What Does a Home Inspection Cover and What Doesn’t It Cover?

If you’re buying a home, one of the most important steps is scheduling a professional home inspection. A home inspection helps you understand the true condition of the property so you can make an informed decision before closing. But many first-time buyers ask the same question: What exactly does a home inspection cover and what doesn’t it cover?

At Right Home Inspection, we follow the ASHI and the Maryland Association of Home Inspector’s Standards of Practice. Here’s what you can expect.

What a Home Inspection Covers

A standard home inspection is a non-invasive, visual assessment of the home’s accessible areas and major systems. According to ASHI and Maryland standards, inspectors evaluate:

• Roof – shingles, flashing, gutters, downspouts, and visible leaks.

• Exterior – siding, windows, doors, decks, porches, driveways, and grading around the home.

• Foundation & Structure – visible parts of the foundation, basement, crawlspace, and framing where accessible.

• Interior – walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, railings, doors, and windows.

• Plumbing System – visible pipes, fixtures, faucets, drainage, water heaters, and basic functionality.

• Electrical System – service panels, outlets, switches, grounding, and visible wiring conditions.

• Heating & Cooling (HVAC) – basic operation, age, condition, and safety of furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps.

• Insulation & Ventilation – attic insulation, ventilation fans, and airflow in accessible areas.

• Fireplaces & Chimneys – visible portions of fireplaces, flues, dampers, and chimneys.

All findings are documented in a written report often with photos for clarity and record keeping.

What a Home Inspection Doesn’t Cover

It’s equally important to know what a home inspection isn’t. By law and professional standards, inspectors don’t move furniture, cut into walls, or dismantle systems. A standard inspection does not include:

• Cosmetic flaws (paint, carpet wear, minor scratches).

• Specialized testing (mold, radon, asbestos, lead paint, or sewer scope).

• Pest and termite inspections (unless specifically added).

• Septic systems, wells, or water quality testing.

• Pool or spa systems.

• Code compliance verification.

• Future life expectancy guarantees of systems.

For these areas, your inspector may recommend additional specialized testing or evaluations by licensed contractors.

Why This Matters

Understanding what an inspection covers and what it doesn’t helps you set realistic expectations. The inspection’s purpose isn’t to “pass” or “fail” a house, but to give you unbiased information so you can make the best decision for your investment.

At Right Home Inspection, we provide clear, photo-rich reports within 24 hours, guided by ASHI and Maryland standards. We also offer add-on services like Radon Testing, Mold Sampling, Sewer Scope, and Termite Reports for a more complete picture of your home. Protect your investment with confidence schedule your inspection with Right Home Inspection today.