7 Things a Standard Home Inspection May Not Cover

A home inspection can tell you a great deal about the condition of a property before you buy it.

But a standard inspection isn’t designed to investigate every possible issue.

Professional Standards of Practice generally focus on readily accessible, visually observable systems and components. Depending on the inspector, services such as pest inspections, radon testing, pool inspections or environmental testing may require an additional fee or a separate specialist.

Before your inspection, ask exactly what is included so you can decide whether the property calls for additional due diligence.

Key Takeaways

A standard home inspection is visual and isn’t intended to uncover every possible problem.
Pests, environmental hazards, pools and other specialty areas may require separate services.
Ask what your inspector includes before deciding which additional inspections you need.

What Does a Standard Home Inspection Cover?

A standard home inspection generally focuses on readily accessible systems and components of the home.

Depending on the applicable Standard of Practice and local requirements, that can include areas such as:

Roof
Foundation and visible structural components
Exterior
Electrical system
Plumbing
Heating and cooling
Walls, ceilings and floors
Windows and doors
Attic insulation and ventilation
Fireplaces and certain fuel-burning appliances

The American Society of Home Inspectors describes a standard inspection as an examination of readily accessible and visually observable systems and components.

It isn’t technically exhaustive and generally doesn’t require the inspector to identify concealed defects, dismantle equipment or perform destructive testing.

Our complete home inspection checklist covers the typical inspection scope in more detail.

1. Termite and Pest Inspection

A standard home inspection can reveal visible evidence that suggests pest activity or damage, but determining whether wood-destroying organisms are present is generally outside the minimum scope of a standard inspection.

ASHI’s Standard of Practice, for example, does not require inspectors to determine the presence of wood-destroying organisms.

A separate wood-destroying insect or pest inspection may evaluate for problems involving:

Termites
Carpenter ants
Wood-boring beetles
Other locally relevant wood-destroying organisms

Licensing and terminology vary by state.

If the general inspector sees damaged wood, mud tubes or other evidence of possible infestation, they may recommend further evaluation by a qualified pest professional.

When Should You Consider a Termite Inspection?

A separate pest inspection can be particularly useful when:

The home is in an area with significant termite activity
Visible wood damage is present
The property has previous termite treatment
Wood components are close to soil
Your lender or loan program requires additional documentation

2. Building-Code Compliance

A general home inspection is not the same thing as a municipal code inspection.

ASHI’s Standard of Practice specifically says inspectors aren’t required to determine whether systems and components comply with current or previous codes, regulations, ordinances or installation requirements.

That distinction matters because building codes change.

A feature installed legally decades ago may not meet today’s requirements, even though the owner is not necessarily required to update it solely because the code later changed.

An inspector can still identify visible safety concerns.

For example, an inspector might report a stairway or electrical condition they consider unsafe without making a formal determination that the property violates a particular building code.

When Might You Need a Code or Permit Review?

Additional research can be worthwhile if the property has:

Major additions
A finished basement
Converted attic space
A converted garage
Significant electrical or plumbing renovations
An accessory dwelling unit
Other substantial alterations

Permit and inspection records may be available through the local building department.

3. Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs

Don’t assume a swimming pool or spa is included in the standard home inspection.

ASHI’s general Standard of Practice classifies pools, spas, saunas and similar equipment as recreational facilities and does not require them to be inspected.

Some home inspectors offer a separate pool and spa inspection, while others may recommend a pool professional.

A specialized inspection can potentially evaluate components such as:

Pool surface and structure
Pumps
Filters
Heaters
Visible plumbing
Electrical components
Decking
Safety barriers
Spas and related equipment

The exact scope varies, so ask what the service covers.

Why a Pool Inspection Can Matter

Pool equipment can be expensive to repair or replace.

A pool may also have leaks, equipment problems or visible safety issues that fall outside the standard home inspection.

If the pool is a significant feature of the property, understanding its condition before closing can help you budget for ownership.

