Homebuyers in Dothan often think they know everything they need to know about a property by the time they’ve put in their offer. But this is rarely the case. That’s why our inspectors follow Standards of Practice when completing our home inspection checklist.

A home inspection is one of the most impactful steps in the process of buying a home. Whether you’re buying in Enterprise or Ozark, for most home buyers, an inspection offers the reassurance you need to spend your hard-earned money on a home by offering insight into the property’s true condition.

A home inspection also offers an opportunity for homebuyers to back out of a purchase if they find that the property is not in the condition they expected it to be in. Additionally, home inspections allow sellers to address a home’s defects and negotiate the price of the home accordingly.

In this post, we discuss all that entails a home inspection and take you through our home inspection checklist to ensure you understand what we check, what we don’t, and how to interpret our findings.

What Is A Home Inspection?

A home inspection is perhaps the most critical part of the home buying process and involves a visual examination of the home to determine the integrity of its structure and systems. And while we inspect a property thoroughly, all home inspections are non-invasive in nature. This means we cannot see what’s behind your walls or in between your floors – unless there is a crawl space and attic – in which case we inspect those spaces too.

Home inspections usually reveal minor issues. However, if our inspectors find significant concerns, buyers can negotiate the price with the seller or ask them to pay for the repairs before the sale. In a worst-case scenario, buyers can cancel the sale if the buyer and seller are unable to reach an agreement on how to handle the issues.

How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?

The cost for a home inspection can start as low as $350 and go up to $2,000 or more. The cost depends mostly on the size or square footage of the house but may also be affected by additional outbuildings that need to be inspected, a swimming pool, or other add-on inspection services like Radon and Mold testing.

Check out this post on Home Inspection Cost for a more comprehensive explanation.

What’s the Difference Between a Home Inspection and a Home Appraisal?

Home inspections are different from home appraisals. Appraisals are carried out by mortgage lenders and only estimate how much the property is worth according to property rates in the area and the property’s overall condition.

Since appraisals are done to make sure the home is worth the amount being lent, appraisers do not go over the fine details of the property.

Home inspections take place after a property seller accepts a buyer’s offer. Both parties must sign a purchase agreement before proceeding with the inspection, and the home goes into escrow until things are finalized.

Homebuyers must note that they are responsible for paying for the inspection since it protects them from purchasing a property that needs significant repairs.

What Buyers Need to Know About Home Inspections

The home inspection process isn’t limited to what happens on inspection day — there’s a lot more to it than that. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you have all the information about the home you’re buying.

Home Inspection Contingency

A home inspection contingency is a clause on the real estate contract that indicates that the purchase of the property depends on the home inspection results. This secures the buyer and allows them to negotiate the repairs or cancel the sale if the property needs significant repairs.

If you decide to add this contingency to your real estate contract, you will need to schedule and conduct the home inspection within the time frame specified in the contract. Any follow-up evaluations will need to be carried out in the same period.

For instance, if the inspector recommends consulting a plumber for a more in-depth look at the property’s plumbing issues, you will need to find a plumber and consult with them in the specified period. You will also need to decide to move forward or withdraw from the sale in this period.

Generally in the Wiregrass area, buyers get between one and two weeks to get the inspection and follow-up evaluations (if any) done.

Besides having a contingency, it’s also important for buyers to look at the seller’s disclosure statement before an expert gives you their opinion about the property’s condition.

Finding a Home Inspector

Finding a reliable home inspector in the Dothan area is typically not a hassle since your real estate agent will recommend some. You can also search Google for “home inspectors dothan al”, for example, and see a list of inspectors and the reviews they’ve earned from their customers.

When finding a home inspector, look for these things:

the inspection company must be bonded, insured, and licensed (assuming your state requires a license); and
the inspection company should be experienced and have good reviews.

You can read about our experience and see our reviews here.

When calling the company for an appointment with an inspector, ask them what the inspection will include and how long it will take. Make sure you understand what you’re paying for and what they will inspect before agreeing on a price.

