t been used in a long time can be corroded or stuck. Turning them can cause them to break, leak, or fail, potentially leading to water damage or expensive repairs.
Potential safety hazards
Opening or closing certain valves (like gas or water main shut-offs) can pose safety risks to both the inspector and the occupants.
Scope of a non-invasive inspection
A standard home inspection is visual and non-invasive. Operating valves goes beyond simply observing and documenting — it involves manipulating systems, which is outside the standard scope.
If we find a valve turned off during the inspection, we will document and report it.
We strongly recommend asking the property owner: “Why was this valve off at the time of the inspection?” It’s important to understand why something expected to be on or open has been shut down before turning it on. A closed valve should always prompt curiosity — it may be hiding a larger issue that needs to be addressed.
Why inspectors do not reset tripped or off breakers
Safety risks
A breaker may be off or tripped for a reason — such as a fault, short circuit, or damaged wiring. Resetting it without knowing the cause can create fire hazards or electric shock risks.
Potential for damage
Re-energizing a circuit could damage appliances, electronics, or wiring if an underlying problem exists.
Beyond the inspection scope
A standard home inspection is visual and non-invasive. Operating breakers goes beyond observation and can be considered system activation, which is outside the inspector’s responsibility.
Something to be aware of:
If personal items block access or prevent the inspector from viewing certain areas, this will be documented as an inspection limitation. To avoid this, it’s best for occupants to move belongings and ensure a clear path to all major systems and components before the inspection.
As always, if you have any questions, please contact us, we’ll be happy to answer.