4. Mold Testing

A general home inspector may report visible moisture intrusion, staining or suspected mold-like growth.

But determining the presence or type of mold isn’t generally part of a standard inspection.

ASHI specifically excludes determining the presence of molds and mold-like substances from its minimum Standard of Practice.

That doesn’t mean every buyer needs laboratory mold testing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not generally recommend routine mold testing. If mold can be seen or smelled, the important steps are to address the mold and fix the moisture problem allowing it to grow.

Mold exposure can cause symptoms such as:

Stuffy nose
Sore throat
Coughing or wheezing
Eye irritation
Skin irritation

People with asthma, mold allergies, chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems may be more sensitive to damp or moldy environments.

When Might Further Mold Evaluation Make Sense?

Consider additional evaluation when there is:

Significant visible mold growth
Persistent musty odor
Previous flooding
Evidence of chronic water intrusion
Moisture inside walls or other inaccessible areas
A need to determine the extent of a larger remediation project

The underlying moisture source matters as much as the visible growth.

5. Radon, Lead and Asbestos Testing

Environmental hazards generally fall outside the scope of a standard home inspection.

Three common examples are radon, lead-based paint and asbestos.

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter homes from the soil.

You cannot see, smell or taste it, which means testing is the only way to know the home’s radon level.

The EPA recommends that buyers and sellers test homes for radon regardless of where they are located.

The agency recommends taking steps to reduce radon when the level is 4 picocuries per liter, or pCi/L, or higher and says homeowners should also consider mitigation between 2 and 4 pCi/L.

Your general home inspector may offer radon testing as an additional service, or you can use another qualified provider.

Lead-Based Paint

Lead-based paint is primarily a consideration in older homes.

Federal law requires sellers of most homes built before 1978 to provide buyers with information about known lead-based paint and lead hazards, along with available records or reports.

Buyers must also generally receive an opportunity to conduct a lead-based paint inspection or risk assessment before becoming obligated under the purchase, subject to the applicable federal requirements.

A normal home inspection does not determine whether painted surfaces contain lead.

If you want to know whether lead-based paint is present, EPA recommends using a certified lead inspector or risk assessor.

Asbestos

Older building materials can also contain asbestos.

A standard home inspector generally does not confirm whether a particular material contains asbestos simply by looking at it.

The EPA notes that asbestos-containing materials often cannot be identified visually and recommends using a trained and accredited asbestos professional when inspection or sampling is appropriate.

EPA does not recommend disturbing intact materials simply to test them. Testing can be particularly relevant when suspect materials are damaged or renovations could disturb them.

6. Detached Structures

The scope of detached structures can vary.

Under ASHI’s standard, attached and detached garages and carports are included, but other detached structures are not required to be inspected.

That can leave structures such as:

Storage sheds
Workshops
Detached studios
Barns
Gazebos
Other outbuildings

outside the standard inspection.

If an outbuilding is important to the purchase, ask the inspector whether it can be added to the scope and whether there will be an additional fee.

A large workshop with electrical service, plumbing or heating may justify more scrutiny than a small storage shed.

7. Security Systems and Low-Voltage Equipment

A standard inspection generally does not include comprehensive testing of a home’s security system.

ASHI’s electrical inspection requirements specifically do not require inspectors to test:

Security systems
Other signaling and warning devices
Remote-control devices
Low-voltage wiring systems

The inspector may still observe obvious components or identify visible issues, but don’t assume they’ll verify every camera, sensor, keypad or smart-home device.

If the home includes an existing security or automation system that you expect to keep, ask the seller for information about:

Owned vs. leased equipment
Monitoring contracts
Account transfer
Smart locks
Cameras
Door and window sensors
Home automation hubs

You may want the provider or another qualified technician to confirm the system’s operation.

Other Things a Standard Home Inspection May Not Cover

The seven categories above aren’t the only possible exclusions.