It is also vital for buyers to discuss what other inspections they may need and whether the company offers them or not such as a pool or structural inspection.

What Happens on Home Inspection Day

Home inspectors are experts and know what they should be looking for, but this doesn’t mean there aren’t things you can do to ensure the process goes smoothly. We’ve written an entire article on How to Prepare for a Home Inspection in 10 Easy Steps.

We recommend that every buyer take advantage of our audiovisual recording of the walk-through our inspectors perform for every inspection and call or text us with any questions they have. You may also attend the home inspection and ask all the questions they want.

Watching the walk-through video or having a conversation with the home inspector will give you context for what you will find in your inspection report.

As a homebuyer, it’s important that you not take the defects in the property as a red flag. Remember: no home is perfect, and every home you pick will have a unique set of issues. And these issues are easily and inexpensively resolved most of the time.

Rather than looking at the number of issues in the home, it’s best to dig into the severity of the issues and find out if they will affect you and your family in the long run. Further, it’s important to determine whether there are any deal-breakers that leave you unwilling to purchase the home.

Home inspections are essentially an in-depth and final look at a property before you spend the money and buy it.

The Home Inspection Report

Any home inspector worth their salt will send you a report a few days after the home inspection and walk you through their findings. We send our reports within 24 hours of completing the inspection. The report will comprise the home’s major features and notes on any problematic issues on the property.

Here is one of our sample home inspection reports.

You can expect the report to have many problems listed, but this should not alarm you. You should work with your inspector to discern what issues require immediate attention, and those that are basic wear and tear items you may choose to address at a later date.

Negotiating the Price After Inspection

If the home inspection report shows significant damage, you can ask the seller to cover the cost of the repairs. While you cannot expect the seller to pay for all the repairs, you can use the information from the report to show the seller the additional expenses you would have to incur due to the repairs.

Generally speaking, approaching the seller and asking them to pay for only the major repairs is the reasonable way to go. If some damage in the home can be described as normal wear and tear, the seller will not be responsible for it. You can expect to pay for the minor repairs yourself.

Alternatively, you can negotiate a discount on the home price and get the repairs done yourself. Once you’ve purchased your home, here are 10 things you should do after buying your home.

Home Inspection Checklist

During a home inspection, our inspectors will look at:

Roof
Exterior
Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace, and Structure
Heating and Cooling Systems
Plumbing
Electrical systems
Fireplace
Attic, Insulation and Ventilation
Doors, Windows, and Interior

It’s important to note that our inspectors won’t tear the property apart and inspect all the underlying piping and internal wiring. As mentioned earlier, home inspections are non-invasive.

However, bear in mind that the more our inspectors can access, the more complete the inspection report will be. So be sure to remind your agent to request that all crawl spaces be clear of items and debris, and attics be accessible.

Home inspections take between two and four hours, depending on the size of the property and the extent of the issues discovered.

Here’s a home inspection checklist to help you ensure that all aspects of the home inspection are complete:

Exterior Structure and Grounds

Foundation should not have large cracks
No leakage from the septic tank
The drainage is away from the house and does not have standing water
The exterior walls are straight and don’t sag
Windows and door frames appear in good condition
The siding does not have any cracks or damage
Bricks of the home are undamaged (no cracks in joints)
The paint is not stained and is not flaking
All roof shingles are in the right places and are not damaged
Gutters drain properly and are not decaying
Chimney(s) are straight and undamaged
The shed, fence, deck, and garage do not have any rotting wood or termites

Basement

No moisture
No water damage to the floor above the basement
The sump pump is working correctly
No cutting, boring, or notching that may present a structural or safety concern

Attic

No staining from the roof
The structure of the roof is in good condition and has no decay
The attic is correctly installed and sufficiently insulated
The electrical splices are contained
The insulation is installed correctly and is sufficient for the attic
The attic is adequately ventilated through vents (e.g. ridge vents) and end louvers

