Which of the following is a limitation of a standard home inspection?

A standard home inspection indeed has limitations, and one of the key limitations is that inspectors are not required to assess underground components. This includes systems such as sewer lines, drainage systems, and other underground utilities that are not visible or readily accessible. Inspectors typically focus on visible and accessible components of the home, conducting their evaluations based on what is observable at the time of the inspection. Elements that are buried or concealed in the ground often cannot be inspected thoroughly due to the lack of access, and this limitation is important for both the inspector and the homeowner to understand.

The other options illustrate scenarios that do not accurately reflect the capabilities or responsibilities of standard home inspections. For instance, inspectors cannot definitively determine the full history of a property as this would require historical data not usually available during a visual inspection. Additionally, while inspectors conduct thorough inspections, they are not mandated to inspect every single component, mainly focusing on major systems and visible issues. Finally, inspectors typically do not provide warranties for systems; their role is to report on the condition at the time of the inspection rather than offer guarantees.