Study GuideInterNACHI Standards · designed to identify defects within specific systems and components defined by these ... The readily accessible areas of the buildings, site, items,

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StudyGuideforIntroductiontotheInterNACHIStandardsofPracticeCourseThisstudyguidecanhelpyou:

• takenotes;• readandstudyoffline;• organizeinformation;and• prepareforassignmentsandassessments.

AsamemberofInterNACHI,youmaycheckyoureducationfolder,transcript,andcoursecompletionsbyloggingintoyourMembers-OnlyAccountatwww.nachi.org/account.Topurchasetextbooks(printedandelectronic),visitInterNACHI’secommercepartnerInspectorOutletatwww.inspectoroutlet.com.Copyright©2007-2015InternationalAssociationofCertifiedHomeInspectors,Inc.

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StudentVerificationandInteractivityStudentVerificationByenrollinginthiscourse,thestudentherebyatteststhats/heisthepersoncompletingallcoursework.S/heunderstandsthathavinganotherpersoncompletethecourseworkforhimorherisfraudulentandwillresultinbeingdeniedcoursecompletionandcorrespondingcredithours.Thecourseproviderreservestherighttomakecontactasnecessarytoverifytheintegrityofanyinformationsubmittedorcommunicatedbythestudent.Thestudentagreesnottoduplicateordistributeanypartofthiscopyrightedworkorprovideotherpartieswiththeanswersorcopiesoftheassessmentsthatarepartofthiscourse.Ifplagiarismorcopyrightinfringementisproven,thestudentwillbenotifiedofsuchandbarredfromthecourseand/orhavehis/hercredithoursand/orcertificationrevoked.Communicationonthemessageboardorforumshallbeofthepersoncompletingallcoursework.

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ExceedingtheStandardsofPracticebyInterNACHI'sLegalCounselMarkCohenandInterNACHIFounderNickGromickoInspectorssometimesaskaboutthepotentiallegalconsequencesiftheirinspectionsgobeyondwhatInterNACHI’sStandardsofPractice(SOP)require.Ofcourse,everyinspectionmust,ataminimum,substantiallymeettherequirementsoftheSOP.IfaninspectorfailstocomplywiththeSOP,thecustomerwouldhavevalidclaimsagainsttheinspectorforbreachofcontractandmisrepresentation.Therefore,whenindoubtaboutwhattheSOPrequiresinaparticularsituation,theinspectorshoulderronthesideofcautionandexceedwhattheSOPrequires.Itisbettertodoalittlemorethanwhatmayberequiredthantodolessandriskapotentialclaimandharmtoyourreputation.Awordofcaution:ifaninspectorconsistentlygoesfarbeyondwhattheSOPrequires,acustomermightsuccessfullyarguethattheinspectorvoluntarilyassumedadutygreaterthanthecontractrequired.MostinspectioncontractscontainlanguagestatingthattheinspectorwillperformtheinspectioninaccordancewithInterNACHI’sSOP.AninspectorwhogoesfarbeyondwhattheSOPrequiresmayopenhimselfuptoaclaimthattherewasanoralagreementthathewasgoingtodoamorerigorousinspectionthanwhat'srequiredbytheSOP.Ifaninspectorvoluntarilyassumesadutygreaterthanthedutyrequiredbythecontract,theinspectorhasanobligationtoperformthoseadditionaltaskswithreasonablecare.

IntroductionThiscourseisdesignedtoreviewInterNACHI'sStandardsofPracticeforPerformingaGeneralHomeInspection.

Manyslidesinthiscoursecontainimagesthatcanbeenlargedbyclickingontheimageoronalinkbelowtheimage.

MostoftheterminologycontainedintheStandardscanbefoundwithintheglossaryattheendofthiscourse.

Aftereachsection,thereisabriefquiztotestyourunderstandingofthecoursecontent.Thequizzesaremultiple-choiceandaredesignedtogiveyouguidanceinareasthatyoumayneedtoreviewagain.Sectionscanbeaccessedusingthe"PreviousPage"buttonandthe"NextPage"buttonatthebottomofeachpage,oryoucanusethenavigationbarontheleftsideofeachpage.

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TheStandardsofPracticearenotexhaustiveandcoveronlytheminimumrequirementsthatanInterNACHImembermustfollowforageneralhomeinspection.YourstateorprovincemayhaveadoptedlicensingandtheirownStandardsofPracticethatyoumustalsofollowinordertokeepyourlicenseactiveandingoodstanding.PleasetakethetimetoreadandunderstandInterNACHI'sStandardsofPracticeforPerformingaGeneralHomeInspectionbeforetakingthiscourse.

ThiscoursemirrorsInterNACHI'sStandardsofPracticeandcovers:

1.DefinitionsandScope

2.Limitations,Exceptions&Exclusions3.StandardsofPractice

3.1.Roof3.2.Exterior3.3.Basement,Foundation,Crawlspace&Structure3.4.Heating3.5.Cooling3.6.Plumbing3.7.Electrical3.8.Fireplace3.9.Attic,Insulation&Ventilation3.10.Doors,Windows&Interior

4.GlossaryofTerms

1.DefinitionsandScope1.1.Ageneralhomeinspectionisanon-invasive,visualexaminationoftheaccessibleareasofaresidentialproperty(asdelineatedbelow),performedforafee,whichisdesignedtoidentifydefectswithinspecificsystemsandcomponentsdefinedbytheseStandardsthatarebothobservedanddeemedmaterialbytheinspector.ThescopeofworkmaybemodifiedbytheClientandInspectorpriortotheinspectionprocess.

·component:Apermanentlyinstalledorattachedfixture,elementorpartofasystem.·generalhomeinspection(also,homeinspectionandstandardhomeinspection):TheprocessbywhichaninspectorvisuallyexaminesthereadilyaccessiblesystemsandcomponentsofahomeandoperatesthosesystemsandcomponentsutilizingtheseStandardsofPracticeasaguideline.

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·inspect:Toexaminereadilyaccessiblesystemsandcomponentssafely,usingnormaloperatingcontrols,andaccessingreadilyaccessibleareas,inaccordancewiththeseStandardsofPractice.

Anon-invasive,visualexaminationrelatestothefactthat,inmostcases,homeinspectorsarenotrequiredtodismantleorremovecomponents,withtheoneexceptionbeingtheremovalofelectricalpanelcovers(deadfronts).Aresidentialpropertycanincludeapartments,condos,single-familyhomes,andstructurescontainingmultipleunits.However,someauthoritieslimitthesetoabuildingwithamaximumoffourunits.Anyinspectionmustincludeanagreementbetweentheinspectorandtheclientastowhichcomponentsandsystemstheinspectorwillbeevaluating.

I.Thegeneralhomeinspectionisbasedontheobservationsmadeonthedateoftheinspection,andnotapredictionoffutureconditions.

• condition:Thevisibleandconspicuousstateofbeingofanobject.• evaluate:Toassessthesystems,structuresand/orcomponentsofaproperty.• inspectedproperty:Thereadilyaccessibleareasofthebuildings,site,items,

componentsandsystemsincludedintheinspection.

Rememberthat,asaninspector,youcanonlyreportonwhatyoucansee,givenreasonableaccess.

II.Thegeneralhomeinspectionwillnotrevealeveryissuethatexistsorevercouldexist,butonlythosematerialdefectsobservedonthedateoftheinspection.

1.2.Amaterialdefectisaspecificissuewithasystemorcomponentofaresidentialpropertythatmayhaveasignificant,adverseimpactonthevalueoftheproperty,orthatposesanunreasonablerisktopeople.Thefactthatasystemorcomponentisnear,atorbeyondtheendofitsnormalusefullifeisnot,initself,amaterialdefect.

• unsafe:Intheinspector'sopinion,aconditionofanarea,system,componentorprocedurethatisjudgedtobeasignificantriskofinjuryduringnormal,day-to-dayuse.Theriskmaybeduetodamage,deterioration,improperinstallation,orachangeinacceptedresidentialconstructionstandards.

Forexample,acrackedfoundationoradangerouselectricalconditionwouldconstituteamaterialdefect,butaroofcoveringthathadexceededitsintendedlifespanwouldnot,unlessitwasalsoshowingsignsofleakage.

1.3.Ageneralhomeinspectionreportshallidentify,inwrittenformat,defectswithinspecificsystemsandcomponentsdefinedbytheseStandardsthatarebothobservedanddeemedmaterialbytheinspector.Inspectionreportsmayincludeadditionalcommentsandrecommendations.

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• report:(verbform)Toexpress,communicateorprovideinformationinwriting;giveawrittenaccountof.

• inspectionreport:Awrittencommunication(possiblyincludingimages)ofanymaterialdefectsobservedduringtheinspection.

2.Limitations,Exceptions&Exclusions2.1.Limitations:

I. Aninspectionisnottechnicallyexhaustive.II. Aninspectionwillnotidentifyconcealedorlatentdefects.III. Aninspectionwillnotdealwithaestheticconcernsorwhatcouldbe

deemedmattersoftaste,cosmeticdefects,etc.IV. Aninspectionwillnotdeterminethesuitabilityofthepropertyforanyuse.V. Aninspectiondoesnotdeterminethemarketvalueofthepropertyorits

marketability.VI. Aninspectiondoesnotdeterminetheinsurabilityoftheproperty.VII. Aninspectiondoesnotdeterminetheadvisabilityorinadvisabilityofthepurchase

oftheinspectedproperty.VIII. Aninspectiondoesnotdeterminethelifeexpectancyofthepropertyorany

componentsorsystemstherein.IX. Aninspectiondoesnotincludeitemsnotpermanentlyinstalled.X. TheseStandardsofPracticeapplyonlytopropertieswithfourorfewerresidential

units.

·2.2.Exclusions:

I.Theinspectorisnotrequiredtodetermine:

A. propertyboundarylinesorencroachments.B. theconditionofanycomponentorsystemthatisnotreadily

accessible.C. theservicelifeexpectancyofanycomponentorsystem.D. thesize,capacity,BTU,performanceorefficiencyofanycomponentor

system.E. thecauseorreasonofanycondition.F. thecausefortheneedofcorrection,repairorreplacementofany

systemorcomponent.G. futureconditions.H. compliancewithcodesorregulations.I. thepresenceofevidenceofrodents,birds,animals,insects,orother

pests.J. thepresenceofmold,mildeworfungus.K. thepresenceofairbornehazards,includingradon.

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L. theairquality.M. theexistenceofenvironmentalhazards,includingleadpaint,asbestos

ortoxicdrywall.N. theexistenceofelectromagneticfields.O. anyhazardouswasteconditions.P. anymanufacturers'recallsorconformancewithmanufacturer

installation,oranyinformationincludedforconsumerprotectionpurposes.

