A home inspection is a non-invasive examination of readily visible components on the day and time of inspection. A home inspection will not reveal every issue which exist or could ever exist. Per the agreement, the home inspectors' liability is limited to the cost of the inspection only.

A home inspection is not a "code" inspection. Building codes are set nationally, by state, by county, and by city. A home built just a few years ago will likely not pass the codes and or standards of today. 

Home inspectors are generalists. When a component has readily visible issues, the inspector will recommend a specialist to further evaluate the issues. For example, if a plumbing leak is found, the inspector would recommend a plumbing contractor. A good analogy would be a general physician recommending a cardiologist if a patient is having heart problems. 

Like physicians, home inspector opinions will differ. If you send 10 home inspectors to one house, you will get 10 different reports. The inspectors will likely catch all the major items, but the minor items written up will vary, based on training and experience level. Often we compare a home inspection to "throwing a bunch of needles in a hay stack". The inspector will likely find all the big needles but they may not necessarily find all the little ones. Please feel free to contact us with any questions and or concerns.