Is the inspector required to check safety equipment in the home?

In the context of a home inspection, the inspector's primary responsibility is to evaluate the condition of the home's systems and components based on recognized standards of practice. While having working safety equipment, such as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, is critical for a safe living environment, the inspection process does not typically require a comprehensive examination of all safety devices.

The inspector may note the presence of safety equipment and comment on its general condition, but they are not held to the same standard as a specialist in safety equipment. This means there is no formal obligation to test or ensure the functionality of every piece of safety equipment in the home. This aligns with the general guidelines established by inspection organizations, which differentiate between what is considered standard practice and what falls outside the home inspector's scope of work.

Understanding this helps clarify why the inspection does not necessitate a detailed investigation into safety equipment unless specifically noted in the agreement.