Q. acousticalproperties.R. correction,replacementorrepaircostestimates.S. estimatesofthecosttooperateanygivensystem.

II.Theinspectorisnotrequiredtooperate:

A. anysystemthatisshutdown.B. anysystemthatdoesnotfunctionproperly.C. orevaluatelow-voltageelectricalsystemssuchas,butnotlimitedto:

1.phonelines;2.cablelines;3.satellitedishes;4.antennae;5.lights;or6.remotecontrols.

D. anysystemthatdoesnotturnonwiththeuseofnormaloperatingcontrols.

E. anyshut-offvalvesormanualstopvalves.F. anyelectricaldisconnectorover-currentprotectiondevices.G. anyalarmsystems.H. moisturemeters,gasdetectorsorsimilarequipment.

III.Theinspectorisnotrequiredto:

A. moveanypersonalitemsorotherobstructions,suchas,butnotlimitedto:throwrugs,carpeting,wallcoverings,furniture,ceilingtiles,windowcoverings,equipment,plants,ice,debris,snow,water,dirt,pets,oranythingelsethatmightrestrictthevisualinspection.

B. dismantle,openoruncoveranysystemorcomponent.C. enteroraccessanyareathatmay,intheopinionoftheinspector,be

unsafe.D. entercrawlspacesorotherareasthatmaybeunsafeornotreadily

accessible.E. inspectundergrounditems,suchas,butnotlimitedto:lawn-irrigation

systems,undergroundstoragetanksorotherindicationsoftheirpresence,whetherabandonedoractivelyused.

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F. doanythingwhichmay,intheinspector'sopinion,beunsafeordangeroustotheinspectororothers,ordamageproperty,suchas,butnotlimitedto:walkingonroofsurfaces,climbingladders,enteringatticspaces,ornegotiatingwithpets.

G. inspectdecorativeitems.H. inspectcommonelementsorareasinmulti-unithousing.I. inspectintercoms,speakersystemsorsecuritysystems.J. offerguaranteesorwarranties.K. offerorperformanyengineeringservices.L. offerorperformanytradeorprofessionalserviceotherthangeneral

homeinspection.M. researchthehistoryoftheproperty,orreportonitspotentialfor

alteration,modification,extendibilityorsuitabilityforaspecificorproposeduseforoccupancy.

N. determinetheageofconstructionorinstallationofanysystem,structureorcomponentofabuilding,ordifferentiatebetweenoriginalconstructionandsubsequentadditions,improvements,renovationsorreplacements.

O. determinetheinsurabilityofaproperty.P. performorofferPhase1orenvironmentalaudits.Q. inspectanysystemorcomponentthatisnotincludedinthese

Standards.

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Quiz#1:DefinitionsandScopeAhomeinspectionisa(n)_______________.

• non-invasive,visualexaminationoftheaccessibleareasofaresidentialproperty• non-invasivevisualexaminationofacommercialproperty• invasive,visualexaminationofaresidentialdwelling

Anissuethatwouldbeconsideredasafetyhazardwouldalsobeconsidereda___________defect.

• material• computer• light• insignificant

Acomponentisdefinedas___________.

• apermanentlyinstalledorattachedfixture• somethingattachedtosomethingelse• atemporarilyinstalledorattachedfixture

Althoughnotalwaysrequired,homeinspectorsnormallyremovethecoverson_________.

• electricalpanels• boilersandfurnaces• enclosedplumbingchases

Aninspectionreportmayinclude______________.

• allofthese• images• additionalcommentsbeyondidentifiedmaterialdefects• recommendations

Aresidentialbuildingwithupto_____unitsiscoveredbythisSOP.

• four• 10• two

A__________defectisonethatcouldseriouslyaffectthehome'svalue.

• material• general

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• inherent• max

Ahomeinspectormustproducea________reportregardinghis/herobservationsoftheconditionoftheproperty.

• written• verbal

Ahomeinspector______requiredtoreportonthefutureconditionofthestructure.

• isnot• is

Quiz#2:LimitationsAhomeinspectionreport___________includecommentsbasedonthedecor.

• shouldnot• should

Aninspectionreport_____________commentontheproperty'spossiblecommercialuse.


Homeinspectors________requiredtomovefurniturewhenneeded.

• arenot• are

Ahomeinspectionreport_____awarrantyofcomponentsandsystems.

• isnot• is

Thehomeinspectorisrequiredtodetermine__________.

• neitherofthese• thepresenceofmold• bothofthese• thepresenceofmildew

Homeinspectors________requiredtoevaluateunsafepartsofthestructure.

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• arenot• are

Ahomeinspectionreportmustincludeidentificationofthepresenceof___________.

• noneofthese• asbestos• allofthese• radon• leadpaint

Theinspectionreport___________includeadeterminationofwhetheranyadditionswerecompletedtocode.


Repairestimates_________requiredintheinspectionreport.

• arenot• are

Inspectors__________requiredtocheckforcompliancewithlocalcodesorregulations.

• arenot• are

RoofSection3.1.Roof

Includedininspectingtheroofaretheroof-coveringmaterials,sheathingandgutteringsystems.

Theroofisthesecondlargestareaofinspectorliability,andit'snotalwaysaneasyareatoassessproperly.

3.1.Roof

I.Theinspectorshallinspectfromgroundlevelortheeaves:

A. theroof-coveringmaterials;B. thegutters;

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C. thedownspouts;D. thevents,flashing,skylights,chimneyandotherroofpenetrations;

andE. thegeneralstructureoftherooffromthereadilyaccessiblepanels,

doorsorstairs.

WhiletheSOPrequiresinspectorstoinspecttheroof,howthisisaccomplisheddependsontheinspector'scomfortlevel;manyinspectorsneverwalkaroof.Inmanycases,thesafestwaytoexaminearoofisfromaladderattheeaves.(RefertoInterNACHI'sSafePracticesfortheHomeInspectorcourse.)

Anexaminationoftheroofhelpsidentifythetypeofmaterialused(slate,asphaltshingle,woodshake,rollroofing,etc.).Basedonavisualinspection,adeterminationcanbemadeastoitsgeneralcondition,aswellasanyproblemsordeficiencies.

Inspectingtheguttering,aswellasnotingitsmaterial,conditionandattachment,mayalsogivevisualcluesastotheconditionoftheroof.(Forexample,isthegutterfullofaggregatefromwornasphaltshingles?)

Downspoutsareacriticalpartoftheguttersystem;theyshouldbeproperlyconnectedtoboththegutteringandthestructure,and,whendischargingabovegrade,shouldbedivertingwaterwellawayfromthestructureandthefoundation.

Vents,flashings,skylights,etc.,canbeasignificantproblem,astheyareallengineeredholesintheroofcovering.Ifnotproperlyinstalledormaintained,theymayallowrainwatertoenterthesheathingand/oratticspace.Somecomponents,suchasthechimneycricket,canbedifficulttoevaluatefromupclose.

II.Theinspectorshalldescribe:

A. thetypeofroof-coveringmaterials.

III.Theinspectorshallreportasinneedofcorrection:

A. observedindicationsofactiveroofleaks.

Evaluatingtheroofstructureisbestdonefrominsidetheatticspace(withsafeaccess);itisanextremelyimportantpartoftheinspection.Inspectorsmustchecktheundersideofthesheathingforsignsofmoisturepenetration,lookingcloselyatroofpenetrationsforsignsofflashingfailure,andobvioussignsofstructuralproblems,suchassplitraftersandimproperlycutroof-trusssystems.

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IV.Theinspectorisnotrequiredto:

A. walkonanyroofsurface.B. predicttheservicelifeexpectancy.C. inspectundergrounddownspoutdiverterdrainagepipes.D. removesnow,ice,debrisorotherconditionsthatprohibitthe

observationoftheroofsurfaces.E. moveinsulation.F. inspectantennae,satellitedishes,lightningarresters,de-icing

equipment,orsimilarattachments.G. walkonanyroofareasthatappear,intheopinionoftheinspector,to

beunsafe.H. walkonanyroofareasifitmight,intheopinionoftheinspector,

causedamage.I. performawatertest.J. warrantorcertifytheroof.K. confirmproperfasteningorinstallationofanyroof-coveringmaterial.

Asdiscussedpreviously,walkingaroofisamatterofchoice,butsomeroofcoveringscanbeeasilydamagedbycarelessinspection.Withmaterialssuchasslate,tile,andsometypesofshingles,aninspectorcancrackordislodgepartsofthecovering.

Predictinglifeexpectancyofanycomponentcanbeveryrisky,androofingmaterialsmakethattaskmoredifficultstill.Astandardasphaltshingleroof,forexample,hasalifespanthatisdependentonprevailingweather,overhangingtrees,thenumberoflayersofcovering,andadequateventilation,tonamebutafewfactors.

Undergrounddownspoutterminationsfallintothe"Ifyoucan'tseeit,youcan'treportit"category.Often,thedrainagesystemhasfailedduetosiltingup,rootsystemblockages,orcollapsedpipework.

Itisalsounsafetowalkmostroofswhentheyarewet,icy,snow-coveredormossy.Removingsnow,iceordebristoinspecttheroofishazardous,similartobeingupontheroofinadverseweatherconditions.

Inspectingantennae,satellitedishes,andsimilaritemsisnotrequired,butacompetentinspectorwillchecktheirattachmenttothefixedsystemsoftheroof,suchaschimneysandthrough-the-roofmountings.

Recommended:InterNACHI'sRoofInspectioncourse.

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Quiz#3:RoofHomeinspectors_____requiredtowalkeveryroof.

• arenot• are

______________neednotbeinspected.

• Televisionantennaeandsatellitedishes• Skylights• Roofventsandflashings• Downspouts

Inspectors________requiredtogainaccesstoallatticspaces.

• arenot• are

Theinspectorisrequiredtoreportonthe__________conditionoftheroof-coveringmaterials.

• visible• unseen• palpable

Theconditionof____________neednotbereported.

• undergrounddrainage• theguttering• thedownspouts

Homeinspectors________trainedtodeterminethefuturelifeexpectancyofroof-coveringmaterials.

• arenot• are

Whichofthefollowingshouldtheinspectorremovepriortoevaluatingtheroof?

• noneofthese• debris• leaves• allofthese• snowandice

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ExteriorSection3.2.Exterior

Thissectionincludestheexteriorofthehome,thecomponentsthatareattachedtoit,andthelotthatitsitson.

