Home Inspectors Don’t Shovel Snow
7 things a home inspector should not do

We are often asked what our inspections include. The standard answer is that a home inspection includes more than 400 separate items and follows the standards of practice of our state.
We often get caught up in explaining what is included with a standard inspection. As an inspector, it is equally important to set people’s expectations and tell them what we do not do.
What Don’t Inspectors Do?
1 Home inspectors are not therapists. Buying real estate is an emotional process. Everyone is on edge because often there is a substantial amount of money on the line. While we have great empathy, questions about how a spouse feels about the house, whether they should go forward with the purchase, or if they should purchase a home so close to in-laws (a real question we were once asked and carefully avoided answering!) are not things a home inspector is trained to help with.
2 Home inspectors don’t shovel snow. In the area where we work, snow is a part of life. Sometimes it snows just prior to or during our inspection. We have had a long-standing policy that we will return to inspect these areas after the snow melts.
However, we have had clients get a little snippy when we do not shovel their walk, driveway, or deck to inspect it. Shoveling snow is just not in the job description.
For another perspective, sometimes snow gives us a chance to see things we otherwise may not have been able to see. Large, melted areas of snow can indicate a lack of insulation. Large icicles can be an indicator of poor insulation or ventilation.
3 Home inspectors are not estimators. We understand costs are a big concern for people to understand. A common question during home inspections is how much something will cost. For a time, we provided cost estimates for repairs that were needed at homes we inspected. Imagine our dismay when we discovered we were not insured for providing these cost estimates. We suspect that to be the case for other inspectors as well.
4 Home inspectors cannot perform two jobs at the same time. While we are incredibly good multi-taskers, there are limitations to what we can do during a home inspection. I often hear from inspectors that when they are in the basement inspecting the home’s furnace, someone will ask questions about the attic that has not even been inspected yet.
Likewise, when a father-in-law shows up at an inspection, he may want to ask questions about issues he is having at his own home. This is not the time for advice about their home in Idaho.
5 Home inspectors are not appraisers. Hundreds of times we have been asked, “Is the house worth it?” Like the comment about home inspectors not being estimators, we are not appraisers. Establishing the value of a home is an entirely different profession.
6 Home inspectors are not salespeople. Clients want us to find every defect in the home, not point out all the great features.
Real estate agents are terrific salespeople. It is better for all concerned if we leave the selling to the experts and let them guide that process.
7 Finally, home inspectors are not negotiators. We do not assist in helping people get a better deal.
We have had several clients tell us they felt they overpaid for a home and that they were depending on us to find defects to help them “get a better deal.” This is not within the scope of our service.
Opinions or statements of authors are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the opinions or positions of ASHI, its agents, or editors. Always check with your local governmental agency and independently verify for accuracy, completeness, and reliability.
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