Bathrooms

The plumbing visible under the sink is not broken and does not have any water damage
All hot and cold fixtures have adequate water pressure
All drains in the bathrooms drain smoothly
The toilets fill and flush properly
The toilet is stable and does not have any stains at the base
There is no leakage around the base of the shower or tub

Kitchen

The plumbing visible under the sink does not have water damage
The exhaust fan works and vents to the outside
Functioning garbage disposal
The sink has appropriate water pressure and drains properly
All built-in appliances operate properly

Interior Rooms

The ceilings, walls, and floors all appear level and do not have stains or damage
Doors open and close properly
Switches operate correctly
All rooms have an adequate number of power outlets
All rooms have heating and AC vents
The fireplace is cleaned and lined, with no cracking and staining
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are located appropriately and are in working condition
The stairway’s treads and risers are in good condition

Electrical Systems

The wiring is in good condition
All cables are secured and protected
No exposed wiring
The service panel works and has all cables attached correctly

Heating And Cooling Systems

There is no gas odor
Air filters are clean
Flues do not have open seams
No visible rust on the cooling unit
The systems operate correctly
Air conditioning and heating operate well

Plumbing

The visible pipes aren’t damaged or leaking
The water heater isn’t rusted
The water pressure is acceptable across the home
The hot water is not hotter than 125-degrees Fahrenheit

What Home Inspectors Will Not Look At

As our checklist above would indicate, our home inspectors only examine the components that are readily accessible. We follow the Standards of Practice provided by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

Additionally, some companies offer services like mold testing, pool inspections, and radon testing which typically come at a small additional cost.

It’s important to note that companies limit their liability to the fee you paid if they miss checking some part of the property correctly.

You will need to do your due diligence and ideally work with your realtor to ensure that the home isn’t full of the seller’s belongings so our inspectors can do their work.

Conclusion: How to Use this Home Inspection Checklist

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, and the last thing you want after buying a home is a surprise expense.

Though you have our professional home inspection checklist handy, bringing in an expert will give you the information you need to limit the risk of future repairs.

Printing out the checklist above and keeping it handy during the inspection could come in handy.

Standards of Practice

Definitions and Scope

A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a residential property (as delineated below), performed for a fee, which is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components defined by these Standards that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector. The scope of work may be modified by the Client and Inspector prior to the inspection process.

The home inspection is based on the observations made on the date of the inspection, and not a prediction of future conditions.
The home inspection will not reveal every issue that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the date of the inspection.

A material defect is a specific issue with a system or component of a residential property that may have a significant, adverse impact on the value of the property, or that poses an unreasonable risk to people. The fact that a system or component is near, at, or beyond the end of its normal, useful life is not, in itself, a material defect.

A home inspection report shall identify, in written format, defects within specific systems and components defined by these Standards that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector. Inspection reports may include additional comments and recommendations.

Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions

Limitations:

An inspection is not technically exhaustive.
An inspection will not identify concealed or latent defects.
An inspection will not deal with aesthetic concerns, or what could be deemed matters of taste, cosmetic defects, etc.
An inspection will not determine the suitability of the property for any use.
An inspection does not determine the market value of the property or its marketability.
An inspection does not determine the insurability of the property.
An inspection does not determine the advisability or inadvisability of the purchase of the inspected property.
An inspection does not determine the life expectancy of the property or any components or systems therein.
An inspection does not include items not permanently installed.
This Standards of Practice applies to properties with four or fewer residential units and their attached garages and carports.

Exclusions:

The inspector is not required to determine:

property boundary lines or encroachments.
the condition of any component or system that is not readily accessible.
the service life expectancy of any component or system.
the size, capacity, BTU, performance or efficiency of any component or system.
the cause or reason of any condition.
the cause for the need of correction, repair or replacement of any system or component.
future conditions.
compliance with codes or regulations.
the presence of evidence of rodents, birds, bats, animals, insects, or other pests.
the presence of mold, mildew or fungus.
the presence of airborne hazards, including radon.
the air quality.
the existence of environmental hazards, including lead paint, asbestos or toxic drywall.
the existence of electromagnetic fields.
any hazardous waste conditions.
any manufacturers’ recalls or conformance with manufacturer installation, or any information included for consumer protection purposes.
acoustical properties.
correction, replacement or repair cost estimates.
estimates of the cost to operate any given system.

