Some home inspection myths have a way of hanging around...and around...and around.

So, in honor of October, we're separating The Spook from The Scoop and clearing up some common misconceptions about home inspections, new construction, radon testing and other home-safety topics.

Whether you're buying a home in Georgia, purchasing new construction or simply trying to better understand the home inspection process, here are eight home inspection myths worth putting to rest.

👻 THE SPOOK: Home Inspectors Are Licensed in Georgia

🔎 THE SCOOP: Georgia Does Not Require Home Inspectors to Be Licensed

This one surprises a lot of people.

Unlike some states, Georgia does not currently have a state licensing requirement for home inspectors. In other words, simply calling yourself a home inspector does not mean you've met a state-mandated standard for training, experience or testing.

That's why it's important to look beyond the title when choosing an inspector.

One credential consumers can look for is an ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI®) through the American Society of Home Inspectors. Certification requires inspectors to meet professional requirements involving education, examination, experience and adherence to industry standards.

When choosing a Georgia home inspector, ask about training, experience, professional certifications, insurance and the Standards of Practice they follow.

👻 THE SPOOK: Asbestos Floor Tiles Are Dangerous Just Because They're in the Home

🔎 THE SCOOP: Condition and Disturbance Matter

Older flooring materials may contain asbestos, but the presence of an asbestos-containing floor tile doesn't automatically mean asbestos fibers are being released into the air.

Asbestos-containing floor tiles generally present less risk when they're intact, in good condition and left undisturbed.

The potential for exposure increases when asbestos-containing materials are damaged, deteriorating or disturbed through activities such as sanding, cutting, scraping or removal.

If asbestos is suspected, testing by a qualified professional can help determine whether the material actually contains asbestos and what precautions may be appropriate before renovation or removal.

👻 THE SPOOK: New Construction Homes Don't Need Home Inspections

🔎 THE SCOOP: New Doesn't Mean Perfect

A brand-new home may have never been lived in, but that doesn't mean every component was installed correctly or every detail was completed.

Building a house involves numerous trades, contractors, systems and components. Even with quality builders and experienced crews, mistakes, incomplete work and installation concerns can occur.

An independent new construction home inspection gives the buyer another set of eyes on the property and can identify visible defects or incomplete items before closing.

Depending on the stage of construction, buyers may also choose inspections at different points in the building process, such as a pre-drywall inspection, final inspection and an inspection near the end of the builder's warranty period.

👻 THE SPOOK: The County Already Inspected My New Home, So I Don't Need a Home Inspection

🔎 THE SCOOP: A Code Inspection and a Home Inspection Serve Different Purposes

This misconception often goes hand-in-hand with the idea that new construction doesn't need an independent inspection.

Municipal or county code inspections are an important part of the construction process, but a code inspection and a buyer's home inspection aren't the same thing.

Code officials evaluate construction for compliance with applicable building requirements at various stages of the project. A home inspector performs a visual evaluation of the home's accessible systems and components for the client.

They have different purposes.

A home can pass through required municipal inspections and still have items that may be identified during an independent home inspection.

For a buyer making one of the largest purchases of their life, having another qualified set of eyes on a brand-new home can provide valuable information before closing.

👻 THE SPOOK: Home Inspectors Are Required to Inspect for Termites

🔎 THE SCOOP: Termite Inspections Are Outside the Scope of a Standard Home Inspection

A standard home inspection and a termite or wood-destroying organism inspection are different services.

Home inspectors are not generally required under a standard home inspection scope to perform a termite inspection or determine whether a property has an active termite infestation. That evaluation is typically performed by a qualified pest-control professional.

That doesn't mean a good home inspector simply ignores obvious evidence.

If visible evidence suggestive of termite activity or damage is observed during the course of the home inspection, an inspector may document what was observed and recommend further evaluation by an appropriate professional.

Buyers should understand which services they've ordered and whether a separate termite inspection is included or needed.

👻 THE SPOOK: Radon Testing Is Only Needed in Homes With Basements

🔎 THE SCOOP: Radon Doesn't Care What Kind of Foundation You Have

Basement? Crawlspace? Slab?

Elevated radon levels can occur in any of them.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter a home from the soil beneath and around the structure. Having—or not having—a basement doesn't tell you what the radon concentration inside a particular home will be.

You also can't determine a home's radon level by its age, appearance or neighborhood.

Testing is the only way to know the radon level in a particular home.

That's why buyers shouldn't rule out radon testing simply because the home is built on a slab or crawlspace.

👻 THE SPOOK: A Fully Electric Home Doesn't Need a Carbon Monoxide Detector

🔎 THE SCOOP: Electric Appliances Aren't the Only Potential Source of Carbon Monoxide

It's true that electric appliances don't produce carbon monoxide. But that doesn't necessarily mean carbon monoxide could never enter an all-electric home.

One important consideration is an attached garage. Vehicle exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which can potentially enter adjoining living spaces. Other fuel-burning equipment, tools or outside combustion sources can also create potential exposure.

For that reason, carbon monoxide detection can still be a worthwhile safety consideration even when the home's permanently installed appliances are electric.

And remember: smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms perform different jobs. One isn't a substitute for the other.

👻 THE SPOOK: What If the House Fails the Home Inspection?

🔎 THE SCOOP: There Is No Pass or Fail

This may be one of the biggest home inspection misconceptions of all.

A home inspection isn't a test that a house passes or fails.

Every home has maintenance needs, aging components and conditions worth understanding. Even a well-maintained property will likely have items documented in an inspection report.

The purpose of the inspection is to provide objective information about the home's visible and accessible systems and components at the time of the inspection.

That information helps buyers better understand the property they're purchasing so they can make informed decisions.

An inspection report isn't a grade on the house—and a long report doesn't automatically mean it's a bad house.

The Final Scoop 👻

Buying a home comes with plenty of advice from friends, family, social media and people who've been through the process before.

Some of that advice is helpful.

Some of it is a little...spooky.

When you have questions about a home inspection, the best approach is to ask a qualified professional rather than letting an old home inspection myth influence an important decision.

At AmeriSpec Inspection Services, we're always happy to answer questions and help buyers, sellers and real estate professionals better understand the inspection process.

Have a home inspection question? Give our AmeriSpec Loganville team a call at 770-935-4990.