Are Appliances Checked During A Home Inspection?

Home inspections are a valuable tool for both new homeowners and real estate professionals. For families who want to make sure their house is safe and maintained, a home inspection can be a crucial step in the buying process. Some of the details that come with a house inspection can be confusing for those who have never bought a house before.

Homebuyers are encouraged to ask questions to their inspector about the scope and scale of their inspection. This will help them better understand what was and wasn’t done. If you’re just starting your home search or are curious about what home inspectors do, the international association of certified home inspectors standards of practice is a great resource.

Home appliances play a significant role in the safety and functionality of a home. Therefore, home buyers are often concerned about how much information they can get from their home inspection. Inspectors will look at the majority of built-in appliances. Here’s a quick guide to what you can expect from your home inspection to find out what is and isn’t within the industry standards.

What Does A House Inspector Do?

A home inspector’s main focus during a house inspection is to identify any safety concerns that could negatively affect the homeowner. The unbiased opinion of an inspector is crucial to the homeowner’s ability to develop a long-term maintenance plan. Home inspectors are not responsible for selling or not selling a house. Instead, they deliver a report that reflects their professional opinion about the condition of the key systems in a property.

A home inspection is a thorough walkthrough of the property that focuses on the following:

• Roof integrity and structural integrity
• The condition of the heating and cooling system
• Water intrusion signs and the status of water management systems
• Fire hazards are present
• Other concerns about the key system of your home

Home inspectors also perform visual inspections on many appliances, including those that are “built-in” or that the home seller is unlikely to bring with him to his new house. It can be difficult to determine whether or not an appliance is “built-in”. Let’s clarify a few commonly inspected appliances and what a home inspection will look for.

What Appliances Are Inspected Most Often?

The kitchen is where a lot of the focus falls when it comes to appliances. A home inspection in Pueblo CO includes appliances that can’t be easily removed. This means that features like ovens, garbage disposers, and exhaust fans should all be checked to see if they are working and if there is any damage.

For example, ovens are usually turned on and checked for extra functionality (lights, fans, etc.). The temperature is also checked to ensure accuracy. The refrigerator is one appliance that can be included or excluded from a home inspection depending on whether it’s considered “built-in”. Refrigerators that are included in the inspection will be checked for their seal integrity, cleanliness, and cooling coil functionality. Ask your home inspector in advance if your refrigerator is going to be inspected.

Among the appliances that are typically checked during a standard inspection of a home:

• Dishwashers
• Microwaves built-in
• Garbage disposals
• Gas or electric ranges and ovens for kitchens

Appliances are generally excluded:

• Clothes washers
• Microwaves
• Other easily unplugged/uninstalled appliances

A home inspector will not be an employee of the manufacturer and therefore have limited diagnostic abilities. Your inspector will tell you if additional investigation is required beyond the scope and nature of the home inspection.