The inspector is not required to operate:

any system that is shut down.
any system that does not function properly.
or evaluate low-voltage electrical systems, such as, but not limited to:
1. phone lines;
2. cable lines;
3. satellite dishes;
4. antennae;
5. lights; or
6. remote controls.
any system that does not turn on with the use of normal operating controls.
any shut-off valves or manual stop valves.
any electrical disconnect or over-current protection devices.
any alarm systems.
moisture meters, gas detectors or similar equipment.

The inspector is not required to:

move any personal items or other obstructions, such as, but not limited to: throw rugs, carpeting, wall coverings, furniture, ceiling tiles, window coverings, equipment, plants, ice, debris, snow, water, dirt, pets, or anything else that might restrict the visual inspection.
dismantle, open or uncover any system or component.
enter or access any area that may, in the inspector’s opinion, be unsafe.
enter crawlspaces or other areas that may be unsafe or not readily accessible.
inspect underground items, such as, but not limited to: lawn-irrigation systems, or underground storage tanks (or indications of their presence), whether abandoned or actively used.
do anything that may, in the inspector’s opinion, 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.
inspect decorative items.
inspect common elements or areas in multi-unit housing.
inspect intercoms, speaker systems or security systems.
offer guarantees or warranties.
offer or perform any engineering services.
offer or perform any trade or professional service other than a home inspection.
research the history of the property, or report on its potential for alteration, modification, extendibility or suitability for a specific or proposed use for occupancy.
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.
determine the insurability of a property.
perform or offer Phase 1 or environmental audits.
inspect any system or component that is not included in these Standards.

Standards of Practice

Roof

The inspector shall inspect from ground level or the eaves:

the roof-covering materials;
the gutters;
the downspouts;
the vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, and other roof penetrations; and
the general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.

The inspector shall describe:A. the type of roof-covering materials.

The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

A. observed indications of active roof leaks.

The inspector is not required to:

walk on any roof surface.
predict the service life expectancy.
inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation of the roof surfaces.
move insulation.
inspect antennae, satellite dishes, lightning arresters, de-icing equipment, or similar attachments.
walk on any roof areas that appear, in the inspector’s opinion, to be unsafe.
walk on any roof areas if doing so might, in the inspector’s opinion, cause damage.
perform a water test.
warrant or certify the roof.
confirm proper fastening or installation of any roof-covering material.

Exterior

The inspector shall inspect:

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

The inspector shall describe:

the type of exterior wall-covering materials.

The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

any improper spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles and rails.

The inspector is not required to:

inspect or operate screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings, fences, outbuildings, or exterior accent lighting.
inspect items that are not visible or readily accessible from the ground, including window and door flashing.
inspect or identify geological, geotechnical, hydrological or soil conditions.
inspect recreational facilities or playground equipment.
inspect seawalls, breakwalls or docks.
inspect erosion-control or earth-stabilization measures.
inspect for safety-type glass.
inspect underground utilities.
inspect underground items.
inspect wells or springs.
inspect solar, wind or geothermal systems.
inspect swimming pools or spas.
inspect wastewater treatment systems, septic systems or cesspools.
inspect irrigation or sprinkler systems.
inspect drainfields or dry wells.
determine the integrity of multiple-pane window glazing or thermal window seals.

Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure

The inspector shall inspect:

the foundation;
the basement;
the crawlspace; and
structural components.

The inspector shall describe:

the type of foundation; and
the location of the access to the under-floor space.

The inspector shall 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 unlevel floors; and
any observed cutting, notching and boring of framing members that may, in the inspector’s opinion, present a structural or safety concern.

