1. Definitions and Scope

1.1. A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination  of a residential dwelling, performed for a fee, which is designed to identify  observed material defects within specific components of said dwelling.   Components may include any combination of mechanical, structural, electrical,  plumbing, or other essential systems or portions of the home, as identified and  agreed to by the Client and Inspector, prior to the inspection process.

1. A home inspection is intended to assist in the evaluation of the overall  condition of the dwelling. The inspection is based on observations of the  visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date  of the inspection, and not the prediction of future conditions.
2. A home inspection will not reveal every concern that exists or ever  could exist, but only those material defects observed on the day of the  inspection.
3. A home inspection can include a survey and/or analysis of energy flows and  usage in a residential property if the client requests it.

1.2. A material defect is a condition of a  residential real property, or any portion of it, that would have a significant,  adverse impact on the value of the real property, or that involves an  unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural element,  system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of its normal useful life  is not, by itself, a material defect.

1.3. An inspection report shall describe and identify, in  written format, the inspected systems, structures and components of the  dwelling, and shall identify material defects observed. Inspection reports may  contain recommendations regarding conditions reported or recommendations for  correction, monitoring or further evaluation by professionals, but this is not  required.

3. Standards of Practice

3.1. Roof

I. The inspector shall inspect from ground level or eaves:

1. the roof covering/materials;
2. the gutters;
3. the downspouts;
4. the vents, flashing, skylights, chimney and other roof penetrations;  and
5. the general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors  or stairs.

II. The inspector is not required to:

1. walk on any pitched roof surface.
2. predict the service life expectancy.
3. inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
4. remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation  of the roof surfaces.
5. move insulation.
6. inspect antennae, satellite dishes, lightning arresters, de-icing  equipment, or similar attachments.
7. walk on any roof areas that appear, in the opinion of the inspector, to  be unsafe.
8. walk on any roof areas if it might, in the opinion of the inspector, cause  damage.
9. perform a water test.
10. warrant or certify the roof.
11. confirm proper fastening or installation of any roof-covering material.

3.2. Exterior

I. The inspector shall inspect:

1. the exterior wall-covering material, flashing and trim;
2. all exterior doors, decks, stoops, steps, stairs, porches, railings, eaves,  soffits and fascias;
3. and report as in need of repair any improper spacing between intermediate  balusters, spindles and rails for steps, stairways, balconies and railings;
4. a representative number of windows;
5. the vegetation, surface drainage, and retaining walls when these are likely  to adversely affect the structure;
6. and describe the exterior wall covering.

II. The inspector is not required to:

1. inspect or operate screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings, fences,  outbuildings, or exterior accent lighting.
2. inspect items, including window and door flashing, that are not visible  or readily accessible from the ground.
3. inspect or identify geological, geotechnical, hydrological or soil  conditions.
4. inspect recreational facilities or playground equipment.
5. inspect seawalls, breakwalls or docks.
6. inspect erosion-control or earth-stabilization measures.
7. inspect for safety-type glass.
8. inspect underground utilities.
9. inspect underground items.
10. inspect wells or springs.
11. inspect solar, wind or geothermal systems.
12. inspect swimming pools or spas.
13. inspect waste water treatment systems, septic systems or  cesspools.
14. inspect irrigation or sprinkler systems.
15. inspect drainfields or dry wells.
16. determine the integrity of multiple-pane window glazing or thermal window  seals.
17. inspect any damaged glass.

3.3. Basement, Foundation & Crawlspace

I. The inspector shall inspect:

1. the basement;
2. the foundation;
3. the crawlspace;
4. the visible structural components;
5. and report on the location of under-floor access openings;
6. and report any present conditions or clear indications of active water  penetration;
7. for wood in contact with or near soil;
8. and report any general indications of foundation movement, such as, but not  limited to: sheetrock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames, and  floor slopes;
9. and report on any cutting, notching and boring of framing members that  may present a structural or safety concern.

II. The inspector is not required to:

1. enter any crawlspaces that are not readily accessible or where entry could  cause damage or pose a hazard to the inspector.
2. move stored items or debris.
3. operate sump pumps with inaccessible floats.
4. identify size, spacing, span, location or determine adequacy of foundation  bolting, bracing, joists, joist spans or support systems.
5. provide any engineering or architectural service.
6. report on the adequacy of any structural system or  component.

