Why Appliance Inspections Matter
Modern homes rely on numerous appliances every day. Cooking equipment, dishwashers, ventilation systems, laundry equipment, and food storage appliances all contribute to the home's convenience and functionality.
During a home inspection, we operate built-in appliances using normal user controls and evaluate their accessible components for visible defects, installation concerns, and basic performance. While a home inspection cannot predict future reliability or remaining service life, it can identify many readily observable issues.
What We Inspect
We inspect the home's accessible appliances for basic operation and readily visible defects.
Oven & Range
Burners, controls, oven operation, and visible installation concerns.
Microwave
Basic operation, controls, mounting, and visible condition.
Dishwasher
Basic operation, door function, drainage, and visible leakage.
Garbage Disposal
Operation, mounting, and visible leakage where installed.
Range Hood
Fan operation, lighting, and visible exhaust components.
Refrigerator
Basic cooling operation, doors, accessible water connections, and visible condition.
Washer & Dryer
Accessible laundry equipment for operation, connections, venting, and visible defects.
Common Appliance Issues We Look For
Leaks
Visible leaks around dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, and plumbing connections.
Operational Issues
Appliances that fail to respond properly using normal operating controls.
Poor Ventilation
Damaged, disconnected, or ineffective exhaust systems for dryers and range hoods.
Installation Concerns
Improper mounting, damaged components, or other readily visible deficiencies.
What Does a Home Inspector Actually Test?
Home inspectors evaluate appliances using their normal operating controls, much like a homeowner would during everyday use. The inspection is designed to verify basic operation and identify readily visible defects—it is not the same as a comprehensive service performed by an appliance repair technician.
- Operate built-in appliances using normal controls.
- Check for obvious leaks and visible damage.
- Evaluate accessible installation concerns.
- Observe basic performance during operation.
- We do not disassemble appliances.
- Internal components are not evaluated.
- Future reliability cannot be predicted.
- Routine servicing remains the homeowner's responsibility.
Appliance Maintenance Tips
- Clean refrigerator condenser coils when applicable.
- Inspect dishwasher and refrigerator supply lines for leaks.
- Run garbage disposals regularly with plenty of water.
- Keep range hood filters clean.
- Clean dryer lint screens after every load.
- Inspect dryer vents for lint buildup.
- Replace worn appliance water supply hoses.
- Follow manufacturer maintenance recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you test all of the home's appliances?
We inspect and operate the home's readily accessible built-in appliances using their normal operating controls. Portable appliances and specialty equipment are generally outside the scope of a standard home inspection.
Do you inspect the refrigerator?
Yes. When the refrigerator is present and included with the home, we evaluate its basic operation, visible condition, accessible water connections, and ice maker function when practical.
Do you operate the dishwasher?
Yes. We run the dishwasher through a normal cycle when practical, checking for basic operation, drainage, and any readily visible leaks or installation concerns.
Can you tell if an appliance is nearing the end of its life?
No. A home inspection evaluates the appliance's visible condition and basic operation at the time of the inspection, but it cannot predict future performance or remaining service life.
Do you inspect the washer and dryer?
Yes. When these appliances are present and included with the home, we inspect their basic operation, accessible water and electrical connections, dryer venting, and visible installation concerns.
What appliance issues are commonly found during a home inspection?
Common findings include appliances that fail to operate properly, leaking water connections, damaged or missing anti-tip devices on ranges, improper dryer venting, loose mounting, and other visible installation or maintenance concerns.
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