What to Do When You Miss Items in Home Inspections

    Home inspections are vital for anyone looking to buy or sell a property. They help ensure that your future home is safe, sound, and ready for new memories. But what happens when, in the course of your inspection, something gets, well, overlooked? What do you do if you discover that you’ve missed inspecting an item included in the Standards of Practice? 

    You may think, "Oh, it’s no big deal," or "Just ignore it!" But hold on! The right answer is, quite simply, to report that it wasn’t inspected, and provide the reasons why. Picture this: you’re helping a family buy their dream home. Wouldn’t you want to give them the full picture to ensure there are no surprises down the road?

    Reporting that an item was not inspected—and explaining the reason for its omission—isn’t just a best practice; it’s a vital component of maintaining transparency within the inspection process. Transparency is key! When clients, real estate agents, and other stakeholders know exactly what was evaluated and what wasn’t, it fosters trust. The last thing anyone wants is a nasty surprise after closing. 

    By giving your clients the scoop on what you didn’t inspect, you’re showing professionalism and integrity. Let's face it: nobody likes surprises, especially when it comes to their safety and investment. And let’s not forget the ethical obligations binding inspectors to disclose limitations. You're not just checking boxes; you’re creating a reliable, trustworthy foundation for your clients.

    So, why does this matter? When you document uninspected items, you’re upholding standards that professional and regulatory bodies have set. These standards often require that any limitations within the inspection’s scope must be clearly communicated. Failing to do so might not only confuse clients, but it could also lead to misunderstandings or even liability issues. 

    Think of it this way: if a critical component of a home is left unchecked, and down the road, it turns out to be a significant problem, who bears the brunt of that fallout? You don’t want to be caught in that scenario, do you? 

    Always remember, the goal of an inspection is to arm your clients with the information they need to make informed decisions. This furthers their understanding and helps prevent future regrets. Plus, you’re safeguarding yourself by ensuring there are no loose ends that could tie you up in potential claims or disputes later. 

    Now, you might be wondering, "What about guessing? Isn’t that a better option than admitting I missed something?" Well, it might feel tempting to provide an estimate based on your experience. However, here’s the thing: guessing isn’t professional! If you’ve decided that an item wasn't inspected, the best course of action is to state so clearly—without embellishments or guesses. 

    By doing so, you’re rallying behind a core principle of integrity. Your clients deserve more than mere conjecture; they deserve accuracy and honesty. Embracing this transparency not only builds your reputation but also helps establish you as a trusted expert in the home inspection field.

    So, you see, reporting uninspected items isn’t just a procedural step—it’s a commitment to transparency, professionalism, and client trust. Keep this in mind during your preparation for the Illinois Home Inspector Exam and, more importantly, throughout your future career. You’ve got this!