
Summary of Oregon Home Inspector Certification Law and Standards of Practice for Home Inspections | |
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International Standards of Practice for Performing a General Home
Inspection
Last revised
June 2013
These standards meet or exceed
requirements established by the State of Oregon.
Table of Contents
1. Definitions and Scope
2. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions
3. Standards of Practice
3.1. Roof
3.2. Exterior
3.3. Basement,
Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure
3.4. Heating
3.5. Cooling
3.6. Plumbing
3.7. Electrical
3.8. Fireplace
3.9. Attic, Insulation
& Ventilation
3.10. Doors,
Windows & Interior
4. Glossary of Terms
1. Definitions and Scope
1.1. A
general home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of
the accessible areas of a residential property (as delineated below), performed
for a fee, which is designed to identify defects within specific systems and
components defined by these Standards that are both observed and deemed
material by the inspector. The scope of work may be modified by the
Client and Inspector prior to the inspection process.
I.
The
general home inspection is based on the observations made on the date of the
inspection, and not a prediction of future conditions.
II.
The
general home inspection will not reveal every issue that exists or ever could
exist, but only those material defects observed on the date of the inspection.
1.2. A
material defect is a specific issue with a system or component of a
residential property that may have a significant, adverse impact on the value
of the property, or that poses an unreasonable risk to people. The fact
that a system or component is near, at or beyond the end of its normal
useful life is not, in itself, a material defect.
1.3. A
general home inspection report shall identify, in written format,
defects within specific systems and components defined by these Standards that
are both observed and deemed material by the inspector. Inspection
reports may include additional comments and recommendations.
2. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions
2.1.
Limitations:
I.
An
inspection is not technically exhaustive.
II.
An
inspection will not identify concealed or latent defects.
III.
An
inspection will not deal with aesthetic concerns or what could be
deemed matters of taste, cosmetic defects, etc.
IV.
An
inspection will not determine the suitability of the property for any
use.
V.
An
inspection does not determine the market value of the property or its
marketability.
VI.
An
inspection does not determine the insurability of the property.
VII.
An
inspection does not determine the advisability or inadvisability of the
purchase of the inspected property.
VIII.
An
inspection does not determine the life expectancy of the property or any
components or systems therein.
IX.
An
inspection does not include items not permanently installed.
X.
These
Standards of Practice apply only to properties with four or fewer residential
units.
2.2.
Exclusions:
I. The
inspector is not required to determine:
A.
property
boundary lines or encroachments.
B.
the
condition of any component or system that is not readily accessible.
C.
the
service life expectancy of any component or system.
D.
the
size, capacity, BTU, performance or efficiency of any component or
system.
E.
the
cause or reason of any condition.
F.
the
cause for the need of correction, repair or replacement of any system or
component.
G.
future
conditions.
H.
compliance
with codes or regulations.
I.
the
presence of evidence of rodents, birds, animals, insects, or other
pests.
J.
the
presence of mold, mildew or fungus.
K.
the
presence of airborne hazards, including radon.
L.
the
air quality.
M.
the
existence of environmental hazards, including lead paint, asbestos or toxic
drywall.
N.
the
existence of electromagnetic fields.
O.
any
hazardous waste conditions.
P.
any
manufacturers' recalls or conformance with manufacturer installation, or any
information included for consumer protection purposes.
Q.
acoustical
properties.
R.
correction,
replacement or repair cost estimates.
S.
estimates
of the cost to operate any given system.
II. The
inspector is not required to operate:
A.
any
system that is shut down.
B.
any
system that does not function properly.
C.
or
evaluate low-voltage electrical systems such as, but not limited to:
1.
phone
lines;
2.
cable
lines;
3.
satellite
dishes;
4.
antennae;
5.
lights;
or
6.
remote
controls.
D.
any
system that does not turn on with the use of normal operating controls.
E.
any
shut-off valves or manual stop valves.
F.
any
electrical disconnect or over-current protection devices.
