When buying a home, a professional home inspection is a crucial step in understanding its condition before you commit. However, home inspectors aren’t fortune tellers, and they don’t have X-ray vision. While we provide a thorough evaluation of a home’s major systems, there are limits to what we can inspect. Understanding these limitations—and why a home inspection is still invaluable—can help set realistic expectations and highlight the importance of this process.
What a Home Inspector CAN Inspect
A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive evaluation of a property’s key components, including:
- Structure – We assess the foundation, walls, ceilings, and floors for signs of cracks, settling, or other structural concerns.
- Roofing – We look for missing shingles, damaged flashing, leaks, and signs of wear.
- Plumbing – We test fixtures, check for leaks, and evaluate visible piping, water heaters, and drainage.
- Electrical – We inspect service panels, wiring, outlets, and fixtures for safety and functionality.
- HVAC Systems – We operate heating and cooling systems to assess basic function and age.
- Interiors & Exteriors – We evaluate doors, windows, stairs, railings, and more for functionality and safety concerns.
What a Home Inspector CANNOT Inspect
While we provide an in-depth assessment, there are areas beyond our scope:
- Inside Walls, Floors, and Ceilings – We can’t see hidden wiring, plumbing, or insulation without removing materials.
- Future Performance of Systems & Appliances – We can’t predict whether an older water heater or air conditioner will last another five years or break down next month.
- Underground Components – Septic systems, buried pipes, and foundations below ground level are outside the standard inspection.
- Specialized Evaluations – We are not licensed mold assessors, pest inspectors, or structural engineers, but we can recommend experts if concerns arise.
Why a Home Inspection is Still Critical
Think of a home inspection like a check-up with a general doctor. While we may not diagnose every hidden issue, we help identify red flags that warrant further evaluation by specialists. You wouldn’t skip a routine doctor’s visit just because they can’t perform surgery—similarly, skipping a home inspection can leave you unaware of major concerns before you buy.
As a buyer, you’re focused on many aspects of your move—negotiations, financing, and envisioning life in your new home. A home inspector provides a professional, unbiased assessment so you can make an informed decision without missing potential concerns.
At AZ Shield Home Inspections, we help protect your investment by giving you a clear picture of the home’s condition. While we can’t see through walls or predict the future, we ensure you have the knowledge to move forward with confidence.
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Contact us today to book your professional home inspection and get the insights you need before closing on your new home!
Inspected Once, Inspected Right