STANDARDS OF PRACTICEThese Standards may not be reproduced without wri - PDF document

1 STANDARDS OF PRACTICEThese Standards may
STANDARDS OF PRACTICEThese Standards may not be reproduced without written permission4248 Park Glen RoadFAX STANDARDS OF PRACTICE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OFHOME INSPECTORS, INC. TABLE OF CONTENTS1. Purpose, Scope & General Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22. General Limitations & Exclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33. Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44. Foundations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55. Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56. Roof Coverings, Flashings, Gutters,Downspouts and Roof Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67. Roof Structure, Attic & Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78. Attached Garage(s)/Carport(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89. Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 . . . . . . . . . . . . .810. Plumbing
. . . . . . . . . . . . .810. Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1011. Central Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1112. Central Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1213. Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 1.11Detached bu

4 ilding(s) and detached garage(s) located
ilding(s) and detached garage(s) located on1.12The National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc.recommends that its members perform inspections into limit members from performing “additional inspectionservices.”1.13The inspector shall report on any system and component2.GENERAL LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS2.1Inspections performed under the Standards exclude anyinspector. The inspector is not required to movefurniture, personal, or stored items; lift floor coverings;perform any test(s)

5 or procedures(s) which could2.2The foll
or procedures(s) which could2.2The following are excluded and not limited to:appliances, recreational facilities, alarms, intercoms,and lawn irrigation systems. 2.3The determination of the presence of or damage causedby termites or any other wood-damaging insects ororganism is excluded.2.4Also excluded from a standard home inspection is thedetermination of the indoor air quality or sickness of anyabsence of all manner of biological activity, such astoxicity, odors, waste products,

6 and noxiousness.2.5Use of special instru
and noxiousness.2.5Use of special instruments or testing devices, such as2.6The inspection is not required to include information fromany source concerning previous property, geological,manufacturer recalls or conformance of propermanufacturer’s installation of any component or system, orinformation contained in Consumer Protection Bulletin. STANDARDS OF PRACTICE 4.FOUNDATIONS4.1.1Foundation walls, first-floor systems, other support andsub-structure components, stairs.4.1.2Ventilati

7 on (when applicable).4.1.3Grade slab and
on (when applicable).4.1.3Grade slab and/or floor slab.4.2.1Describe the type of structure and material comprisingthe structure and other items inspected.4.2.2Observe the condition and serviceability of visible,exposed areas of foundation walls, grade slab, bearingwalls, posts, piers, beams, joists, trusses, subfloors,chimney foundations, stairs, and other similar structural4.2.3Inspect foundations for indications of flooding, moisture,4.2.4Observe subfloor crawl space ventilation a

8 nd vaporbarriers.4.2.5Operate the sump p
nd vaporbarriers.4.2.5Operate the sump pump when present.4.2.6Inspect the visible and accessible wooden members.4.2.7Observe the visible condition of floor slab when present.4.3.1Enter subfloor crawl spaces with headroom of less than 3feet, obstructions, or other detrimental conditions.4.3.2Move stored items or debris or perform excavation to4.3.3Enter areas which, in the inspector’s opinion, mayand safety of the inspector.4.3.4Operate sump pumps equipped with internal/water5.EXTERI

9 OR5.1.1Visible structural components.5.1
OR5.1.1Visible structural components.5.1.2Wall covering, trim, and protective coating.5.1.3Windows and doors. STANDARDS OF PRACTICE 6.2.1Describe the type of roofing and gutters.6.2.2Observe the condition of visible roof material, rain gutterroof soffits and fascias, roof vents, skylights and otherroof accessories visible from the exterior.6.2.3If possible, inspect the roof surface and components fromarms-length distance or with binoculars from the ground.6.2.4Inspect flat roofs whe

10 re internal accessibility is readily6.2.
re internal accessibility is readily6.2.5Report presence of roof ventilation. 6.3.1Walk on or access a roof where it could damage the roofor roofing material or be unsafe for the inspector.6.3.2Remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions thatprohibit the observation of the roof surfaces.6.3.3Inspect internal gutter and downspout systems and6.3.4Inspect antennas, lightning arresters, or similar6.3.5Operate powered roof ventilators. 6.3.6Determine remaining life expectancy of roof co

11 verings,exceptions, installation methods
verings,exceptions, installation methods or recalls; or number of6.3.7Determine adequacy of roof ventilation. 7.ROOF STRUCTURE,ATTIC AND INSULATION7.1.1Roof framing, sheathing and decking.7.1.2Attic insulation.7.2.1Describe the type of material comprising the roofstructure in the visible attic area.7.2.2Observe the condition of the visible roof structure and7.2.3Investigate evidence of the presence of water penetration. STANDARDS OF PRACTICE 9.1.3Branch circuits, connected devices,