3.4. Heating

I. The inspector shall inspect:

1. the heating systems, using normal operating controls, and  describe the energy source and heating method;
2. and report as in need of repair heating systems that do not  operate;
3. and report if the heating systems are deemed  inaccessible.

II. The inspector is not required to:

1. inspect or evaluate the interior of flues or chimneys, fire  chambers, heat exchangers, combustion air systems, fresh air intakes,  humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters, geothermal systems, or  solar heating systems.
2. inspect fuel tanks or underground or concealed fuel supply  systems.
3. determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size,  capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the heating system.
4. light or ignite pilot flames.
5. 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.
6. override electronic thermostats.
7. evaluate fuel quality.
8. verify thermostat calibration, heat anticipation, or automatic setbacks,  timers, programs or clocks.

3.5. Cooling

I. The inspector shall inspect:

1. the central cooling equipment using normal operating  controls.

II. The inspector is not required to:

1. determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size,  capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the cooling system.
2. inspect window units, through-wall units, or electronic air  filters.
3. 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.
4. inspect or determine thermostat calibration, cooling anticipation, or  automatic setbacks or clocks.
5. examine electrical current, coolant fluids or gases, or coolant  leakage.

3.6. Plumbing

I. The inspector shall:

1. determine and report whether the water supply is public or private;
2. verify the presence and identify the location of the main water shut-off  valve;
3. inspect the water heating equipment, including venting  connections, energy source supply system, and seismic bracing, and verify the  presence or absence of temperature-pressure relief valves and/or Watts 210  valves;
4. inspect toilets for proper operation;
5. water-test sinks, tubs and showers for functional drainage;
6. inspect the interior water supply, including all fixtures and  faucets;
7. inspect the drain, waste and vent systems, including all  fixtures;
8. describe any visible fuel-storage systems;
9. inspect the drainage sump pumps, and test pumps with accessible  floats;
10. inspect and describe the location of the main water supply and main fuel  shut-off valves.
11. inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the water supply by  viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously;
12. inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in installation of hot  and cold water faucets;
13. inspect and report as in need of repair any mechanical drain stops  that are missing or do not operate if installed in sinks, lavatories and  tubs; and
14. inspect and report any evidence that toilets are damaged, have loose  connections to the floor, leak, or have tank components that do not  operate.

II. The inspector is not required to:

1. light or ignite pilot flames.
2. determine the size, temperature, age, life expectancy or adequacy of the  water heater.
3. 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.
4. determine the exact flow rate, volume, pressure, temperature or adequacy of  the water supply.
5. determine the water quality, potability or reliability of the water supply  or source.
6. open sealed plumbing access panels.
7. inspect clothes washing machines or their connections.
8. operate any valve.
9. test shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for  leakage.
10. 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.
11. determine the effectiveness of anti-siphon, back-flow prevention  or drain-stop devices.
12. determine whether there are sufficient cleanouts for effective cleaning of  drains.
13. evaluate fuel storage tanks or supply systems.
14. inspect wast water treatment systems.
15. inspect water treatment systems or water filters.
16. inspect water storage tanks, pressure pumps or bladder tanks.
17. evaluate wait-time to obtain hot water at fixtures, or perform testing of  any kind to water heater elements.
18. evaluate or determine the adequacy of combustion air.
19. test, operate, open or close safety controls, manual stop valves and/or  temperature or pressure-relief valves.
20. examine ancillary systems or components, such as, but not limited to, those  related to solar water heating and hot water circulation.
21. determine the existence or condition of polybutylene  plumbing.

3.7. Electrical

I. The inspector shall inspect:

1. the service drop/lateral;
2. the meter socket enclosures;
3. the means for disconnecting the service main;
4. and describe the service disconnect amperage rating, if labeled;
5. panelboards and over-current devices (breakers and fuses);
6. and report on any unused circuit breaker panel openings that are not  filled;
7. the service grounding and bonding;
8. a representative number of switches, lighting fixtures and receptacles,  including receptacles observed and deemed to be arc-fault circuit interrupter or  AFCI-protected using the AFCI test button, where possible;
9. and test all ground-fault circuit interrupter receptacles and circuit  breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs using a GFCI tester, where  possible;
10. and report the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch  circuit wiring, if readily visible;
11. and report on any tested receptacles 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;
12. the service entrance conductors and the condition of the conductor  insulation;
13. and report the absence of smoke detectors; and
14. service entrance cables, and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the  integrity of the insulation, drip loop, or separation of conductors at  weatherheads and clearances from grade and  rooftops.

