When purchasing a home, oftentimes the previous owners will include the home’s built-in appliances as part of the deal. However, inheriting a bunch of appliances that are broken can lead to several expensive replacements. This begs the question, are appliances like stoves, dishwashers, and trash disposal part of a home inspection? Let’s discuss whether home inspectors check appliances and, if so, which appliances they focus on.
Are Appliances Part of a Home Inspection?
If it is stated that the previous homeowner is taking the appliances with them, they will not be included in the home inspection. However, should built-in appliances be part of the deal – such as a kitchen range, dishwasher, or overhead microwave – the home inspector may test them to ensure they are in working order. It’s important to discuss with the home inspector to determine what is included in their inspection services.
What Appliances Do Home Inspectors Check?
A home inspector will perform a visual inspection of some key appliances, especially in the kitchen. The following are some of the appliances you can expect to be checked:
- Cooktops, Stoves, and Wall Ovens: A home inspector will check the conditions of knobs, burners, and doors of both electric and gas appliances.
- Dishwashers: The home inspector will operate the controls of the dishwasher and inspect for water damage or leaks.
- Microwaves and Exhaust Fans: Built-in appliances like these will be checked for damage and to ensure they’re working properly.
- Food Waste Disposals: A home inspector will run the disposal to check if any leaks are present.
While they cannot move any of these objects, they can perform a thorough visual inspection to ensure the appliances are undamaged and operational.
What is the Home Inspector Not Required to Inspect?
A home inspector is not required to inspect any removable appliances, such as standalone microwaves, washers, refrigerators, and dryers. Also, according to the ASHI Standards of Practice, home inspectors don’t need to verify:
- Appliance Features: Home inspectors aren’t required to check an appliance’s thermostat, the efficacy of heating elements, door seals, timers, clocks, or other special features.
- Operation of Controls: They also don’t need to verify that every facet of an appliance is functioning properly, such as each control function.
Nevertheless, unless discussed, you should assume every appliance will be staying with the house unless it’s included in your purchase agreement.
While home inspection organizations agree that some features don’t need to be inspected, experienced home inspectors will check certain appliances. At Homeinex Corporation, our home inspection services are thorough, and you can rest assured your future investment is sound. If you’re looking for an expert home inspector, contact us today.