What is a kitchen inspection?

A home inspector's kitchen inspection is a visual and functional examination of the kitchen's components, including the sink, plumbing, countertops, cabinetry, and permanently installed appliances. The inspector will check the sink for leaks and proper drainage, and they will operate the appliances to ensure they are working as intended. The goal is to identify any functional issues, signs of leaks, or safety hazards.

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Common issues and defects found by home inspectors in the kitchen include leaking sinks and faucets, which can lead to water damage and mold. They may find damaged or improperly installed cabinetry, as well as faulty electrical outlets or switches. With appliances, inspectors look for operational issues such as a refrigerator that is not cooling, a stove burner that doesn't heat, or a dishwasher that doesn't drain. Other defects might include a range hood that is not venting properly or a garbage disposal that is not functioning.

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The inspection of kitchen appliances by a home inspector has significant limitations. The inspector is not a licensed appliance repair person and cannot dismantle the appliances to check for internal issues. They can only test for basic functionality and visually inspect for defects at the time of the inspection. The inspection is not a guarantee that the appliance will continue to work without issues in the future. Furthermore, an inspector cannot check for product recalls or for hidden issues that may not be apparent during the short inspection time.

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When inspecting a dishwasher, a home inspector looks for signs of leaks, especially around the base and connections, as water damage is a high potential risk with these appliances. The importance of having it periodically checked for damages and leaks cannot be overstated, as a minor leak can go unnoticed for a long time and cause significant damage to the subfloor or surrounding cabinetry.

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Induction cooktops have gained popularity, but they also present inspection limitations. A home inspector can only verify that the unit powers on and that the surface heats up. They cannot test the unit with an induction-specific pot or pan, nor can they verify that all of the "burners" are working correctly, as they may require a specific size and type of cookware to activate. The lack of a visual flame or glowing coil also makes it harder to confirm functionality at a glance.

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An external venting range hood is designed to pull smoke, grease, and odors from the kitchen and vent them to the outside, which is the most effective method. A recirculating hood, on the other hand, filters the air and recirculates it back into the kitchen. The choice between them often depends on the kitchen's layout and whether a duct can be installed to the exterior. While external venting is more effective, a recirculating hood is a viable option for a kitchen in a condo or apartment where external venting is not possible.

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It is critically important for a homebuyer to follow their home inspector's recommendations before removing contingencies. The recommendations, particularly those for further evaluation by a specialist, are a direct result of the inspector finding something that warrants a deeper look. For example, if the inspector sees signs of a major leak from an appliance or a potential safety hazard, they will recommend a licensed professional perform a more thorough inspection. Failing to do so before removing the inspection contingency means the buyer is accepting the risk and potential cost of whatever that specialist might find. This is the last and best opportunity for a buyer to gain a complete understanding of the home's condition and renegotiate the sale if a major issue is discovered.