5 Things Home Inspectors Are Not Allowed to Do
The home inspector you enlist to help you buy or sell a home is an important decision. A home inspection dramatically affects the length it takes for the transaction to be complete and the final price of the property.
While home inspectors can help you out in various ways, it's important to know that not everything they do is applicable to the home inspection process. Here are five examples of what home inspectors are not allowed to do while inspecting your property.
1. Fix the Home
A home inspector you contact is just that and cannot transform into an independent roofing contractor, foundation specialist, electrician, or contractor specializing in fixing or renovating the property.
Even if they are skilled tradespeople outside of their home inspection work, it is unethical for them to offer their services during the inspection.
This goes for homes they’ve inspected in the past. For example, if they conducted a home inspection at any point on that property, it is not allowed for them to work on it in any form.
2. Put Themselves in Danger
A home inspector is there to do one thing, which should not put them in danger during the process. If they find a hazardous part of the home, they will not further inspect it. However, they will immediately disclose this information to the buyer and seller.
3. Cause Damage to the House
This may seem obvious, but it’s always worth mentioning. A home inspector cannot cause damage to your property to get a better look at the house’s components. For example, they must not tear a hole in the wall to get a better look at your plumbing system.
If your home inspector suggests something along these lines, it’s best to no longer do business with them and find a trusted home inspector in the Twin Cities.
4. Inspect Custom Installations
The home inspector's purpose is to find the state of the house and the systems legally required for it to be safe and livable. With that in mind, custom installations or appliances, like a pool or hot tub, will not be included in their inspection process.
5. Give an Estimate on Repairs
If a home inspector finds significant damage to a home, like a damaged roof or faulty wiring, their only responsibility is to acknowledge it. They cannot give you an estimate on the potential repair cost, as they are deemed unethical as well.
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Schedule an inspection online or give us a call at 612-310-1692 today!