🏡 What a Home Inspection Is—and Isn’t

Understanding the Scope, Purpose, and Limits of a Standard Inspection

Home inspections are essential—but often misunderstood. At CNHInspections, we follow the InterNACHI® Standards of Practice (SOP), which clearly define what a home inspection includes—and what it doesn’t—so expectations stay aligned.

📘 Want to see the full Standards of Practice? Click here to read the complete InterNACHI SOP followed by CNHInspections.

📏 Setting the Standard: What Guides An Inspector’s Scope of Work

There are two nationally recognized SOPs inspectors may follow:

• The InterNACHI® Standards of Practice (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) 

• The ASHI Standards of Practice (American Society of Home Inspectors)

These two SOPs are very similar in structure and purpose. Most requirements overlap closely—but there are two key differences:

• Electrical Panels:

  ASHI requires inspection of interior components of service panels and subpanels, unless deemed to be unsafe in the opinion of the inspector. (ASHI SOP Section 7.1.A.5).

  InterNACHI does not require removing panel covers, though inspectors may choose to do so when safe. (InterNACHI SOP Section IV.C).

• Detached Garages:

  ASHI includes detached garages and carports in the standard inspection. (ASHI SOP Section 13.1.C).

  InterNACHI includes only attached garages/carports. (InterNACHI SOP Section 2.1.X). (Detached garages/structures may be inspected upon request as an optional add-on service.)

✅ What a Home Inspection Is

A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive evaluation of the home’s major systems and components, based on what is safely accessible and observable on the day of inspection. 

Moving belongings, opening sealed areas, using tools to remove panels or access concealed spaces, and operating shut-offs are beyond the scope of a standard inspection.

It’s like walking through a home with your hands tied behind your back—you evaluate only what’s accessible, nothing invasive or hidden.

The goal is to identify material defects—conditions that may significantly affect the home’s function, safety, or value—based solely on visible, accessible conditions at the time of inspection.

Typically included (when safely accessible):

• Roof coverings, flashing, and gutters

• Exterior cladding, site grading, and surface drainage

• Foundation and other visible structural components

• Attic, insulation, and ventilation

• Plumbing supply, drain, and fixtures

• Electrical panels (removal of covers is not required by InterNACHI), visible wiring, and accessible outlets

• Heating and cooling (weather-permitting)

• Interior walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors

• Attached garage systems (Detached garages/structures may be inspected upon request as an optional add-on service.)

Big-picture approach: We evaluate all major systems from roof to foundation. Time is reasonably distributed across the home, so findings are qualitative, not a count of every occurrence.

🚫 What a Home Inspection Isn’t

🔧 Operating Shut-Offs, Breakers, or Pilot Lights

It is outside the scope of a home inspection to operate water/gas shut-offs, re-light pilots, or reset circuit breakers that were already tripped prior to the inspection. If something is off, it stays off for safety and liability reasons.

🌀 Weather-Dependent HVAC Testing

Heating and cooling systems are tested only when environmental conditions allow. Operating them outside their temperature range can damage equipment or produce inaccurate results:

• Generally, central A/C units and heat pumps are not tested unless outdoor temps have been above 60–65°F for at least 24–72 hours and current temperature is at least 65°F.

• Generally, heat pumps should not be operated in heating mode when current temperature is above 66°F

If conditions prevent testing, this will be noted in the report. For full system analysis, consult a licensed HVAC professional.

🧠 Not Diagnostic, Predictive, or Quantitative

A home inspection is qualitative, not an engineering study or cost estimate. The SOP does not require inspectors to:

• determine the cause of a condition,

• predict remaining life, capacity, or efficiency, or

• provide repair/operating costs.

Professional analogy: A home inspector is like a general physician—broadly trained across all major systems of the home (structural, electrical, plumbing, roofing, etc.), much like a family doctor is trained across all systems of the body. We’re not specialists in any one trade, rather we have the knowledge to recognize when something appears unsafe, deteriorated, or abnormal—and refer you to the appropriate specialist for deeper evaluation.

🧱 Not Technically Exhaustive (Visual-Only)

Home inspections are visual-only and non-invasive by design. The InterNACHI® Standards of Practice (SOP) do not require inspectors to:

• Move personal belongings

• Lift rugs or remove ceiling tiles

• Unscrew panels or attic hatches

• Shovel snow or disturb insulation

• Dismantle, open, or uncover any system or component

• Enter or access any area that may, in the inspector's opinion, be unsafe

• Perform any invasive or destructive actions

🧾 Relevant SOP References:

• Section 3.9 IV.D:

  The inspector is not required to break or otherwise damage the surface finish or weather seal on or around access panels or covers.

• Section 2.2 I.B:

  The inspector is not required to determine the condition of any component or system that is not readily accessible.

• Section 2.2 III.C & III.G:

  The inspector is not required to dismantle, open, or uncover any system or component.

  The inspector is not required to enter or access any area that may, in the inspector’s opinion, be unsafe.

• Glossary – “Readily Accessible”:

  A system or component that, in the judgment of the inspector, is capable of being safely observed without the removal of obstacles, detachment or disengagement of connecting or securing devices, or other unsafe or difficult procedures to gain access.

⚠️ Tool Use, Access Limits, and Inspection Boundaries

Components that require tools are considered not readily accessible under the SOP. This includes screwed-down attic hatches, crawlspace covers, or lattice panels under decks. These areas are not required to be accessed during a standard inspection unless they are made accessible beforehand by the seller or occupant. Doing so can damage finishes, break seals, or strip fasteners—especially when screws are set into soft or deteriorated materials.