The inspector is not required to:

enter any crawlspace that is not readily accessible, or where entry could cause damage or pose a hazard to the inspector.
move stored items or debris.
operate sump pumps with inaccessible floats.
identify the size, spacing, span or location or determine the adequacy of foundation bolting, bracing, joists, joist spans or support systems.
provide any engineering or architectural service.
report on the adequacy of any structural system or component.

Heating

The inspector shall inspect:

the heating system, using normal operating controls.

The inspector shall describe:

the location of the thermostat for the heating system;
the energy source; and
the heating method.

The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

any heating system that did not operate; and
if the heating system was deemed inaccessible.

The inspector is not required to:

inspect, measure, or evaluate the interior of flues or chimneys, fire chambers, heat exchangers, combustion air systems, fresh-air intakes, makeup air, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters, geothermal systems, or solar heating systems.
inspect fuel tanks or underground or concealed fuel supply systems.
determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the heating system.
light or ignite pilot flames.
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.
override electronic thermostats.
evaluate fuel quality.
verify thermostat calibration, heat anticipation, or automatic setbacks, timers, programs or clocks.
measure or calculate the air for combustion, ventilation, or dilution of flue gases for appliances.

Cooling

The inspector shall inspect:

the cooling system, using normal operating controls.

The inspector shall describe:

the location of the thermostat for the cooling system; and
the cooling method.

The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

any cooling system that did not operate; and
if the cooling system was deemed inaccessible.

The inspector is not required to:

determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the cooling system.
inspect portable window units, through-wall units, or electronic air filters.
operate equipment or systems if the exterior temperature is below 65° Fahrenheit, or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment.
inspect or determine thermostat calibration, cooling anticipation, or automatic setbacks or clocks.
examine electrical current, coolant fluids or gases, or coolant leakage.

Plumbing

The inspector shall 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.

The inspector shall 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.

The inspector shall 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.

The inspector is not required to:

light or ignite pilot flames.
measure the capacity, temperature, age, life expectancy or adequacy of the water heater.
inspect the interior of flues or chimneys, combustion air systems, water softener or filtering systems, well pumps or tanks, safety or shut-off valves, floor drains, lawn sprinkler systems, or fire sprinkler systems.
determine the exact flow rate, volume, pressure, temperature or adequacy of the water supply.
determine the water quality, potability or reliability of the water supply or source.
open sealed plumbing access panels.
inspect clothes washing machines or their connections.
operate any valve.
test shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for leakage or for functional overflow protection.
evaluate the compliance with conservation, energy or building standards, or the proper design or sizing of any water, waste or venting components, fixtures or piping.
determine the effectiveness of anti-siphon, back-flow prevention or drain-stop devices.
determine whether there are sufficient cleanouts for effective cleaning of drains.
evaluate fuel storage tanks or supply systems.
inspect wastewater treatment systems.
inspect water treatment systems or water filters.
inspect water storage tanks, pressure pumps, or bladder tanks.
evaluate wait time to obtain hot water at fixtures, or perform testing of any kind to water heater elements.
evaluate or determine the adequacy of combustion air.
test, operate, open or close: safety controls, manual stop valves, temperature/pressure-relief valves, control valves, or check valves.
examine ancillary or auxiliary systems or components, such as, but not limited to, those related to solar water heating and hot water circulation.
determine the existence or condition of polybutylene, polyethylene, or similar plastic piping.
inspect or test for gas or fuel leaks, or indications thereof.

Electrical

The inspector shall inspect:

the service drop;
the overhead service conductors and attachment point;
the service head, gooseneck and drip loops;
the service mast, service conduit and raceway;
the electric meter and base;
service-entrance conductors;
the main service disconnect;
panelboards and 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.

The inspector shall describe:

the main service disconnect’s amperage rating, if labeled; and
the type of wiring observed.

The inspector shall report 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.

