Is there an ADA SOP for home inspectors? Or classes we can take through InterNACHI on ADA compliance?
Thank you,
Stephen Rager
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Conclusion
Although no state or local official enforces the ADA, inspectors should always check their state and local laws. Private inspectors are not typically required to check for ADA compliance, and should not run into any legal problems for failing to do so, provided that he or she has not assured or implied to the client that they would. However, ensuring ADA compliance may be helpful in acquiring work. If one chooses to check for ADA compliance, they should familiarize themselves with the applicable laws. While there are simply too many specifications within the ADA to quickly summarize, a good checklist for these elements can be found online, visit ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities.
In addition to the regulations in the checklist, it should be noted that certain types of facilities have their own often stricter requirements. These include most public buildings, restaurants and cafeterias, medical care facilities, lodging and transportation facilities, and recreation areas. A list of accessibility standards for various building types can be found online on the United States Access Boards webpage for ADA Accessibility Guideline (ADAAG).
Performing an inspection in compliance with ADA regulations and the ADAAG is beyond the International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP), but commercial property inspectors may choose to exceed ComSOP. For instance, during the research portion of the inspection, an inspector could ask the person(s) with the most knowledge about alteration and remodeling history of the subject property to verify that accessibility requirements have been met. CCPIA also has a Standard Accessibility Inspection Report Template for existing commercial buildings. The template can be used for a visual-only inspection and is intended solely as informal guidance.
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If you really want to go down the rabbit hole:
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Marcel, California big on ADA requirements. I like your links but also you can use commercial building information also to refer to ADA requirements. If we have ADA items such as fixtures and door width in bathrooms, we have to describe what’s there and what is not, or if incorrectly installed. If Client is ADA client then we indicate areas where upgrades are needed for ADA requirements as helpful for client, which the client is already considering anyway if purchasing a home that needs ADA systems per his needs. That would be for the clients information and not a requirement of seller if house was built prior to ADA requirements / does not have ADA systems installed
With residential I don’t say anything about ADA. Commercial I always put note that the inspection does not cover it. I think a lot of newbie commercial building owners don’t understand just how many regulations there are and what can be pinned on them when they go to open a new or modified biz.
There’s a pub down the street from me that is in crappy old building but they’ll never remodel since doing so would trigger the need to hookup to the sewer and comply with ADA.
Good morning, all of this was great information. As a former special education teacher I was smiling while reading the post and taking notes. New to this profession and using my expert skills while I’m inspecting it’s the nature of the beast for me, I’m inspecting and I’m like what if they needed accommodation later in life they would be up ships creek. That is something I’m saying to myself but now that I know this information, I’ll still say it to myself and if asked than I share. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the good replies, this was very helpful!