Home Inspector Standards

The Roof

Foundation and Structure

The Exterior

I inspect from the roof, ladder or a drone, the eaves or roof, the roof-covering materials, the gutters and downspouts, vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, and other roof penetrations. The general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors, or stairs. I shall describe the type of roof-covering materials and I shall report as in need of correction observed indications of active roof leaks.

If it is safe to do so, I will access the roof for an inspection to physically check it’s condition.

The Exterior

Foundation and Structure

The Exterior

I inspect the exterior wall-covering materials, eaves, soffits and fascia, representative number of windows, all exterior doors, flashing, and trim. I will also inspect adjacent walkways, driveways, stairs, steps, stoops, stairways, ramps, porches, patios, decks, balconies, carports, railings, guards, handrails, vegetation, surface drainage, retaining walls, and grading of the property, where they may adversely affect the structure due to moisture intrusion.

Foundation and Structure

I will inspect the visible foundation,
basement, crawlspace, and structural components.

My report will describe the type of foundation, the location of the access to the under-floor space. I will also report as in need of correction, observed indications of wood in contact with or near soil, observed indications of active water penetration, observed indications of possible foundation movement, such as sheetrock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames, and unleveled floors; and any observed cutting, notching and boring of framing members that may, in my opinion, present a structural or safety concern.

Heating System

I will visually inspect and identify all of the sources of heat for the structure. The main fuel supply shut-off valve or circuit for the heating equipment, including the energy source and venting connections. The brand and age of the heating equipment.

Cooling System

Heating System

I will inspect the cooling system, using normal operating control.

My report will describe the location of the thermostats for the cooling system and the cooling method. As well as show any need of correction, any cooling system that did not operate, and if the cooling system was deemed inaccessible.

Electrical

I will inspect the service drop, the overhead service conductors and attachment point, the service head, gooseneck, drip loops, service mast, service conduit and raceway, the electric meter and base, service-entrance conductors, main service disconnect, panel boards, over-current protection devices (circuit breakers and fuses), service grounding and bonding, 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, all ground-fault circuit interrupter receptacles, and circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs using a GFCI tester, where possible, and for the presence of smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
My report will describe the main service disconnect's amperage rating, if labeled, the type of wiring observed. The report will also describe as in need of correction, deficiencies in the integrity of the service-entrance conductors’ insulation, drip loop, and vertical clearances from grade and roofs, any unused circuit-breaker panel opening that was not filled;
the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch-circuit wiring, if readily visible, 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 the absence of smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors.

Plumbing

Electrical

I will visually inspect the main water supply shut-off valve, the main fuel supply shut-off valve, the water heating equipment, including the energy source, venting connections, temperature/pressure-relief (TPR) valves, Watts 210 valves, and seismic bracing, interior water supply, including all fixtures and faucets, by running the water, all toilets for proper operation by flushing, all sinks, tubs, and showers for functional drainage, the drain, waste and vent system, and drainage sump pumps with accessible floats.

My report will describe whether the water supply is public or private based upon observed evidence, the location of the main water supply shut-off valve, the location of the main fuel supply shut-off valve, the location of any observed fuel-storage system, and the capacity of the water heating equipment, if labeled.

I will report as in need of correction:

- deficiencies in the water supply by viewing the functional flow in two

fixtures operated simultaneously

- deficiencies in the installation of hot and cold water faucets

- active plumbing water leaks that were observed during the inspection,

and toilets that were damaged, had loose connections to the floor,

were leaking, or had tank components that did not operate

Attic, Insulation, Ventilation

I will inspect insulation in unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces, and foundation areas, ventilation of unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces and foundation areas, and
mechanical exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry area.

My report will describe the type of insulation observed and
the approximate average depth of insulation observed at the unfinished attic floor area or roof structure. The report will list as in need of correction the general absence of insulation or ventilation in unfinished spaces.

Doors, Windows, Interior

Attic, Insulation, Ventilation

I will inspect a representative number of doors and windows by opening and closing them, floors, walls and ceilings;
stairs, steps, landings, stairways, ramps, railings, guards, handrails, garage vehicle doors and the operation of garage vehicle door openers, using normal operating controls.

My report will describe a garage vehicle door as manually-operated or installed with a garage door opener.

I will report as in need of correction, improper spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles, rails for steps, stairways, guards, railings, photo-electric safety sensors that did not operate properly, any window that was obviously fogged or displayed other evidence of broken seals.