The inspector is not required to:

insert any tool, probe or device into the main panelboard, sub-panels, distribution panelboards, or electrical fixtures.
operate electrical systems that are shut down.
remove panelboard cabinet covers or dead fronts.
operate or re-set over-current protection devices or overload devices.
operate or test smoke or carbon monoxide detectors or alarms.
inspect, operate or test any security, fire or alarm systems or components, or other warning or signaling systems.
measure or determine the amperage or voltage of the main service equipment, if not visibly labeled.
inspect ancillary wiring or remote-control devices.
activate any electrical systems or branch circuits that are not energized.
inspect low-voltage systems, electrical de-icing tapes, swimming pool wiring, or any time-controlled devices.
verify the service ground.
inspect private or emergency electrical supply sources, including, but not limited to: generators, windmills, photovoltaic solar collectors, or battery or electrical storage facility.
inspect spark or lightning arrestors.
inspect or test de-icing equipment.
conduct voltage-drop calculations.
determine the accuracy of labeling.
inspect exterior lighting.

Fireplace

The inspector shall inspect:

readily accessible and visible portions of the fireplaces and chimneys;
lintels above the fireplace openings;
damper doors by opening and closing them, if readily accessible and manually operable; and
cleanout doors and frames.

The inspector shall describe:

the type of fireplace.

The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

evidence of joint separation, damage or deterioration of the hearth, hearth extension or chambers;
manually operated dampers that did not open and close;
the lack of a smoke detector in the same room as the fireplace;
the lack of a carbon monoxide detector in the same room as the fireplace; and
cleanouts not made of metal, pre-cast cement, or other non-combustible material.

The inspector is not required to:

inspect the flue or vent system.
inspect the interior of chimneys or flues, fire doors or screens, seals or gaskets, or mantels.
determine the need for a chimney sweep.
operate gas fireplace inserts.
light pilot flames.
determine the appropriateness of any installation.
inspect automatic fuel-fed devices.
inspect combustion and/or make-up air devices.
inspect heat-distribution assists, whether gravity-controlled or fan-assisted.
ignite or extinguish fires.
determine the adequacy of drafts or draft characteristics.
move fireplace inserts, stoves or firebox contents.
perform a smoke test.
dismantle or remove any component.
perform a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-style inspection.
perform a Phase I fireplace and chimney inspection.

Attic, Insulation & Ventilation

The inspector shall 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.

The inspector shall describe:

the type of insulation observed; and
the approximate average depth of insulation observed at the unfinished attic floor area or roof structure.

The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

the general absence of insulation or ventilation in unfinished spaces.

The inspector is not required to:

enter the attic or any unfinished spaces that are not readily accessible, or where entry could cause damage or, in the inspector’s opinion, pose a safety hazard.
move, touch or disturb insulation.
move, touch or disturb vapor retarders.
break or otherwise damage the surface finish or weather seal on or around access panels or covers.
identify the composition or R-value of insulation material.
activate thermostatically operated fans.
determine the types of materials used in insulation or wrapping of pipes, ducts, jackets, boilers or wiring.
determine the adequacy of ventilation.

Doors, Windows & Interior

The inspector shall inspect:

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

The inspector shall describe:

a garage vehicle door as manually-operated or installed with a garage door opener.

The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

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

The inspector is not required to:

inspect paint, wallpaper, window treatments or finish treatments.
inspect floor coverings or carpeting.
inspect central vacuum systems.
inspect for safety glazing.
inspect security systems or components.
evaluate the fastening of islands, countertops, cabinets, sink tops or fixtures.
move furniture, stored items, or any coverings, such as carpets or rugs, in order to inspect the concealed floor structure.
move suspended-ceiling tiles.
inspect or move any household appliances.
inspect or operate equipment housed in the garage, except as otherwise noted.
verify or certify the proper operation of any pressure-activated auto-reverse or related safety feature of a garage door.
operate or evaluate any security bar release and opening mechanisms, whether interior or exterior, including their compliance with local, state or federal standards.
operate any system, appliance or component that requires the use of special keys, codes, combinations or devices.
operate or evaluate self-cleaning oven cycles, tilt guards/latches, or signal lights.
inspect microwave ovens or test leakage from microwave ovens.
operate or examine any sauna, steam-generating equipment, kiln, toaster, ice maker, coffee maker, can opener, bread warmer, blender, instant hot-water dispenser, or other small, ancillary appliances or devices.
inspect elevators.
inspect remote controls.
inspect appliances.
inspect items not permanently installed.
discover firewall compromises.
inspect pools, spas or fountains.
determine the adequacy of whirlpool or spa jets, water force, or bubble effects.
determine the structural integrity or leakage of pools or spas.