3.2.Exterior

I.Theinspectorshallinspect:

A. theexteriorwall-coveringmaterial,flashingandtrim;B. allexteriordoors;C. adjacentwalkwaysanddriveways;D. stairs,steps,stoops,stairwaysandramps;E. porches,patios,decks,balconiesandcarports;F. railings,guardsandhandrails;G. theeaves,soffitsandfascia;H. arepresentativenumberofwindows;andI. vegetation,surfacedrainage,retainingwallsandgradingofthe

property,whentheymayadverselyaffectthestructureduetomoistureintrusion.

Manyinspectorsstartwithawalkaroundthestructure,takingnotesaswellasphotos,andlookingcloselyatthestructureforwallsoutofplumb,whetherachimneyisleaning,etc.,andgenerallygettingthefeelofthehome.Manythingsthatareobservedoutsidearecluestogreaterissueswiththeproperty.Theexterioritselfcanbeverycomplicated,withmultiplecomponentsandsystems.Allexteriorsystemsshouldbethoroughlyevaluated.

Woodencomponentsaresusceptibletorot,particularlywhentheyareinstalledneargradeorjustundertheroofline.Forexample,exteriorflashingsandtrimaretypicallyproblematicissuesevenonanotherwisewell-maintainedhome.Itisnotunusualtoseetrimrottedawayduetopoorinstallationofflashings.Itisunusualtofindagaragedoorframewithoutrot.Theattachmentofanyexteriorcomponentshouldbechecked,particularlydecks,stoops,stepsandstairs,manyofwhichshowsignsofinadequateattachmentandpoorflashing.

Amajorsafetyconcernofstepsanddecksisthelackofproperguardrailsandhandrails.Evenwhenpresent,theyareoftenfoundtobeunsafeduetodesignorinadequateinstallationorattachment.


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A. thetypeofexteriorwall-coveringmaterials.


A. anyimproperspacingbetweenintermediatebalusters,spindlesandrails.

Competentinspectorsalsoevaluatethelotandgroundsofthehome,andreportontreesthatposeathreattothestructure,retainingwallsthataredamagedorrotten,footpathsandwalkwaysthatpresentatriphazard,andthegeneraltopographyofthesiteanditsabilitytodrainsurfacewater.Everyinspectionreportshoulddetailthetypeandmaterialsofthehome'scomponentsandsystems.Thereportshouldshowwhattheexteriorwallstructureismadeofandhowitiscovered.Anexampleofthismightbe:"Frameconstructedwithvinylsiding,"orbrickveneer,orsolidmasonry,etc.

Asasidenote,InterNACHI'sResidentialSOPdoesnotrequireinspectorstoevaluatedetachedgarages.However,manyinspectorsdosoaspartoftheirexteriorinspection,andsomearefurtherrequiredtoincludegaragesintheirgeneralhomeinspections,asmandatedbytheirstate.Inthiscase,inspectorsshouldnotethesametypesofdefectsasdescribedforthehome'sexteriorstructureingeneral.InterNACHIprovidesusefulguidelinesinitsHowtoInspecttheExteriorcourse(Section31:InspectingaGarage),aswellasanarticletitleAGarageInspection.Inspectorsshouldfurthernotethat,accordingtotheNEC(210.8A2),allgaragesarenowrequiredtohaveGFCI-protectedelectricalreceptacles/outlets,andtheabsenceofthemshouldbecalledoutandnotedintheinspectionreport.

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A. inspectoroperatescreens,stormwindows,shutters,awnings,fences,outbuildings,orexterioraccentlighting.

B. inspectitemsthatarenotvisibleorreadilyaccessiblefromtheground,includingwindowanddoorflashing.

C. inspectoridentifygeological,geotechnical,hydrologicalorsoilconditions.

D. inspectrecreationalfacilitiesorplaygroundequipment.E. inspectseawalls,breakwallsordocks.F. inspecterosion-controlorearth-stabilizationmeasures.G. inspectforsafety-typeglass.H. inspectundergroundutilities.I. inspectundergrounditems.J. inspectwellsorsprings.K. inspectsolar,windorgeothermalsystems.L. inspectswimmingpoolsorspas.M. inspectwastewatertreatmentsystems,septicsystemsorcesspools.N. inspectirrigationorsprinklersystems.O. inspectdrainfieldsordrywells.P. determinetheintegrityofmultiple-panewindowglazingorthermal

windowseals.

Quiz#4:ExteriorAninspectorisnotrequiredtoreportonthesiding's_________.

• color• material• flashings• condition

Aninspectorshouldreportonvegetationaroundthehomewhenitmayadverselyaffectthestructuredueto_______________.

• moistureintrusion• structuralintegration• insectinfestation

Aninspectorisrequiredtoreportallofthefollowingelementsofadeck,exceptits____________.

• furniture

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• supports• flashing• attachment

Aninspector________reportontheconditionofsoffittrim.

• should• shouldnot

Thehomeinspector_________reportonwhetherthehomeisinanareaofseismicactivity.


Aninspector___________estimatethedepthofaproperty'slocalgroundwatertable.


Thehomeinspector__________confirmthatthelotlinesconformwiththeproperty'slegaldescriptionorlistingdetails.


Basement,Foundation,Crawlspace&StructureSection3.3:Basement,Foundation,etc.

Thissectioncoversallofthevisiblestructuralelementsofaresidentialproperty.Itisvitaltounderstandthesesystems,astheyposethegreatestliabilityforahomeinspector.

(RememberthatthiscourseisabouttheStandardsandnotabouthowtoinspectthevarioussystemsthemselves.TakeInterNACHI'sStructuralIssuesforHomeInspectorscourse.)

3.3.Basement,Foundation,Crawlspace&Structure


A. thefoundation;B. thebasement;C. thecrawlspace;andD. structuralcomponents.

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Thissectioncoversmanydifferentbuildingtypes.InsomepartsoftheU.S.,homesareusuallybuiltonslabs;inotherregions,themajorityarebuiltwithfullbasements.Similarly,someareashaveprimarilystick-builtstructures,whileothersuseconcreteblock,brickoradobe.

Inallcases,theinspectorisrequiredtoreportonthevisiblestructureonlyandreportonthematerialandtypeoffoundation(e.g.pouredconcreteslaborconcreteblockfoundation).Also,thewallstructureandmaterialsshouldbereportedwhentheycanbedetermined.

Whenevaluatingthestructure,oneofthebiggestproblemsismoistureseepingintoit.Sometimes,itisobvious,suchaswhenthereiswaterpoolingonthefloor.Often,thesignsaremoresubtle,suchasefflorescenceorstainingoftheinteriortrim.Allaccessibleareasshouldbeinspectedforsignsofmoisture.Whenindicationsofmoistureintrusionarefound,thoseareasshouldbeprobed,examinedfurther,andreportedasinneedoffurtherevaluationtodeterminetheextentofanypotentialdamage.


A. thetypeoffoundation;andB. thelocationoftheaccesstotheunder-floorspace.


A. observedindicationsofwoodincontactwithornearsoil;B. observedindicationsofactivewaterpenetration;C. observedindicationsofpossiblefoundationmovement,suchas

sheetrockcracks,brickcracks,out-of-squaredoorframes,andunlevelfloors;and

D. onanyobservedcutting,notchingandboringofframingmembersthatmay,intheinspector'sopinion,presentastructuralorsafetyconcern.

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Thestructureshouldbeverycarefullyinspectedforanypotentialsignsofmovement.Thiscouldmanifestinvariousways,rangingfromseverefoundationcrackstosignsofcrackingintheinteriorfinishedwalls.

Justasinthecaseofatticspaces,thehomeinspectorshouldalwaysattempttogainaccesstothefoundationstructurewheneveritissafetodoso.Yourevaluationisbasedonobservedconditions.Manyhomeshaveverysmallaccessesintocrawlspaces,andbasementsareoftenchokedwithstoreditems.Ifaccessisrestricted,theinspectorshouldreportthelimitationsoftheinspection.Ifthehomehasasumppump,itshouldbecheckedaslongasthereissafeaccesstoit;insomecases,thepumpissealedaspartofaradonmitigationsystemandshouldnotbedisturbed.

Evaluatingthedesignofthestructureanditseffectivenessarebeyondthescopeofahomeinspection,andanyloadorengineeringcalculationsshouldbelefttoprofessionalengineersandarchitects.Alwaysreportthefactsasyouhavevisuallyobservedthem;donotofferyouropinionsorspeculation.Whenindoubtregardingastructural(oranyother)issue,deferfurtherevaluationtoalicensedprofessional.


A. enteranycrawlspacethatisnotreadilyaccessibleorwhereentrycouldcausedamageorposeahazardtotheinspector.

B. movestoreditemsordebris.C. operatesumppumpswithinaccessiblefloats.D. identifythesize,spacing,spanorlocationordeterminetheadequacyof

foundationbolting,bracing,joists,joistspansorsupportsystems.E. provideanyengineeringorarchitecturalservice.F. reportontheadequacyofanystructuralsystemorcomponent.

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Quiz#5:Basement,Foundation,etc.Theinspectorisnotrequiredtoreportonthe______________.

• footings• basement• crawlspace• foundation

Thehomeinspectorisrequiredtoreportonanyindicationsof__________settlement.

• foundation• lawsuit• gaslevel• baseboard

Allhomeinspectors_______generallyqualifiedtoofferengineeringadvice.

• arenot• are

Thefollowingshouldbeevaluatedbythehomeinspector:___________.

• noneofthese• allofthese• joistspanlength• foundationbolting• beamsize

Aninspector_____requiredtouseamoisturemetertoevaluatestructuraldampnessorrisingdamp.

• isnot• is

Thehomeinspector______requiredtoenterallcrawlspaces.

• isnot• is

Thehomeinspector_______requiredtoremovepanelingtoproperlyevaluatethefoundation.

• isnot• is

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Theinspectorisrequiredtoreportonthe____________.

• visiblestructure• adequacyofstructuralsystems• footings

HeatingSection3.4.Heating

3.4.Heating


A. theheatingsystem,usingnormaloperatingcontrols.


A. thelocationofthethermostatfortheheatingsystem;B. theenergysource;andC. theheatingmethod.


A. anyheatingsystemthatdidnotoperate;and

B. iftheheatingsystemwasdeemedinaccessible.

Whenreportingontheheatingsystem,itistypicaltostatethefueltypeanddistributionmethod,suchasforcedairbyelectricfurnace,orhydronicviaoilboiler,etc.

Wheninspectingaboilerorfurnace,aninspectorshouldoperateitonlyusingitsnormalcontrols,suchastheroomthermostat.S/heisnotrequiredtoremovefixed-appliancecabinetry.

Electricfurnacesthataretypicallyusedinwarmerclimatesareintegraltothehome'sair-conditioningsystem.Theseshouldalsobeoperatedonlyusingtheirnormalcontrols.Anydeficienciesshouldbenotedinthereport.