G.
any
alarm systems.
H.
moisture
meters, gas detectors or similar equipment.
III. The
inspector is not required to:
I.
move
any personal items or other obstructions, such as, but not limited to:
throw rugs, carpeting, wall coverings, furniture, ceiling tiles, window
coverings, equipment, plants, ice, debris, snow, water, dirt, pets, or anything
else that might restrict the visual inspection.
J.
dismantle,
open or uncover any system or component.
K.
enter
or access any area that may, in the opinion of the inspector, be unsafe.
L.
enter
crawlspaces or other areas that may be unsafe or not readily accessible.
M.
inspect
underground items, such as, but not limited to: lawn-irrigation systems,
underground storage tanks or other indications of their presence, whether
abandoned or actively used.
N.
do
anything which may, in the inspector's opinion, be unsafe or dangerous to the
inspector or others, or damage property, such as, but not limited to:
walking on roof surfaces, climbing ladders, entering attic spaces, or
negotiating with pets.
O.
inspect
decorative items.
P.
inspect
common elements or areas in multi-unit housing.
Q.
inspect
intercoms, speaker systems or security systems.
R.
offer
guarantees or warranties.
S.
offer
or perform any engineering services.
T.
offer
or perform any trade or professional service other than general home
inspection.
U.
research
the history of the property, or report on its potential for alteration,
modification, extendibility or suitability for a specific or proposed use for
occupancy.
V.
determine
the age of construction or installation of any system, structure or component
of a building, or differentiate between original construction and
subsequent additions, improvements, renovations or replacements.
W.
determine
the insurability of a property.
X.
perform
or offer Phase 1 or environmental audits.
Y.
inspect
any system or component that is not included in these Standards.
3. Standards of Practice
I. The inspector
shall inspect from ground level or the eaves:
A.
the roof-covering
materials;
B.
the gutters;
C.
the downspouts;
D.
the vents, flashing,
skylights, chimney, and other roof penetrations; and
E.
the general structure of
the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.
II. The
inspector shall describe:
A.
the type of
roof-covering materials.
III. The
inspector shall report as in need of correction:
A.
observed indications of
active roof leaks.
IV. The
inspector is not required to:
A.
walk
on any roof surface.
B.
predict
the service life expectancy.
C.
inspect
underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
D.
remove
snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation of the roof
surfaces.
E.
move
insulation.
F.
inspect
antennae, satellite dishes, lightning arresters, de-icing equipment, or
similar attachments.
G.
walk
on any roof areas that appear, in the opinion of the inspector, to be
unsafe.
H.
walk
on any roof areas if it might, in the opinion of the inspector, cause damage.
I.
perform
a water test.
J.
warrant
or certify the roof.
K.
confirm
proper fastening or installation of any roof-covering material.
3.2.
Exterior
I. The
inspector shall inspect:
A.
the
exterior wall-covering materials, flashing and trim;
B.
all
exterior doors;
C.
adjacent
walkways and driveways;
D.
stairs,
steps, stoops, stairways and ramps;
E.
porches,
patios, decks, balconies and carports;
F.
railings,
guards and handrails;
G.
the
eaves, soffits and fascia;
H.
a
representative number of windows; and
I.
vegetation,
surface drainage, retaining walls and grading of the property, where they may
adversely affect the structure due to moisture intrusion.
II. The
inspector shall describe:
A.
the
type of exterior wall-covering materials.
III. The
inspector shall report as in need of correction:
A.
any
improper spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles and rails.
IV. The
inspector is not required to:
A.
inspect
or operate screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings, fences, outbuildings, or
exterior accent lighting.
B.
inspect
items that are not visible or readily accessible from the ground, including
window and door flashing.
C.
inspect
or identify geological, geotechnical, hydrological or soil
conditions.
D.
inspect
recreational facilities or playground equipment.
E.
inspect
seawalls, breakwalls or docks.
F.
inspect
erosion-control or earth-stabilization measures.
