Debunking the Myths of Home Inspections

We Don’t Have X-Ray Vision

When it comes to buying or selling a home, the home inspection is one of the most important steps—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions so you know what to expect (and what not to).

It’s just a visual inspection

A home inspection isn’t a deep-dive into the guts of the house. Inspectors look at what’s visible and accessible on the day of the inspection. That means we don’t cut into walls, move heavy furniture, or dig into plumbing. If it’s hidden, we probably won’t see it—and we can’t report what we can’t see.

There’s no such thing as “pass” or “fail"

Some buyers think an inspection will give a house a grade or a green light. In reality, the report just tells you the current condition of the home—good, bad, or in-between. It’s up to you and your real estate agent to decide how to proceed based on the findings.

“Minor” doesn’t mean “bad”

Even newer homes often come with a list of small issues: a loose outlet, a dripping faucet, maybe some caulking that needs touch-up. Don’t let small maintenance items scare you. The key is identifying major concerns—like roof leaks, foundation cracks, or electrical hazards—that could affect safety or long-term value.

New homes need inspections too

You might think a brand-new house built to code wouldn’t need inspecting—but even new builds can have missed steps, shortcuts, or incomplete work. An inspection gives you the chance to catch these issues while warranties still apply and before move-in day.

Inspectors can’t predict the future

It’s important to understand that an inspection tells you what’s happening right now, not what might go wrong in 3 months or 3 years. A furnace could look great today and stop working tomorrow. That’s why home inspections are just one part of a smart homebuying strategy—not a guarantee.

The goal is information, not perfection

No home is perfect—not even the brand-new ones. The goal of an inspection is to arm you with the knowledge you need to make confident decisions, not to scare you away from homeownership.

From Roof to Dirt, Timber Coast Inspections is Committed to Excellence in Every Inspection.