Is this house up to code?

Thanks for asking!   This is a very common misconception about home inspections.  In fact, I have had highly experienced realtors ask me this question (they had formerly used other inspection companies), and it always makes me wonder what other inspectors are saying in the walkthrough.

The easy answer is, "No, this house is almost certainly not up to code."  And we can say that with a fair degree of certainty since code changes quickly, and "code" can apply to plumbing, electrical, structural, and other aspects of the home.

Here is the bottom line:  a home inspection is not designed to be, nor should it be misconstrued as, a code inspection.  Home inspections are much more broad, and frankly if there were some law that required a home to be brought up to the current codes prior to sale, the expense of doing so would be so overwhelming that most sellers would probably reconsider and would not sell their homes after all.

From the Kentucky statute:
KRS 198b.738 states that home inspectors are prohibited from indicating compliance or non-compliance with building code

Did you catch that?  The statute is not silent and does not even give an inspector leeway in deciding whether he wants to go farther than the scope of the inspection.  It prohibits him from doing so.

Fortunately for the consumer, many items that may be of concern are also included in the "safety" realm.  For example, some amateur wiring may be pointed out as a deficiency in the home inspection due to safety concerns, but the inspector should not address it as a code violation; he is not licensed to due so and is expressly prohibited from doing so.

Most good home inspectors in Louisville know the rules, and the better ones make sure their clients also understand them.  One of the most important things for the inspector to do is to communicate to the client not only the scope of the inspection but also what it is not.  At HomeTeam we always take time during the walkthrough to make sure the client understands the home inspection is not a code inspection.  Clear understanding builds trust, and we are in the business of trust.

Next week:  energy audits, and why you should get one.