G.
inspect
for safety-type glass.
H.
inspect
underground utilities.
I.
inspect
underground items.
J.
inspect
wells or springs.
K.
inspect
solar, wind or geothermal systems.
L.
inspect
swimming pools or spas.
M.
inspect
wastewater treatment systems, septic systems or cesspools.
N.
inspect
irrigation or sprinkler systems.
O.
inspect
drainfields or dry wells.
P.
determine
the integrity of multiple-pane window glazing or thermal window seals.
3.3.
Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure
I. The
inspector shall inspect:
A.
the
foundation;
B.
the
basement;
C.
the
crawlspace; and
D.
structural
components.
II. The
inspector shall describe:
A.
the
type of foundation; and
B.
the
location of the access to the under-floor space.
III. The
inspector shall report as in need of correction:
A.
observed
indications of wood in contact with or near soil;
B.
observed
indications of active water penetration;
C.
observed
indications of possible foundation movement, such as sheetrock cracks, brick
cracks, out-of-square door frames, and unlevel floors; and
D.
any
observed cutting, notching and boring of framing members that may, in the
inspector's opinion, present a structural or safety concern.
IV. The
inspector is not required to:
A.
enter
any crawlspace that is not readily accessible or where entry could cause
damage or pose a hazard to the inspector.
B.
move
stored items or debris.
C.
operate
sump pumps with inaccessible floats.
D.
identify
the size, spacing, span or location or determine the adequacy of foundation
bolting, bracing, joists, joist spans or support systems.
E.
provide
any engineering or architectural service.
F.
report
on the adequacy of any structural system or component.
I. The
inspector shall inspect:
A.
the
heating system, using normal operating controls.
II. The
inspector shall describe:
A.
the
location of the thermostat for the heating system;
B.
the
energy source; and
C.
the
heating method.
III. The
inspector shall report as in need of correction:
A.
any
heating system that did not operate; and
B.
if
the heating system was deemed inaccessible.
IV. The
inspector is not required to:
A.
inspect
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.
B.
inspect fuel
tanks or underground or concealed fuel supply systems.
C.
determine
the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU,
or supply adequacy of the heating system.
D.
light or ignite pilot flames.
E.
activate
heating, heat pump systems, or other heating systems when ambient temperatures
or other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the
equipment.
F.
override
electronic thermostats.
G.
evaluate
fuel quality.
H.
verify
thermostat calibration, heat anticipation, or automatic setbacks, timers,
programs or clocks.
3.5.
Cooling
I. The
inspector shall inspect:
A.
the
cooling system using normal operating controls.
II. The
inspector shall describe:
A.
the
location of the thermostat for the cooling system; and
B.
the
cooling method.
III. The
inspector shall report as in need of correction:
A.
any
cooling system that did not operate; and
B.
if
the cooling system was deemed inaccessible.
IV. The
inspector is not required to:
A.
determine
the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU,
or supply adequacy of the cooling system.
B.
inspect
portable window units, through-wall units, or electronic air filters.
C.
operate
equipment or systems if the exterior temperature is below 65°
Fahrenheit, or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or
may damage the equipment.
D.
inspect
or determine thermostat calibration, cooling anticipation, or automatic
setbacks or clocks.
E.
examine
electrical current, coolant fluids or gases, or coolant leakage.
3.6.
Plumbing
I. The
inspector shall inspect:
A.
the
main water supply shut-off valve;
B.
the
main fuel supply shut-off valve;
C.
the
water heating equipment, including the energy source, venting connections,
temperature/pressure-relief (TPR) valves, Watts 210 valves, and seismic
bracing;
D.
interior
water supply, including all fixtures and faucets, by running the water;
E.
all
toilets for proper operation by flushing;
F.
all
sinks, tubs and showers for functional drainage;
G.
the
drain, waste and vent system; and
H.
drainage
sump pumps with accessible floats.
