Home Inspectors Are Not Code Inspectors: Here’s Why That Matters

If you’ve ever asked whether your home inspector is “checking for code violations,” you’re not alone. It’s a common question—and a common misconception.

At Pine Point Property Inspections, we don’t perform code inspections. We’re not building officials, and we don’t issue citations. What we do offer is something different—and arguably more valuable—during a real estate transaction: a clear, unbiased evaluation of the actual condition of a home.

Code Inspectors Enforce Compliance. Home Inspectors Inform Decisions.

A code inspector (or building official) works for a local municipality. Their job is to ensure that new construction or renovations meet current building codes—legal standards set by local jurisdictions. They have the authority to pass or fail construction work, require changes, and enforce permits.

A home inspector, on the other hand, works for you. Our job is to examine the readily accessible components of a property and identify material defects—things that may affect safety, function, or value. We follow InterNACHI Standards of Practice, not local building codes.

Codes Vary. Defects Don’t.

One of the reasons we don’t inspect for code is that codes aren’t universal. They vary by city, county, and state—and they change frequently. Homes built in the 1960s weren’t required to meet today’s code standards, and grandfathered features are often legally acceptable.

But here’s the thing: just because something is “to code” doesn’t mean it’s in good condition. And just because something isn’t up to modern code doesn’t mean it’s defective.

What You Can Expect From Our Inspections

• Documentation of unsafe or outdated wiring
• Identification of plumbing leaks, improper venting, or signs of moisture intrusion
• Evaluation of roofing, foundation, HVAC, and other major systems
• A professional opinion on what should be addressed, regardless of code status

Why This Approach Works for Buyers and Sellers

If you’re a buyer, our inspection helps you make a confident decision. We’ll tell you if a GFCI outlet is missing in a kitchen—and explain why that’s a concern—even if no code official is enforcing it.

If you’re a seller, we’ll help you get ahead of buyer objections by flagging issues that might raise red flags later.

And if you’re a real estate agent, our inspections support smoother transactions by focusing on clear communication—not code citations that might stall a deal.

Bottom Line: Code Isn’t the Whole Picture

At Pine Point, we don’t inspect to code—we inspect for you. Our goal isn’t compliance. It’s clarity.

We’re here to help you understand what’s safe, what’s aging, and what needs attention. That’s how you make smart, confident decisions—without getting lost in legal jargon or outdated regulations.

Schedule Your Inspection

Need an inspection that tells you what really matters?
Schedule with us today or give us a call at (651) 383-5252. We’ll show you what’s going on behind the walls—no clipboard citations required.