ASHI’s standard also does not require inspectors to fully evaluate several other systems and conditions.

Depending on the property, buyers may want additional evaluation of:

Septic systems
Wells and water quality
Sewer laterals
Underground tanks
Irrigation systems
Chimney and flue interiors
Geological or soil conditions
Solar or other renewable-energy systems

Don’t automatically order every available specialty inspection.

Use the property’s age, location, construction and general inspection findings to decide what warrants a closer look.

Does Every Home Inspector Follow the Same Scope?

No.

Home inspection requirements vary among states, professional organizations and individual inspectors.

A particular inspector can also provide services beyond the minimum required by their Standard of Practice.

For example, an inspector might offer:

Radon testing
Pool inspection
Sewer scope
Termite inspection
Mold or indoor-air-quality services
Infrared imaging

Some may be performed by the inspector, while others require another licensed or qualified professional.

That’s why the inspection agreement matters.

What Should You Ask Before Hiring a Home Inspector?

Before scheduling the inspection, ask:

Which Standards of Practice do you follow?
What is included in the standard inspection?
Which systems or structures are excluded?
Do you inspect detached garages and other outbuildings?
Do you offer radon or pest testing?
Do you inspect pools or spas?
Can you arrange a sewer scope, septic or well inspection?
What additional services cost extra?
Which issues would require another specialist?

Our guide to home inspection costs explains how standard and specialty services can affect the total price.

What Happens if a Specialty Inspection Finds a Problem?

The answer depends on your purchase contract.

If you have applicable inspection protections, the findings may allow you to consider options such as:

Proceeding without changes
Requesting additional evaluation
Requesting a repair
Negotiating a price change
Requesting a seller concession
Terminating under an applicable contingency

The seller does not automatically have to agree to every request.

A report also doesn’t automatically tell the parties what the negotiated solution should be.

Bottom Line

A standard home inspection is broad, but it isn’t designed to answer every possible question about a property.

Pests, code compliance, pools, environmental hazards, many detached structures and security systems can fall outside the minimum scope.

That doesn’t mean you need seven additional inspections for every home.

Before the inspection, understand what your inspector includes. Then use the home’s age, location, features and inspection findings to decide whether a specialty professional or additional test is worth the cost.

FAQ

What is not included in a standard home inspection?

Common exclusions can include pest identification, code compliance, pools and spas, mold and environmental hazards, certain detached structures and security systems. Exact inspection scope varies by inspector and state.

Does a home inspection check for termites?

A general inspector may observe visible damage, but determining whether wood-destroying organisms are present is not required under some common Standards of Practice. A separate pest or wood-destroying insect inspection may be appropriate.

Does a home inspection include mold testing?

Not necessarily. Mold identification and testing are generally outside the standard inspection scope. CDC also does not recommend routine mold sampling simply to determine whether a visible mold problem exists.

Does a home inspection test for radon?

Radon testing is generally a separate service, although many home inspectors offer it as an add-on. EPA recommends testing homes for radon and recommends mitigation at 4 pCi/L or higher.

Does a home inspection test for asbestos?

Generally, no. A trained asbestos professional may be needed to evaluate and sample suspected materials. EPA recommends avoiding unnecessary disturbance of intact suspect materials.

Does a home inspection check for lead paint?

A standard inspection does not determine whether paint contains lead. Buyers of most pre-1978 homes have federal disclosure and inspection rights related to known lead-based paint hazards.

Does a home inspection check building codes?

Not necessarily. A general home inspection is different from a municipal code inspection, and common Standards of Practice do not require the inspector to determine formal code compliance.

Does a home inspection include a swimming pool?

Not always. Pools and spas may be outside a standard inspection and may require an add-on pool inspection or separate specialist.

Does a home inspection include a detached garage?

It can. ASHI’s standard includes attached and detached garages and carports, but other detached buildings such as sheds and barns are not part of the required minimum scope.