II. The
inspector shall describe:
A.
whether
the water supply is public or private based upon observed evidence;
B.
the
location of the main water supply shut-off valve;
C.
the
location of the main fuel supply shut-off valve;
D.
the
location of any observed fuel-storage system; and
E.
the
capacity of the water heating equipment, if labeled.
III. The
inspector shall report as in need of correction:
A.
deficiencies
in the water supply by viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated
simultaneously;
B.
deficiencies
in the installation of hot and cold water faucets;
C.
mechanical
drain stops that were missing or did not operate if installed in sinks,
lavatories and tubs; and
D.
toilets
that were damaged, had loose connections to the floor, were leaking, or had
tank components that did not operate.
IV. The
inspector is not required to:
A.
light
or ignite pilot flames.
B.
measure
the capacity, temperature, age, life expectancy or adequacy of the water
heater.
C.
inspect
the interior of flues or chimneys, combustion air systems, water softener
or filtering systems, well pumps or tanks, safety or shut-off valves,
floor drains, lawn sprinkler systems, or fire sprinkler systems.
D.
determine
the exact flow rate, volume, pressure, temperature or adequacy of the water
supply.
E.
determine
the water quality, potability or reliability of the
water supply or source.
F.
open
sealed plumbing access panels.
G.
inspect
clothes washing machines or their connections.
H.
operate
any valve.
I.
test
shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for leakage or functional
overflow protection.
J.
evaluate
the compliance with conservation, energy or building standards, or the proper
design or sizing of any water, waste or venting components, fixtures or
piping.
K.
determine
the effectiveness of anti-siphon, back-flow prevention or drain-stop
devices.
L.
determine
whether there are sufficient cleanouts for effective cleaning of drains.
M.
evaluate
fuel storage tanks or supply systems.
N.
inspect
wastewater treatment systems.
O.
inspect
water treatment systems or water filters.
P.
inspect
water storage tanks, pressure pumps, or bladder tanks.
Q.
evaluate
wait-time to obtain hot water at fixtures, or perform testing of any kind to
water heater elements.
R.
evaluate
or determine the adequacy of combustion air.
S.
test,
operate, open or close: safety controls, manual stop valves,
temperature/pressure-relief valves, control valves, or check valves.
T.
examine
ancillary or auxiliary systems or components, such as, but not limited to,
those related to solar water heating and hot water circulation.
U.
determine
the existence or condition of polybutylene plumbing.
3.7.
Electrical
I. The
inspector shall inspect:
A.
the
service drop;
B.
the
overhead service conductors and attachment point;
C.
the
service head, gooseneck and drip loops;
D.
the
service mast, service conduit and raceway;
E.
the
electric meter and base;
F.
service-entrance
conductors;
G.
the
main service disconnect;
H.
panelboards and
over-current protection devices (circuit breakers and fuses);
I.
service
grounding and bonding;
J.
a
representative number of switches, lighting fixtures and receptacles, including
receptacles observed and deemed to be arc-fault circuit interrupter
(AFCI)-protected using the AFCI test button, where possible;
K.
all
ground-fault circuit interrupter receptacles and circuit breakers observed and
deemed to be GFCIs using a GFCI tester, where possible; and
L.
smoke
and carbon-monoxide detectors.
II. The
inspector shall describe:
A.
the
main service disconnect's amperage rating, if
labeled; and
B.
the
type of wiring observed.
III. The
inspector shall report as in need of correction:
A.
deficiencies
in the integrity of the service-entrance conductors’ insulation, drip
loop, and vertical clearances from grade and roofs;
B.
any
unused circuit-breaker panel opening that was not filled;
C.
the
presence of solid conductor aluminum branch-circuit wiring, if readily visible;
D.
any
tested receptacle in which power was not present, polarity was incorrect, the
cover was not in place, the GFCI devices were not properly installed or did not
operate properly, evidence of arcing or excessive heat, and where the
receptacle was not grounded or was not secured to the wall; and
E.
the
absence of smoke detectors.