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Thehomeinspectorisrequiredtomakenoteinthereportofanylimitationstotheevaluationofthesystem.Suchnotesmayincludethatthemechanicalroomwaslocked,oraccesstotheboilerwasblockedbypersonalbelongings,etc.


A. inspectorevaluatetheinterioroffluesorchimneys,firechambers,heatexchangers,combustionairsystems,fresh-airintakes,humidifiers,dehumidifiers,electronicairfilters,geothermalsystems,orsolarheatingsystems.

B. inspectfueltanksorundergroundorconcealedfuelsupplysystems.C. determinetheuniformity,temperature,flow,balance,distribution,

size,capacity,BTU,orsupplyadequacyoftheheatingsystem.D. lightorignitepilotflames.E. activateheating,heatpumpsystems,orotherheatingsystemswhen

ambienttemperaturesorothercircumstancesarenotconducivetosafeoperationormaydamagetheequipment.

F. overrideelectronicthermostats.G. evaluatefuelquality.H. verifythermostatcalibration,heatanticipation,orautomaticsetbacks,

timers,programsorclocks.

Whilemostinspectorswillattempttogiveaclientasmuchinformationaspossibleabouttheheatingsystem,itisoftenthesituationthatitsfullevaluationisbeyondtheStandardsofPractice,ortheexpectedknowledgeorcapabilitiesofhomeinspectors.Manysystemsareenclosedorotherwiseinaccessible,asinthecaseofmostheatexchangersandradiant-heatsystems.

Undergroundfueltanksare,bydefinition,notreadilyaccessible,buttheirpresenceshouldbereportediftheirpresenceisknownorsuspected.Ifthepresenceofanundergroundfuelstoragetankislistedontheseller'sdisclosure,theinspectorshouldmakenoteofthefactandrecommendfurtherevaluationbyaspecialist.

Anyanalysisoftheadequacyorefficiencyofaheatingunitanditsdistributionistechnicallybeyondmosthomeinspectors'ability.Aheatingsystem'sperformanceshouldbeevaluatedbytrainedand/orlicensedpersonnel.

Anysystemshouldbeoperatedonlyinitsnormalenvironment,andcareshouldbetakennottodamageanysystemorcontrolbyinappropriateuse.

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Theinspectorshouldreturnallcontrolstotheirprevioussettingsaftercompletingtheinspection.

PleasetakeInterNACHI'sHVACInspectioncourse.

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Quiz#6:HeatingTheinspectorisrequiredtodescribethe_________source.

• energy• plumbing• ventilation

Ifthefurnaceorboilerisinaccessible,it______necessarytoreportthis.

• is• isnot

Heatingsystemsshouldbeoperatedusingthe____________.

• thermostat• maindisconnect• fuelshut-offvalve

Inspectingelectricfurnacesfalls_________thisSOP.

• within• outside

Thefollowingheatingsystemsmustbereportedon:_______________.

• allofthese• electricfurnaces• noneofthese• hydronic• forcedhotair

Inspectors______requiredtouncovertheheatexchangerforafullevaluation.

• arenot• are

Ifagas-firedboiler'spilotlightisnotlit,theinspector______requiredtolightit.

• isnot• is

Theinspectorisrequiredtonotethe_____________intheheatingsectionoftheinspectionreport.

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• fueltype• carbonmonoxidelevels• lifeexpectancyofthesystem

Allundergroundoiltanks________befullyevaluated.

• don'tneedto• must

Inspectorsarenotrequiredtooperateradiator_______valves.

• bleed• sump• corrector• joint

Theinspector______requiredtovisuallyinspecttheinteriorofallboilerflues.

• isnot• is

Determiningtheefficiencyofgeothermalheatingsystems_________coveredbythisSOP.

• isnot• is

Inspectors______requiredtodeterminetheageoffiltersonoilboilers.

• arenot• are

Inspectors_______requiredtoperformandreportonafullevaluationofdehumidifiers.

• arenot• are

Anywinterizedsystems___________beoperatedbytheinspector.


Theinspectorshouldreturnthermostatsandothercontrolstotheir___________settingsafterevaluatingsuchsystems.

• previous• factory

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• lowest• highest

CoolingSection3.5.Cooling

Duetothenatureofair-conditioningequipment,otherthanbasicoperation,littleisrequiredoftheinspectorundertheseStandards.PleasetakeInterNACHI'sHVACInspectioncourse.

3.5.Cooling


A. thecoolingsystemusingnormaloperatingcontrols.


A. thelocationofthethermostateforthecoolingsystem;andB. thecoolingmethod.

Asisthecasewithheatingunits,coolingsystemsshouldbeoperatedusingonlytheirnormalcontrols.Withcoolingequipment,thenon-requirementscanbethemostimportantconsiderationsiftheinspectordoesnotwishtodamagethesystem.

Mostelectronicorcomputerizedreportingsystemshavefieldsorcommentboxesthatdefinethetypeofsystem,itsfuelsupply,andwhetheritisastand-alonesystemorpartoftheoverallHVACsystem.

Mostinspectorsperformtheirvisualinspectionofthecoolingsystembyevaluatingthecomponentslocatedoutdoors,suchasthecondensercabinet,refrigerantlines,andelectricaldisconnect.Insidethehome,theyinspecttheevaporatorcabinet,drainlines,filters,and,insomecases,thetemperaturesplitsbetweenthesupplyandreturnair.Inadditiontothemakeandmodelnumberoftheequipment,mostinspectorsalsonotethetotalcapacityofthesystem.


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A. anycoolingsystemthatdidnotoperate;andB. ifthecoolingsystemwasdeemedinaccessible.


A. determinetheuniformity,temperature,flow,balance,distribution,size,capacity,BTU,orsupplyadequacyofthecoolingsystem.

B. inspectportablewindowunits,through-wallunits,orelectronicairfilters.

C. operateequipmentorsystemsiftheexteriortemperatureisbelow65°Fahrenheit,orwhenothercircumstancesarenotconducivetosafeoperationormaydamagetheequipment.

D. inspectordeterminethermostatcalibration,coolinganticipation,orautomaticsetbacksorclocks.

E. examineelectricalcurrent,coolantfluidsorgases,orcoolantleakage.

Theprimaryissuewheninspectingcoolingsystemsistooperatetheequipmentonlywhentheambienttemperatureallowsit.Eventhen,careshouldbetakentousethenormalcontrolsandoperatingprocedures.Compressorscanbeeasilydamagedbyforcedoperationincoldweatherorbycoldstartsafterperiodsofinactivity.

Normally,inspectorsevaluateonlyfixedsystemsthatarehard-wiredintotheelectricalsupply.Thesemayincludepermanently-installedthrough-wallunits,especiallyinsomecondominiumcomplexes,andmanycommercialproperties,suchashotelsandmotels.

Electronicairfilterscanposeadangertotheuntrainedinspector,astheycleantheairbyattractingdirtparticlestothefilterwithastrongelectrostaticcharge.

Asservicingandevaluatingair-conditioningequipmentisaspecialistfield,inspectorsshoulddeferfurtherevaluationtoatrainedand/orlicensedtechnician,ifitiswarranted.

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Quiz#7:CoolingTheinspectorisrequiredtooperatetheair-conditioningsystemusingonly________controls.

• normal• high• low• safety

Theinspectorshouldalwaysreportonthetypeof_____system.

• AC• paint• flooring• garbage

Theinspector_________alwaysrunallACsystemsforthepurposeofevaluation.


Inspectors_________dismantleelectronicairfilterstocheckthesystem'soperation.

• donotneedto• needto

Air-conditioningsystemsshouldnotbeoperatediftheoutdoortemperatureisbelow________.

• 65degreesF• 55degreesF• 75degreesF

Theinspector______requiredtochecktheair-conditioningsystemforleaks.

• isnot• is

PlumbingSection3.6.Plumbing

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Ahome'splumbingsystemincludesnotjustthewatersupply,wastepipesandvents,butmanyotherareas.Normally,anevaluationoftheplumbingalsoincludesothersupplypiping,suchasgasandoillines.TakeInterNACHI'sPlumbingInspectioncourse.

3.6.Plumbing


A. themainwatersupplyshut-offvalve;B. themainfuelsupplyshut-offvalve;C. thewaterheatingequipment,includingtheenergysource,venting

connections,temperature/pressure-relief(TPR)valves,Watts210valves,andseismicbracing;

D. interiorwatersupply,includingallfixturesandfaucets,byrunningthewater;

E. alltoiletsforproperoperationbyflushing;F. allsinks,tubsandshowersforfunctionaldrainage;G. thedrain,wasteandventsystem;andH. drainagesumppumpswithaccessiblefloats.


A. whetherthewatersupplyispublicorprivatebaseduponobservedevidence;

B. thelocationofthemainwatersupplyshut-offvalve;C. thelocationofthemainfuelsupplyshut-offvalve;D. thelocationofanyobservedfuel-storagesystem;E. thecapacityofthewater-heatingequipment,ifavailable.


A. deficienciesinthewatersupplybyviewingthefunctionalflowintwofixturesoperatedsimultaneously;

B. deficienciesintheinstallationofhotandcoldwaterfaucets;C. mechanicaldrainstopsthatweremissingordidnotoperateif

installedinsinks,lavatoriesandtubs;andD. toiletsthatweredamaged,hadlooseconnectionstothefloor,were

leaking,orhadtankcomponentsthatdidnotoperate.

Mostcomputerizedreportingsystemsincludeafieldthatidentifiesthelocationofthemainwatershut-offvalve.Someinspectorsalsophysicallytagitasafutureaidtothehomebuyer.Cautionmustbeexercisedwitholdshut-offvalves,astheycaneasilyleakwhentheyhavenotbeenoperatedinsometime.Evaluationofthesupplyshouldalsoincludethematerialsofthesupplyandwastepiping.

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Inspectorsshoulddeterminewhetherthewatersupplyisfromaprivatewellorapublicsupply.Aninspectormayrecommendwatertestingofaprivatewatersourcetodeterminethesafetyofthesupply.

Thewater-heatingsystemmustbeidentifiedanddescribedanditsvisibleconditionreported.SpecialcareshouldbetakentoevaluatetheTPRvalveanddischargeline.TheinspectorisnotrequiredtooperatetheTPRvalve,butitneedstobepresentanditshouldhaveaproperdischargelineandtermination.Manyregionsalsorequirethatthetankbestrappedduetopotentialseismicactivity.

Alltoiletsshouldbefullyevaluatedandtheinspectionreportshouldreflectanydeficienciesinthewatersupply,wasteservice,connectiontothefloor,andobviousdefects,suchascrackedpans.Itiscommontofindrottedsub-flooringadjacenttothetoiletduetoleakagearoundthemountingflange.

