PLEASE HELP! Need to change the SOPs, per NEMA

I inspect to my state SOP so I don’t spend a lot of time pouring over the NACHI SOP, however, given the importance of the document and its contents to the members, I would think that it would: be tightly version controlled and numbered; have all proposed changes vetted through the ESOP with a feedback period for the membership at large; be formally published and communicated with a change history alerting members to what has changed between versions. Doesn’t sound like that is what is happening with this important document.

That said, I would vote not to require testing of AFCIs in occupied residences. With the current coverage requirement, it’s has very nearly the same net effect as turning all of the breakers off and back on. How many computers and other electronic devices will the inspector cause a hard power failure to performing this test?

In an unoccupied home it’s a different story. When testing AFCIs, the test should be performed using the manufacturer recommended method (i.e., the test button on the device). The objectives should be to 1) validates that the device functions properly in testing; 2) verify that all areas of the home which are required required to arc fault protected, are controlled by an AFCI device.

Any new changes to the INACHI SOP should include a Date and Rev Number…
Then any INACHI Member using said SOP would reference the Date, and or Rev number of the SOP they are using…

I posted about it last week… :wink:

I follow my State SOP which does not endorse AFCI Testing Tools… :smiley:

And just when did you first “find out” about the changes??? Let me guess, when you reviewed the SOP to copy/paste your reply in the other thread!:roll:

BTW… since when the heck does anybody ever read your stuff, especially after your LOTR thread (and others) fiasco??? :twisted:

BTW/BTW… My statement still stands. Nachi did not notify anyone of changes to the SOP.

How much sooner I gather info than you is as irrelevant, as it is obvious. :stuck_out_tongue:

The SOP should have Rev numbers and Dates… And these Numbers Dates should be in one’s contract Docs… :smiley:

Agree, that is why I save a dated clean copy on my computer, about every six months… just in case. For a while there, Nick was adding to/changing the Nachi PIA what seemed like every few weeks.

I have also noticed that most pages on Nachi.com are not dated, or show revision dates. It’s no wonder we see the same questions over and over and over and over and over on the MB. :roll::roll::roll:

Also agree Jeffrey, not a good “Plan” at all… Someone will get FUBAR’d. :frowning:

In fact, another area at issue is the actual forms dates and copywrite dates… read the top and bottom borders of the MS Doc regarding revision date and copywrite date… Home Inspection Contracts & Agreements - InterNACHI® Still showing 2007. I know these dates are not correct. But, like many other things, no follow-up!!!

Let me start of an say I am not an inspector, but I do not understand why testing an AFCI would be different than testing a GFI.

Why would it be so hard to find or test an AFCI? From my understanding it is standard practice to examine the panel. Right now there are no AFCI receptacles, so everything is right at the panel. Yes, if the TEST button were pushed you would need to run back to the room that is supposed to be protected to verify. But this is no different than older houses were the bathroom circuit also controlled the exterior or garage receptacles and verifying proper GFI protection.

I really don’t see all the fuss about a manufacturer group pointing out a technical error. It sounds like the original may have been written without the background information that was needed to write an accurate and technically correct procedure.

Jim,

Please do not confuse the SOP with a specific process. The two are different. SOPs should be generic.

The real point here is not whether the AFCI should be tested or not. The fact that the document itself was changed is what is at issue.

In a lawsuit, the plaintiff alleges negligence. IN order to establish negligence, one would need to measure it against some sort of benchmark; a standard.

The inspector has either met the standard or he/she has not.

If the inspector believes he has inspected to the standard, and later discovers that somewhere along the line, the standard has changed, he could be in for a load of hurt.

My Electrical Section Heading in my report makes note of when AFCI protection came about, where and why it is required and so on. when I see AFCI breakers at the panel… they are tested, if they do not respond when tested I include my findings in the report/summary.

I indicate to my clients when they DO have them and that I HAVE tested them. Same going to GFCI protection.