IV. The
inspector is not required to:
A.
insert
any tool, probe or device into the main panelboard,
sub-panels, distribution panelboards, or
electrical fixtures.
B.
operate
electrical systems that are shut down.
C.
remove
panelboard cabinet covers or dead fronts.
D.
operate
or re-set over-current protection devices or overload devices.
E.
operate
smoke or carbon-monoxide detectors.
F.
measure
or determine the amperage or voltage of the main service equipment, if not
visibly labeled.
G.
inspect
the fire and alarm system or components.
H.
inspect
the ancillary wiring or remote-control devices.
I.
activate
any electrical systems or branch circuits that are not energized.
J.
inspect
low-voltage systems, electrical de-icing tapes, swimming pool wiring, or any
time-controlled devices.
K.
verify
the service ground.
L.
inspect
private or emergency electrical supply sources, including, but not limited
to: generators, windmills, photovoltaic solar collectors, or battery or
electrical storage facility.
M.
inspect
spark or lightning arrestors.
N.
inspect
or test de-icing equipment.
O.
conduct voltage-drop
calculations.
P.
determine
the accuracy of labeling.
3.8.
Fireplace
I. The
inspector shall inspect:
A.
readily
accessible and visible portions of the fireplaces and chimneys;
B.
lintels
above the fireplace openings;
C.
damper
doors by opening and closing them, if readily accessible and manually operable;
and
D.
cleanout
doors and frames.
II. The
inspector shall describe:
A.
the
type of fireplace;
III. The
inspector shall report as in need of correction:
A.
evidence
of joint separation, damage or deterioration of the hearth, hearth
extension or chambers;
B.
manually
operated dampers that did not open and close;
C.
the
lack of a smoke detector in the same room as the fireplace;
D.
the
lack of a carbon-monoxide detector in the same room as the fireplace; and
E.
cleanouts
not made of metal, pre-cast cement, or other non-combustible material.
IV. The
inspector is not required to:
A.
inspect
the flue or vent system.
B.
inspect
the interior of chimneys or flues, fire doors or screens, seals or
gaskets, or mantels.
C.
determine
the need for a chimney sweep.
D.
operate
gas fireplace inserts.
E.
light
pilot flames.
F.
determine
the appropriateness of any installation.
G.
inspect
automatic fuel-fed devices.
H.
inspect
combustion and/or make-up air devices.
I.
inspect
heat-distribution assists, whether gravity-controlled or fan-assisted.
J.
ignite
or extinguish fires.
K.
determine
the adequacy of drafts or draft characteristics.
L.
move
fireplace inserts, stoves or firebox contents.
M.
perform
a smoke test.
N.
dismantle
or remove any component.
O.
perform
a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-style inspection.
P.
perform
a Phase I fireplace and chimney inspection.
3.9.
Attic, Insulation & Ventilation
I. The
inspector shall inspect:
A.
insulation
in unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces and foundation areas;
B.
ventilation
of unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces and foundation areas; and
C.
mechanical
exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry area.
II. The
inspector shall describe:
A.
the
type of insulation observed; and
B.
the
approximate average depth of insulation observed at the unfinished attic floor
area or roof structure.
III. The
inspector shall report as in need of correction:
A.
the
general absence of insulation or ventilation in unfinished spaces.
IV. The
inspector is not required to:
A.
enter
the attic or any unfinished spaces that are not readily accessible, or where
entry could cause damage or, in the inspector's opinion, pose a safety hazard.
B.
move,
touch or disturb insulation.
C.
move,
touch or disturb vapor retarders.
D.
break
or otherwise damage the surface finish or weather seal on or around access
panels or covers.
E.
identify
the composition or R-value of insulation material.
F.
activate
thermostatically operated fans.
G.
determine
the types of materials used in insulation or wrapping of pipes, ducts, jackets,
boilers or wiring.
H.
determine
the adequacy of ventilation.
3.10.