Themostcommonprocedureusedwhenevaluatingplumbingfixturesistostopperthesinks,runthefaucets(notingtheiroperation),thenunplugthesinkandinspectthewasteanditsconnectionsforsignsofleakage.Dampstainsinthebottomofcabinetryareareliablesignofpreviousorongoingproblemsthatshouldbereported.Fixturesthatareslowtodrainshouldalsobereported,asthesecanbesignsofblockageorpoorventilationinthesystem.

Inspectorsshouldreportonthefunctionalflowofwaterthroughthefixtures.Themostcommonmethodistoruntwoormorefaucetsorfixturesatthesametime.Significantdropsinflowatanindividualfaucetduringthistestcanbeasignofeitherpoorsupplypressureorpartiallycloggedpiping,whichwouldrequirefurtherprofessionalevaluation.Someinspectorsuseapressureandflowmeter,butthisisnotrequired.

Fuelsupplylinesandstoragedevicesshouldalsobeinspectedanddescribed,suchasgaslinesandtheirshut-offs,oiltanksandtheirlocations(ifknown),andanypropaneorLPGtanks.

Anysumppumps,ifaccessible,shouldbeevaluatedandoperatedduringtheplumbinginspection,withanydeficienciesnoted.


A. lightorignitepilotflames.B. determinethesize,temperature,age,lifeexpectancyoradequacyof

thewaterheater.C. inspecttheinterioroffluesorchimneys,combustionairsystems,

watersoftenerorfilteringsystems,wellpumpsortanks,safetyorshut-offvalves,floordrains,lawnsprinklersystems,orfiresprinklersystems.

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D. determinetheexactflowrate,volume,pressure,temperatureoradequacyofthewatersupply.

E. determinethewaterquality,potabilityorreliabilityofthewatersupplyorsource.

F. opensealedplumbingaccesspanels.G. inspectclotheswashingmachinesortheirconnections.H. operateanyvalve.I. testshowerpans,tubandshowersurroundsorenclosuresforleakage

orfunctionaloverflowprotection.J. evaluatethecompliancewithconservation,energyorbuilding

standards,ortheproperdesignorsizingofanywater,wasteorventingcomponents,fixturesorpiping.

K. determinetheeffectivenessofanti-siphon,back-flowpreventionordrain-stopdevices.

L. determinewhethertherearesufficientcleanoutsforeffectivecleaningofdrains.

M. evaluatefuelstoragetanksorsupplysystems.N. inspectwastewatertreatmentsystems.O. inspectwatertreatmentsystemsorwaterfilters.P. inspectwaterstoragetanks,pressurepumps,orbladdertanks.Q. evaluatewait-timetoobtainhotwateratfixtures,orperformtesting

ofanykindtowaterheaterelements.R. evaluateordeterminetheadequacyofcombustionair.S. test,operate,openorclosesafetycontrols,manualstopvalvesand/or

temperature/pressure-reliefvalves.T. examineancillaryorauxiliarysystemsorcomponents,suchas,but

notlimitedto,thoserelatedtosolarwaterheatingandhotwatercirculation.

U. determinetheexistenceorconditionofpolybutyleneplumbing.V. inspectortestforgasorfuelleaks,orindicationsthereof.

Asinthecaseofheatingboilers,theinspectorisnotrequiredtoignitepilotlightsandshouldneverstartanysystemthathasbeenshutdown.Therearemanytalesofinspectorswho,inanefforttobehelpful,haveactivatedaplumbingsystem,onlytohaveamajorfloodontheirhands!

Whiletheageandsizeofawaterheatercanoftenbedeterminedfromitsdataplate,itisusuallyamistaketoguesshowwellitwillmeetthefutureloadsplacedonitand,especially,howlongitislikelytolast.Therearetoomanyvariablesthatcomeintoplay,suchasusage,maintenanceandwaterquality.Manyinspectorshavefallenintothetrapof,ineffect,warrantingasystem,onlyforthatsystemtofailsoonafterorbeshowntobeinadequatefornewneeds.

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Theinspectorcanonlycommentandreportonwhats/hecansee.Theinspectorisnotrequiredtoremoveanyfixedaccesspanels.Manyplumbingcomponentsarehiddeninthiswayandare,therefore,notaccessibleforinspection.Bathandshowerdrainsareexamplesofcomponentsthatsimplycannotbeinspectednon-invasively.Theinternalpartsofothercomponents,suchasthebladderinapressuretank,aregenerallyinaccessibleandcannotbeevaluatedfortheircondition.

Evaluationofsepticandothersewagesystemsis,likewise,beyondthecapabilitiesofmostinspectors.Inmanystates,thisisaseparatelylicensedprofession.

InspectionofsprinklersystemsandirrigationequipmentisnotrequiredbytheseStandards.

Finally,water-filtrationandwater-softeningequipmentandothertreatmentsystemsshouldbeevaluatedandservicedbytheoriginalinstallersandmanufacturers'agents.

Quiz#8:PlumbingWheninspectingtoilets,inspectorsshouldcheck_______________.

• allofthese• attachments• forcracksinthebowl• wasteconnections• thewatersupply

Inspectors________flushalltoilets.


All________wastes,drainsandventsshouldbeinspected.

• visible• non-visible• working• non-working

Reportingontheinspectionofthewaterheatershouldincludethe__________.

• presenceofaTPRvalve• ageoftheunit• sizeoftheunit• identificationofanysludgebuildup

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It______necessarytoreportonleakyfaucets.

• is• isnot

Inspectorsshoulddeterminewhetherthewatersupplyis_______________.

• publicorprivate• visibleorunseen• withinthehomeoroutsidethehome

Inspectorsshouldidentifymainwaterandfuel________valves.

• shut-off• vapor• containment• joist

Functionalwaterflowshouldbeevaluatedby____________.

• runningtwofaucetssimultaneously• thelocalutilitycompany• usingapressureandflowmeteronly

Whenevaluatingthewaterheater,theinspectorshouldreportonits____________.

• fueltype• totalcapacity• lifeexpectancy• age

Mechanicaldrainstoppersshouldbereportedas__________ifmissingorifnotworkingproperly.

• inneedofrepair• astructuralfailure• asignificantdefect

Inspectors________requiredtooperateallplumbingandfuelshut-offvalves.

• arenot• are

Sumppumps_______includedaspartofahomeinspection.

• are

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• arenot

Theinspector________determinethepotabilityofthewatersupply.

• isnotrequiredto• isrequiredto

Theinspectoris____________toguaranteethatshowerpansandbathwastesarefreeofleaks.

• notrequired• required

Evaluatingwatersoftenersandpurifiers_____partofahomeinspection.

• isnot• is

ElectricalSection3.7.Electrical

Theevaluationoftheelectricalsupplyandsystemsisfairlycomplicated,asitcoverssomanyareas.Italsoposespotentialdangerstotheinspector,andoftenhighlightsdefectsthatcouldendangerthelivesofthehome'sinhabitants.TakeInterNACHI'sElectricalInspectioncourse.

Alwaysthinksafety!Protectyourselfandyourclientsbygettingpropertrainingonelectricalinspection,andequipyourselfwithappropriatesafetygear.TakeInterNACHI'sSafePracticesforHomeInspectorscourse.

3.7.Electrical


A. theservicedrop;B. theoverheadserviceconductorsandattachmentpoint;C. theservicehead,gooseneckanddriploops;D. theservicemast,serviceconduitandraceway;E. theelectricmeterandbase;F. service-entranceconductors;G. themainservicedisconnect;H. panelboardsandover-currentprotectiondevices(circuitbreakers

andfuses);

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I. servicegroundingandbonding;J. arepresentativenumberofswitches,lightingfixturesandreceptacles,

includingreceptaclesobservedanddeemedtobearc-faultcircuitinterrupter(AFCI)-protectedusingtheAFCItestbutton,wherepossible;

K. allground-faultcircuitinterrupterreceptaclesandcircuitbreakersobservedanddeemedtobeGFCIsusingaGFCItester,wherepossible;and

L. smokeandcarbon-monoxidedetectors.


A. themainservicedisconnect'samperagerating,iflabeled;andB. thetypeofwiringobserved.


A. deficienciesintheintegrityoftheservice-entranceconductors’insulation,driploop,andverticalclearancesfromgradeandroofs;

B. anyunusedcircuit-breakerpanelopeningthatwasnotfilled;C. thepresenceofsolidconductoraluminumbranch-circuitwiring,if

readilyvisible;D. anytestedreceptacleinwhichpowerwasnotpresent,polaritywas

incorrect,thecoverwasnotinplace,theGFCIdeviceswerenotproperlyinstalledordidnotoperateproperly,evidenceofarcingorexcessiveheat,andwherethereceptaclewasnotgroundedorwasnotsecuredtothewall;and

E. theabsenceofsmokedetectors.

Again,electricalinspectionscanbefairlycomplicated,especiallyinthecaseofolderpropertieswheretheremaybeavarietyofsystemsandwiringtypes,someofwhichwouldnotmeetcurrentcodes.However,homeinspectorsdonotperformcodeinspections.Theyareonlyrequiredtoevaluatetheconditionofthesystemsandreportdeficienciesthatposeadangertothepropertyoritsoccupants.

Theinitialevaluationusuallystartsoutsidewithaninspectionoftheservicesupplyfromtheutilitycompany'sequipment,thenfollowstheattachmenttothehome,theserviceentrancecables,meteringunit,andtheconnectiontothemainpanel.Theobjectiveistonotevisibledeficienciesinthecomponentsand,whereverpossible,determinetheserviceamperage.Someolderhomesmayhavea60-ampsupplythatmaynotbesufficientforatypicalfamily'sneedstoday.

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Evaluationofservicepanelscomesnext,withtheinspectorremovingthedeadfront(theelectricalpanel'scover)fromtheaccessiblemainandsub-panels.Here,inspectorsarelookingattheconditionofthepanel,breakersorfuses,andattachmentofbranchcircuitwiring,anddeterminingthematerialsusedinthesystem.Insomecases,inspectorsmayfindsolidbranchcircuitwiringthatmayrequirefurtherevaluationbyaqualifiedprofessional.Itiscommontofindexamplesofwiringinstalledbyhomeownersthatispotentiallyunsafeandshouldbereported.

Groundingandbondingofthesystemanditscomponentsshouldalsobeevaluatedwhereverpossible,withanyproblemsreported.Forexample,changestotheplumbingsystemhavefrequentlyresultedinthedisconnectionofthegroundingsystem.

Whenevaluatingoutlets(receptacles)orswitches,theinspectorshouldreportontheirconditionandfunction(includingpolarity,“open”terminals,etc.),andthelackofgroundingsystemsatolderproperties.Theinspectorisnotrequiredtoremoveplugsfromoutletsthatareinuseormovefurnituretogainaccess.TheinspectorshouldalsoevaluatewhetherGFCIsareinstalledinpotentiallydampareas,andcheckthosepresentforproperoperation.

