What is the role of the inspector regarding safety features in home systems?

The role of the inspector concerning safety features in home systems primarily involves assessing and reporting the presence of these features. When inspectors evaluate a home, they are tasked with identifying whether various systems have built-in safety controls, such as GFCI outlets in wet areas, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and other automatic safety mechanisms. This identification helps homeowners understand the current safety measures in place and whether they comply with relevant codes or standards.

Inspectors focus on the condition and adequacy of these features rather than ensuring they are fully functional, which would require testing and active maintenance beyond the scope of a typical home inspection. While inspectors may provide general information on potential safety enhancements, emphasizing safety features already present in the home is more aligned with their responsibilities. Inspectors do not engage in repairs, as this could create conflicts of interest or lead to liability issues. Thus, accurately reporting the presence of automatic safety controls is crucial for informing homeowners of existing protections and potential safety concerns in the home.