Doors, Windows & Interior
I. The
inspector shall inspect:
A.
a
representative number of doors and windows by opening and closing them;
B.
floors,
walls and ceilings;
C.
stairs,
steps, landings, stairways and ramps;
D.
railings,
guards and handrails; and
E.
garage
vehicle doors and the operation of garage vehicle door openers, using normal
operating controls.
II. Inspector
shall describe:
A.
a
garage vehicle door as manually-operated or installed with a garage door
opener.
III. Inspector
shall report as in need of correction:
A.
improper
spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles and rails for steps,
stairways, guards and railings;
B.
photo-electric
safety sensors that did not operate properly; and
C.
any
window that was obviously fogged or displayed other evidence of broken seals.
IV. The
inspector is not required to:
A.
inspect
paint, wallpaper, window treatments or finish treatments.
B.
inspect
floor coverings or carpeting.
C.
inspect
central vacuum systems.
D.
inspect
for safety glazing.
E.
inspect
security systems or components.
F.
evaluate
the fastening of islands, countertops, cabinets, sink tops or
fixtures.
G.
move
furniture, stored items, or any coverings, such as carpets
or rugs, in order to inspect the concealed floor structure.
H.
move
suspended-ceiling tiles.
I.
inspect
or move any household appliances.
J.
inspect
or operate equipment housed in the garage, except as otherwise noted.
K.
verify
or certify the proper operation of any pressure-activated auto-reverse or
related safety feature of a garage door.
L.
operate
or evaluate any security bar release and opening mechanisms, whether interior
or exterior, including their compliance with local, state or federal
standards.
M.
operate
any system, appliance or component that requires the use of special keys,
codes, combinations or devices.
N.
operate
or evaluate self-cleaning oven cycles, tilt guards/latches, or signal
lights.
O.
inspect
microwave ovens or test leakage from microwave ovens.
P.
operate
or examine any sauna, steam-generating equipment, kiln, toaster, ice maker,
coffee maker, can opener, bread warmer, blender, instant hot-water dispenser,
or other small, ancillary appliances or devices.
Q.
inspect
elevators.
R.
inspect
remote controls.
S.
inspect
appliances.
T.
inspect
items not permanently installed.
U.
discover
firewall compromises.
V.
inspect
pools, spas or fountains.
W.
determine
the adequacy of whirlpool or spa jets, water force, or bubble effects.
X.
determine
the structural integrity or leakage of pools or spas.
· accessible:
In the opinion of the inspector, can be approached or entered safely, without
difficulty, fear or danger.
· activate:
To turn on, supply power, or enable systems, equipment or devices to become
active by normal operating controls. Examples include turning on the gas or
water supply valves to the fixtures and appliances, and activating electrical
breakers or fuses.
· adversely
affect:
To constitute, or potentially constitute, a negative or destructive impact.
· alarm
system:
Warning devices, installed or freestanding, including, but not limited to:
carbon-monoxide detectors, flue gas and other spillage detectors, security
equipment, ejector pumps, and smoke alarms.
· appliance: A
household device operated by the use of electricity or gas. Not included in
this definition are components covered under central heating, central cooling
or plumbing.
· architectural
service:
Any practice involving the art and science of building design for construction
of any structure or grouping of structures, and the use of space within and
surrounding the structures or the design, design development, preparation of
construction contract documents, and administration of the construction
contract.
· component: A
permanently installed or attached fixture, element or part of a system.
· condition:
The visible and conspicuous state of being of an object.
· correction:
Something that is substituted or proposed for what is incorrect, deficient,
unsafe, or a defect.
· cosmetic
defect:
An irregularity or imperfection in something, which could be corrected, but is
not required.
· crawlspace:
The area within the confines of the foundation and between the ground and the
underside of the lowest floor's structural component.
· decorative:
Ornamental; not required for the operation of essential systems or
components of a home.
· describe:
To report in writing a system or component by its type or other observed
characteristics in order to distinguish it from other components used for the
same purpose.