Smokedetectorsorthelackofthemshouldalsobereported,although,inmanyregions,thefiremarshal'sofficewillhavetoissueaCertificateofCompliancebeforeahomesale'sclosing.

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A. insertanytool,probeordeviceintothemainpanelboard,sub-panels,distributionpanelboards,orelectricalfixtures.

B. operateelectricalsystemsthatareshutdown.C. removepanelboardcabinetcoversordeadfronts.D. operateorre-setover-currentprotectiondevicesoroverloaddevices.E. operatesmokeorcarbon-monoxidedetectors.F. measureordeterminetheamperageorvoltageofthemainservice

equipment,ifnotvisiblylabeled.G. inspectthefireandalarmsystemorcomponents.H. inspecttheancillarywiringorremote-controldevices.I. activateanyelectricalsystemsorbranchcircuitsthatarenot

energized.J. inspectlow-voltagesystems,electricalde-icingtapes,swimmingpool

wiring,oranytime-controlleddevices.K. verifytheserviceground.L. inspectprivateoremergencyelectricalsupplysources,including,but

notlimitedto:generators,windmills,photovoltaicsolarcollectors,orbatteryorelectricalstoragefacility.

M. inspectsparkorlightningarrestors.N. inspectortestde-icingequipment.O. conductvoltage-dropcalculations.P. determinetheaccuracyoflabeling.Q. inspectexteriorlighting.

Inallcases,theelectricalinspectionisavisualone,andtheinspectorshouldnotputhimselfortheclientinanydangerwhileevaluatingthesystem.Tothatend,theinspectorisnotrequiredtoinsertanytoolsormeasuringdevicesintomainorsub-panels.Systemsorcircuitsthatareturnedoffatthetimeofinspectionshouldnotbeenergized,astheymayhavebeenshutdownduetoexistingfaults.

Operatingbreakersorremovingfusesisalsonotrecommended,asthiscandisruptoperationofthehomeowner’selectronicdevices,includingclocks,alarmsystemsorcomputerequipment.

Low-voltagesystemsneednotbeinspectedandareexcludedfromthisSOP.Suchsystemsincludealarmequipment,intercoms,somelightingcircuits,andirrigationsystems.

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Similarly,lightningarrestors,powergenerators,andanyelectricalstoragedevicesareexcludedfromtheseStandards,asareswimmingpoolsandexteriorspasystems.Someinspectorshavereceivedspecialisttrainingtoevaluatethesesystemsandchargeaccordingly.

Whiletheinspectorshouldreportobviousdeficienciesinlabelingoffusesandbreakers,s/heisnotrequiredtoevaluateeverycircuitanditslabelingforaccuracy,norisitpossibletofullyevaluatehiddensystems,suchasgroundingrodsandtheircontinuity.Itisalsowellbeyondthescopeofmostinspectionstogiveanopinionastotheadequacyofthesystemstosupportfutureusage.

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Quiz#9:ElectricalTheinspectorisnotrequiredtoreportonthe______________.

• connectionsatthesupplypole• serviceentranceconductors• meterbox• maindisconnect

Theinspectorisrequiredtoevaluatetheoperationofall________receptacles(outlets).

• GFCI• HVAC• AC• HUD

Theinspector'sreportshouldincludedetailsaboutthegroundingand___________systems.

• bonding• binding• gravity• live

Theinspector__________testthegroundingsystemforcontinuity.


Theinspector__________testallreceptaclesforreversedpolarity.


All___________electricalservicepanelsshouldbeinspected.

• accessable• inaccessable• working• non-working

Thetypeofbranchcircuitwiring___________beidentifiedintheinspector'sreport.


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Whichofthefollowingtoolsisrequiredtobeusedduringtheelectricalinspection?

• GFCItester• wirecalipers• voltmeter

Allcircuits___________beturnedonpriortotheelectricalinspection.


Allbreakers___________beoperatedtocheckthattheyre-setproperly.


Theinspector__________testallalarmsystems.


Theinspectorisnotrequiredtoevaluategeneratorsandtheir______________equipment.

• switching• guard• generation• safety

Theinspectorisrequiredtowearappropriatesafetygear/apparelwhileperformingthe___________inspection.

• electrical• foundation• exterior• garage

FireplaceSection3.8.Fireplace

Fireplacesandchimneysaredifficultareasforhomeinspectorstoassess,asitisawkward,ifnotimpossible,todeterminetheirtruecondition,especiallythecriticalareainsidethechimneyflue.

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3.8.Fireplace


A. readilyaccessibleandvisibleportionsofthefireplacesandchimneys;B. lintelsabovefireplaceopenings;C. damperdoorsbyopeningandclosingthem,ifreadilyaccessibleand

manuallyoperable;andD. cleanoutdoorsandframes.


A. thetypeoffireplace.


A. evidenceofjointseparation,damageordeteriorationofthehearth,hearthextensionorchambers;

B. manuallyoperateddampersthatdidnotopenandclose;C. thelackofasmokedetectorinthesameroomasthefireplace;D. thelackofacarbon-monoxidedetectorinthesameroomasthe

fireplace;andE. cleanoutsnotmadeofmetal,pre-castcement,orothernon-

combustiblematerial.

Mosthomeinspectorstrytoevaluateafireplacebelowthedamper.Inmanycases,thedamperisnotoperableorhasbeenfixed(orstuck)inposition.Issuesthattheinspectorshouldbesuretonotearethoseofobvious,visibleproblemswiththefirebrickinthehearthandfireback.

Thehearthextensionshouldbeevaluatedwithreferencetothesizeofthefireplaceapertureandelevation.Anycombustiblematerialsshouldconformtorequiredclearances.

Furtherevaluationofthefireplaceandchimneyisbestlefttoalicensedsweeporsomeonewhohasreceivedspecialisttraininginthisarea.

Achimneyinpoorconditionhasthepotentialtobecomeaseriousfirehazardandmayalsoallowharmfulgasestoseepintothehome.Externally,thechimneyshouldbeevaluatedforanyseparationfromthemainstructure,aswellasforsignsofspallingbrickwork,failingmortar,improperflashing,andsignificantleaning.Someinspectorsrecommendthataraincapbefittedtoprolongthechimney'slife.

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A. inspecttheflueorventsystem.B. inspecttheinteriorofchimneysorflues,firedoorsorscreens,sealsor

gaskets,ormantels.C. determinetheneedforachimneysweep.D. operategasfireplaceinserts.E. lightpilotflames.F. determinetheappropriatenessofanyinstallation.G. inspectautomaticfuel-feddevices.H. inspectcombustionand/ormake-upairdevices.I. inspectheat-distributionassists,whethergravity-controlledorfan-

assisted.J. igniteorextinguishfires.K. determinetheadequacyofdraftsordraftcharacteristics.L. movefireplaceinserts,stovesorfireboxcontents.M. performasmoketest.N. dismantleorremoveanycomponent.O. performaNationalFireProtectionAssociation(NFPA)-

styleinspection.P. performaPhaseIfireplaceandchimneyinspection.

Asstatedabove,theinspectorisnotable(withoutspecialistequipment)tofullyevaluatetheinterioroftheflue,noriss/herequiredtoevaluatescreens,doorsorotherdecorativefeatures.Undernocircumstancesshouldaninspectorlightorattempttolightanyfireplace,whetherit'sasolid-fuelburningtype,electricorgasmantle.Bythesametoken,ifafireisblazinginthefireboxduringaninspection,thenthefireplaceisnotaccessibletobeinspected.

DeterminingtheoverallsafetyandefficiencyofthefireplaceisbeyondthescopeofthisSOP(andmosthomeinspections).Ifitisknownthataclientintendstouseafireplace,recommendthatitbefullyevaluatedbyaqualifiedprofessional.

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Quiz#10:FireplaceWhichofthefollowingtypesoffireplacesshouldbeoperatedbytheinspector?

• none• woodfires• alltypes• coalfires• gasmantles

Theinspector__________evaluatetheoperationofthedamper.


Inspectors________requiredtoinspecthearthextensions.

• are• arenot

Combustiblematerialslocatedclosetothe___________shouldbenotedinthereport.

• fireplace• sink• bathroom• exhaustvent

Theinspector______requiredtoreportacrackedlintelabovethefireplace.

• is• isnot

Doorsandscreensinthefireplace__________beevaluatedfortoughenedortemperedglass.


Attic,Insulation&VentilationSection3.9.Attic,Insulation&Ventilation

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Anyinspectionoftheatticandinsulationisinherentlytiedtoothersystems,suchastheroofframing,thechimney,andtheelectricalsystem.Theinspectorshouldentertheatticspaceonlyifitissafetodoso.Alotofunfinishedatticshavenoflooring,andmanyinspectorshave,atsometime,slippedanddamagedaceiling.TakeInterNACHI'sSafePracticesfortheHomeInspectorcourse.

3.9.Attic,Insulation&Ventilation


A. insulationinunfinishedspaces,includingattics,crawlspacesandfoundationareas;

B. ventilationofunfinishedspaces,includingattics,crawlspacesandfoundationareas;and

C. mechanicalexhaustsystemsinthekitchen,bathroomsandlaundryarea.


A. thetypeofinsulationobserved;andB. theapproximateaveragedepthofinsulationobservedatthe

unfinishedatticfloorareaorroofstructure.


A. thegeneralabsenceofinsulationorventilationinunfinishedspaces.

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Generally,oneofthefewareasinahomewhereinsulationcanbeinspectedisinanunfinishedattic.MostcomputerizedreportingprogramsincludefieldsforidentifyinginsulationtypeandR-values;however,inmanycases,theinsulationhasbeeninstalledinsuchawaythatthemanufacturer'sintendedR-valuehasbeencorrupted.Anysignsofdampinsulationshouldbereported,asthesemayindicateleaksintotheatticareafromtheroofcovering,orproblemswiththeventilationorvaporretarders.

Ventilationisalsoacriticalissueforattics.Apoorlyventedatticcancauseseriousmoistureproblemsandmayalsosignificantlyreducethelifespanoftheroof-coveringmaterials.

Mechanicalventingsystems,suchaswhole-housefansandturbinevents,needtobeinspectedforproperinstallationandoperation.

Allhomesshouldbeinsulatedtoreduceheatingcostsand/ormaintainacomfortableindoortemperatureinwarmerregions.Anyhomewithlittleornovisibleinsulationshouldbereported,asitwilllikelybeveryexpensivetoheatorcoolthehome(orboth).

