They go in my report also, but strictly as an information comment.
In fact, being in Minnesota, gutters are typically a greater hindrance on most homes than those without.
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I don’t know about typically. People aren’t going to remove their gutters for the winter season. They just need to be installed with the proper support for our area.
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IMO… Roughly 9 out of 10 homes that are older than 10 years and have gutter systems, have some degree of damage to the gutter system, mostly from snow/ice, including with gutter straps vs nails/screws. At least that has been my experience.
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I see Minnesota gets an average annual 36-70 inches of snowfall, depending on location. We get an average annual 114 inches of snowfall here. I’m not seeing gutters torn off very often. A couple times on buildings with metal roofs, but no snow/ice guards installed on the roof. I put them in as a recommendation as well, but not as a requirement.
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I’m not a code inspector.
That is a defect to me
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Codes might not require gutters on a home, but if some are installed or partially installed, they should be in a condition that they are functional as designed, and if they are not, it would be considered a defect. So, I am in line with calling it a defect as Larry and others mentioned.
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There is one particular defect that is defined in the InterNACHI® Standards of Practice.
And it has an adjective.
I say yes and no. I see plenty of homes without gutters which perform well, therefore no need to comment. If the lack of gutters are having an adverse effect, then I elevate the problem.
Of course, any damaged, loose or clogged gutters as well as improper pitch/drainage is reported.
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Also, working on my 4 mock inspections and a little unsure of how to note fogged IGUs. I know the windows are older than 10 years, making them outside the manufacturers warranty (yes I know this for a fact 
) If the seals have failed is it a minor/major defect or a material defect? In my opinion I would not classify them as cosmetic because failed seals impact the thermal properties and energy efficiency of the windows. Thanks!
I would report that X windows have failed insulated glass and what the consequences are ie: fogged glass, less insulation value, etc. And then let the client decide if it is a minor or major issue for them.
A failed seal in a thermo-pane window is generally considered a material defect. This is because the failure of the seal compromises the window’s thermal performance and energy efficiency, which are key functions of the material itself.
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Depending on the size and location of the window, I normally write them up as minor defects. An average size window can be repaired (new glazing installed) for $60.00 to $80.00 per window, if one is able to remove the sash and take it to a glass shop to replace it.
Add $80.00 to $120.00 if you have the glass company come to the house to replace it.
Got it. Thank you Marcel. These are the options on InterNACHI mock inspection forms, but I know once I am using my own software I will have control over the terminology I choose to use in my reports. Using the correct words and even whether or not to label it “minor” or major" defect is important for the clients, but ultimately is somewhat subjective. I’ve knew someone who had a leaking roof and didn’t do anything about it expect place a pot under it… maybe they just consider it cosmetic haha.
Thanks Kevin.
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