I also state that "
[size=2][FONT=Arial]that the national electrical code [NEC] is not
retroactive, and therefore many residential systems do not comply with the latest safety standards"

And
“[FONT=Arial][size=2][FONT=Arial][size=2]AFCI’s or arc fault circuit interrupters, represent the very latest in circuit breaker technology, and have been required in all bedroom circuits since 2002. However, inasmuch as arc faults cause thousands of electrical fires and hundreds of deaths each year,we categorically recommend installing them at every circuit as a prudent safety feature”[/size][/size][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial][size=2]It is my understanding that like GFCI’s, the way that AFCI’s are accurately tested is by the TEST button on the breaker or device… Is this what the confusion/error is over?[/size][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial][size=2]We use “Tools” to “test” devices that I believe are a convenience for us, but may not alway be exactly what the manu. has indicated that the best way to test their device, as I believe most manu’s have indicated that the best way to test their device is by the Button they have provided and confirming/denying presence downstream from the device.[/size][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial][size=2]I’m curious as to how the SOP can/would provide clear direction about this, is this the Heart of the Matter?

I realize that this may not be the heart of the matter, just an observation.[/size][/FONT][/FONT][/size][/FONT]

Ok, this whole thing got me uhha thinkin :|.)

Since Nick and INACHI claims the INACHI SOP is a ‘‘living’’ document and is free to change with the wind, what do we do to CYA in our inspection agreement?

Something to the effect - I will inspect to INACHI SOP and it is subject to change when it feels like it as it is a ‘‘living’’ document?

Seriously, need some SERIOUS advice here. In the begining I used ASHI SOP. Maybe I need to switch back? Do I need to save that current version of the INACHI SOP I used for that inspection on that day and stick it in a folder??? Maybe that’d be best?

Here’s my current clause per the INACHI SOP:

Superior will perform the inspection in accordance to the current Standards of Practice of the Inter National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, (InterNACHI); which are incorporated herein by reference. A copy of these standards is on file at Superior’s office,website, and posted at http://www.nachi.org/sop.htm .Customer understands that these standards contain certain limitations, exceptions, and exclusions. The inspection will be completed at the location designated on the Inspection Conditions page of the report. All inspection information will be conveyed to the customer or customer’s representative in the Report. Superior accepts no responsibility for the use or misrepresentation by third parties of the inspection or the Report.

Find a SOP from somewhere else, that is dated and or Revision Controlled. :wink:

A licensed State. :o

TREC

http://www.trec.state.tx.us/inspector/rules_governing_inspectors.asp

If you make the argument that NACHI or other associations shouldn’t or can’t exercise similar quality control on their SOPs, you support the argument that State licensing adds value to the consumer by ensuring consistent standards.

Personally I agree with NEMA. Just state that the AFCI Devices are tested by the internal test feature on the device itself and be done with it. While indicators can be used by HI’s as with other non-invasive devices, they should not be relied upon.

As a long time Inspector in other fields, Document Control is the name of the Game Chuck…:smiley:

And it need not be a fancy system, but, it does need to be, A System. :wink:

LOL…To those Texans with a propensity for jerking off whenever they read their licensing law, I’ll remind you that among the many lawsuits now pending against Texas home inspectors who are…(ahem)…“protected” by this outstanding SOP, is a lawsuit filed by a seller against a Texan who allegedly “exceeded” it and cost a sale.

Your law protects no one…the consumer or you. It protects the used house salesman and is overseen by the used house salesmen. Was mandatory E&O your idea?

Still no reply from Kate as to the disposition of the current SOP.

I propose some volunteers (like 4) to assist ESOP and determine a meaningful and stable SOP, including analysis or what has changed from previous versions.

This will be provided to NACHI HQ for ratification of the SOP. We should also post (permanently) what revision we are at, and what has changed from the past revision. Members can see this at a glance and click on the link in the left hand column.

I also agree with Brian K that a revision and date should be a part of it, which is why I am asking him to assist in the effort (as volunteer #5).

For what it’s worth, I support this suggestion 100%. Revision numbers/date are vital.

Here’s a copy of the InterNachi SOP that is posted on my website. Don’t remember when I last updated/uploaded it, but it was last year sometime. As you can see, there was no mention of AFCI at that time.

