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These are the Standard Operating Procedures that Comprehensive Building Consultants have put together, so each and every client knows the expectations of their home inspection.
If there are any questions please call us at 239-481-3977
Table of Contents
1. Definitions and Scope.
2. Standards of Practice
2.1. Roof
2.2. Exterior
2.3. Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure
2.4. Heating
2.5. Cooling
2.6. Plumbing
2.7. Electrical
2.8. Fireplace
2.9. Attic & Insulation
2.10. Doors, Windows & Interior
3. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions
4. Glossary of Terms
1. Definitions and Scope
1.1. A Home Inspection is a noninvasive, visual examination of a residential dwelling, performed for a fee, which is designed to identify observed material defects within specific components of said dwelling. Components may include any combination of mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems or portions of the home, as identified and agreed to by the Client and Inspector, prior to the inspection process.
I. A home inspection is intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of the inspection, and not the prediction of future conditions.
II. A home inspection will not reveal every concern that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the day of the inspection.
III. A home inspection can NOT include a survey and/or analysis of energy flows and usage in a residential property.
1.2. A Material Defect is a condition of a residential real property, or any portion of it, that would have a significant, adverse impact on the value of the real property, or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural element, system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of the normal useful life of such a structural element, system or subsystem is not by itself a material defect.
1.3. An Inspection Report shall describe and identify, in written format, the inspected systems, structures, and components of the dwelling, and shall identify material defects observed. Inspection reports may contain recommendations regarding conditions reported or recommendations for correction, monitoring or further evaluation by professionals, but this is not required.
2. Standards of Practice
2.1. Roof
I. The inspector shall inspect from ground level or eaves or will walk upon the roof should he/she feel that safety is not a concern or no damage to the roof material will occur, or the roof is not too tall to reach with a normal 12 foot ladder.
A. the roof covering;
B. the gutters;
C. the downspouts;
D. the vents, flashings, 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 is not required to:
A. walk on any pitched roof surface that is unsafe in the inspectors opinion.
B. predict the service life expectancy.
C. inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
D. remove debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation of the roof surfaces.
E. move insulation.
F. inspect antennae, lightning arresters, 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 that is not visible. The attachments are hidden from view and would take some disassemble to see.
2.2. Exterior
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. the siding, flashing and trim;
B. all exterior doors, decks, stoops, steps, stairs, porches, railings, eaves, soffits and fascias;
C. and report as in need of repair any spacings between intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails for steps, stairways, balconies, and railings that permit the passage of an object greater than 4 inches in diameter;
D. a representative number of windows;
E. the vegetation, surface drainage, and retaining walls when these are likely to adversely affect the structure;
F. and describe the exterior wall covering.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. inspect or operate screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings, fences, outbuildings, or exterior accent lighting.
B. inspect items, including window and door flashings, which are not visible or readily accessible from the ground.
C. inspect geological, geotechnical, hydrological and/or soil conditions.
D. inspect recreational facilities or playground equipment.
E. inspect, break-walls and docks.
F. inspect erosion control and earth stabilization measures.
G. inspect for safety-type glass.
H. inspect underground utilities.
I. inspect underground items.
J. inspect wells or springs for water quality.
K. inspect, wind, or geothermal systems.
L. inspect above ground swimming pools or spas.
M. inspect cesspools.
N. inspect sprinkler systems for full coverage. We turn the system see if the majority of the area is getting watered. We do not turn the system on, watch each head rotate and ensure every blade of grass gets watered..
O. inspect drain fields or drywells.
P. determine the integrity of the thermal window seals or damaged glass.
2.3. Basement, Foundation & Crawlspace
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. the foundation;
B. the crawlspace;
C. the visible structural components;
D. and report on the location of under-floor access openings;
E. and report any present conditions or clear indications of active water penetration observed by the inspector;
F. for wood in contact or near soil;
G. and report any general indications of foundation movement that are observed by the inspector, such as, but not limited to: sheetrock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames, or floor slopes;
H. and report on any cutting, notching and boring of framing members which may present a structural or safety concern that is visible.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. enter any crawlspaces that are 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 size, spacing, span, location or determine 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.
2.4. Heating
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. the heating systems using normal operating controls, an describe the energy source and heating method;
B. and report as in need of repair heating systems which do not operate;
C. and report if the heating systems are deemed inaccessible.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. inspect or evaluate interiors 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.
2.5. Cooling
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. the central cooling equipment using normal operating controls.
II. 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 window units, through-wall systems that are not accessible
C. operate equipment or systems if exterior temperature is below 60 degrees 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 unless possible in the inspectors opinion.
