What's Inspected
We Inspect under INTACHI Residential Standard of Practices 1. Definitions and Scope 1.1. A Home Inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of a residential dwelling, performed for a fee, which is designed to identify observed material defects within specific components of said dwelling. Components may include any combination of mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems or portions of the home, as identified and agreed to by the Client and Inspector, prior to the inspection process. 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. 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: A. the roof covering; II. The inspector is not required to: A. walk on any pitched roof surface. E. move insulation. G. walk on any roof areas that appear, in the opinion of the H. walk on any roof areas if it might, in the opinion of the I. performs a water test. J. warrant or certify the roof. 2.2. Exterior I. The inspector shall inspect: A. the siding, flashing and trim; C. and report as in need of repair any spacings between D. a representative number of windows; II. The inspector is not required to: A. inspects or operates screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings, Q. inspecst any damaged glass. 2.3. Basement, Foundation & Crawlspace I. The inspector shall inspect: A. the basement; E. and report on the location of under-floor access openings; G. for wood in contact or near soil; H. and report any general indications of foundation movement that I. and report on any cutting, notching and boring of framing II. The inspector is not required to: A. enters any crawlspaces that are not readily accessible or where entry 2.4. Heating I. The inspector shall inspect: A. the heating systems using normal operating controls, and II. The inspector is not required to: A. inspect or evaluate interiors of flues or chimneys, fire H. verifies thermostat calibration, heat anticipation, or automatic 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. determines the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, 2.6. Plumbing I. The inspector shall: A. inspects and determines if the water supply is public or private; B. verify the presence of and identify the location of the main water II. The inspector is not required to: A. light or ignite pilot flames. I. test shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for N. inspects any underground or concealed fuel supply systems. R. evaluates wait-time to obtain hot water at fixtures, or perform S. evaluate or determine the adequacy of combustion air. T. test, operate, open or close safety controls, manual stop U. examines ancillary systems or components, such as, but not limited V. determine the existence or condition of polybutylene plumbing. 2.7. Electrical I. The inspector shall inspect: A. the service drop/lateral; F. and report on any unused circuit breaker panel openings that and deemed to be AFCI-protected during the inspection using an AFCI tester, where possible; I. and test all Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles J. and report the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch II. The inspector is not required to: A. inserts any tool, probe or device into the main panel board, sub- G. inspects the fire or alarm system and components. N. inspects or test de-icing equipment. Q. inspects exterior accent lighting. 2.8. Fireplace I. The inspector shall inspect: A. the fireplace, and open and close the damper door, if readily II. The inspector is not required to: A. inspects the flue or vent system. N. dismantles or removes any component. O. performs a National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) - 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; II. The inspector is not required to: A. enter the attic or any unfinished spaces that are not readily H. determines the adequacy of ventilation. 2.10. Doors, Windows & Interior I. The inspector shall: A. open and close a representative number of doors and windows; C. and report as in need of repair any spacing between II. The inspector is not required to: A. inspects paint, wallpaper, window treatments or finish T. discovers firewall compromises. 3. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions 3.1. Limitations: I. An inspection is not technically exhaustive. VI. An inspection does not determine the insurability of the property. 3.2. Exclusions: I. The inspectors are not required to determine: A. property boundary lines or encroachments.
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.
B. predicts the service life expectancy.
C. inspects underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
D. removes snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the
observation of the roof surfaces.
F. inspects antennae, lightning arresters, de-icing equipment, or
similar attachments.
inspector, to be unsafe.
inspector, cause damage.
B. all exterior doors, decks, stoops, steps, stairs, porches, railings,
eaves, soffits and fascias;
intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails for steps, stairways,
balconies, and railings that permit the passage of an object
greater than 4 inches in diameter;
E. the vegetation, surface drainage, and retaining walls when these
are likely to adversely affect the structure;
F. and describe the exterior wall covering.
fences, outbuildings, or exterior accent lighting.
B. inspects items, including window and door flashings, which are not
visible or readily accessible from the ground.
C. inspects geological, geotechnical, hydrological and/or soil
conditions.
D. inspects recreational facilities or playground equipment.
E. inspects seawalls, break-walls and docks.
F. inspects erosion control and earth stabilization measures.
G. inspects for safety-type glass.
H. inspects underground utilities.
I. inspects underground items.
J. inspects wells or springs.
K. inspects solar, wind, or geothermal systems.
L. inspects swimming pools or spas.
M. inspects septic systems or cesspools.
N. inspects sprinkler systems.
O. inspects drain fields or drywells.
P. determines the integrity of the thermal window seals or damaged
glass.
B. the foundation;
C. the crawlspace;
D. the visible structural components;
F. and report any present conditions or clear indications of active
water penetration observed by the inspector;
are observed by the inspector, such as, but not limited to:
sheetrock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames, or floor
slopes;
members which may present a structural or safety concern.
could cause damage or pose a hazard to the inspector.
