What is the difference between “Is this Common/Normal?” vs “Is this Correct?”

There is a great deal of difference in asking an inspector if something is normal/common vs asking them if it is correct. It might not seem like it, but they very much are two different questions and the inspector is really only there to answer one of them. Home Inspectors are reviewing the property for functionality and safety. They are reviewing that property for functionality and safety, not comparing it to other properties. “Common” and “Normal” are comparative, “correct or not” is a statement of fact. 

For example, it is common and not abnormal in the state of Massachusetts to see people speeding on the roads and going above the posted speed signs. Even so, it is not correct for those people to be doing that.

Your home inspectors' only concern during the inspection should be the dwelling and property being reviewed at the time of the inspection. Comparing it to another house will only put doubt into your mind about the home buying process. If that is something you are fine with doing after seeing the report, that is completely your option, but we as home inspectors will stick to facts.