There are plenty of home inspection myths that make the process confusing.
Some people think home inspections aren’t necessary, while others expect inspectors to find every little issue.
Covering every home inspection myth out there would be a long list, so instead, I’ll focus on the top 4 I come across most often.
Most Common Home Inspection Myths
1. Home Inspections Are Only for Buyers
One of the most common home inspection myths is that only home buyers need an inspection.
While buyers do benefit from a professional home inspection, sellers and even current homeowners can too.
If you’re selling, getting a pre-listing inspection can help you avoid surprises during negotiations.
It gives you a chance to address issues ahead of time or at least be prepared for what buyers might find; be it mentally, or by getting free estimates on how much needed repairs may cost.
This will reduce the time spent negotiating pricing with potential buyers.
Even if you’re not planning to move, a home inspection is a great way to catch small problems before they become expensive repairs.
Think of it as a health check-up for your house — it’s better to find out about an issue early rather than when it turns into a major headache.
2. A Home Inspection Will Uncover Every Problem
This is probably one of the biggest most home inspection myths out there.
A home inspection is thorough, but it’s not an X-ray of your house.
I check all visible and accessible areas, but I can’t see inside walls, under floors, or behind heavy furniture.
If a problem isn’t showing signs on the surface, it may not be detected.
I once inspected a home where everything appeared fine — until I noticed a slight water stain on the ceiling of the basement.
The stain was dry at the time, but based on experience, I recommended the buyer bring in a plumber for further evaluation.
Sure enough, after opening up the ceiling, they found a slow leak from an unused upstairs bathroom that had been soaking into the drywall but only when the shower was used when there were occupants in the guest en-suite.
That’s why I always remind homeowners that a home inspection is not a guarantee but rather a professional assessment of the home’s current condition.
Some issues — like plumbing leaks inside walls or electrical problems hidden behind drywall — may not show up until later.
My favourite analogy to explain this is — if I am a general practitioner and I know a lot, but if I think you need a specialist, I will recommend one.
3. New Homes Don’t Need Inspections
Many people assume that a brand-new home is perfect because it just passed municipal inspections.
But the truth to this home inspection myth is, no home is flawless — even new construction.
Builders work with multiple subcontractors, and sometimes mistakes happen.
I’ve inspected plenty of new homes with issues like improper wiring, poor drainage, electrical panel issues, incorrectly installed HVAC systems, plugged venting systems or missing insulation.
A home inspection helps catch these problems before they turn into unforeseen costly repairs down the road and gives you the opportunity to make claims under the New Home Warranty.
If you’re buying a new home, I always recommend an inspection before you take possession.
If you already own one, consider getting a warranty inspection before the anniversary dates of your 2-5-10 builder’s warranty expires — that way, any defects can be addressed while it’s still covered.
4. Inspectors Will Fix Issues They Find
A home inspector’s job is to assess and report on the home’s condition — not to make repairs.
This is important because it prevents any conflict of interest.
This is also why, under provincial licensing rules, it is illegal for inspectors to profit from any issues they have called out in their reports.
I once had a client ask me, “Can you just patch up this crack in the foundation for me?”
While it might seem like a simple request, it’s not my role to fix the issue — I advised them to bring in a structural specialist for a proper assessment.
If I found an issue and also offered to fix it, you’d have to wonder if I was exaggerating the problem to make money.
That’s why we are bound by law to focus on providing an honest, unbiased assessment of the home.
If repairs are needed, I can always recommend the right professional for the job — whether that’s a plumber, electrician, or contractor. I know some of the best in North & West Vancouver!
Final Thoughts
Home inspections are an important part of homeownership, but there are a lot of myths out there.
When you’re buying, selling, or maintaining your home, understanding what an inspection can and can’t do helps set the right expectations.
Many home inspection myths make people think inspections guarantee a flawless home, but the reality is they provide insight into its current condition, not future problems.
With years of experience inspecting homes in North Vancouver and the rest of the lower mainland, I can help you understand your home’s condition.
If you have any questions or need an inspection, feel free to reach out — I’m happy to assist, even if it is just answering free questions to help you over the phone.
