Studying for Your Inspection: What Are Home Inspectors Not Allowed to Do?

If you’re about to get a home inspection, you’re on the home stretch of buying your new home. The home inspection process — from hiring a qualified inspector to reading the inspection report — can be a nerve-racking time, but rest assured that good home inspectors are very thorough, detail-oriented, and well-trained, and they have most likely been in the business for long enough to know what they’re doing.

Home inspection laws vary a great deal state by state, and even by county or city, so it’s impossible to nail down exactly what the process will be like. Still, there are certain things you can anticipate across the board, including some things that you should not expect from your inspector — because they aren’t allowed to do those things.

Licensing requirements for home inspectors vary state by state, so it’s important to choose an inspector who is part of a recognized inspection association, like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), or a similarly qualified professional. A good home inspector will work within their scope of practice — meaning, they’ll do everything that they’re supposed to do, and nothing that they aren’t allowed to do.

When it comes to your home inspection, you probably have a lot of questions. One enormous question: What are home inspectors not allowed to do? After consulting with experts, we compiled a list of things to expect from your inspection, including what home inspectors are and aren’t allowed to do.