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A home inspection is not a substitute for a building inspection or a code compliance inspection, nor do home inspectors interpret or cite building codes. The main reason for this is because of the many codes involved in a home inspection. For example, the licensed plumber is only required to know the plumbing codes, and the licensed electrician is only required to know the electrical codes. If you’ve ever seen either of those two code books, you’d understand why home inspectors don’t cite codes. Combine the sheer size of those two code books with the International Residential Code, as well as the various codes that we use here in New Jersey, such as the New Jersey version of the International Building Code, as well as the fact that different jurisdictions might be working under different codes, and you’ll understand even better why home inspectors don’t cite codes.
Obviously, a working knowledge and a basic understanding of the many codes (International Building Code, International Residential Code, National Electrical Code, etc.) is a basic knowledge requirement for home inspectors, but inspecting for code compliance and interpreting building codes is the sole and legal responsibility of municipal authorities. A home inspector inspects the visible and accessible areas of a home in accordance with generally accepted national home inspection standards (click here for helpful information about home inspection standards). |
General code guidelines typically state that building codes are not retroactive in most situations, that buildings are required to be maintained under the code that was in effect at the time of original construction, and that such requirements remain true as long as the building is used for its original intended purpose. General guidelines also state that alterations or repairs must conform to that required for a new structure without requiring the existing structure to comply with all of the requirements of the codes, and that additions, alterations, or repairs must not cause an existing structure to become unsafe or adversely affect the performance of the building.
If your response, your Realtor’s response, or the seller’s response, to an area of concern or a recommendation in your inspection report is, “Well, they didn’t have that (or they didn’t do that) when the house was built,” we know that. However, during the ensuing years, our knowledge has increased considerably concerning safety in the home, and Rook Home Inspections LLC believes that you should be safe in your home and that taking care of your home should be as easy as possible. So Rook Home Inspections LLC will recommend things that they didn’t have or didn’t do years ago simply to keep you safe or help you take care of your home. |
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