II. The inspector is not required to:

1. insert any tool, probe or device into the main panelboard,  sub-panels, distribution panelboards, or electrical fixtures.
2. operate electrical systems that are shut down.
3. remove panelboard cabinet covers or dead fronts, if they are not  readily accessible.
4. operate or re-set over-current protection devices or overload  devices.
5. operate non-accessible smoke detectors.
6. measure or determine the amperage or voltage of the main service  equipment, if not visibly labeled.
7. inspect the fire and alarm system or components.
8. inspect the ancillary wiring or remote control devices.
9. activate any electrical systems or branch circuits that are not  energized.
10. inspect low-voltage systems, electrical de-icing tapes, swimming pool  wiring, or any time-controlled devices.
11. verify the service ground.
12. inspect private or emergency electrical supply sources, including, but not  limited to: generators, windmills, photovoltaic solar collectors, or  battery or electrical storage facility.
13. inspect spark or lightning arrestors.
14. inspect or test de-icing equipment.
15. conduct voltage-drop calculations.
16. determine the accuracy of labeling.
17. inspect exterior accent  lighting.

3.8. Fireplace

I. The inspector shall inspect:

1. the fireplace, and open and close the damper door, if readily accessible and  operable;
2. hearth extensions and other permanently installed components;
3. and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the lintel, hearth and  material surrounding the fireplace, including the fireplace opening’s clearance  from visible combustible materials.

II. The inspector is not required to:

1. inspect the flue or vent system.
2. inspect the interior of chimneys or flues, fire doors or screens, seals  or gaskets, or mantels.
3. determine the need for a chimney sweep.
4. operate gas fireplace inserts.
5. light pilot flames.
6. determine the appropriateness of any installation.
7. inspect automatic fuel-feed devices.
8. inspect combustion and/or make-up air devices.
9. inspect heat-distribution assists, whether gravity-controlled or  fan-assisted.
10. ignite or extinguish fires.
11. determine the adequacy of drafts or draft characteristics.
12. move fireplace inserts, stoves or firebox contents.
13. perform a smoke test.
14. dismantle or remove any component.
15. perform a National Fire Prevention Association  (NFPA)-style inspection.
16. perform a Phase I fireplace and chimney inspection.

3.9. Attic, Ventilation & Insulation

I. The inspector shall inspect:

1. the insulation in unfinished spaces;
2. for the presence of attic ventilation;
3. mechanical ventilation systems;
4. and report on the general absence or lack of insulation in unfinished  spaces.

II. The inspector is not required to:

1. enter the attic or any unfinished spaces that are not readily accessible, or  where entry could cause damage or pose a safety hazard to the inspector, in his  or her opinion.
2. move, touch or disturb insulation.
3. move, touch or disturb vapor retarders.
4. break or otherwise damage the surface finish or weather seal on or  around access panels or covers.
5. identify the composition or exact R-value of insulation  material.
6. activate thermostatically operated fans.
7. determine the types of materials used in insulation or wrapping of pipes,  ducts, jackets, boilers or wiring.
8. determine the adequacy of  ventilation.

3.10. Doors, Windows & Interior

I. The inspector shall:

1. open and close a representative number of doors and windows;
2. inspect the walls, ceilings, steps, stairways and railings;
3. and report as in need of repair any improper spacing between intermediate  balusters, spindles and rails for steps, stairways and railings;
4. inspect garage doors and garage door openers by operating using the  installed automatic door control;
5. and report as improper any photoelectric safety sensor that fails to respond  adequately to testing;
6. and report as in need of repair any door locks or side ropes that have not  been removed or disabled when the garage door opener is in use;
7. and report as in need of repair any windows that are obviously fogged or  display other evidence of broken seals.

