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Home Appliances That A Home Inspector Does Not Inspect
Many homebuyers assume a standard home inspection covers every appliance in the house, but that is a common misconception. If you also have a question like, “do home inspectors check appliances?”, the answer is that inspectors only evaluate built-in kitchen appliances like ranges, ovens, dishwashers, and garbage disposals for basic operational functionality.
Standard inspectors do not test portable units, water softeners, small countertop appliances, or detached garage fridges. Also, when clients ask, “do home inspectors check washers and dryers?”, standard industry guidelines exclude laundry units because they are considered personal property. Understanding what is excluded keeps your expectations realistic and helps you identify major things that fail a home inspection before closing.
The Core Rule: Built-in vs. Personal Property
The easiest way to understand what gets tested during an inspection is the distinction between real property and personal property. Real property includes items permanently attached or built into the structure of the house. Personal property includes freestanding items that the sellers can pack up and take with them when they move.
Home inspection standards of practice defined by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) state that inspectors are required to run built-in appliances through a basic cycle. They are not required to run deep diagnostic cycles, calibrate oven temperatures, or inspect non-fixed units.
Knowing these boundaries helps you prepare for your walkthrough and prevents surprises on closing day.
What Is Included vs. Excluded in an Inspection
To make things as simple as possible, here is a breakdown of how common home appliances are handled during a standard home inspection:
| Appliance | Included in Standard Inspection? | How It Is Tested | Common Exclusions |
| Built-in Range & Oven | Yes | Turned on to verify heating elements respond. | Timer accuracy, self-clean cycles, internal temperature calibration. |
| Dishwasher | Yes | Run through a normal wash and drain cycle. | Cycle efficiency, internal spray arm pressure, sanitizing temperatures. |
| Garbage Disposal | Yes | Powered on to check motor function and plumbing leaks. | Internal blade sharpness, grinding power under heavy load. |
| Built-in Microwave | Yes | Tested for basic heating function using water. | Microwave radiation leakage, internal sensor accuracy. |
| Washer & Dryer | No | Excluded (considered personal property). | Water hose pressure, internal belt wear, dryer vent lint accumulation. |
| Refrigerators | Conditional | Built-in fridges are checked; freestanding fridges are optional. | Ice maker production rates, water filter lifespan, internal door seals. |
| Trash Compactors | Yes | Cycled once to check motor movement. | Compacting force, internal deodorizer systems. |
Why Do Home Inspectors Exclude Washers and Dryers
So, do home inspectors check washer and dryer units during a routine inspection? In most cases, no. Laundry machines are excluded for several practical reasons:
- Personal Property Status: Washers and dryers are routinely negotiated out of real estate contracts. Sellers frequently take them to their new home.
- High Risk of Water Damage: Running an unfamiliar washing machine in a home full of furniture creates a risk of catastrophic flooding if a supply hose bursts or an internal seal fails.
- Time Constraints: A full laundry cycle takes 45 to 60 minutes, which would significantly delay the rest of the three-hour structural and electrical evaluation.
If you are buying a home where the washer and dryer are included in the purchase agreement, ask the seller to demonstrate that both units operate smoothly during your final walkthrough.
5 Other Major Home Systems Often Excluded from Standard Inspections
When people wonder, “do home inspectors check appliances?”, they are often surprised to learn that several complex home features require specialized secondary inspections:
Water Softeners and Filtration Systems
Water softeners, reverse osmosis filters, and whole-house filtration units involve complex chemical resin tanks and delicate bypass valves. Inspectors verify if they are plugged in, but they do not test filtration efficiency or mineral grain capacity.
Central Vacuum Systems
While inspectors note the presence of central vacuum wall inlets, testing every remote hose connection, suction level, and attachment motor falls outside a basic inspection.
Outdoor Kitchen Appliances and Built-in BBQ Grills
Exterior wine fridges, outdoor meat smokers, and patio gas grills are exposed to weather elements. Because outdoor gas lines and igniters carry specific safety hazards, they require specialized inspections.
Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, and Spa Equipment
Pool pumps, heaters, salt-chlorine generators, and hot tub jets demand specialized pool inspections. Pool equipment and electrical components require specialized testing.
Security Systems and Smart Home Hubs
Smart doorbells, security cameras, automated window blinds, and burglar alarm panels are controlled by personal user accounts. Inspectors do not access private home networks to test smart automation routines.
Get Your Home Inspected Thoroughly
Relying on assumptions about what gets tested can leave you facing unexpected repair bills after you move in. At GreenWorks Inspections & Engineering, our team of certified professionals provides clear, thorough home inspections that leave zero room for confusion.
Schedule a detailed home inspection along with specialized add-on services to get total clarity.