2.6. Plumbing
I. The inspector shall:
A. inspect and determine if the water supply is public or private;
B. verify the presence of and identify the location of the main water shut-off valve;
C. inspect the water heating equipment, including venting, connections, energy source supply system, and seismic bracing, and verify the presence or absence of temperature-pressure relief valves and/or Watts 210 valves;
D. flush toilets;
E. water-test sinks, tubs and showers for functional drainage;
F. inspect the interior water supply, including all fixtures and faucets;
G. inspect the drain, waste and vent systems, including all fixtures;
H. describe any visible fuel storage systems;
I. inspect the drainage sump pumps and test pumps with accessible floats;
J. inspect and describe the water supply, drain, waste and main fuel shut-off valves, as well as the location of the water main and main fuel shut-off valves;
K. inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the water supply by viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously;
L. inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in installation and identification of hot and cold faucets;
M. inspect and report as in need of repair mechanical drain-stops that are missing or do not operate if installed in sinks, lavatories and tubs; and
N. inspect and report as in need of repair commodes that have cracks in the ceramic material, are improperly mounted on the floor, leak, or have tank components which do not operate.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. light or ignite pilot flames.
B. Determine the adequacy of the water to see if its size will fit the owners needs.
C. inspect interiors of flues or chimneys, combustion air systems, water softening 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 or pot ability or the reliability of the water supply or source.
F. open sealed plumbing access panels.
G. inspect clothes washing machines cycles. We do test them for operation and leaking. Meaning we turn the appliance on, notice it fill with water and run through a cycle and check for leaks. We DO run each and every cycle or put clothes in the machine.
H. operate any main, branch or fixture valve.
I. test shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for leakage.
J. evaluate the compliance with local or state conservation or energy 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 clean-outs for effective cleaning of drains.
M. evaluate gas, liquid propane or oil storage tanks.
N. inspect any underground or concealed fuel supply systems.
O. inspect any private sewage waste disposal system or component thereof.
P. inspect water treatment systems or water filters.
Q. inspect water storage tanks, pressure pumps or bladder tanks.
R. evaluate wait-time to obtain hot water at fixtures, or perform testing of any kind to water heater elements.
S. evaluate or determine the adequacy of combustion air.
T. test, operate, open or close safety controls, manual stop valves and/or temperature or pressure relief valves.
U. examine ancillary systems or components, such as, but not limited to, those relating to solar water heating, hot water circulation.
V. determine the existence or condition of polybutylene plumbing if not obviously seen. If this material is seen we will recommend further evaluation by a licensed plumber.
W. Inspect dishwashers on every cycle. We run the dishwasher to see it fills, sprays and drains without leakage. We do not run it on every cycle and we do not ensure the heating systems will adequately dry your dishes. We do but fill the appliance with dirty dishes and check its cleaning power.
2.7. Electrical
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. the service drop/lateral;
B. the meter socket enclosures;
C. the means for disconnecting the service main;
D. and describe the service disconnect amperage rating, if labeled;
E. panelboards and overcurrent devices (breakers and fuses);
F. and report on any unused circuit breaker panel openings that are not filled;
G. the service grounding and bonding;
H. a representative number of switches, lighting fixtures, and receptacles, including receptacles observed and deemed to be AFCI-protected during the inspection using the AFCI test button, where possible;
I. and test all Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs during the inspection using a GFCI tester, where possible;
J. and report the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring, if readily visible;
K. and report on any tested receptacles in which power was not present, polarity is incorrect, is not secured to the wall, the cover is not in place, the ground fault circuit interrupter devices are not properly installed or do not operate properly, evidence of arcing or excessive heat is present, or where the receptacle is not grounded or is not secured to the wall;
L. the service entrance conductors and the condition of the conductor insulation;
M. and report the absence of smoke detectors; and
N. service entrance cables, and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the integrity of the insulation, drip loop, or separation of conductors at weatherheads and clearances from grade or rooftops.
II. 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 front covers, if they are not readily accessible.
D. operate or reset overcurrent protection devices or overload devices.
E. operate smoke detectors.
F. measure or determine the amperage or voltage of the main service equipment, if not visibly labeled.
G. inspect the fire or alarm system and components.
H. inspect the ancillary wiring or remote control devices.
I. activate any electrical systems or branch circuits which are not energized.
J. inspect low-voltage systems, 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 any sound systems to include speakers, intercoms, or any other audio/video equipment. .
O. conduct voltage drop calculations.
P. determine the accuracy of labeling.
Q. inspect exterior accent lighting.
2.8. Fireplace
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. the fireplace, and open and close the damper door, if readily accessible and operable;
B. hearth extensions and other permanently installed components;
C. and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the lintel, hearth and material surrounding the fireplace, including fireplace opening clearance from visible combustible materials.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. inspect entire (only visible areas) of 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-feed 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 adequacy of draft 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 Prevention Association (NFPA)-style inspection.