Electrical panel covers (dead fronts), however, are machine-installed and specifically designed for safe removal using a standard screwdriver. While removal is not required by the SOP, many inspectors—including CNHInspections—will remove the panel cover at their discretion and when conditions allow and it can be done safely, in order to inspect the interior components.

👉 Did you know some states require removal of the electrical panel cover (dead front)? Inspectors follow state-specific rules where applicable as state regulations may supersede the SOP, but Nebraska does not require panel removal.

🐀 Not a Pest or Wildlife Inspection

Inspecting for pests, rodents, insects, or wildlife is not within the scope of a home inspection under the SOP, and we are not there to look for them.

However, if visible signs of activity—such as droppings, nests, or wood damage—are observed during the inspection, they may be noted as a courtesy.

Determining the presence, extent, or type of infestation requires evaluation by a licensed pest or wildlife professional.

🧪 Not Environmental or Lab Testing (Unless Added)

Standard home inspections do not test for or report upon environmental hazards such as mold, asbestos, radon, lead-based paint, or water/air quality.

If visible fungal-like growth is observed, it may be noted as a courtesy; however, per SOP 2.2(J), inspectors are not required to identify, report upon or determine the presence of mold. For concerns about possible contamination or air quality, consult a certified mold inspector or industrial hygienist.

💧 Wells, Septic, and Other Private Water Systems

Standard inspections also do not evaluate water softeners, reverse-osmosis or other water filtration systems, or lawn irrigation systems. Additionally, private water sources (such as wells) and private sewage systems (including septic tanks and lagoons) are not included in a standard home inspection and are not required to be evaluated under the SOP. Their condition should be verified by a licensed contractor or specialist experienced in their installation, operation, and testing.

⏱ Snapshot in Time—Not a Warranty

A home inspection reflects the visible conditions on the day of the inspection. It is not a warranty, appraisal, code-compliance check, or guarantee of future performance.

Even systems that appear functional can fail unexpectedly, and conditions can change rapidly.

An inspection report helps reduce your risk—but no inspection can eliminate it entirely.

🗣 Common Misunderstandings—Clarified

Misconception	Clarification
“How long will the roof last?”	Inspectors don’t estimate lifespan. Being old or past typical life is not, by itself, a defect. Age alone doesn’t require reporting unless it’s visibly damaged, unsafe, or nonfunctional.
“What caused this crack?”	Determining the cause of any defect falls outside the scope of a home inspection. Our role is to identify visible conditions that may affect safety, function, or value—not to investigate why they occurred. Diagnosing causes is the responsibility of a qualified contractor.
“How do we fix it—and what will it cost?”	We identify visible defects. It’s up to licensed trade professionals to determine the cause, scope, and cost of repairs through more invasive evaluations.
“Why didn’t you turn on the water or gas?”	Shut-off valves and pilot lights are not operated during inspections, as doing so can cause leaks, equipment damage, or system failure. The SOP does not require inspectors to operate shut-offs or re-activate systems for safety and liability reasons.
“Why didn’t you open the attic panel?”	If a component is sealed, screwed shut, or blocked, it is considered inaccessible by the SOP and excluded from the inspection.
“Can you tell the seller what to fix?”	Home inspectors report material defects—conditions that may affect the home’s safety, function, or value—but we do not advise what should be requested for repair or take part in negotiations. Those decisions should be made with your agent or attorney.
“Do inspectors check every component individually?”	Inspectors are required to inspect only a representative number of certain components—not every single one. This includes items like outlets, windows, and switches. The inspection is not exhaustive and must be completed within a limited time frame.

🛠 When to Involve a Licensed Contractor

 If something is visibly damaged, unsafe, or not functioning properly, we may recommend further evaluation.

Licensed contractors can determine the cause, extent, and necessary repairs—often identifying issues beyond what’s visible in a standard inspection.

Be sure to schedule any evaluations with a licensed contractor within your contingency period.

✅ How to Reduce Limitations (Prep Helps)

Many exclusions are preventable with proper preparation. We send a Homeowner Preparation Guide after scheduling that reminds sellers to:

• Clear attic accesses and critical panels

• Remove storage blocking equipment

• Ensure utilities are on (if safe)

...and more.

This simple prep maximizes visibility and reduces unknowns.

👉 To view the full guide, click here.

📷 About Photos in Your Report

 Photos are illustrative—they support findings but don’t show every instance. If hail damage or a defect appears in one photo, it may exist in other areas not pictured. The report describes visible concerns; licensed contractors define full extent and repairs.

🔍 Beyond What’s Required—At the Inspector’s Discretion

 This blog provides a general overview of the SOP, which defines what’s required during a standard home inspection. While inspectors are not obligated to exceed these requirements, many—including CNHInspections—may choose to do so when it is safe, appropriate, and within their comfort and training. For instance, an inspector may use tools such as moisture meters or infrared thermal imaging, walk accessible roof surfaces, enter low-clearance areas, or remove electrical panel covers. These additional steps are not required—but may be performed at the inspector’s discretion to provide a more detailed evaluation.

Setting the Right Expectations

 A home inspection won’t find every defect, predict the future, or uncover everything a licensed trade professional might in a more invasive inspection.

But it will give you an objective snapshot of the home’s current, visible condition—so you can decide your next steps with confidence.

🤝 Detailed, Unbiased, and SOP-Aligned

 CNHInspections is an independent, third-party home inspection company serving Nebraska.

The SOP sets reasonable limits during a real estate transaction—not minimal ones. When applied with extensive training and field experience, it provides a clear, informative evaluation of the home’s visible condition.

We work solely in the interest of our clients—whether buyers or sellers—providing honest, unbiased reporting to help you make confident, well-informed decisions.

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