6 Things Your Home Inspector Probably Won’t Check

here are some things you home inspectors won’t check.

Electrical outlets behind heavy furniture – For one, basic home inspections evaluate only the stuff these professionals can see or access easily. That means if the furniture is blocking certain areas, your home inspector isn’t about to throw out his/her back to move it aside.

Roof – Three or more stories in height most home inspectors will not walk on. They look from the ground and base their inspection on that.

Chimney and Fireplace – Home inspectors will typically open and shut dampers to make sure they’re working, and shine a flashlight up the chimney to check for big obstructions like a birds nest. But that’s typically where their inspection ends.

Well and Septic – If your inspector works in areas where wells and septic systems are common, for an extra fee ($150 typically) he/she might test your well water and check that your septic system is running Properly.

Swimming Pool – Basic home inspectors will turn on pool pumps and heaters to make sure they’re working. But inspectors won’t routinely evaluate cracks or dents in the pool. For that, you’ll need a professional pool inspector, who will run pressure tests for plumbing leaks. He’ll also scrutinize pumps, filters, decking surfaces, and safety covers. Pool contractors will do all of these but the price varies.

The ground under your home – While home inspectors will thoroughly check the home, the ground beneath it might go largely ignored. So if you’re worried about the land’s structural integrity—or whether it shifts, tilts, or has sinkholes or a high water table—you’ll need to hire a geotechnical engineer.