GL InspectionsWhat don't home inspectors check?
A home inspection doesn't cover hidden areas (inside walls, under flooring, buried pipes), lab or environmental testing (mould, radon, asbestos, air quality), building-code compliance, pools, septic systems, wells, sewer lines, chimney flues or household appliances. Under the InterNACHI Standards of Practice these are excluded, and the inspector recommends a specialist when a visible sign points to a problem.
Updated October 2026 · By Gerardo Lucero, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI)
Why there are limits at all
A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive look at the home on one day. I can't cut drywall in a house you don't own yet, and the seller won't let me lift their hardwood. That is why the InterNACHI Standards of Practice spell out what is excluded. Knowing those limits before you remove your inspection condition is just as important as knowing what is covered. Here are the myths I hear most often, and the facts.
Myths vs facts
Myth: "The inspector will find everything wrong with the house."
Fact: The standards say plainly that an inspection is not technically exhaustive and won't find concealed or latent defects. If a leak is hidden behind a freshly painted wall or under a rug, I may not see it. I report what is visible and readily accessible, and I flag clues like staining, fresh patches or a musty smell.
Myth: "A home inspection tests for mould, radon and asbestos."
Fact: Mould, radon, asbestos, lead paint and indoor air quality are environmental issues outside a standard home inspection. If I see suspected mould growth, or insulation that looks like vermiculite in an older home, I note it and recommend testing by a qualified specialist. For radon, Health Canada recommends a long-term test of at least 3 months, which can't be done during a short conditional period anyway.
Myth: "If it passed inspection, it meets the building code."
Fact: Code compliance is excluded. A home inspector is not a municipal building inspector. If a basement was finished or a deck was built without a permit, that is a question for the city's records and your lawyer.
Myth: "The inspector checks the sewer line and the chimney flue."
Fact: Underground pipes, septic systems, wells and the inside of chimney flues are not part of the standard. I look at the visible parts of the fireplace and chimney. For a wood-burning appliance, many insurers ask for a separate WETT inspection. For a sewer line, a plumber with a camera is the right call.
Myth: "The report will tell me how many years the furnace and roof have left."
Fact: The standards exclude predicting service life and estimating repair costs. I tell you what condition things are in today and what needs attention. For a price, get quotes from contractors.
Myth: "Appliances, pools and the irrigation system are included."
Fact: Household appliances, pools, hot tubs, irrigation, sheds, fences and low-voltage systems (alarm, intercom, cable) are outside the standard inspection.
Who to call for what's not covered
- Sewer line: a licensed plumber with a sewer camera
- Wood stove or wood fireplace: a WETT-certified professional
- Suspected mould, asbestos or vermiculite: an environmental testing company
- Radon: a certified radon measurement professional or a long-term test kit
- Structural concern: a structural engineer
- Septic or well (rural King, Caledon, etc.): a septic or well specialist
Not sure what an inspection does cover? Start with what a home inspector checks, or read the FAQ. When you are ready, book your inspection.
Sources
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Questions people ask
do home inspectors test for mold
No. Mould testing is excluded from a standard inspection; if I see suspected mould I note it and recommend a specialist.
does a home inspection check the sewer line
No. Underground pipes aren't part of the standard; a plumber with a sewer camera can scope the line.
will inspector tell me if reno had permits
No. Code and permit compliance are excluded; ask your lawyer to check with the municipality.
is asbestos checked in home inspection?
Not tested. I may point out materials that could contain asbestos in older homes and recommend lab testing.
can an inspector miss things
Yes, hidden or concealed defects can be missed because the inspection is visual and non-invasive. That is why the report flags clues and recommends specialists.
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