What the Home Inspection Won’t Tell You

A home inspection is a great way to find out a lot of information about a home you are looking to purchase. It can help you put together a list of needed repairs and flag items that will require future maintenance. It can also be used as a negotiating tool to make sure all parties are satisfied in the transaction.

However, there are some things a home inspection will not tell you. A home inspection is a visual inspection of the property and is not technically exhaustive, meaning that a home inspector does not take things apart. Because of this, there are some components and systems that are not included and may be good to have further inspected during the real estate transaction.

Let’s review some of the most common items we get questions about so you can be prepared for your home inspection. Also, it should be noted that some home inspection companies may offer ancillary services for an additional fee to inspect these items listed.

 

Septic Systems

A septic system is an underground wastewater treatment structure commonly used in rural areas without centralized sewer systems. It consists of a septic tank and a drainage field. The tank collects wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers, and the laundry. Inside the tank, solids settle to the bottom, while oils and grease float to the top. Bacteria breaks down the organic matter in the wastewater and the liquid flows out of the tank into the drainage field, where it is further treated by soil organisms, ultimately returning to the groundwater. Septic systems help safely manage household wastewater and prevent contamination of nearby water sources. Proper construction is imperative with these systems. Regular maintenance is crucial for the system to work as intended.

Being that the septic system is buried underground a home inspector cannot visually inspect this system. If the drains are backing up or leaking during the inspection, the inspector may note an issue with the septic / waste drainage system, but it is important to have a qualified contractor pump and inspect the tank during any real estate transaction.

 

Wells

A well is a structure designed to access water from underground aquifers. It consists of a hole drilled or dug into the ground, lined with casing to prevent collapse. A pump is typically installed to draw water from the aquifer to the surface for various purposes like drinking, irrigation, and industrial use. Wells provide a reliable and sustainable source of water, particularly in areas where surface water may be scarce or contaminated. Proper construction, maintenance, and water testing are essential to ensure the safety and quality of the water from a well.

Just like a septic system, a well is buried underground and is not visible to a home inspector during a general home inspection. A home inspector may note issues with water pressure or sediment in the water, but do not provide an overall assessment of the well. The well should be inspected by a qualified well contractor and it is a good idea to test the quality of the water during the real estate transaction.

Fireplaces & Chimneys

A fireplace is a structure built into a wall, but can be freestanding also. They are typically made of brick, stone, or metal and designed to contain a fire for heating or ambiance. They consist of a firebox where the fire burns, a hearth at the base to protect the floor, and a chimney or flue to vent smoke and gases outside. Fireplaces can use various fuels such as wood, gas, or electricity.A chimney is a vertical structure, usually made of brick, stone, or metal, that extends above the roofline of a building and serves as a passageway for smoke and gases to exit from a fireplace, stove, or furnace. It provides draft or airflow to ensure proper combustion and venting of the exhaust gases. Chimneys may also have features such as a chimney cap to prevent debris and animals from entering and a chimney liner to improve safety and efficiency.

A home inspector will tell you every issue they visually see with the fireplace and chimney. Some inspectors will even use drones so they can view the tops of chimneys that would not be visible to most inspectors on the ground or roof. However, areas such as the inside of the flue are not visible to the inspector and therefore not able to be inspected during a general home inspection. For this reason, it is usually a good idea to have a qualified fireplace contractor perform a level 2 chimney inspection. We recommend this for all wood burning fireplaces and stoves prior to the sale of any home for safety.

 

Sprinkler Systems

A sprinkler system is a network of pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads designed to distribute water over a specific area, typically a lawn, garden, or landscape, for irrigation purposes. The system is usually connected to a water supply, such as a municipal water line or a well, and can be controlled manually or automatically by a timer or sensor. When activated, water is released through the sprinkler heads, which spray the water evenly over the designated area, providing moisture to plants and soil. Sprinkler systems are commonly used in residential, commercial, and agricultural settings to efficiently and effectively water plants and maintain healthy landscapes.

Annual maintenance is needed for the system to function as intended and must be drained annually in states with freezing temperatures. The majority of the sprinkler system is buried underground and is not visible to a home inspector. An inspector may turn the system on to test it during an inspection, but home inspection standards of practice do not require this. Due to liability most inspectors exclude them from a general home inspection. A full inspection of the sprinkler system by a qualified sprinkler contractor is recommended when purchasing a new home. However, due to the time of year, these inspections may be limited.

 

Pools & Hot Tubs

Pools and hot tubs have their own specialized pumps and systems and are not included in most home inspection standards of practice and therefore not included in a general home inspection in Ohio and Michigan.  A home inspector may comment on visible issues that they see when completing the inspection but is not required or expected to. We recommend that a qualified pool contractor or inspector inspects this system prior to commitment.

We hope this blog helps you out if you are looking to purchase a home and going through the home inspection process! If you’re in need of a professional home inspection by a licensed home inspector in Ohio or have questions about potential issues in your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to Erie Inspection Service. Our experienced inspectors are here to help ensure your peace of mind and the safety of your home.

 

About the Writer

This blog was written by Jordan Radloff with Erie Inspection Service. Jordan has been performing home inspections in Northern Ohio and Southeastern Michigan for 10 years. He is ASHI Certified and Licensed in Ohio to perform home inspections, radon testing, wood destroying insect inspections, and also holds a pilot’s license through the FAA to fly drones during his inspections.