B. move stored items or debris.
C. operates 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. provides any engineering or architectural service.
F. report on the adequacy of any structural system or component.
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.
chambers, heat exchangers, combustion air systems, fresh air
intakes, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters,
geothermal systems or solar heating systems.
B. inspects fuel tanks or underground or concealed fuel supply
systems.
C. determines the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution,
size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the heating system.
D. light or ignite pilot flames.
E. activates 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. overrides electronic thermostats.
G. evaluates fuel quality.
setbacks, timers, programs or clocks.
size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the cooling system.
B. inspects window units, through-wall units, or electronic air filters.
C. operates 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. inspects or determines thermostat calibration, heat anticipation, or
automatic setbacks or clocks.
E. examines electrical current, coolant fluids or gases, or coolant
leakage.
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. run water in sinks, tubs, and showers;
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.
B. determines the size, temperature, age, life expectancy or adequacy
of the water heater.
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. determines the exact flow rate, volume, pressure, temperature, or
adequacy of the water supply.
E. determines the water quality or potability or the reliability of the
water supply or source.
F. open sealed plumbing access panels.
G. inspects clothes washing machines or their connections.
H. operates any main, branch or fixture valve.
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. determines the effectiveness of anti-siphon, back-flow prevention
or drain-stop devices.
L. determines whether there are sufficient clean-outs for effective
cleaning of drains.
M. evaluate gas, liquid propane or oil storage tanks.
O. inspect any private sewage waste disposal system or component
thereof.
P. inspects water treatment systems or water filters.
Q. inspects water storage tanks, pressure pumps or bladder tanks.
testing of any kind to water heater elements.
valves and/or temperature or pressure relief valves.
to, those relating to solar water heating, hot water circulation.
B. the meter socket enclosures;
C. the means for disconnecting the service main;
D. and describe the rating of the service amperage;
E. panel boards and over current devices (breakers and fuses);
are not filled;
G. the service grounding and bonding;
H. a representative number of switches, lighting
fixtures, and receptacles, including receptacles observed
and GFCI circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs
during the inspection using a GFCI tester, where possible;
circuit wiring, if readily visible;
K. and report on any tested 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 weather heads and clearances from
grade or rooftops.
panels, distribution panel boards, or electrical fixtures.
B. operates electrical systems that are shut down.
C. remove panel board cabinet covers or dead front covers, if they
are not readily accessible.
D. operates or reset over current protection devices or overload
devices.
E. operates non-accessible smoke detectors.
F. measure or determine the amperage or voltage of the main
service equipment, if not visibly labeled.
H. inspects the ancillary wiring or remote control devices.
I. activates any electrical systems or branch circuits which are not
energized.
J. inspects low-voltage systems, electrical de-icing tapes, swimming
pool wiring, or any time-controlled devices.
K. verifies the service ground.
L. inspects 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.
O. conduct voltage drop calculations.
P. determines the accuracy of labeling.
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.
B. inspects the interior of chimneys or flues, fire doors or screens,
seals or gaskets, or mantels.
C. determines the need for a chimney sweep.
D. operates gas fireplace inserts.
E. lights pilot flames.
F. determines the appropriateness of any installation.
G. inspects automatic fuel-feed devices.
H. inspects combustion and/or make-up air devices.
I. inspects heat distribution assists, whether gravity controlled or
fan-assisted.
J. ignites or extinguishes fires.
K. determine adequacy of draft or draft characteristics.
L. move fireplace inserts, stoves, or firebox contents.
M. perform a smoke test.
style inspection.
B. the ventilation of attic spaces;
C. mechanical ventilation systems;
D. and report on the general absence or lack of insulation in
unfinished spaces.
accessible, or where entry could cause damage or pose a safety
hazard to the inspector, in his or her opinion.
B. to move, touches, or disturbs insulation.
C. to move, touch or disturb vapor retarders.
D. breaks or otherwise damages the surface finish or weather seal
on or around access panels and covers.
E. identifies the composition or exact R-value of insulation material.
F. activates thermostatically operated fans.
G. determines the types of materials used in insulation or wrapping
of pipes, ducts, jackets, boilers and wiring.
B. inspect the walls, ceilings, steps, stairways and railings;
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 operating
first by remote (if available), and then by the installed automatic
door control;
E. and report as in need of repair any installed electronic sensors
that are not operable or not installed at proper heights above
the garage door;
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.
treatments.
B. inspects central vacuum systems.
C. inspects safety glazing.
D. inspects security systems or components.
E. evaluates 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. inspects or moves any household appliances.
I. inspects or operate equipment housed in the garage, except as
otherwise noted.
J. verifies or certifies 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. operates 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. inspects microwave ovens or test leakage from 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. inspects elevators.
Q. inspects remote controls.
R. inspects appliances.
S. inspects items not permanently installed.
U. examines or operates 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.
W. determine the adequacy of spa jet water force or bubble effect.
X. determine the structural integrity or leakage of a pool or spa.
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.
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 homes with four or fewer
dwelling units.
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. tuture 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.