P. perform a Phase I fireplace and chimney inspection.
2.9. Attic, Ventilation & Insulation
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. the insulation in unfinished spaces;
B. the ventilation of attic spaces;
C. mechanical ventilation systems;
D. and report on the general absence or lack of insulation in
unfinished spaces.
II. 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 pose a safety hazard to the inspector, in his or her opinion.
B. to move, touch, or disturb insulation.
C. to move, touch or disturb vapor retarders.
D. break or otherwise damage the surface finish or weather seal on or around access panels and covers.
E. identify the composition or exact R-value of insulation material (we just estimate).
F. activate thermostatically operated fans.
G. determine the types of materials used in insulation or wrapping of pipes, ducts, jackets, boilers and wiring.
H. determine the adequacy of ventilation.
2.10. Doors, Windows & Interior
I. The inspector shall:
A. open and close a representative number of doors and windows; We move NO furniture to access the doors or windows. If they are accessible they are checked for proper operation.
B. inspect the walls, ceilings, steps, stairways and railings;
C. and report as in need of repair any spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles or rails for steps, stairways and railings that permit the passage of an object greater than 4 inches in diameter;
D. inspect garage doors and garage door openers by the installed automatic door control; We do not check remotes or door codes.
E. and report as in need of repair any installed electronic sensors that are not operable.
F. and report as in need of repair any door locks or side ropes that have not been removed or disabled when garage door opener is in use;
G. and report as in need of repair any windows that are obviously fogged or display other evidence of broken seals.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. inspect paint, wallpaper, window treatments or finish treatments.
B. inspect central vacuum systems for total operation. The system is randomly activated and checked for suction at all visible and accessible areas.
C. inspect safety glazing.
D. inspect security systems or components.
E. evaluate the fastening of countertops, cabinets, sink tops or fixtures.
F. move furniture, stored items, or any coverings, such as carpets or rugs, in order to inspect the concealed floor structure.
G. move drop-ceiling tiles.
H. inspect or move any household appliances.
I. inspect or operate equipment housed in the garage, except as otherwise noted.
J. verify or certify safe operation of any auto-reverse or related safety function of a garage door.
K. operate or evaluate any security bar release and opening mechanisms, whether interior or exterior, including their compliance with local, state or federal standards.
L. operate any system, appliance or component that requires the use of special keys, codes, combinations or devices.
M. operate or evaluate self-cleaning oven cycles, tilt guards/latches or signal lights.
N. inspect microwave ovens.
O. operate or examine any sauna, steam-jenny, kiln, toaster, ice-maker, coffee-maker, can-opener, bread-warmer, blender, instant hot water dispenser, or other small, ancillary devices.
P. inspect elevators for servicing. We do get into the elevator and check it to see if it operates.
Q. inspect remote controls.
R. inspect appliances that are not permanently attached to the house.
S. inspect items not permanently installed.
T. discover firewall compromises.
U. examine or operate any above-ground, movable, freestanding, or otherwise non-permanently installed pool/spa, recreational equipment or self-contained equipment.
V. come into contact with any pool or spa water in order to determine the system structure or components unless otherwise mentioned..
W. determine the adequacy of spa jet water force or bubble effect.
X. determine the structural integrity or leakage of a pool or spa that is not visible.
Y. items will not be removed from closet to check closet areas. Showers walls are checked to the best of our ability but many times there are NUMEROUS items within a closet and other areas that hinder our viewing. We cannot be held liable for items we cannot see or access. It may look obvious the day of the move it, but when the closets are filled there is no way to see the space.
2.10 Pools/Spa
I. The inspector shall: (for a fee)
A. check the pool condition and determine if any pool cracks or any other obvious defect is noted.
B. check all attached equipment to see that the motors are running, no leakage at the visible piping is present, the handrails are present and tight.
C. that the lights are operational at the time of the inspection
D. the heating sytems(s) operate at the time of the inspection.
E. the skimmer system operates as intended.
F. check the air blower operates as intended.
G. Check the central control system at the exterior
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. perform a static check on the pool meaning to dive the pool, use dye to check for leak.
B. ensure the calibration, future operation, or efficiency or adequacy of the pool heater.
C: check, identify any type of leak that is not present with the visual eye, such as underground piping, shell leakage.
D: check that spa for calibration of adequate hydro jet action or to ensure each and every jet provides the intended amount of hydro jet therapy.
