Conditions Definitions

Limitations - