Home Inspection Standards of Practice
Last revised
January 2018
Table of Contents
1. Definitions and Scope
2. Limitations,
Exceptions & Exclusions
3. Standards of
Practice
3.1. Roof
3.2. Exterior
3.3. Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure
3.4. Heating
3.5. Cooling
3.6. Plumbing
3.7. Electrical
3.8. Fireplace
3.9. Attic, Insulation & Ventilation
3.10. Doors,
Windows & Interior
4. Glossary of Terms
1. Definitions and Scope
1.1. A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual
examination of the accessible areas of a residential property (as delineated
below), performed for a fee, which is designed to identify defects within
specific systems and components defined by these Standards that are both
observed and deemed material by the inspector. The scope of work may be
modified by the Client and Inspector prior to the inspection process.
I.
The home inspection is
based on the observations made on the date of the inspection, and not a
prediction of future conditions.
II.
The home inspection
will not reveal every issue that exists or ever could exist, but only those
material defects observed on the date of the inspection.
1.2. A material defect is a specific issue with a system or
component of a residential property that may have a significant, adverse impact
on the value of the property, or that poses an unreasonable risk to
people. The fact that a system or component is near, at, or beyond the
end of its normal, useful life is not, in itself, a material defect.
1.3. A home inspection report shall identify, in written format, defects within specific
systems and components defined by these Standards that are both observed and
deemed material by the inspector. Inspection reports may include
additional comments and recommendations.
2. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions
2.1. Limitations:
I.
An inspection is not
technically exhaustive.
II.
An inspection will not
identify concealed or latent defects.
III.
An inspection will not
deal with aesthetic concerns, or what could be deemed matters of taste,
cosmetic defects, etc.
IV.
An inspection will not
determine the suitability of the property for any use.
V.
An inspection does not
determine the market value of the property or its marketability.
VI.
An inspection does not
determine the insurability of the property.
VII.
An inspection does not
determine the advisability or inadvisability of the purchase of the inspected
property.
VIII.
An inspection does not
determine the life expectancy of the property or any components or systems
therein.
IX.
An inspection does not
include items not permanently installed.
X.
This Standards of
Practice applies to properties with four or fewer residential units and their
attached garages and carports.
2.2. Exclusions:
I. The inspector is not required to determine:
A.
property
boundary lines or encroachments.
B.
the condition of any
component or system that is not readily accessible.
C.
the service life
expectancy of any component or system.
D.
the size, capacity, BTU,
performance or efficiency of any component or system.
E.
the cause or reason of
any condition.
F.
the cause for the need of
correction, repair or replacement of any system or component.
G. future conditions.
H.
compliance with codes or regulations.
I.
the presence
of evidence of rodents, birds, bats, animals, insects, or other
pests.
J.
the presence of mold,
mildew or fungus.
K.
the presence of airborne
hazards, including radon.
L.
the air quality.
M. the existence of environmental hazards, including
lead paint, asbestos or toxic drywall.
N.
the existence of
electromagnetic fields.
O. any hazardous waste conditions.
P.
any manufacturers'
recalls or conformance with manufacturer installation, or any information
included for consumer protection purposes.
Q. acoustical properties.
R.
correction, replacement or repair cost estimates.
S.
estimates
of the cost to operate any given system.
II. The inspector is not required to operate:
A.
any system that is shut
down.
B.
any system that does not
function properly.
C.
or evaluate low-voltage
electrical systems, such as, but not limited to:
1. phone lines;
2. cable lines;
3. satellite dishes;
4. antennae;
5. lights; or
6. remote controls.
D.
any system that does not
turn on with the use of normal operating controls.
E.
any shut-off valves or
manual stop valves.
F.
any electrical disconnect
or over-current protection devices.
G. any alarm systems.
H.
moisture
meters, gas detectors or similar equipment.
III. The inspector is not required to:
A.
move
any personal items or other obstructions, such as, but not limited to:
throw rugs, carpeting, wall coverings, furniture, ceiling tiles, window
coverings, equipment, plants, ice, debris, snow, water, dirt, pets, or anything
else that might restrict the visual inspection.
B.
dismantle,
open or uncover any system or component.
C.
enter
or access any area that may, in the inspector's opinion, be unsafe.
D.
enter
crawlspaces or other areas that may be unsafe or not readily accessible.
E.
inspect
underground items, such as, but not limited to: lawn-irrigation systems, or
underground storage tanks (or indications of their presence), whether abandoned
or actively used.
F.
do anything that may, in
the inspector's opinion, be unsafe or dangerous to him/herself or others, or
damage property, such as, but not limited to: walking on roof surfaces,
climbing ladders, entering attic spaces, or negotiating with pets.
G. inspect decorative items.
H.
inspect
common elements or areas in multi-unit housing.
I.
inspect
intercoms, speaker systems or security systems.
J.
offer
guarantees or warranties.
K.
offer
or perform any engineering services.
L.
offer
or perform any trade or professional service other than a home
inspection.
M. research the history of the property, or report on its
potential for alteration, modification, extendibility or suitability for a
specific or proposed use for occupancy.
N.
determine
the age of construction or installation of any system, structure or component
of a building, or differentiate between original construction and
subsequent additions, improvements, renovations or replacements.
O. determine the insurability of a property.
P.
perform
or offer Phase 1 or environmental audits.
Q. inspect any system or component that is not included
in these Standards.
3. Standards of Practice
3.1. Roof
I. The inspector shall inspect from ground
level or the eaves:
A.
the roof-covering
materials;
B.
the gutters;
C.
the downspouts;
D.
the vents, flashing,
skylights, chimney, and other roof penetrations; and
E.
the general structure of
the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.
II. The inspector shall describe:
A.
the type of roof-covering
materials.
III. The inspector
shall report as in need of correction:
A.
observed
indications of active roof leaks.
IV. The inspector is not required to:
A.
walk
on any roof surface.
B.
predict
the service life expectancy.
C.
inspect
underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
D.
remove
snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation of the roof
surfaces.
E.
move
insulation.
F.
inspect
antennae, satellite dishes, lightning arresters, de-icing equipment, or
similar attachments.
G. walk on any roof areas that appear, in the
inspector's opinion, to be unsafe.
H.
walk
on any roof areas if doing so might, in the inspector's opinion, cause
damage.
I.
perform
a water test.
J.
warrant
or certify the roof.
K.
confirm
proper fastening or installation of any roof-covering material.
3.2. Exterior
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A.
the exterior
wall-covering materials;
B.
the eaves, soffits and
fascia;
C.
a representative
number of windows;
D.
all exterior doors;
E.
flashing and trim;
F.
adjacent walkways and
driveways;
G. stairs, steps, stoops, stairways and ramps;
H.
porches, patios,
decks, balconies and carports;
I.
railings, guards and
handrails; and
J.
vegetation, surface drainage, retaining walls and grading of the property,
where they may adversely affect the structure due to moisture intrusion.
II. The inspector
shall describe:
A.
the type of exterior
wall-covering materials.
III. The inspector
shall report as in need of correction:
A.
any improper spacing
between intermediate balusters, spindles and rails.
IV. The inspector is not required to:
A.
inspect
or operate screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings, fences, outbuildings, or
exterior accent lighting.
B.
inspect
items that are not visible or readily accessible from the ground, including
window and door flashing.
C.
inspect
or identify geological, geotechnical, hydrological or soil
conditions.
D.
inspect
recreational facilities or playground equipment.
E.
inspect
seawalls, breakwalls or docks.
F.
inspect
erosion-control or earth-stabilization measures.
G. inspect for safety-type glass.
H.
inspect
underground utilities.
I.
inspect
underground items.
J.
inspect
wells or springs.
K.
inspect
solar, wind or geothermal systems.
L.
inspect
swimming pools or spas.
M. inspect wastewater treatment systems, septic systems
or cesspools.
N.
inspect
irrigation or sprinkler systems.
O. inspect drainfields or dry
wells.
P.
determine
the integrity of multiple-pane window glazing or thermal window seals.
3.3. Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace &
Structure
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A.
the foundation;
B.
the basement;
C.
the crawlspace; and
D.
structural components.
II. The inspector shall describe:
A.
the type of
foundation; and
B.
the location of the
access to the under-floor space.
III. The inspector shall report as in need of
correction:
A.
observed indications
of wood in contact with or near soil;
B.
observed indications
of active water penetration;
C.
observed indications
of possible foundation movement, such as sheetrock cracks, brick cracks,
out-of-square door frames, and unlevel floors;
and
D.
any observed cutting,
notching and boring of framing members that may, in the inspector's
opinion, present a structural or safety concern.
IV. The inspector is not required to:
A.
enter
any crawlspace that is not readily accessible, or where entry could cause
damage or pose a hazard to him/herself.
B.
move
stored items or debris.
C.
operate
sump pumps with inaccessible floats.
D.
identify
the size, spacing, span or location or determine the adequacy of foundation
bolting, bracing, joists, joist spans or support systems.
E.
provide
any engineering or architectural service.
F.
report
on the adequacy of any structural system or component.
3.4. Heating
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A.
the heating
system, using normal operating controls.
II. The inspector shall describe:
A.
the location of the
thermostat for the heating system;
B.
the energy source; and
C.
the heating method.
III. The inspector shall report as in need of
correction:
A.
any heating system
that did not operate; and
B.
if the heating system
was deemed inaccessible.
IV. The inspector is not required to:
A.
inspect,
measure, or evaluate the interior of flues or chimneys, fire
chambers, heat exchangers, combustion air systems, fresh-air intakes,
makeup air, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters,
geothermal systems, or solar heating systems.
B.
inspect fuel
tanks or underground or concealed fuel supply systems.
C.
determine
the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU,
or supply adequacy of the heating system.
D.
light
or ignite pilot flames.
E.
activate
heating, heat pump systems, or other heating systems when ambient temperatures
or other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the
equipment.
F.
override
electronic thermostats.
G. evaluate fuel quality.
H.
verify
thermostat calibration, heat anticipation, or automatic setbacks, timers,
programs or clocks.
I.
measure
or calculate the air for combustion, ventilation, or dilution of flue gases for
appliances.
3.5. Cooling
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A.
the cooling system, using
normal operating controls.
II. The inspector shall describe:
A.
the location of the
thermostat for the cooling system; and
B.
the cooling method.
III. The inspector shall report as in need of
correction:
A.
any cooling system
that did not operate; and
B.
if the cooling system
was deemed inaccessible.
IV. The inspector is not required to:
A.
determine
the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU,
or supply adequacy of the cooling system.
B.
inspect
portable window units, through-wall units, or electronic air filters.
C.
operate
equipment or systems if the exterior temperature is below 65° Fahrenheit,
or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage
the equipment.
D.
inspect
or determine thermostat calibration, cooling anticipation, or automatic
setbacks or clocks.
E.
examine
electrical current, coolant fluids or gases, or coolant leakage.
3.6. Plumbing
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A.
the main water supply
shut-off valve;
B.
the main fuel supply
shut-off valve;
C.
the water heating
equipment, including the energy source, venting connections, temperature/pressure-relief
(TPR) valves, Watts 210 valves, and seismic bracing;
D.
interior water supply,
including all fixtures and faucets, by running the water;
E.
all toilets for proper
operation by flushing;
F.
all sinks, tubs and
showers for functional drainage;
G. the drain, waste and vent system; and
H.
drainage
sump pumps with accessible floats.
II. The inspector shall describe:
A.
whether the water
supply is public or private based upon observed evidence;
B.
the location of the
main water supply shut-off valve;
C.
the location of the
main fuel supply shut-off valve;
D.
the location of any
observed fuel-storage system; and
E.
the capacity of the water
heating equipment, if labeled.
III. The inspector shall report as in need of
correction:
A.
deficiencies in the
water supply by viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated
simultaneously;
B.
deficiencies in the
installation of hot and cold water faucets;
C.
active plumbing water
leaks that were observed during the inspection; and
D.
toilets
that were damaged, had loose connections to the floor, were leaking, or had
tank components that did not operate.
IV. The inspector is not required to:
A.
light
or ignite pilot flames.
B.
measure
the capacity, temperature, age, life expectancy or adequacy of the water
heater.
C.
inspect
the interior of flues or chimneys, combustion air systems, water softener
or filtering systems, well pumps or tanks, safety or shut-off valves,
floor drains, lawn sprinkler systems, or fire sprinkler systems.
D.
determine
the exact flow rate, volume, pressure, temperature or adequacy of the water
supply.
E.
determine
the water quality, potability or reliability of the
water supply or source.
F.
open
sealed plumbing access panels.
G. inspect clothes washing machines or
their connections.
H.
operate
any valve.
I.
test
shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for leakage or functional
overflow protection.
J.
evaluate
the compliance with conservation, energy or building standards, or the proper
design or sizing of any water, waste or venting components, fixtures or
piping.
K.
determine
the effectiveness of anti-siphon, back-flow prevention or drain-stop
devices.
L.
determine
whether there are sufficient cleanouts for effective cleaning of drains.
M. evaluate fuel storage tanks or supply systems.
N.
inspect
wastewater treatment systems.
O. inspect water treatment systems or water
filters.
P.
inspect
water storage tanks, pressure pumps, or bladder tanks.
Q. evaluate wait time to obtain hot water at fixtures, or
perform testing of any kind to water heater elements.
R.
evaluate
or determine the adequacy of combustion air.
S.
test,
operate, open or close: safety controls, manual stop valves, temperature/pressure-relief
valves, control valves, or check valves.
T.
examine
ancillary or auxiliary systems or components, such as, but not limited to,
those related to solar water heating and hot water circulation.
U.
determine
the existence or condition of polybutylene, polyethylene, or similar plastic
piping.
V.
inspect
or test for gas or fuel leaks, or indications thereof.
3.7. Electrical
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A.
the service drop;
B.
the overhead service
conductors and attachment point;
C.
the service head,
gooseneck and drip loops;
D.
the service mast,
service conduit and raceway;
E.
the electric meter and
base;
F.
service-entrance
conductors;
G. the main service disconnect;
H.
panelboards and
over-current protection devices (circuit breakers and fuses);
I.
service grounding and
bonding;
J.
a representative
number of switches, lighting fixtures and receptacles, including receptacles
observed and deemed to be arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI)-protected using
the AFCI test button, where possible;
K.
all ground-fault circuit
interrupter receptacles and circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs
using a GFCI tester, where possible; and
L.
for the presence of smoke
and carbon-monoxide detectors.
II. The inspector
shall describe:
A.
the main service disconnect's amperage rating, if labeled; and
B.
the type of wiring
observed.
III. The inspector
shall report as in need of correction:
A.
deficiencies in the
integrity of the service-entrance conductors’ insulation, drip loop, and
vertical clearances from grade and roofs;
B.
any unused circuit-breaker
panel opening that was not filled;
C.
the presence of solid
conductor aluminum branch-circuit wiring, if readily visible;
D.
any tested receptacle
in which power was not present, polarity was incorrect, the cover was not in
place, the GFCI devices were not properly installed or did not operate
properly, evidence of arcing or excessive heat, and where the receptacle was
not grounded or was not secured to the wall; and
E.
the absence of smoke
and/or carbon monoxide detectors.
IV. The inspector is not required to:
A.
insert
any tool, probe or device into the main panelboard,
sub-panels, distribution panelboards, or electrical fixtures.
B.
operate
electrical systems that are shut down.
C.
remove
panelboard cabinet covers or dead fronts.
D.
operate
or re-set over-current protection devices or overload devices.
E.
operate
or test smoke or carbon-monoxide detectors or alarms.
F.
inspect,
operate or test any security, fire or alarm systems or components, or other
warning or signaling systems.
G. measure or determine the amperage or voltage of the
main service equipment, if not visibly labeled.
H.
inspect
ancillary wiring or remote-control devices.
I.
activate
any electrical systems or branch circuits that are not energized.
J.
inspect
low-voltage systems, electrical de-icing tapes, swimming pool wiring, or any
time-controlled devices.
K.
verify
the service ground.
L.
inspect
private or emergency electrical supply sources, including, but not limited
to: generators, windmills, photovoltaic solar collectors, or battery or electrical
storage facility.
M. inspect spark or lightning arrestors.
N.
inspect
or test de-icing equipment.
O. conduct voltage-drop calculations.
P.
determine
the accuracy of labeling.
Q. inspect exterior lighting.
3.8. Fireplace
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A.
readily accessible and
visible portions of the fireplaces and chimneys;
B.
lintels above the
fireplace openings;
C.
damper doors by
opening and closing them, if readily accessible and manually operable; and
D.
cleanout
doors and frames.
II. The inspector
shall describe:
A.
the type of fireplace.
III. The inspector
shall report as in need of correction:
A.
evidence of joint
separation, damage or deterioration of the hearth, hearth extension or
chambers;
B.
manually operated
dampers that did not open and close;
C.
the lack of a smoke
detector in the same room as the fireplace;
D.
the lack of a
carbon-monoxide detector in the same room as the fireplace; and
E.
cleanouts
not made of metal, pre-cast cement, or other non-combustible material.
IV. The inspector is not required to:
A.
inspect
the flue or vent system.
B.
inspect
the interior of chimneys or flues, fire doors or screens, seals or
gaskets, or mantels.
C.
determine
the need for a chimney sweep.
D.
operate
gas fireplace inserts.
E.
light
pilot flames.
F.
determine
the appropriateness of any installation.
G. inspect automatic fuel-fed devices.
H.
inspect
combustion and/or make-up air devices.
I.
inspect
heat-distribution assists, whether gravity-controlled or fan-assisted.
J.
ignite
or extinguish fires.
K.
determine
the adequacy of drafts or draft characteristics.
L.
move
fireplace inserts, stoves or firebox contents.
M. perform a smoke test.
N.
dismantle
or remove any component.
O. perform a National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA)-style inspection.
P.
perform
a Phase I fireplace and chimney inspection.
3.9. Attic, Insulation & Ventilation
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A.
insulation in
unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces and foundation areas;
B.
ventilation of
unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces and foundation areas; and
C.
mechanical exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry area.
II. The inspector
shall describe:
A.
the type of insulation
observed; and
B.
the approximate average
depth of insulation observed at the unfinished attic floor area or roof
structure.
III. The inspector
shall report as in need of correction:
A.
the general absence of
insulation or ventilation in unfinished spaces.
IV. The inspector is not required to:
A.
enter
the attic or any unfinished spaces that are not readily accessible, or where
entry could cause damage or, in the inspector's opinion, pose a safety hazard.
B.
move,
touch or disturb insulation.
C.
move,
touch or disturb vapor retarders.
D.
break
or otherwise damage the surface finish or weather seal on or around access
panels or covers.
E.
identify
the composition or R-value of insulation material.
F.
activate
thermostatically operated fans.
G. determine the types of materials used in insulation or wrapping
of pipes, ducts, jackets, boilers or wiring.
H.
determine
the adequacy of ventilation.
3.10. Doors, Windows & Interior
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A.
a representative
number of doors and windows by opening and closing them;
B.
floors, walls and ceilings;
C.
stairs, steps,
landings, stairways and ramps;
D.
railings, guards and
handrails; and
E.
garage
vehicle doors and the operation of garage vehicle door openers, using normal
operating controls.
II. The inspector
shall describe:
A.
a garage vehicle door
as manually-operated or installed with a garage door opener.
III. The inspector
shall report as in need of correction:
A.
improper spacing
between intermediate balusters, spindles and rails for steps, stairways, guards
and railings;
B.
photo-electric safety
sensors that did not operate properly; and
C.
any window that was
obviously fogged or displayed other evidence of broken seals.
IV. The inspector is not required to:
A.
inspect
paint, wallpaper, window treatments or finish treatments.
B.
inspect
floor coverings or carpeting.
C.
inspect
central vacuum systems.
D.
inspect
for safety glazing.
E.
inspect
security systems or components.
F.
evaluate
the fastening of islands, countertops, cabinets, sink tops or
fixtures.
G. move furniture, stored items, or any
coverings, such as carpets or rugs, in order to inspect the
concealed floor structure.
H.
move
suspended-ceiling tiles.
I.
inspect
or move any household appliances.
J.
inspect
or operate equipment housed in the garage, except as otherwise noted.
K.
verify
or certify the proper operation of any pressure-activated auto-reverse or
related safety feature of a garage door.
L.
operate
or evaluate any security bar release and opening mechanisms, whether interior
or exterior, including their compliance with local, state or federal
standards.
M. operate any system, appliance or component that
requires the use of special keys, codes, combinations or devices.
N.
operate
or evaluate self-cleaning oven cycles, tilt guards/latches, or signal
lights.
O. inspect microwave ovens or test leakage from
microwave ovens.
P.
operate
or examine any sauna, steam-generating equipment, kiln, toaster, ice maker,
coffee maker, can opener, bread warmer, blender, instant hot-water dispenser,
or other small, ancillary appliances or devices.
Q. inspect elevators.
R.
inspect
remote controls.
S.
inspect
appliances.
T.
inspect
items not permanently installed.
U.
discover
firewall compromises.
V.
inspect
pools, spas or fountains.
W. determine the adequacy of whirlpool or spa jets, water
force, or bubble effects.
X.
determine
the structural integrity or leakage of pools or spas.
4. Glossary of Terms
·
accessible: In the opinion
of the inspector, can be approached or entered safely, without difficulty, fear
or danger.
·
activate: To turn on,
supply power, or enable systems, equipment or devices to become active by
normal operating controls. Examples include turning on the gas or water supply
valves to the fixtures and appliances, and activating electrical breakers or
fuses.
·
adversely affect:
To constitute, or potentially constitute, a negative or destructive impact.
·
alarm system:
Warning devices, installed or freestanding, including, but not limited to:
carbon-monoxide detectors, flue gas and other spillage detectors, security
equipment, ejector pumps, and smoke alarms.
·
appliance: A
household device operated by the use of electricity or gas. Not included in
this definition are components covered under central heating, central cooling
or plumbing.
·
architectural
service: Any practice
involving the art and science of building design for construction of any
structure or grouping of structures, and the use of space within and
surrounding the structures or the design, design development, preparation of
construction contract documents, and administration of the construction
contract.
·
component: A
permanently installed or attached fixture, element or part of a system.
·
condition: The visible and
conspicuous state of being of an object.
·
correction: Something that
is substituted or proposed for what is incorrect, deficient, unsafe, or a
defect.
·
cosmetic defect: An irregularity or imperfection in something, which could be
corrected, but is not required.
·
crawlspace: The area within
the confines of the foundation and between the ground and the underside of the
lowest floor's structural component.
·
decorative: Ornamental; not
required for the operation of essential systems or components of a home.
·
describe: To report in
writing a system or component by its type or other observed characteristics in
order to distinguish it from other components used for the same purpose.
·
determine: To arrive at an
opinion or conclusion pursuant to examination.
·
dismantle: To open, take
apart or remove any component, device or piece that would not typically be
opened, taken apart or removed by an ordinary occupant.
·
engineering
service: Any
professional service or creative work requiring engineering education, training
and experience, and the application of special knowledge of the mathematical,
physical and engineering sciences to such professional service or creative work
as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design and supervision of
construction for the purpose of assuring compliance with the specifications and
design, in conjunction with structures, buildings, machines, equipment, works
and/or processes.
·
enter: To go into an
area to observe visible components.
·
evaluate: To assess the
systems, structures and/or components of a property.
·
evidence: That
which tends to prove or disprove something; something that makes plain or
clear; grounds for belief; proof.
·
examine: To visually
look (see inspect).
·
foundation: The base upon
which the structure or wall rests, usually masonry, concrete or stone, and
generally partially underground.
·
function: The action for which
an item, component or system is specially fitted or used, or for which an item,
component or system exists; to be in action or perform a task.
·
functional: Performing, or
able to perform, a function.
·
functional defect:
A lack of or an abnormality in something that is necessary for normal and
proper functioning and operation, and, therefore, requires further evaluation
and correction.
·
general home inspection: See "home inspection."
·
home inspection:
The process by which an inspector visually examines the readily accessible
systems and components of a home and operates those systems and components
utilizing this Standards of Practice as a guideline.
·
household appliances:
Kitchen and laundry appliances, room air conditioners, and similar appliances.
·
identify: To notice
and report.
·
indication: That which
serves to point out, show, or make known the present existence of something
under certain conditions.
·
inspect: To examine
readily accessible systems and components safely, using normal operating controls,
and accessing readily accessible areas, in accordance with this Standards of
Practice.
·
inspected property:
The readily accessible areas of the buildings, site, items, components and
systems included in the inspection.
·
inspection report: A
written communication (possibly including images) of any material
defects observed during the inspection.
·
inspector: One who
performs a real estate inspection.
·
installed: Attached or
connected such that the installed item requires a tool for removal.
·
material defect: A specific issue with a system or component of a residential
property that may have a significant, adverse impact on the value of the
property, or that poses an unreasonable risk to people. The fact that a
system or component is near, at, or beyond the end of its normal, useful
life is not, in itself, a material defect.
·
normal operating controls: Describes the method by which certain devices (such as
thermostats) can be operated by ordinary occupants, as they require
no specialized skill or knowledge.
·
observe: To visually
notice.
·
operate: To cause
systems to function or turn on with normal operating controls.
·
readily
accessible: A system or
component that, in the judgment of the inspector, is capable of being safely
observed without the removal of obstacles, detachment or disengagement of
connecting or securing devices, or other unsafe or difficult procedures to gain
access.
·
recreational facilities:
Spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, tennis courts, playground equipment,
and other exercise, entertainment and athletic facilities.
·
report (verb form): To
express, communicate or provide information in writing; give a written account
of. (See also inspection report.)
·
representative number:
A number sufficient to serve as a typical or characteristic example of the
item(s) inspected.
·
residential property: Four
or fewer residential units.
·
residential
unit: A home; a
single unit providing complete and independent living facilities for one
or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating,
cooking and sanitation.
·
safety glazing:
Tempered glass, laminated glass, or rigid plastic.
·
shut down: Turned off,
unplugged, inactive, not in service, not operational, etc.
·
structural component: A component that supports non-variable forces or weights
(dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live loads).
·
system: An assembly of
various components which function as a whole.
·
technically exhaustive:
A comprehensive and detailed examination beyond the scope of a real estate home
inspection that would involve or include, but would not be limited
to: dismantling, specialized knowledge or training, special equipment,
measurements, calculations, testing, research, analysis, or other means.
·
unsafe: In the
inspector's opinion, a condition of an area, system, component or
procedure that is judged to be a significant risk of injury during normal,
day-to-day use. The risk may be due to damage, deterioration, improper
installation, or a change in accepted residential construction standards.
·
verify: To confirm or
substantiate.