Note, it has a 2009 copywrite at the bottom.


http://www.jrjconsultants.net/standards.htm


Standards of Practice

Table of Contents

  1. Definitions and Scope.
  2. Standards of Practice
    2.1. Roof
    2.2. Exterior
    2.3. Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure
    2.4. Heating
    2.5. Cooling
    2.6. Plumbing
    2.7. Electrical
    2.8. Fireplace
    2.9. Attic & Insulation
    2.10. Doors, Windows & Interior
  3. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions
  4. Glossary of Terms

1. Definitions and Scope

1.1. A Home inspection is a non-invasive visual examination of a residential dwelling, performed for a fee, which is designed to identify observed material defects within specific components of said dwelling. Components may include any combination of mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems or portions of the home, as identified and agreed to by the Client and Inspector, prior to the inspection process.
I. A home inspection is intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of the inspection and not the prediction of future conditions.
II. A home inspection will not reveal every concern that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the day of the inspection.
1.2. A Material defect is a condition with a residential real property or any portion of it that would have a significant adverse impact on the value of the real property or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural element, system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of the normal useful life of such a structural element, system or subsystem is not by itself a material defect.
1.3. An Inspection report shall describe and identify in written format the inspected systems, structures, and components of the dwelling and shall identify material defects observed. Inspection reports may contain recommendations regarding conditions reported or recommendations for correction, monitoring or further evaluation by professionals, but this is not required.

2. Standards of Practice

2.1. Roof
I. The inspector shall inspect from ground level or eaves:
A. The roof covering.
B. The gutters.
C. The downspouts.
D. The vents, flashings, skylights, chimney and other roof penetrations.
E. The general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Walk on any roof surface.
B. Predict the service life expectancy.
C. Inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
D. Remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation of the roof surfaces.
E. Inspect antennae, lightning arresters, or similar attachments.
2.2. Exterior
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. The siding, flashing and trim.
B. All exterior doors, decks, stoops, steps, stairs, porches, railings, eaves, soffits and fascias.
C. And report as in need of repair any spacings between intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails for steps, stairways, balconies, and railings that permit the passage of an object greater than four inches in diameter.
D. A representative number of windows.
E. The vegetation, surface drainage and retaining walls when these are likely to adversely affect the structure.
F. And describe the exterior wall covering.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Inspect or operate screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings, fences, outbuildings, or exterior accent lighting.
B. Inspect items, including window and door flashings, which are not visible or readily accessible from the ground.
C. Inspect geological, geotechnical, hydrological and/or soil conditions.
D. Inspect recreational facilities.
E. Inspect seawalls, break-walls and docks.
F. Inspect erosion control and earth stabilization measures.
G. Inspect for safety type glass.
H. Inspect underground utilities.
I. Inspect underground items.
J. Inspect wells or springs.
K. Inspect solar systems.
L. Inspect swimming pools or spas.
M. Inspect septic systems or cesspools.
N. Inspect playground equipment.
O. Inspect sprinkler systems.
P. Inspect drain fields or drywells.
Q. Determine the integrity of the thermal window seals or damaged glass.
2.3. Basement, Foundation & Crawlspace
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. The basement.
B. The foundation
C. The crawlspace.
D. The visible structural components.
E. Any present conditions or clear indications of active water penetration observed by the inspector.
F. And report any general indications of foundation movement that are observed by the inspector, such as but not limited to sheetrock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames or floor slopes.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Enter any crawlspaces that are not readily accessible or where entry could cause damage or pose a hazard to the inspector.
B. Move stored items or debris.
C. Operate sump pumps with inaccessible floats.
D. Identify size, spacing, span, location or determine adequacy of foundation bolting, bracing, joists, joist spans or support systems.
E. Provide any engineering or architectural service.
F. Report on the adequacy of any structural system or component.

