What Home Inspectors Don’t Check (and the Add-Ons Worth Considering)
A general home inspection covers a lot of ground, from the roof down to the foundation. But it doesn’t cover everything, and some of the most expensive problems a home can have fall outside the standard scope. Knowing what’s excluded helps you decide which additional inspections are worth adding.
As an InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector (CPI) and the owner of Sherlock Homes Inspection Co, LLC, I follow the InterNACHI Residential Standards of Practice. Those standards define what I’m required to inspect, and just as importantly, what I’m not. Here’s what a standard inspection leaves out and how to fill the gaps.
Why a Home Inspection Has Limits
A general home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of readily accessible systems and components. That means I don’t cut into walls, pull up flooring, move a seller’s furniture, or dismantle equipment. It also means some hazards can’t be detected by looking, no matter how experienced the inspector. For a full look at what’s included, read Understanding What Your Home Inspection Covers.
What a Standard Home Inspection Doesn’t Cover
- Radon gas, which is invisible and odorless and requires a dedicated test
- Mold testing, including sampling and lab analysis, though I will report visible signs of moisture and suspected growth
- The sewer line running from the house to the street or septic system
- Wood destroying organisms like termites and carpenter ants, which call for a dedicated WDO inspection
- Pools and spas, including their structure and equipment
- Septic systems and private wells
- Concealed areas, such as inside walls, under flooring, or behind stored belongings
- Asbestos, lead paint, and other environmental hazards
- Code compliance, since a home inspection is not a code inspection
- Cosmetic issues, and predictions of how long a system will last
The Add-On Inspections Worth Considering
Radon Testing
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and a leading cause of lung cancer. North Georgia’s geology puts many Atlanta-area homes at elevated risk, which is why I recommend radon testing for every home in our area. The EPA recommends taking action when levels reach 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. Testing takes at least 48 hours, so schedule it early in your due diligence period.
Sewer Scope
A camera is run through the main sewer line to look for cracks, root intrusion, sags, and collapses. Sewer line repairs can be among the most expensive surprises a buyer faces. I especially recommend a sewer scope for older homes and any property with mature trees near the line.
Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Inspection
Termites thrive in Georgia’s warm, humid climate. A WDO inspection looks for evidence of termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, and wood-decay fungi in the home and any outbuildings. Some lenders require one, so ask yours early.
Mold Testing
If the inspection finds moisture problems, musty odors, or past water intrusion, mold testing identifies whether microbial growth is present and what kind. It’s also a smart choice for anyone with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory sensitivities.
Infrared Scanning
Thermal imaging reveals temperature differences behind walls and ceilings that can point to hidden moisture, missing insulation, and electrical hot spots, all without cutting into anything.
Pool Inspection
Pool repairs are expensive. A pool inspection evaluates the structure, decking, drainage, and equipment so you know what you’re taking on.
4-Point Inspection
A 4-point inspection focuses on the roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Insurance companies often require one for older homes.
How to Decide What to Add
| Your situation | Add-ons to consider |
|---|---|
| Any home in the Atlanta area | Radon testing |
| Home built before about 1980, or mature trees in the yard | Sewer scope |
| Lender requires it, or signs of past pest activity | WDO inspection |
| Musty odors, stains, or past water damage | Mold testing, infrared scanning |
| Home has a pool or spa | Pool inspection |
| Older home and insurance requirements | 4-point inspection |
Bundling Saves Time
Your due diligence period is short. Booking separate companies for each test means more scheduling, more appointments, and more waiting. At Sherlock Homes Inspection Co, I offer radon testing, WDO inspections, sewer scoping, mold testing, infrared scanning, pool inspections, and 4-point inspections, so most clients can handle everything in a single visit.
The Bottom Line
A general home inspection is the foundation of your due diligence, but it isn’t the whole picture. Radon, sewer lines, termites, and mold can all hide outside the standard scope. Adding the right specialty inspections closes those gaps before you close on the house.
To schedule an inspection with the add-ons that fit your home, contact me at david@sherlockhic.com or 770-490-7948.
Quick Answers
Do home inspectors check for mold?
Inspectors report visible signs of moisture and suspected mold, but sampling and lab testing are a separate service.
Do home inspectors check for termites?
Not as part of a standard inspection. A wood destroying organism inspection is a separate service.
Does a home inspection include the sewer line?
No. The main sewer line is underground and requires a camera inspection called a sewer scope.
