Good afternoon everyone. I have yet to perform an inspection as I am still working through the CPI program. I am curious to hear what you, as inspectors, do on an average inspection by the means of following the SOP. How often do you go beyond what the SOP states we shall or shall not do. The reason I ask is because I watch supplemental videos on home inspections and I hear inspectors say “the SOP states that we dont need to do this but in most cases I do” and so on. For example walking on the roof vs not walking on the roof. Any feedback would be appreciated.
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Tyler, I think, if you look at our SOP, it will say that we “are not required” to walk on roofs, etc., etc.
And, that is for our safety…a 12/12 pitch roof?..or, a wet metal roof?..etc.
Just make sure that you describe what youDID do to inspect it e.g. from a ladder at the eaves?..from the ground with binoculars?..and report what you could not inspect e.g. snow covered roof in February?
See: Home Inspection Standards of Practice - InterNACHI®
Know your SOP!
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Thanks for the response and yes you are correct, I was only using the roof as an example. What I am really trying to find out though is, do many inspectors only do the things outlined in the SOP and leave it at that? Do many inspectors go beyond the SOP in certain areas of an inspection? I am sure the answer to my questions are specific to each scenario however I am just curious and hoping to get a well rounded answer on how “exhaustive” inspectors make their inspections in general.
Whatever you decide to do, relative to going beyond the SOP, I would suggest that you do that on EVERY inspection or have a very good written reason why you couldn’t go beyond the SOP on this house but could on other houses.
This is to help you to be consistent or an attorney will have a field day with you, if it ever came to that. And your insurance will want a copy of your inspection agreement that should include the SOP in order to cover you if and when you need coverage.
The SOP is written for a reason.
Good luck.
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Thank you for the advice.
Inspectors that were or are still in the building trades tend to go beyond the SOP because of there field of expertise in a particular trade, , Electrition, Plumber, HVAC, Carpenter ect. 
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Hi, Tyler.
Consider exceeding what the Home Inspection Standards of Practice requires.
Here’s an article that you may find valuable in answering your question and concern about exceeding the Standards of Practice: To Exceed or Not to Exceed: That Is the Question - InterNACHI®
Exceed.
Great thank you for your help.
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That would make sense if they have a extensive knowledge in that field. Thank you
I also recommend the free, online Master Class for Home Inspectors at www.nachi.org/masterclass, which teaches everything the home inspector needs to run a successful business, including advanced inspection training, business essentials, and marketing strategies. The class includes live, online coaching sessions (optional) with the instructor.
Nice view in your profile pic.
From article:
A word of caution: if an inspector consistently goes far beyond what the SOP requires, a customer could theoretically argue that the inspector voluntarily assumed a duty greater than the contract required. Most inspection contracts contain language stating that the inspector will perform the inspection in accordance with InterNACHI’s SOP. An inspector who goes far beyond what the SOP requires may open himself up to a claim that there was an oral agreement that he was going to do a more rigorous inspection than what’s required by the SOP, but this scenario is unlikely.
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Thanks Larry for reminding Inspectors, especially newer ones, to be very careful when exceeding the SOP.
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95% of the time I stay within the SoP and what I’m being paid for
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Something not mentioned is if you operate in a licensed state they will have their own SOP which mandates what you must INSPECT and what you must REPORT or DESCRIBE You need to look carefully at the language of the SOP as it determines how you write your report to comply with the law (or your contract).
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