What Is NOT Included in a Home Inspection in Northern Nevada?

A home inspection typically does not include the following items:

• Inspections for pests, such as termites or other wood-destroying organisms.

• Inspections for mold or other indoor air quality issues.

• Inspections of underground items, such as septic systems or underground oil tanks.

• Inspections of appliances that are not permanently installed, such as window air conditioners or portable generators.

• Inspections of systems or components that are not readily accessible, such as the interior of walls or the attic insulation.

• Inspections of systems or components that are not functioning at the time of the inspection, such as a pool or spa that is not operational.

• Inspections of code compliance or zoning issues, such as building permits or zoning violations.

• Inspections of future performance or life expectancy of any systems or components.

It's important to have a clear understanding of what is and is not included in a home inspection before hiring an inspector, so that you can make an informed decision about the property.

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Understanding the Scope of a Standard Home Inspection

Knowing what a home inspection doesn't cover is just as important as knowing what it does. A standard home inspection follows the guidelines established by professional organizations like ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) or InterNACHI, which define what inspectors are and are not required to evaluate. Being clear on these boundaries helps buyers avoid surprises after closing.

Pest and Termite Inspections: A standard home inspection is not a pest inspection. Home inspectors may note visible evidence of pests during their walkthrough, but they are not licensed pest control operators and cannot provide a formal Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) report. In many real estate transactions, a separate termite or pest inspection is recommended or required by lenders. If there is any evidence of pest activity, it's wise to hire a licensed pest control company for a dedicated inspection.

Mold and Indoor Air Quality: Unless a home inspector observes visible mold or conditions conducive to mold growth (such as active water intrusion or excessive moisture), a standard inspection does not test for mold or air quality issues. If you have concerns about mold, radon, asbestos, or other indoor environmental hazards, you should hire a specialist to conduct those specific tests.

Septic Systems and Underground Components: Most home inspectors do not inspect underground systems such as septic tanks, underground oil tanks, or buried water lines. These require specialized equipment and training. If the home is on a septic system, you should hire a septic company to inspect and pump the system before closing.

Non-Accessible Areas: Inspectors can only evaluate what they can safely and readily access. Areas that are blocked by stored belongings, finished walls, insulation, or locked doors may not be inspected. Inspectors are not required to move furniture, lift carpeting, or open walls to investigate.

Systems Not Operational at Time of Inspection: If a pool or spa is winterized, a heating system is turned off, or an appliance is disconnected, the inspector may be unable to test those systems. It's important to arrange for all systems to be operational on inspection day.

Building Code Compliance: A home inspection is not a code compliance inspection. While inspectors may note obvious safety concerns that appear to violate modern building codes, they are not code enforcement officers and may not identify all code violations, particularly in older homes built under different code standards.

Why Knowing These Limitations Matters

Understanding these limitations helps buyers make informed decisions about additional inspections they may want to schedule. In many cases, buyers in the Reno and Northern Nevada area may benefit from add-on inspections for radon (common in Nevada due to regional geology), well water quality testing, or a dedicated sewer scope to inspect the main drain line.

Home Inspection Associates, LLC offers a range of inspection services beyond a standard home inspection, including well water testing and other specialized services. To discuss your specific needs and schedule an inspection, call us at 775.842.5916 or visit nvinspectors.com.