15 Things Home Inspectors Could Miss

Even though home inspections cover just about everything in the home that could cause an issue, they can't look inside walls, under floors, or tear the house apart to find each and every potential issue. Here are the problems that they're most likely to miss.

1. Pests

   Home inspectors look for evidence of pests, but if the infestation isn’t widespread or is hidden, they won’t see it.
   

2. Lead paint

   Inspectors don’t take paint samples to check the composition.
   

3. Toxic mold

   Inspectors look for signs of mold, but if it’s in the walls, they probably won’t find it.
   

4. Asbestos

   If asbestos isn’t exposed in the attic or basements, inspectors might not find it in the rest of the house.
   

    

5. Radon gas

   Radon causes lung cancer, and it’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Inspectors won’t find it unless they test for it.
   

6. Swimming pool problems

   In many markets, inspecting the pool isn’t part of the home inspection package.

    

7. HVAC problems
   
   Inspectors are going to check the heating and cooling, but if it’s very hot or cold outside, these could be difficult to test thoroughly.
   

8. Roof leaks

   Home inspectors try as hard as possible to detect roof leaks, but depending on how tall the home is, this could be challenging.
   

9. Appliance malfunctions

   The inspector will make sure these turn on and off and drain properly, but there’s a lot they could miss in terms of appliances.
   

10. Floor cracks under carpeting

    Without special permission, the inspector won’t be able to look under the carpet and could miss signs of foundation problems.
    

11. Wells or septic systems
    
    In some areas, this is a specialized inspection you’ll have to order to make sure your systems are working.
    

12. Chimney issues
    
    Inspectors will look for cracks and check the flue, but this is a cursory check, not an in-depth examination.
    

13. Radiation

    Water, electromagnetic exposure, and other sources can generate radiation that’s harmful to your health.
    

14. Damaged sewer lines
    
    If a sewer line is partially blocked or is damaged but is still working, the inspector might not notice there’s an issue.
    

15. Grading problems

    The grading of the soil around the home should divert water away from the foundation, or it can cause problems.