Does a Home Inspector Check Appliances?

Appliances typically inspected during a home inspection:

• Range / Oven / Cooktop (gas or electric)

• Built-in Microwave (mounted or part of the cabinetry, not countertop models)

• Dishwasher

• Garbage disposal

• Exhaust vents / Range hood

• Trash compactor (if built-in)

• Garage door openers (technically not a kitchen appliance, but still inspected)

What Inspectors Check For:

• Does the appliance power on and operate normally?

• Are there any visible defects (loose parts, leaks, unusual noises)?

• Are safety features working (for example, does a garage door auto-reverse properly)?

• Is the appliance securely installed?

What Inspectors Do Not Check:

A Texas home inspector will make sure major built-in appliances work at a basic level and report any visible problems, but they won’t guarantee they’re working like new or will last for years.

Yes — in Texas, licensed home inspectors do check certain appliances, but only built-in ones, and only for basic operation.

Under the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Standards of Practice, inspectors are required to inspect and report on the performance of these built-in appliances if they are present.

• They don’t test for full performance (like running a dishwasher through an entire cycle).

• They don’t determine efficiency, cleanliness, or future reliability.

• They don’t inspect refrigerators, freezers, washers, or dryers unless those are built-in (which is

  rare).

• They don’t validate brand warranties or do technical diagnostics.

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