Glossary of Terms

accessible: In the opinion of the inspector, can be approached or entered safely, without difficulty, fear or danger.
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.
adversely affect: To constitute, or potentially constitute, a negative or destructive impact.
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.
appliance: A household device operated by the use of electricity or gas. Not included in this definition are components covered under central heating, central cooling or plumbing.
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.
component: A permanently installed or attached fixture, element or part of a system.
condition: The visible and conspicuous state of being of an object.
correction: Something that is substituted or proposed for what is incorrect, deficient, unsafe, or a defect.
cosmetic defect: An irregularity or imperfection in something, which could be corrected, but is not required.
crawlspace: The area within the confines of the foundation and between the ground and the underside of the lowest floor’s structural component.
decorative: Ornamental; not required for the operation of essential systems or components of a home.
describe: To report in writing a system or component by its type or other observed characteristics in order to distinguish it from other components used for the same purpose.
determine: To arrive at an opinion or conclusion pursuant to examination.
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.
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 and/or processes.
enter: To go into an area to observe visible components.
evaluate: To assess the systems, structures and/or components of a property.
evidence: That which tends to prove or disprove something; something that makes plain or clear; grounds for belief; proof.
examine: To visually look (see inspect).
foundation: The base upon which the structure or wall rests, usually masonry, concrete or stone, and generally partially underground.
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.
functional: Performing, or able to perform, a function.
functional defect: A lack of or an abnormality in something that is necessary for normal and proper functioning and operation, and, therefore, requires further evaluation and correction.
general home inspection: See “home inspection.”
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 this Standards of Practice as a guideline.
household appliances: Kitchen and laundry appliances, room air conditioners, and similar appliances.
identify: To notice and report.
indication: That which serves to point out, show, or make known the present existence of something under certain conditions.
inspect: To examine readily accessible systems and components safely, using normal operating controls, and accessing readily accessible areas, in accordance with this Standards of Practice.
inspected property: The readily accessible areas of the home, house, or building, and the components and systems included in the inspection.
inspection report: A written communication (possibly including images) of any material defects observed during the inspection.
inspector: One who performs a real estate inspection.
installed: Attached or connected such that the installed item requires a tool for removal.
material defect: A specific issue with a system or component of a residential property that may have a significant, adverse impact on the value of the property, or that poses an unreasonable risk to people. The fact that a system or component is near, at, or beyond the end of its normal, useful life is not, in itself, a material defect.
normal operating controls: Describes the method by which certain devices (such as thermostats) can be operated by ordinary occupants, as they require no specialized skill or knowledge.
observe: To visually notice.
operate: To cause systems to function or turn on with normal operating controls.
readily accessible: A system or component that, in the judgment of the inspector, is 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.
recreational facilities: Spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, tennis courts, playground equipment, and other exercise, entertainment and athletic facilities.
report (verb form): To express, communicate or provide information in writing; give a written account of. (See also inspection report.)
representative number: A number sufficient to serve as a typical or characteristic example of the item(s) inspected.
residential property: Four or fewer residential units.
residential unit: A home; a single unit providing complete and independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
safety glazing: Tempered glass, laminated glass, or rigid plastic.
shut down: Turned off, unplugged, inactive, not in service, not operational, etc.
structural component: A component that supports non-variable forces or weights (dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live loads).
system: An assembly of various components which function as a whole.
technically exhaustive: A comprehensive and detailed examination beyond the scope of a real estate home inspection that 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.
unsafe: In the inspector’s opinion, a condition of an area, system, component or procedure that is judged to be a significant risk of 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.
verify: To confirm or substantiate.