What a Home Inspection Covers—and What It Does Not

Major visible systems

The inspection generally addresses the visible and accessible structure, exterior, roof, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, interior, insulation, and ventilation.

Foundation and structural components Roof coverings and visible drainage Exterior walls, windows, doors, decks, and grading Electrical service, panels, and representative devices Plumbing fixtures and visible supply and waste piping Heating and cooling equipment Interior rooms and installed components Attic, insulation, and ventilation where accessible

Access controls the inspection

Finished surfaces, stored belongings, unsafe conditions, locked areas, height, weather, occupancy, and system status can limit what is observed. A responsible report identifies material limitations rather than implying unrestricted access.

A home inspection is not destructive testing

Inspectors do not open walls, dismantle equipment, excavate piping, or damage finishes to search for concealed conditions. Thermal imaging and moisture meters can provide additional clues, but they do not eliminate the limits of a visual inspection.

Specialty services remain separate

A standard inspection does not automatically include every environmental, pest, sewer, engineering, code, or specialty evaluation. Buyers should review the agreement and order appropriate ancillary services based on the property and transaction.