1. Definitions and Scope

A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a residential property, performed for a fee, which is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components defined by the InterNACHI Standards of Practice that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector.

The scope of a home inspection includes the roof, exterior, basement, foundation, crawlspace, structure, heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, fireplace, attic, insulation, ventilation, doors, windows, and the interior.

The following are not included in the scope of a home inspection: cosmetic deficiencies, underground drainage, swimming pools and spas, outbuildings other than garages, detached garages (unless specifically requested), sprinkler systems, security systems, water quality, air quality, rodent infestation, or the compliance of the property with any governmental regulations or requirements.

2. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions

Limitations: An inspector shall not be required to perform any inspection of the following:

Systems and components that are not visible or accessible
Areas that are not accessible due to locked doors, furniture, storage, landscaping, or occupant belongings
Any system or component where an inspection would constitute a hazard to the inspector or others
Any system or component that is shut down or not in service at the time of inspection
Any system or component that requires specialized tools or equipment not carried by general home inspectors

Exclusions: Inspectors are not required to determine: the cause of deficiencies, methods to correct deficiencies, the cost to correct deficiencies, or the remaining useful life of systems and components.

3. Standards of Practice

Roof

Inspectors shall inspect from the ground level or eaves: the roof covering materials, gutters, downspouts, vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, and any other roof penetrations. Inspectors shall describe the type of roof covering materials observed.

Exterior

Inspectors shall inspect: wall cladding, flashing and trim, windows and doors, decks, balconies, stoops, and steps, vegetation, grading, surface drainage, retaining walls adjacent to the structure, and walkways and driveways.

Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure

Inspectors shall inspect the structural components including the foundation, and framing components where visible. Inspectors shall describe: the foundation, the floor structure, the wall structure, the ceiling structure, and the roof structure.

Heating

Inspectors shall inspect the installed heating system and describe the heating system type and energy source. Inspectors shall operate the heating system using the thermostat.

Cooling

Inspectors shall inspect the installed central and through-wall cooling equipment and describe the cooling system type and energy source. Inspectors shall operate the cooling systems using the thermostat.

Plumbing

Inspectors shall inspect the main water supply shutoff valve, the main fuel supply shutoff valve, the water heating equipment including energy source and venting, interior water supply and distribution systems, drain, waste and vent systems, installed dishwashers, food waste disposers, laundry facilities, and sump pumps.

Electrical

Inspectors shall inspect the service drop, service entrance conductors, cables and raceways, service equipment and main disconnects, service grounding, interior components of service panels and subpanels, conductors, overcurrent protection devices, and ground fault circuit interrupters and arc fault circuit interrupters.

Fireplace

Inspectors shall inspect accessible portions of the fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances, chimneys, lintels, dampers, and cleanout doors and frames.

Attic, Insulation & Ventilation

Inspectors shall inspect insulation in unfinished spaces, ventilation of attics and crawlspaces, and mechanical ventilation systems. Inspectors shall describe the type of insulation observed.

Doors, Windows & Interior

Inspectors shall inspect installed heating and cooling units, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, steps, stairways and railings, garage vehicle doors, and garage vehicle door openers.

4. Glossary of Terms

Accessible: Can be approached or entered by an inspector safely, without difficulty, fear or danger.
Adverse Condition: Any change in a building component or system that makes the component or system unsafe, not functional, or not performing as intended.
Comment: A written statement in the inspection report about a system or component.
Component: A part of a system.
Deficiency: A condition that adversely affects the performance of a component or system, or constitutes a hazard.
Inspect: To visually examine readily accessible systems and components safely, using normal operating controls, and accessing readily accessible panels, and areas.
Readily Accessible: Available for visual inspection without requiring moving of personal property, dismantling, destructive measures, or any action which will likely involve risk to persons or property.
Report: The written document provided by an inspector to a client that describes the material defects found during a home inspection.

What a Home Inspection Includes