2.4. Heating
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. The heating system and describe the energy source and heating method using normal operating controls.
B. And report as in need of repair electric furnaces which do not operate.
C. And report if inspector deemed the furnace inaccessible.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Inspect or evaluate interiors of flues or chimneys, fire chambers, heat exchangers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters, solar heating systems or fuel tanks.
B. Inspect underground fuel tanks.
C. Determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the heating system.
D. Light or ignite pilot flames.
E. Activate heating, heat pump systems, or other heating systems when ambient temperatures or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment.
F. Override electronic thermostats.
G. Evaluate fuel quality.
H. Verify thermostat calibration, heat anticipation or automatic setbacks, timers, programs or clocks.
2.5. Cooling
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. The central cooling equipment using normal operating controls.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the cooling system.
B. Inspect window units, through-wall units, or electronic air filters.
C. Operate equipment or systems if exterior temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment.
D. Inspect or determine thermostat calibration, heat anticipation or automatic setbacks or clocks.
E. Examine electrical current, coolant fluids or gasses, or coolant leakage.
2.6. Plumbing
I. The inspector shall:
A. Verify the presence of and identify the location of the main water shutoff valve.
B. Inspect the water heating equipment, including combustion air, venting, connections, energy sources, seismic bracing, and verify the presence or absence of temperature-pressure relief valves and/or Watts 210 valves.
C. Flush toilets.
D. Run water in sinks, tubs, and showers.
E. Inspect the interior water supply including all fixtures and faucets.
F. Inspect the drain, waste and vent systems, including all fixtures.
G. Describe any visible fuel storage systems.
H. Inspect the drainage sump pumps testing sumps with accessible floats.
I. Inspect and describe the water supply, drain, waste and main fuel shut-off valves, as well as the location of the water main and main fuel shut-off valves.
J. Inspect and determine if the water supply is public or private.
K. Inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the water supply by viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously.
L. Inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in installation and identification of hot and cold faucets.
M. Inspect and report as in need of repair mechanical drain-stops that are missing or do not operate if installed in sinks, lavatories and tubs.
N. Inspect and report as in need of repair commodes that have cracks in the ceramic material, are improperly mounted on the floor, leak, or have tank components which do not operate.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Light or ignite pilot flames.
B. Determine the size, temperature, age, life expectancy or adequacy of the water heater.
C. Inspect interiors of flues or chimneys, water softening or filtering systems, well pumps or tanks, safety or shut-of valves, floor drains, lawn sprinkler systems or fire sprinkler systems.
D. Determine the exact flow rate, volume, pressure, temperature, or adequacy of the water supply.
E. Determine the water quality or potability or the reliability of the water supply or source.
F. Open sealed plumbing access panels.
G. Inspect clothes washing machines or their connections.
H. Operate any main, branch or fixture valve.
I. Test shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for leakage.
J. Evaluate the compliance with local or state conservation or energy standards, or the proper design or sizing of any water, waste or venting components, fixtures or piping.
K. Determine the effectiveness of anti-siphon, back-flow prevention or drain-stop devices.
L. Determine whether there are sufficient clean-outs for effective cleaning of drains.
M. Evaluate gas, liquid propane or oil storage tanks.
N. Inspect any private sewage waste disposal system or component of.
O. Inspect water treatment systems or water filters.
P. Inspect water storage tanks, pressure pumps or bladder tanks.
Q. Evaluate time to obtain hot water at fixtures, or perform testing of any kind to water heater elements.
R. Evaluate or determine the adequacy of combustion air.
S. Test, operate, open or close safety controls, manual stop valves and/or temperature or pressure relief valves.
T. Examine ancillary systems or components, such as, but not limited to, those relating to solar water heating, hot water circulation.
U. Determine the existence or condition of polybutylene plumbing.
2.7. Electrical
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. The service line.
B. The meter box.
C. The main disconnect.
D. And determine the rating of the service amperage.
E. Panels, breakers and fuses.
F. The service grounding and bonding.
H. A representative sampling of switches, receptacles, light fixtures, AFCI receptacles
I. And test all GFCI receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCI’s during the inspection.
I. And report the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring if readily visible.
J. And report on any GFCI-tested receptacles in which power is not present, polarity is incorrect, the receptacle is not grounded, is not secured to the wall, the cover is not in place, the ground fault circuit interrupter devices are not properly installed or do not operate properly, or evidence of arcing or excessive heat is present.
K. The service entrance conductors and the condition of their sheathing.
L. The ground fault circuit interrupters observed and deemed to be GFCI’s during the inspection with a GFCI tester.
M. And describe the amperage rating of the service.