· determine:
To arrive at an opinion or conclusion pursuant to examination.
· dismantle:
To open, take apart or remove any component, device or piece that would not
typically be opened, taken apart or removed by an ordinary occupant.
· engineering
service:
Any professional service or creative work requiring engineering education,
training and experience, and the application of special knowledge of the
mathematical, physical and engineering sciences to such professional service or
creative work as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design and
supervision of construction for the purpose of assuring compliance with the
specifications and design, in conjunction with structures, buildings, machines,
equipment, works and/or processes.
· enter:
To go into an area to observe visible components.
· evaluate:
To assess the systems, structures and/or components of a property.
· evidence:
(noun
form) That which tends to prove or disprove something; something that makes
plain or clear; ground for belief; proof.
· examine:
To visually look (see inspect).
· foundation:
The base upon which the structure or wall rests, usually masonry, concrete or
stone, and generally partially underground.
· function:
The action for which an item, component or system is specially fitted or used,
or for which an item, component or system exists; to be in action or perform a
task.
· functional:
Performing, or able to perform, a function.
· functional
defect:
A lack of or an abnormality in something that is necessary for normal and
proper functioning and operation, and, therefore, requires further evaluation
and correction.
· general
home inspection: 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.
· home
inspection: See
general home inspection.
· household
appliances:
Kitchen and laundry appliances, room air conditioners, and similar appliances.
· identify: To
notice and report.
· indication:
(noun form) That which serves to point out, show, or make known the present
existence of something under certain conditions.
· inspect:
To examine readily accessible systems and components safely, using normal
operating controls, and accessing readily accessible areas, in accordance with
these Standards of Practice.
· inspected
property:
The readily accessible areas of the buildings, site, items, components and
systems included in the inspection.
· inspection
report: A
written communication (possibly including images) of any material
defects observed during the inspection.
· inspector:
One who performs a real estate inspection.
· installed:
Attached or connected such that the installed item requires a tool for
removal.
· material
defect: A
specific issue with a system or component of a residential property that may
have a significant, adverse impact on the value of the property, or that poses
an unreasonable risk to people. The fact that a system or component is
near, at or beyond the end of its normal useful life is not, in itself, a
material defect.
· normal
operating controls:
Describes the method by which certain devices (such as thermostats) can be
operated by ordinary occupants, as they require no specialized skill or
knowledge.
· observe:
To visually notice.
· operate:
To cause systems to function or turn on with normal operating controls.
· readily
accessible:
A system or component that, in the judgment of the inspector, is capable of
being safely observed without the removal of obstacles, detachment or
disengagement of connecting or securing devices, or other unsafe or difficult
procedures to gain access.
· recreational
facilities:
Spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, tennis courts, playground equipment,
and other exercise, entertainment and athletic facilities.
· report:
(verb form) To express, communicate or provide information in writing; give a
written account of. (See also inspection report.)
· representative
number:
A number sufficient to serve as a typical or characteristic example of the
item(s) inspected.
· residential
property: Four
or fewer residential units.
· residential
unit: A
home; a single unit providing complete and independent living facilities
for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping,
eating, cooking and sanitation.
· safety
glazing:
Tempered glass, laminated glass, or rigid plastic.
· shut
down:
Turned off, unplugged, inactive, not in service, not operational, etc.
· structural
component:
A component that supports non-variable forces or weights (dead loads) and
variable forces or weights (live loads).
· system:
An assembly of various components which function as a whole.
· technically
exhaustive:
A comprehensive and detailed examination beyond the scope of a real estate home
inspection that would involve or include, but would not be limited
to: dismantling, specialized knowledge or training, special equipment,
measurements, calculations, testing, research, analysis, or other means.
· unsafe: In
the inspector's opinion, a condition of an area, system, component or
procedure that is judged to be a significant risk of injury during normal,
day-to-day use. The risk may be due to damage, deterioration, improper
installation, or a change in accepted residential construction standards.
· verify:
To confirm or substantiate.