Animportantaspectoftheatticinspectionisevaluatingtheconditionoftheroofsheathing,theundersideofflashedareas,andtheraftersandtrussesforsignsofcrackingandimpropermodification(wherevervisible).Signsofdampinthesheathing,forexample,couldindicateafailureoftheroofcovering,flashingorventilationsystem.


A. entertheatticoranyunfinishedspacesthatarenotreadilyaccessible,orwhereentrycouldcausedamageor,intheinspector'sopinion,poseasafetyhazard.

B. move,touchordisturbinsulation.C. move,touchordisturbvaporretarders.D. breakorotherwisedamagethesurfacefinishorweathersealonor

aroundaccesspanelsorcovers.E. identifythecompositionorR-valueofinsulationmaterial.F. activatethermostaticallyoperatedfans.G. determinethetypesofmaterialsusedininsulationorwrappingof

pipes,ducts,jackets,boilersorwiring.H. determinetheadequacyofventilation.

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Whetherbyaccidentordesign,manyatticspacesarenotaccessibleforinspection.Forexample,infinishedattics,theremaybeareaswherethereisnoaccessatall.Theseshouldbereportedasnotaccessibleforvisibleinspection.

Theremayalsobesituationswhen,despitethepresenceofhatchesandaccesspanels,theinspectorwillnotabletoproceedwithhisinspection,suchaswhentheatticisfullofstoreditems,panelsaredecoratedover,theaccessistoosmallfortheinspectortogetthrough,ortheareahasnoavailableflooring.Theimportantissuehereistoreporthowtheareawasinspectedandwhatthelimitationswere.

Theinspectorisnotrequiredtoremoveinsulationorinsulationcomponentstoevaluatesystems,astheseareconsideredfixedmaterials.Theinsulationproperties(materialtypeandR-value)cannotalwaysbeaccuratelydetermined.

Quiz#11:Attic,Insulation&VentilationTheinspector_______requiredtoenterallatticspaces.

• isnot• is

Theinspector__________calculatetheflowrateofatticventilation.


Inspectorsarenotrequiredto____________atticinsulationtoexamineanyinteriorroofcomponents.

• remove• observe• visuallyinspect

Turbineroofvents_______consideredcosmeticfeaturesonly.

• arenot• are

ThematerialandR-valueofinsulation______bereported.

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• doesn'tneedto• needsto

Theinspector________removeallaccesspanelstoatticareas.


Thelackof___________ofvaporretardersneednotbereported.

• continuity• interruption• intrusion• cessation

Iftheinspectorcannotgainaccesstotheattic,s/he_________explainsuchlimitationsinthereport.


Anyvisiblycrackedraftersormodifiedtrusses___________bereported.


Ifrequested,theinspectoris___________toadvisethehomeowneroftheattic'spotentialforbeingconvertedintoalivingspace.


Doors,Windows&InteriorSection3.10.Doors,Windows&Interior

Theinteriorcansometimesbeunder-inspected,asmuchofitisdecorativeinnatureand,assuch,fallsoutsidetheseStandards.However,thereareseveralareasthattheinspectormustfullyevaluate.

3.10.Doors,Windows&Interior


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A. arepresentativenumberofdoorsandwindowsbyopeningandclosingthem;

B. floors,wallsandceilings;C. stairs,steps,landings,stairwaysandramps;D. railings,guardsandhandrails;andE. garagevehicledoorsandtheoperationofgaragevehicledoor

openers,usingnormaloperatingcontrols.


A. agaragevehicledoorasmanually-operatedorinstalledwithagaragedooropener.


A. improperspacingbetweenintermediatebalusters,spindlesandrailsforsteps,stairways,guardsandrailings;

B. photo-electricsafetysensorsthatdidnotoperateproperly;andC. anywindowsthatwereobviouslyfoggedordisplayedotherevidence

ofbrokenseals.

Doorsandwindowsthatstickorfailtooperatesmoothlymayindicatesettlementinthestructureorpoorinstallationofcomponents.

Likewise,theinspectorshouldtakeagoodlookatallfloor-to-wall,wall-to-wall,andwall-to-ceilingjoints,ascrackingorseparationcanindicateunderlyingstructuralproblems.TakeInterNACHI'sStructuralIssuesforHomeInspectorscourse.

Asisthecasewiththeexterior,interiorstairs,stepsandrailingsshouldalsobefullyevaluatedforuneventreads,triphazards,missinghandrails,andanydeficienciesinthebalustradesorlighting.

Automaticgaragedoorscanbeproblematictoinspect,andmanyinspectorshavefoundthemselvesbuyingthehomeownernewdoorsoropenersasaresultofimproperinspectionandoperation.

Automaticsafetysystemshavebeenmandatedongaragedoorsformorethan10yearsduetoinjuries,particularlytochildren.Asthisisasafetyconcern,thedoorsshouldbeevaluatedforproperautomaticreversing,andphoto-electriceyesshouldbeassessedforproperoperationandinstallation,accordingtothemanufacturer'sinstructions.

Double-glazedor"thermo-seal"windowsshouldbevisiblyinspected,andanysignsoffoggingorothermoisturepenetrationshouldbereported.

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A. inspectpaint,wallpaper,windowtreatmentsorfinishtreatments.B. inspectfloorcoveringsorcarpeting.C. inspectcentralvacuumsystems.D. inspectforsafetyglazing.E. inspectsecuritysystemsorcomponents.F. evaluatethefasteningofislands,countertops,cabinets,sinktopsor

fixtures.G. movefurniture,storeditems,oranycoverings,suchascarpets

orrugs,inordertoinspecttheconcealedfloorstructure.H. movesuspended-ceilingtiles.I. inspectormoveanyhouseholdappliances.J. inspectoroperateequipmenthousedinthegarage,exceptas

otherwisenoted.K. verifyorcertifytheproperoperationofanypressure-activatedauto-

reverseorrelatedsafetyfeatureofagaragedoor.L. operateorevaluateanysecuritybarreleaseandopeningmechanisms,

whetherinteriororexterior,includingtheircompliancewithlocal,stateorfederalstandards.

M. operateanysystem,applianceorcomponentthatrequirestheuseofspecialkeys,codes,combinationsordevices.

N. operateorevaluateself-cleaningovencycles,tiltguards/latches,orsignallights.

O. inspectmicrowaveovensortestleakagefrommicrowaveovens.P. operateorexamineanysauna,steam-generatingequipment,kiln,

toaster,icemaker,coffeemaker,canopener,breadwarmer,blender,instanthot-waterdispenser,orothersmall,ancillaryappliancesordevices.

Q. inspectelevators.R. inspectremotecontrols.S. inspectappliances.T. inspectitemsnotpermanentlyinstalled.U. discoverfirewallcompromises.V. inspectpools,spasorfountains.W. determinetheadequacyofwhirlpoolorspajets,waterforce,or

bubbleeffects.X. determinethestructuralintegrityorleakageofpoolsorspas.

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Mostoftheareasherethattheinspectorisnotrequiredtoinspecthavebeencoveredinotherlessons,butitisworthre-statingthat:

• decorativefeaturesarenotinspected;• appliancesandothernon-fixedelementsare

notrequiredtobeinspected;• poolsandspasarespecificallyexcluded;• alarmandotherlow-voltagesystemsfall

outsidetheseStandards;and• inspectorsarerequiredtoperformonlyavisualinspectionofthehomeandits

systems.

Elevatorsandotherpersonalliftingequipmentarenormallyrequiredtobeinspectedannuallybyaspecialistcontractororastate-licensedengineer.

Also,regardingsafetyglass,manyinspectorsmaytrytoevaluateitspresenceinhigh-trafficareas,butitisoftennotproperlymarkedand,therefore,difficulttoreport.

Alwaysnotethepresenceofsecuritybarsonwindowsandinspectthemforeasymanualreleasefrominsidethebuilding,especiallythosecoveringbedroomwindows,astheirimproperoperationorinstallationmaypresentadangertoanyonetrappedinside,shouldafirebreakout.

Remember:TheseStandardsrepresentonlytherequiredminimum,althoughmanyinspectorsinvestalotofadditionaltime,effortandmoneyinobtainingfurthereducationtoallowthemtofarexceedtheseStandards.

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Quiz#12:Doors,Windows&InteriorTheinspectorisrequiredtoevaluate__________doorsandwindows.

• arepresentativenumberof• allfirst-floor• all• no

Theinspector__________testallphoto-electriceyesonallgaragedoors.


Damagedlocksanddeadbolts____________bereported.


Double-glazedwindowsthatappeartohavefailedseals____________bereported.


Theinspectoris______________toremovearepresentativenumberofdrop-ceilingtilestocheckforpossibleleaksfromabove.


Interiorhandrailsandbalustrades________considereddecorativefeaturesonly.

• arenot• are

___________shouldalwaysbeinspected.

• Ceilings• Carpets• Alarmsystems

Theinspectorisnotrequiredtoevaluate___________.

• centralvacuumsystems• staircases

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• garagedoors

Inspectorsare________toinspectallstovesandovens.


Theinspectionofpoolsandspasfalls____________theseStandardsofPractice.

• within• outside

TheseStandardsofPracticerepresentthe_________levelofinspection.

• minimum• maximum

Glossary4.GlossaryofTerms

• accessible:Intheopinionoftheinspector,canbeapproachedorenteredsafely,withoutdifficulty,fearordanger.

• activate:Toturnon,supplypower,orenablesystems,equipmentordevicestobecomeactivebynormaloperatingcontrols.Examplesincludeturningonthegasorwatersupplyvalvestothefixturesandappliances,andactivatingelectricalbreakersorfuses.

• adverselyaffect:Toconstitute,orpotentiallyconstitute,anegativeordestructiveimpact.

• alarmsystem:Warningdevices,installedorfreestanding,including,butnotlimitedto:carbon-monoxidedetectors,fluegasandotherspillagedetectors,securityequipment,ejectorpumps,andsmokealarms.

• appliance:Ahouseholddeviceoperatedbytheuseofelectricityorgas.Notincludedinthisdefinitionarecomponentscoveredundercentralheating,centralcoolingorplumbing.

• architecturalservice:Anypracticeinvolvingtheartandscienceofbuildingdesignforconstructionofanystructureorgroupingofstructures,andtheuseofspacewithinandsurroundingthestructuresorthedesign,designdevelopment,preparationofconstructioncontractdocuments,andadministrationoftheconstructioncontract.

• component:Apermanentlyinstalledorattachedfixture,elementorpartofasystem.

• condition:Thevisibleandconspicuousstateofbeingofanobject.• correction:Somethingthatissubstitutedorproposedforwhatisincorrect,

deficient,unsafe,oradefect.