N. And report the absence of smoke detectors.
O. Service entrance cables and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the integrity of the insulation, drip loop, or separation of conductors at weatherheads and clearances.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Insert any tool, probe or device into the main panel, sub-panels, downstream panels, or electrical fixtures.
B. Operate electrical systems that are shut down.
C. Remove panel covers or dead front covers if not readily accessible.
D. Operate over current protection devices.
E. Operate non-accessible smoke detectors.
F. Measure or determine the amperage or voltage of the main service if not visibly labeled.
G. Inspect the alarm system and components.
H. Inspect the ancillary wiring or remote control devices.
I. Activate any electrical systems or branch circuits which are not energized.
J. Operate overload devices.
K. Inspect low voltage systems, electrical de-icing tapes, swimming pool wiring or any time-controlled devices.
L. Verify the continuity of the connected service ground.
M. Inspect private or emergency electrical supply sources, including but not limited to generators, windmills, photovoltaic solar collectors, or battery or electrical storage facility.
N. Inspect spark or lightning arrestors.
O. Conduct voltage drop calculations.
P. Determine the accuracy of breaker labeling.
2.8. Fireplace
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. The fireplace, and open and close the damper door if readily accessible and operable.
B. Hearth extensions and other permanently installed components.
C. And report as in need of repair deficiencies in the lintel, hearth and material surrounding the fireplace, including clearance from combustible materials
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Inspect the flue or vent system.
B. Inspect the interior of chimneys or flues, fire doors or screens, seals or gaskets, or mantels.
C. Determine the need for a chimney sweep.
D. Operate gas fireplace inserts.
E. Light pilot flames.
F. Determine the appropriateness of such installation.
G. Inspect automatic fuel feed devices.
H. Inspect combustion and/or make-up air devices.
I. Inspect heat distribution assists whether gravity controlled or fan assisted.
J. Ignite or extinguish fires.
K. Determine draft characteristics.
L. Move fireplace inserts, stoves, or firebox contents.
M. Determine adequacy of draft, perform a smoke test or dismantle or remove any component.
N. Perform an NFPA inspection.
2.9. Attic, Ventilation & Insulation
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. The insulation in unfinished spaces.
B. The ventilation of attic spaces.
C. Mechanical ventilation systems.
D. And report on the general absence or lack of insulation.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Enter the attic or unfinished spaces that are not readily accessible or where entry could cause damage or pose a safety hazard to the inspector in his or her opinion.
B. To move, touch, or disturb insulation.
C. To move, touch or disturb vapor retarders.
D. Break or otherwise damage the surface finish or weather seal on or around access panels and covers.
E. Identify the composition of or the exact R-value of insulation material.
F. Activate thermostatically operated fans.
G. Determine the types of materials used in insulation/wrapping of pipes, ducts, jackets, boilers, and wiring.
H. Determine adequacy of ventilation.
2.10. Doors, Windows & Interior
I. The inspector shall:
A. Open and close a representative number of doors and windows.
B. Inspect the walls, ceilings, steps, stairways, and railings.
C. Inspect garage doors and garage door openers by operating first by remote (if available) and then by the installed automatic door control.
D. And report as in need of repair any installed electronic sensors that are not operable or not installed at proper heights above the garage door.
E. And report as in need of repair any door locks or side ropes that have not been removed or disabled when garage door opener is in use.
F. And report as in need of repair any windows that are obviously fogged or display other evidence of broken seals.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Inspect paint, wallpaper, window treatments or finish treatments.
B. Inspect central vacuum systems.
C. Inspect safety glazing.
D. Inspect security systems or components.
E. Evaluate the fastening of countertops, cabinets, sink tops and fixtures, or firewall compromises.
F. Move furniture, stored items, or any coverings like carpets or rugs in order to inspect the concealed floor structure.
G. Move drop ceiling tiles.
H. Inspect or move any household appliances…
I. Inspect or operate equipment housed in the garage except as otherwise noted.
J. Verify or certify safe operation of any auto reverse or related safety function of a garage door.
K. Operate or evaluate security bar release and opening mechanisms, whether interior or exterior, including compliance with local, state, or federal standards.
L. Operate any system, appliance or component that requires the use of special keys, codes, combinations, or devices.
M. Operate or evaluate self-cleaning oven cycles, tilt guards/latches or signal lights.
N. Inspect microwave ovens or test leakage from microwave ovens.
O. Operate or examine any sauna, steam-jenny, kiln, toaster, ice-maker, coffee-maker, can-opener, bread-warmer, blender, instant hot water dispenser, or other small, ancillary devices.
P. Inspect elevators.
Q. Inspect remote controls.
R. Inspect appliances.
S. Inspect items not permanently installed.
T. Examine or operate any above-ground, movable, freestanding, or otherwise non-permanently installed pool/spa, recreational equipment or self-contained equipment.
U. Come into contact with any pool or spa water in order to determine the system structure or components.
V. Determine the adequacy of spa jet water force or bubble effect.
W. Determine the structural integrity or leakage of a pool or spa.

3. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions

3.1. Limitations:
I. An inspection is not technically exhaustive.
II. An inspection will not identify concealed or latent defects.
III. An inspection will not deal with aesthetic concerns or what could be deemed matters of taste, cosmetic, etc.
IV. An inspection will not determine the suitability of the property for any use.
V. An inspection does not determine the market value of the property or its marketability.
VI. An inspection does not determine the advisability or inadvisability of the purchase of the inspected property.
VII. An inspection does not determine the life expectancy of the property or any components or systems therein.
VIII. An inspection does not include items not permanently installed.
IX. These Standards of Practice apply only to homes with four or fewer dwelling units.

3.2. Exclusions:
I. The inspectors are not required to determine:
A. Property boundary lines or encroachments.
B. The condition of any component or system that is not readily accessible.
C. The service life expectancy of any component or system.
D. The size, capacity, BTU, performance, or efficiency of any component or system.
E. The cause or reason of any condition.
F. The cause for the need of repair or replacement of any system or component.
G. Future conditions.
H. The compliance with codes or regulations.
I. The presence of evidence of rodents, animals or insects.
J. The presence of mold, mildew or fungus.
K. The presence of air-borne hazards.
L. The presence of birds.
M. The presence of other flora or fauna.
N. The air quality.
O. The existence of asbestos.
P. The existence of environmental hazards.
Q. The existence of electro-magnetic fields.
R. The presence of hazardous materials including, but not limited to, the presence of lead in paint.
S. Any hazardous waste conditions.
T. Any manufacturer recalls or conformance with manufacturer installation or any information included in the consumer protection bulletin.
U. Operating costs of systems.
V. Replacement or repair cost estimates.
W. The acoustical properties of any systems.
X. Estimates of how much it will cost to run any given system.
II. The inspectors are not required to operate:
A. Any system that is shut down.
B. Any system that does not function properly.
C. Or evaluate low voltage electrical systems such as, but not limited to:

  1. Phone lines.
  2. Cable lines.
  3. Antennae.
  4. Lights.
  5. Remote controls.
    D. Any system that does not turn on with the use of normal operating controls.
    E. Any shut off valves or manual stop valves.
    F. Any electrical disconnect or over current protection devices.
    G. Any alarm systems.
    H. Moisture meters, gas detectors or similar equipment.
    III. The inspectors are not required to:
    A. Move any personal items or other obstructions, such as, but not limited to:
  6. Throw rugs.
  7. Furniture.
  8. Floor or wall coverings.
  9. Ceiling tiles
  10. Window coverings.
  11. Equipment.
  12. Plants.
  13. Ice.
  14. Debris.
  15. Snow.
  16. Water.
  17. Dirt.
  18. Foliage.
  19. Pets
    B. Dismantle, open, or uncover any system or component.
    C. Enter or access any area which may, in the opinion of the inspector, to be unsafe or risk personal safety.
    D. Enter crawlspaces or other areas that are unsafe or not readily accessible.
    E. Inspect underground items such as, but not limited to, underground storage tanks or other indications of their presence, whether abandoned or actively used.
    F. Do anything which, in the inspector’s opinion, is likely to 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 dogs.
    G. Inspect decorative items.
    H. Inspect common elements or areas in multi-unit housing.
    I. Inspect intercoms, speaker systems, radio-controlled, security devices or lawn irrigation systems.
    J. Offer guarantees or warranties.
    K. Offer or perform any engineering services.
    L. Offer or perform any trade or professional service other than home inspection.
    M. Research the history of the property, report on its potential for alteration, modification, extendibility, or its suitability for a specific or proposed use for occupancy.
    N. Determine the age of construction or installation of any system structure, or component of a building, or differentiate between original construction or subsequent additions, improvements, renovations or replacements thereto.
    O. Determine the insurability of a property.
    P. Perform or offer Phase 1 environmental audits.
    Q. Inspect on any system or component which is not included in these standards.

