Are home inspectors responsible for identifying code violations?

Home inspectors are primarily tasked with evaluating the condition of a property and identifying issues that may affect its safety, livability, and overall condition. While understanding local building codes is beneficial for inspectors, they are not responsible for enforcing these codes. Instead, their role is to conduct thorough inspections and inform clients about any significant discrepancies that might exist in relation to the building's safety and condition.

When inspectors come across serious issues that could indicate a code violation, they should make their clients aware, but they do not have the obligation to enforce or formally report these violations to authorities. The primary goal is to educate the client on the overall condition of the property, enabling informed decisions, rather than acting as code officers. This clarity in the role of home inspectors helps set appropriate expectations for clients and ensures the focus remains on the inspection process rather than code enforcement.