II. The inspector is not required to:

1. inspect paint, wallpaper, window treatments or finish treatments.
2. inspect central vacuum systems.
3. inspect for safety glazing.
4. inspect security systems or components.
5. evaluate the fastening of countertops, cabinets, sink tops or  fixtures.
6. move furniture, stored items, or any coverings, such as carpets  or rugs, in order to inspect the concealed floor structure.
7. move suspended-ceiling tiles.
8. inspect or move any household appliances.
9. inspect or operate equipment housed in the garage, except as otherwise  noted.
10. verify or certify proper operation of any pressure-activated auto-reverse or  related safety feature of a garage door.
11. operate or evaluate any security bar release and opening mechanisms, whether  interior or exterior, including their compliance with local, state or federal  standards.
12. operate any system, appliance or component that requires the use of special  keys, codes, combinations or devices.
13. operate or evaluate self-cleaning oven cycles, tilt  guards/latches, or signal lights.
14. inspect microwave ovens or test leakage from microwave ovens.
15. 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 devices.
16. inspect elevators.
17. inspect remote controls.
18. inspect appliances.
19. inspect items not permanently installed.
20. discover firewall compromises.
21. inspect pools, spas, recreational or stand-alone equipment.
22. come into contact with any pool or spa water in order to determine the  system’s structure or components.
23. determine the adequacy of whirlpool or spa jets, water force, or bubble  effect.
24. determine the structural integrity or leakage of a pool or  spa.

4. Glossary of Terms

4.1. accessible: can be approached or entered by the  inspector safely, without difficulty, fear or danger.

4.2. 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.

4.3. adversely affect: to constitute, or potentially  constitute, a negative or destructive impact.

4.4. 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.

4.5. 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.

4.6. 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.

4.7. component:  a permanently installed or attached  fixture, element or part of a system.

4.8. condition:  the visible and conspicuous state of  being of an object.

4.9. crawlspace:  the area within the confines of the  foundation and between the ground and the underside of the lowest floor’s  structural component.

4.10. decorative: ornamental; not required for the operation  of essential systems or components of a home.

4.11. 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.

4.12. determine:  to arrive at an opinion or conclusion  pursuant to examination.

4.13. 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.

4.14. 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 or  processes.

4.15. enter:  to go into an area to  observe visible components.

4.16. evaluate:  to assess the systems, structures  and/or components of a dwelling.

4.17. examine:  to visually look (see inspect).

4.18. foundation:  the base upon which the structure or  wall rests; usually masonry, concrete or stone, and generally partially  underground.

4.19. 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.

4.20. functional:  performing, or able to perform, a  function.

4.21. 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 these Standards of  Practice as a guideline.

4.22. household appliances:  kitchen and laundry  appliances, room air conditioners, and similar appliances.

4.23. inspect:  to visually look at readily  accessible systems and components safely, using normal operating controls, and  accessing readily accessible panels and areas, in accordance with these  Standards of Practice.

4.24. inspected property:  the readily accessible  areas of the buildings, site, items, components and systems included in the  inspection.

4.25. inspector:  one who performs a real estate  inspection.

4.26. installed:  attached or connected such that the  installed item requires a tool for removal.

4.27. material defect:  a condition of a  residential real property or any portion of it that would have a significant  adverse impact on the value of the real property or that involves an  unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural element,  system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of its normal useful life  is not, by itself, a material defect.

4.28. normal operating controls:  devices, such as  thermostats, that would be operated by ordinary occupants which require no  specialized skill or knowledge.

4.29. observe:  to see through visually directed  attention.

4.30. operate:  to cause systems to function or  turn on with normal operating controls.

4.31. readily accessible:  an item or component  that is, in the judgment of the inspector, 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.

4.32. recreational facilities:  spas,  saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, tennis courts, playground equipment, and  other exercise, entertainment and athletic facilities.

4.33. report:  a written communication (possibly  including images) of any material defects observed during the  inspection.

4.34. representative number:  a sufficient number to  serve as a typical or characteristic example of the item(s) inspected.

4.35. safety glazing:  tempered glass, laminated glass,  or rigid plastic.

4.36. shut down:  turned off, unplugged, inactive, not  in service, not operational, etc.

4.37. structural component: a component that  supports non-variable forces or weights (dead loads) and variable forces or  weights (live loads).

4.38. system:  an assembly of various  components which function as a whole.

4.39. 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.

4.40. unsafe:  a condition in a system or  component that is judged to be a significant risk of personal 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.

4.41. verify:  to confirm or  substantiate.