Why Might a Common Area Inspection Be Expanded to a Full Inspection?
A lot like bread crumbs we follow issues if we find them. If we find water damage on the first floor, it might be from the ceiling, attic, a bath, or more and we would have to hunt that down immediately. Of course, it should have been reported on your schedule and still can be.
If we see clear issues in the common areas that are clearly pictured and will lead a reasonable owner to demand more information, we will have to expand the scope.
The most important point is that you must be prepared for a full inspection to happen as it could with no additional notice.
If we see one minor stain on a living room floor for example, that probably won't be an issue. If we see several that would be and we'd need to know the overall carpet condition throughout the home. If there are drawings on several walls, we'll have to know if there are drawings on other walls. (If they're washable just mention that in advance, and you can leave a note as well). We'll have to check every room, including bedrooms and bathrooms. Essentially the whole home including closets for particularly bad situations which rarely occur.
We avoid closets in particular as much as possible and you are welcome to keep them closed.
We will photograph any room with visible issues. Paint, carpet, pest, windows. All water damage and pest issues in particular, and that at times requires us to go inside cabinets and closets.