E. ensure the central control system for the spa is calibrated.
2.11 Seawalls (for a fee)
I. The inspector shall
A. check the seawall and backfill soil for any defects.
B. check the dockage and any 120 volt outlets for proper operation and protection
C. check any water spigot that may be present
D. check the dockage for any defects such as rot, significant cracking, or any other obvious defects
E. electric boat lifts (if not boat is present) to ensure it goes up and down.
I. The inspector is not required to:
A. check 30 and 50 amp receptacles that maybe present
B. censure the boat lift can handle specific weights
C. dig under any soil to inspect any part of the seawall
D. determine any weight allowanced for the dock
2.12 Septic (for a fee)
I. The inspector shall
A. run water for at LEAST 20 minutes and then check the drain field area and the clean out access to determine if any water back up has occurred
B. dig a hole at the drain field area and inspect the area for any back up
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. drain and clean the holding tank
B. determine the size and its adequacy for the particular residence (this should have been done when constructed).
2.13 Mold (for a fee)
I. The inspector shall;
A. inspect the area for any signs of visual mold that are visible.
B. inspect the residence for items that would be conducive to mold growth such as leaks, water intrusion, HVAC failure.
C. take temperature and humidity readings inside and outside the residence.
D. take air quality samples one at the exterior (baseline) and one per HVAC zoned area or any other specific area of concern. They are sent to a lab for analysis and then the results are presented to the qualified inspector for a joint analysis (with the lab) for interpretation.
E. provide written documentation of the findings.
II. The inspector is not required to;
A. see within areas that are not visible such as wall cavities, behind furniture, under flooring
B. determine the future diagnosis of the residence. We test and inspect with the conditions from that day only. ANY changes within the residence can cause future mold growth.
C. determine if any individual is medically acceptable to live within the residence (We are not doctors) Sensitivity to mold is as individual as people are, we can determine if YOU will have a problem in this house. Please seek medical advice is significant sensitivity to mold is present.
3. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions
3.1. 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.
IX. An inspection does not include items not permanently installed.
X. These Standards of Practice apply only to homes with four or fewer
dwelling units.
3.2. Exclusions:
I. The inspectors are 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 repair or replacement of any system or component.
G. future conditions.
H. compliance with codes or regulations.
I. the presence of evidence of rodents, animals or insects.
J. the presence of mold, mildew or fungus.
K. the presence of air-borne hazards.
L. the presence of birds.
M. the presence of other flora or fauna.
N. the air quality.
O. the existence of asbestos.
P. the existence of environmental hazards.
Q. the existence of electro-magnetic fields.
R. the presence of hazardous materials including, but not limited to, the presence of lead in paint.
S. any hazardous waste conditions.
T. any manufacturer's recalls or conformance with manufacturer installation, or any information included for consumer protection purposes.
U. operating costs of systems.
V. replacement or repair cost estimates.
W. the acoustical properties of any systems.
X. estimates of the cost to operating any given system.
II. The inspectors are 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. antennae;
4. lights; or
5. 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.
III. The inspectors are not required to:
A. move any personal items or other obstructions, such as, but not limited to:
1. throw rugs;
2. furniture;
3. floor or wall coverings;
4. ceiling tiles;
5. window coverings;
6. equipment;
7. plants;
8. ice;
9. debris;
10. snow;
11. water;
12. dirt;
13. foliage; or
14. pets.
B. dismantle, open, or uncover any system or component.
C. enter or access any area which may, in the opinion of the inspector, be unsafe.
D. enter crawlspaces or other areas that are unsafe or not readily accessible.
E. inspect underground items such as, but not limited to, underground storage tanks or other indications of their presence, whether abandoned or actively used.
F. do anything which, in the inspector's opinion, is likely to 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.
G. inspect decorative items.
H. inspect common elements or areas in multi-unit housing.
I. inspect intercoms, speaker systems, radio-controlled security devices,
J. offer guarantees.
K. offer or perform any engineering services.
L. offer or perform any trade or professional service other than home inspection.
M. research the history of the property, report on its potential for alteration, modification, extendibility, or its suitability for a specific or proposed use for occupancy.
N. determine the age of construction or installation of any system structure or component of a building, or differentiate between original construction and subsequent additions, improvements, renovations or replacements.
O. determine the insurability of a property.
P. perform or offer Phase 1 environmental audits.
Q. inspect on any system or component which is not included in these standards.
Minor changes to the SOP have been accomplished to fit Comprehensive Building Consultants SOP and due to geographical area and services offered.