4. Glossary of Terms

4.1. Accessible: Can be approached or entered by the inspector safely, without difficulty, fear or danger.
4.2. 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.
4.3. Adversely Affect: Constitute, or potentially constitute, a negative or destructive impact.
4.4. Alarm System: Warning devices, installed or free-standing, including but not limited to: Carbon monoxide detectors, flue gas and other spillage detectors, security equipment, ejector pumps and smoke alarms.
4.5. Appliance: A household device operated by use of electricity or gas. Not included in this definition are components covered under central heating, central cooling or plumbing.
4.6. 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.
4.7. Component: A permanently installed or attached fixture, element or part of a system.
4.8. Condition: The visible and conspicuous state of being of an object.
4.9. Crawlspace: The area within the confines of the foundation and between the ground and the underside of the lowest floor structural component.
4.10. Decorative: Ornamental; not required for the operation of essential systems and components of a home.
4.11. Describe: Report in writing a system or component by its type, or other observed characteristics, to distinguish it from other components used for the same purpose.
4.12. Determine: To arrive at an opinion or conclusion pursuant to examination.
4.13. 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.
4.14. 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 or processes.
4.15. Enter: To go into an area to observe visible components.
4.16. Evaluate: To assess the systems, structures or components of a dwelling.
4.17. Examine: To visually look. See Inspect.
4.18. Foundation: The base upon which the structure or wall rests; usually masonry, concrete, or stone, and generally partially underground.
4.19. 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.
4.20. Functional: Performing, or able to perform, a function.
4.21. 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 these Standards of Practice as a guideline.
4.22. Household Appliances: Kitchen and laundry appliances, room air conditioners, and similar appliances.
4.23. Inspect: To visually look at readily accessible systems and components safely, using normal operating controls and accessing readily accessible panels and areas in accordance with these Standards of Practice.

4.24. Inspected Property: The readily accessible areas of the buildings, site, items, components, and systems included in the inspection.
4.25. Inspector: One who performs a real estate inspection.
4.26. Installed: Attached or connected such that the installed item requires tool for removal.
4.27. Material Defect: Refer to section 1.2.
4.28. Normal Operating Controls: Devices such as thermostats that would be operated by ordinary occupants which require no specialized skill or knowledge.
4.29. Observe: To see through visually directed attention.
4.30. Operate: To cause systems to function or turn on with normal operating controls.
4.31. Readily Accessible: An item or component is readily accessible if, in the judgment of the inspector, it is capable of being safely observed without movement of obstacles, detachment or disengagement of connecting or securing devices, or other unsafe or difficult procedures to gain access.
4.32. Recreational Facilities: Spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, tennis courts, playground equipment, and other exercise, entertainment or athletic facilities.
4.33. Report: A written communication (possibly including digital images) of any material defects seen during the inspection.
4.34. Representative Number: A sufficient number to serve as a typical or characteristic example of the item(s) inspected.
4.35. Safety Glazing: Tempered glass, laminated glass, or rigid plastic.
4.36. Shut Down: Turned off, unplugged, inactive, not in service, not operational, etc.
4.37. Structural Component: A component which supports non-variable forces or weights (dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live loads).
4.38. System: An assembly of various components to function as a whole.
4.39. Technically Exhaustive: A comprehensive and detailed examination beyond the scope of a real estate home inspection which 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.
4.40. Unsafe: A condition in a readily accessible, installed system or component which is judged to be a significant risk of personal 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.
4.41. Verify: To confirm or substantiate.

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