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• crawlspace:Theareawithintheconfinesofthefoundationandbetweenthegroundandtheundersideofthelowestfloor'sstructuralcomponent.

• decorative:Ornamental;notrequiredfortheoperationofessentialsystemsorcomponentsofahome.

• describe:Toreportinwritingasystemorcomponentbyitstypeorotherobservedcharacteristicsinordertodistinguishitfromothercomponentsusedforthesamepurpose.

• determine:Toarriveatanopinionorconclusionpursuanttoexamination.• dismantle:Toopen,takeapartorremoveanycomponent,deviceorpiecethat

wouldnottypicallybeopened,takenapartorremovedbyanordinaryoccupant.• engineeringservice:Anyprofessionalserviceorcreativeworkrequiring

engineeringeducation,trainingandexperience,andtheapplicationofspecialknowledgeofthemathematical,physicalandengineeringsciencestosuchprofessionalserviceorcreativeworkasconsultation,investigation,evaluation,planning,designandsupervisionofconstructionforthepurposeofassuringcompliancewiththespecificationsanddesign,inconjunctionwithstructures,buildings,machines,equipment,worksand/orprocesses.

• enter:Togointoanareatoobservevisiblecomponents.• evaluate:Toassessthesystems,structuresand/orcomponentsofaproperty.• examine:Tovisuallylook(seeinspect).• foundation:Thebaseuponwhichthestructureorwallrests,usuallymasonry,

concreteorstone,andgenerallypartiallyunderground.• function:Theactionforwhichanitem,componentorsystemisspeciallyfittedor

used,orforwhichanitem,componentorsystemexists;tobeinactionorperformatask.

• functional:Performing,orabletoperform,afunction.• generalhomeinspection:Theprocessbywhichaninspectorvisuallyexamines

thereadilyaccessiblesystemsandcomponentsofahomeandoperatesthosesystemsandcomponentsutilizingtheseStandardsofPracticeasaguideline.

• homeinspection:Seegeneralhomeinspection.• householdappliances:Kitchenandlaundryappliances,roomairconditioners,and

similarappliances.• identify:Tonoticeandreport.• indication(nounform):Thatwhichservestopointout,showormakeknownthe

presentexistenceofsomethingundercertainconditions.• inspect:Toexaminereadilyaccessiblesystemsandcomponentssafely,using

normaloperatingcontrols,andaccessingreadilyaccessibleareas,inaccordancewiththeseStandardsofPractice.

• inspectedproperty:Thereadilyaccessibleareasofthebuildings,site,items,componentsandsystemsincludedintheinspection.

• inspectionreport:Awrittencommunication(possiblyincludingimages)ofanymaterialdefectsobservedduringtheinspection.

• inspector:Onewhoperformsarealestateinspection.• installed:Attachedorconnectedsuchthattheinstalleditemrequiresatoolfor

removal.

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• materialdefect:Aspecificissuewithasystemorcomponentofaresidentialpropertythatmayhaveasignificant,adverseimpactonthevalueoftheproperty,orthatposesanunreasonablerisktopeople.Thefactthatasystemorcomponentisnear,atorbeyondtheendofitsnormalusefullifeisnot,initself,amaterialdefect.

• normaloperatingcontrols:Describesthemethodbywhichcertaindevices(suchasthermostats)canbeoperatedbyordinaryoccupants,astheyrequirenospecializedskillorknowledge.

• observe:Tovisuallynotice.• operate:Tocausesystemstofunctionorturnonwithnormaloperatingcontrols.• readilyaccessible:Asystemorcomponentthat,inthejudgmentoftheinspector,

iscapableofbeingsafelyobservedwithouttheremovalofobstacles,detachmentordisengagementofconnectingorsecuringdevices,orotherunsafeordifficultprocedurestogainaccess.

• recreationalfacilities:Spas,saunas,steambaths,swimmingpools,tenniscourts,playgroundequipment,andotherexercise,entertainmentandathleticfacilities.

• report:(verbform)Toexpress,communicateorprovideinformationinwriting;giveawrittenaccountof.(Seealsoinspectionreport.)

• representativenumber:Anumbersufficienttoserveasatypicalorcharacteristicexampleoftheitem(s)inspected.

• residentialproperty:Fourorfewerresidentialunits.• residentialunit:Ahome;asingleunitprovidingcompleteandindependentliving

facilitiesforoneormorepersons,includingpermanentprovisionsforliving,sleeping,eating,cookingandsanitation.

• safetyglazing:Temperedglass,laminatedglass,orrigidplastic.• shutdown:Turnedoff,unplugged,inactive,notinservice,notoperational,etc.• structuralcomponent:Acomponentthatsupportsnon-variableforcesorweights

(deadloads)andvariableforcesorweights(liveloads).• system:Anassemblyofvariouscomponentswhichfunctionasawhole.• technicallyexhaustive:Acomprehensiveanddetailedexaminationbeyondthe

scopeofarealestatehomeinspectionthatwouldinvolveorinclude,butwouldnotbelimitedto:dismantling,specializedknowledgeortraining,specialequipment,measurements,calculations,testing,research,analysis,orothermeans.

• unsafe:Intheinspector'sopinion,aconditionofanarea,system,componentorprocedurethatisjudgedtobeasignificantriskofinjuryduringnormal,day-to-dayuse.Theriskmaybeduetodamage,deterioration,improperinstallation,orachangeinacceptedresidentialconstructionstandards.

• verify:Toconfirmorsubstantiate.

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CodeofEthicsTheInternationalAssociationofCertifiedHomeInspectors(InterNACHI)promotesahighstandardofprofessionalism,businessethicsandinspectionprocedures.InterNACHImemberssubscribetothefollowingCodeofEthicsinthecourseoftheirbusiness.

I.DutytothePublic

1. TheInterNACHImembershallabidebytheCodeofEthicsandsubstantiallyfollowtheInterNACHIStandardsofPractice.

2. TheInterNACHImembershallnotengageinanypracticesthatcouldbedamagingtothepublicorbringdiscredittothehomeinspectionindustry.

3. TheInterNACHImembershallbefair,honest,impartial,andactingoodfaithindealingwiththepublic.

4. TheInterNACHImembershallnotdiscriminateinanybusinessactivitiesonthebasisofrace,color,religion,sex,nationalorigin,familialstatus,sexualorientationor

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handicap,andshallcomplywithallfederal,stateandlocallawsconcerningdiscrimination.

5. TheInterNACHImembershallbetruthfulregardinghis/herservicesandqualifications.

6. TheInterNACHImembershallnot:a. haveanydisclosedorundisclosedconflictofinterestwiththeclient;b. acceptorofferanydisclosedorundisclosedcommissions,rebates,profits,or

otherbenefitfromrealestateagents,brokers,oranythirdpartieshavingfinancialinterestinthesaleoftheproperty;or

c. offerorprovideanydisclosedorundisclosedfinancialcompensationdirectlyorindirectlytoanyrealestateagent,realestatebroker,orrealestatecompanyforreferralsorforinclusiononlistsofpreferredand/oraffiliatedinspectorsorinspectioncompanies.

7.TheInterNACHImembershallnotreleaseanyinformationaboutaninspectionortheclienttoathirdpartyunlessitmayaffectthesafetyofothers,violatesalaworstatute,orallofthefollowingthreeconditionsaremet:

a. theclienthasbeenmadeexplicitlyawareofwhatinformationwillbereleased,towhom,andforwhatpurpose;and

b. theclienthasprovidedexplicit,priorwrittenconsentforthereleaseofhis/herinformation.

8.TheInterNACHImembershallalwaysactintheinterestsoftheclient,unlessdoingsoviolatesalaw,statuteorthisCodeofEthics.

9.TheInterNACHImembershalluseawrittencontractthatspecifiestheservicestobeperformed,limitationsofservices,andfees.

10.TheInterNACHImembershallcomplywithallgovernmentrulesandlicensingrequirementsofthejurisdictionwheres/heconductsbusiness.

11.TheInterNACHImembershallnotperformoroffertoperform,foranadditionalfee,anyrepairsorassociatedservicestothestructureforwhichthememberormember'scompanyhaspreparedahomeinspectionreportforaperiodof12months.Thisprovisionshallnotincludeservicestocomponentsand/orsystemsthatarenotincludedintheInterNACHIStandardsofPractice.

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II.DutytoContinueEducation

1. TheInterNACHImembershallcomplywithInterNACHI'scurrentContinuingEducationrequirements.

2. TheInterNACHImembershallpassInterNACHI'sOnlineInspectorExamonceeverythreeyears.

III.DutytotheProfessionandInterNACHI

1. TheInterNACHImembershallstrivetoimprovethehomeinspectionindustrybysharinghis/herlessonsand/orexperiencesforthebenefitofall.Thisdoesnotprecludethememberfromcopyrightingormarketinghis/herexpertisetootherInspectorsorthepublicinanymannerpermittedbylaw.

2. TheInterNACHImembershallassisttheInterNACHIleadershipindisseminatingandpublicizingthebenefitsofInterNACHImembership.

3. TheInterNACHImembershallnotengageinanyactorpracticethatcouldbedeemeddamaging,seditiousordestructivetoInterNACHI,fellowInterNACHImembers,InterNACHIemployees,leadershipordirectors.AccusationsofamemberactingordeemedinviolationofsuchrulesshalltriggerareviewbytheEthicscommitteeforpossiblesanctionsand/orexpulsionfromInterNACHI.

4. TheInterNACHImembershallabidebyInterNACHI'scurrentmembershiprequirements.

5. TheInterNACHImembershallabidebyInterNACHI'scurrentmessageboardrules.

MembersofotherassociationsarewelcometojoinInterNACHI,butarequirementofmembershipisthatInterNACHImustbegivenequalprominenceintheirmarketingmaterials(brochuresandwebsites)comparedtootherassociationsofmembership.

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Quiz#13:EthicsTheInterNACHIinspectorshould__________followtheSOPandCOE.

• substantially• withoutexception

TheInterNACHIinspectorshall_____________onthebasisofrace,color,religion,sex,nationalorigin,familialstatus,sexualorientation,orhandicap.

• notdiscriminate• makechoices• discriminate

TheInterNACHIinspectoris_____________tobetruthfulabouthisorherqualifications.

• required• notrequired

TheInterNACHIinspector_________acceptanydisclosedorundisclosedcommissions,rebates,profitsorotherbenefitrelatedtoapropertytobeinspected.

• shallnot• shall

TheInterNACHIinspectorisnotallowedtooffertoperformrepairservicesonaninspectedhomeforaperiodof_____monthsfromthedateofinspection.

• 12• three• six

Documents

Study GuideInterNACHI Standards · designed to identify defects within specific systems and components defined by these ... The readily accessible areas of the buildings, site, items,