12 and lighting fixtures.9.2.1Describe the
and lighting fixtures.9.2.1Describe the type and location of primary serviceover-current protection devices (fuses or breakers).9.2.2Observe the existence of a connected grounding9.2.3Inspect the main and branch circuit conductors forproper over-current protection and condition by visualobservation after removal of the readily accessible main9.2.4Report the presence of aluminum branch circuit wiring at9.2.5Verify operation of a representative number of accessible9.2.6Verify groundin

13 g and polarity of a representative numbe
g and polarity of a representative numberexterior.9.2.7Verify operation of ground fault circuit interrupters9.2.8Observe the general condition of visible branch circuitor the structure by reason of improper use or installation9.3.1Insert any tool, probe or testing device into the main or9.3.2Activate electrical systems or branch circuits which are9.3.3Operate overload protection devices.9.3.4Inspect ancillary systems, including but not limited to:burglar alarms, home protection syst

14 ems, low voltage9.3.5Move any objects, f
ems, low voltage9.3.5Move any objects, furniture, or appliances to gain access9.3.6Test every switch, receptacle, and fixture.9.3.7Remove switch and outlet cover plates. STANDARDS OF PRACTICE 10.3.7Inspect water conditioning equipment, includingsoftener and filter systems.10.3.8Operate freestanding or built-in appliances.10.3.9Inspect private water supply systems.10.3.10Test shower pans, tub and shower surrounds, orenclosures for leakage.10.3.11Inspect gas supply system for material

15 s, installation orleakage.10.3.12Evaluat
s, installation orleakage.10.3.12Evaluate the condition and operation of water wellsrelated underground piping, conduit, cisterns, and10.3.13Inspect and operate fixtures and faucets if the flow end10.3.14 Record location of any on-site visible fuel tanks withinor directly adjacent to structure. 11.CENTRAL HEATING11.1.1Fuel source.11.1.2Heating equipment.11.1.3Heating distribution.11.1.4Operating controls.11.1.5Flue pipes, chimneys and venting.11.1.6Auxiliary heating units.11.2.1Desc

16 ribe the type of fuel, heating equipment
ribe the type of fuel, heating equipment, and11.2.2Operate the system using normal readily accessible11.2.3Open readily accessible access panels or coversprovided by the manufacturer or installer, if readily11.2.4Observe the condition of normally operated controls11.2.5Observe visible flue pipes, dampers and related STANDARDS OF PRACTICE 12.2.1Describe the type of central air conditioning system12.2.2Operate the system using normal control devices.12.2.3Open readily accessible acces

17 s panels or coversprovided by the manufa
s panels or coversprovided by the manufacturer or installer, if readily12.2.4Observe the condition of controls and operativepermitting.12.2.5Observe the condition of a representative number of the12.3.1Activate or operate cooling or other systems that have12.3.2Inspect gas-fired refrigeration systems, evaporative12.3.3Check the pressure of the system coolant or determinethe presence of leakage.12.3.4Evaluate the capacity, efficiency, or adequacy of the12.3.5Operate equipment or syst

18 ems if exterior temperatureis below 60°
ems if exterior temperatureis below 60° Fahrenheit or when other circumstances12.3.6Remove covers or panels that are not readily12.3.7Dismantle any equipment, controls, or gauges.12.3.8Check the electrical current drawn by the unit.12.3.9Operate digital-type thermostats or controls.13.INTERIOR13.1.1Walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors.13.1.2Steps, stairways, balconies, railings.13.1.3Fireplaces. STANDARDS OF PRACTICE GLOSSARY OF TERMSTo turn on, supply power, or enable system

19 s, equipment,or devices to become active
s, equipment,or devices to become active by normal control means. Examplesinclude turning on the gas or water supply valves to the fixtures andThose services offered inincluding but not limited to the following examples; woodor destructive impact.the inspector, may likely be unsafe, unhealthy, or in any way harmfulto the inspector or to components of the property. To distinguish from another system or component. To ascertain, judge, or form an opinion about an item orThe base upon w

20 hich the structure or a wall rests;usual
hich the structure or a wall rests;usually masonry, concrete, or stone, and generally partiallyexists; to be in action or perform a task.Performing, or able to perform, a function.reasonable amount of time and is not subject to overflow when one ofits supply faucets is left on.Sufficient water flow to provide uninterruptedsource) when a single intermediate, unrestricted tap is operatedsimultaneously with uninterrupted flow.Rooms or spaces used for sitting, sleeping, STANDARDS OF PRA