Look up the difference between Real Property and Personal Property.
Even Real Estate Agents have to deal with the difference.
You want to run it just for shits and grins, when someone calls about it not working, you now own it.
Why do HI’s want to do someone elses job, increase liability and not even get paid for it?
Are you trained in appliance repair, or do you just own one?
Empty home fits the bill here.
Again, I will try the dryer and make sure the washer powers on. With no one there, the risk of something happening with the washer is not zero.
I agree, but then again testing or running anything, dishwasher, jet tub, even turning on fixtures, presents a risk of something happening, we’re hired to find defects for our clients, so I personally would rather find the issue during the inspeciton than having my client discovering it after they move in.
If machines are present, I always ask my clients if they attend the inspection if they plan on using them or not, 9 times out of 10 they’re either planning on using them or plan on using them until they buy new machines.
If a problem arises that requires imediate attention or notification, I will contact the LA and inform them of the situation and then report on the issue as needed.
If you test it the liability falls on you.
At the beginning of the inspection I take the homeowner’s cat and send it through a “Quick Wash” cycle and then later place it in the dryer on high heat to fluff it. That is all to make sure the utilities are available at those points.
So when you have a leak in your truck radiator somewhere, does your mechanic test the tires to find the radiator problem?
The tires are eventually attached to the engine, which is cooled by the coolant system? 
It depends, but if I don’t run it, or if no machines are present I disclaim the supply lines, standpipe and dryer vent.
No, because the cooling system on Automotive vehicles, at least most of them, are what are known as closed systems. Which generally consists of, the radiator, water pump, assorted hoses, connectors, and coolant.
The cooling system isn’t dependent on the tires so there would be no need to check them. If you want to, take all the wheels off your car put it on jack stands and run it for 7 or 8 months then let me know what happens. 
On the other hand, unplug your washing machine and try and run it and then get back to me with your results. You can do the same for your dryer or any of your other appliances.
I run the washer, dryer, and dishwasher.
If there are clothes in the washer then I’ll not the unit was in use. Or, if there are other extenuation circumstances that prevent operating the appliances then I’ll note them in the report. The photo is from yesterdays inspection of a recent reno. The client was glad I tested the dishwasher.
That water could have been stopped way before you allowed it to get to the middle of the kitchen. Did you walk away?
Hey Martin, I turned on the dishwasher and turned and walked to the front door. Was in the front room maybe two minutes when I heard water dripping. I returned to the kitchen to see the puddle. The floor slopes to the the area where the water was pooling. The leak occurred as the dishwasher was filling for a wash cycle. I had to turn it off and let the client know the dishwasher couldn’t be operated due to leaking.
The house was built in 1893. The leaking dishwasher was the least of issues I encountered that day.
I never leave a room with water running or anything filling. I only had to learn that lesson once! 
It sits right up there with putting a fork into an electrical receptacle; only did it once as a kid.
That scenario is why I used to always carry six or eight towels with me at all times!
11 month inspection.
I was in a master with two sinks. I turned them both on, and opened the cabinet on the right one, no problem, no leaks. Then I see water just full stream running out of the left cabinet door. Apparently the single guy living there had never used it and while the trap was attached, they never tightened or sealed the drain and it was just puking water all over inside the cabinet.
NOW I open the cabinet before I turn on the faucets.
I do that on every inspection. It’s a good habit to get in to.
Ditto! I’ve had that happen as well. Now, the cabinets are opened before the water goes on.
Patrick, I would have added to the poll, but didn’t see an option for no or never.
I can’t speak for other state SOP’s. Our state does not have a SOP. We use interNACHI SOP.
In terms of non-permanent appliances, I do not test, function, or operate them. For those that do, I can see your POV and respect that. If you hadn’t already, I’d recommend adding a clause in your Inspection Agreement or specify what you are proposing to inspect that is outside your state or whatever SOP you follow. Then maybe build a section in your report template that lists whatever you are inspecting outside the SOP and the Inspection Agreement.
It could be window blinds, TV’s washers, dryers, refrigerators, ice chests, lawn irrigation systems, photoelectric systems, surveillance systems, cable, internet, etc.
Sounds to me your saying that you analyze plumbing, electrical and sewer, based upon testing appliances.