4. Glossary of Terms
4.1. Accessible: Can be approached or entered by the inspector safely, without difficulty, fear or danger.
4.2. Activate: To turn on, supply power, or enable systems, equipment, or devices to become active by normal operating controls. Examples include turning on the gas or water supply valves to the fixtures and appliances, and activating electrical breakers or fuses.
4.3. Adversely Affect: To constitute, or potentially constitute, a negative or destructive impact.
4.4. Alarm System: Warning devices, installed or freestanding, including, but not limited to: carbon monoxide detectors, flue gas and other spillage detectors, security equipment, ejector pumps and smoke alarms.
4.5. Appliance: A household device operated by use of electricity or gas. Not included in this definition are components covered under central heating, central cooling or plumbing.
4.6. Architectural Service: Any practice involving the art and science of building design for construction of any structure or grouping of structures, and the use of space within and surrounding the structures or the design, design development, preparation of construction contract documents, and administration of the construction contract.
4.7. Component: A permanently installed or attached fixture, element or part of a system.
4.8. Condition: The visible and conspicuous state of being of an object.
4.9. Crawlspace: The area within the confines of the foundation and between the ground and the underside of the lowest floor structural component.
4.10. Decorative: Ornamental; not required for the operation of essential systems and components of a home.
4.11. Describe: To report in writing a system or component by its type, or other observed characteristics to distinguish it from other components used for the same purpose.
4.12. Determine: To arrive at an opinion or conclusion pursuant to examination.
4.13. Dismantle: To open, take apart or remove any component, device or piece that would not typically be opened, taken apart or removed by an ordinary occupant.
4.14. Engineering Service: Any professional service or creative work requiring engineering education, training, and experience and the application of special knowledge of the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences to such professional service or creative work as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design and supervision of construction for the purpose of assuring compliance with the specifications and design, in conjunction with structures, buildings, machines, equipment, works or processes.
4.15. Enter: To go into an area to observe visible components.
4.16. Evaluate: To assess the systems, structures or components of a dwelling.
4.17. Examine: To visually look. See Inspect.
4.18. Foundation: The base upon which the structure or wall rests; usually masonry, concrete, or stone, and generally partially underground.
4.19. Function: The action for which an item, component, or system is specially fitted or used, or for which an item, component or system exists; to be in action or perform a task.
4.20. Functional: Performing, or able to perform, a function.
4.21. Home Inspection: The process by which an inspector visually examines the readily accessible systems and components of a home, and operates those systems and components utilizing these Standards of Practice as a guideline.
4.22. Household Appliances: Kitchen and laundry appliances, room air conditioners, and similar appliances.
4.23. Inspect: To visually look at readily accessible systems and components safely, using normal operating controls, and accessing readily accessible panels and areas in accordance with these Standards of Practice.
4.24. Inspected Property: The readily accessible areas of the buildings, site, items, components, and systems included in the inspection.
4.25. Inspector: One who performs a real estate inspection.
4.26. Installed: Attached or connected such that the installed item requires a tool for removal.
4.27. Material Defect: A condition of a residential real property or any portion of it that would have a significant adverse impact on the value of the real property or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural element, system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of the normal useful life of such a structural element, system or subsystem is not by itself a material defect.
4.28. Normal Operating Controls: Devices, such as thermostats, that would be operated by ordinary occupants which require no specialized skill or knowledge.
4.29. Observe: To see through visually directed attention.
4.30. Operate: To cause systems to function or turn on with normal operating controls.
4.31. Readily Accessible: An item or component that is, in the judgment of the inspector, capable of being safely observed without the removal of obstacles, detachment or disengagement of connecting or securing devices, or other unsafe or difficult procedures to gain access.
4.32. Recreational Facilities: Spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, tennis courts, playground equipment, and other exercise, entertainment or athletic facilities.
4.33. Report: A written communication (possibly including images) of any material defects observed during the inspection.
4.34. Representative Number: A sufficient number to serve as a typical or characteristic example of the item(s) inspected.
4.35. Safety Glazing: Tempered glass, laminated glass, or rigid plastic.
4.36. Shut Down: Turned off, unplugged, inactive, not in service, not operational, etc.
4.37. Structural Component: A component which supports non-variable forces or weights (dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live loads).
4.38. System: An assembly of various components which function as a whole.
4.39. Technically Exhaustive: A comprehensive and detailed examination beyond the scope of a real estate home inspection which would involve or include, but would not be limited to: dismantling, specialized knowledge or training, special equipment, measurements, calculations, testing, research, analysis or other means.
4.40. Unsafe: A condition in a system or component which is judged to be a significant risk of personal injury during normal, day-to-day use. The risk may be due to damage, deterioration, improper installation, or a change in accepted residential construction standards.
4.41. Verify: To confirm or substantiate.
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