What Isn't Included

This list is from section 3 of my inspection contract. It's mostly add-on systems, non-permanent systems or components, specialized systems and equipment, and things some people mistakenly believe are included. There's no way for anyone to keep up on all of these kinds of things, given all of the wild variations between manufacturers, designs, technologies, etc.

The main things you should be aware of that are not covered:

Septic systems: I cannot see them and I cannot test them. This is mostly important on older houses (15 years or more), but things can go wrong with any septic system at any age. In some parts of the country it isn't uncommon for a contractor to dig up the door in the tank lid, check the sludge level, and pump the tank out if needed. I've never heard of that being done here, but sooner or later it'll get here too.

Sewer drain lines: Same story as above, except that some plumbers have scoping equipment (specialized cameras) for looking inside a sewer drain for problems. There are local plumbers who do that, but I don't know any of them well enough to recommend someone for you.

Telephone, TV cable, or satellite equipment: It's all different, I can't test it, and sometimes it doesn't even belong to the homeowner. Ask the sellers about this stuff.

Burglar and fire alarm systems: You'll need the sellers to demostrate these, and fill you in on any associated fees (monitoring, etc.).

Termites or any other pests: I'm always looking for termites and other pests, and I will report anything like that I find, but I'm not a trained or licensed exterminator. In many cases a qualified exterminator will do an inspection and write a "termite letter" at a later point, to satisfy state real estate laws. My inspection is not a substitute for that.

Environmental Testing: I'm still doing radon tests by request at the moment, and passive carbon monoxide testing for all during the winter, but I don't test for lead paint, mold, asbestos, or any other hazardous materials during a normal inspection. I'm looking for anything and everything, and I may see some of those things during an inspection and tell you about them in the report, but that's a far cry from "testing".

Building codes: I'm familar with certain building codes, and I often mention particular things in my reports that do not comply with current codes, but I am not doing a "code inspection". Only city, county, or state building officials have the authority to enforce building codes; I do not.
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Other items not covered and excluded by the inspection include, but are not limited to the following: geological and soil conditions, zoning ordinance violations, building value appraisal, repair cost estimates, water wells, underground drainage systems, structural stability or engineering analysis, adequacy / efficiency / life expectancy of systems or components (except as required by Standards), wood destroying organisms or mold, pools / spas / saunas / steam baths and their fixtures or piping, wiring or components related to intercoms / audio systems / computer systems / sprinkler systems (fire or lawn) / solar systems / smoke alarms / water softeners / water filters or purifiers / portable appliances / portable air conditioners or heaters / radio or time controlled devices / elevators or lifts / dumb waiters / automatic gates / thermostatic devices / recreational or playground facilities and their equipment / and all items considered to be cosmetic.

   Any comments in the report regarding excluded items are for informational purposes only and are not part of the inspection. I try to tell you as much as I can about as many things as I can, but on these kinds of items I'm limited to what's obviously wrong. If you want in-depth analysis of something listed here you'll need to find an expert of some sort.

   If you have any questions about any specific items or systems as to whether they can be included in the inspection, please contact me at my mobile number (662-574-5834).