International Compliance Association (ICA) Home Inspector Practice Exam

What limitation do home inspectors face if a home is occupied during the inspection?

1. They cannot inspect the attic

2. They can only perform limited inspections

3. They must leave the premises immediately

4. They can only assess the exterior

The correct answer is: They can only perform limited inspections

When a home is occupied during an inspection, home inspectors often face limitations that can restrict the thoroughness of their evaluation. Option B highlights that inspectors may only perform limited inspections under these circumstances. This is primarily due to the possibility of the occupants' personal belongings obstructing access to various areas or creating privacy issues. For example, if rooms are cluttered or if there are areas that the occupants do not wish to have inspected, the inspector may not be able to fully assess the condition of the property. Furthermore, certain areas such as bathrooms, bedrooms, or personal spaces may raise sensitivity concerns, making it inappropriate for the inspector to conduct a full inspection. In contrast, the other options suggest complete restrictions on specific areas or indicate immediate departure, which does not reflect the typical practice for home inspectors. Inspectors are trained to navigate occupied spaces with professionalism and may adjust their inspection strategies rather than abandoning the inspection or significantly curtailing their evaluations.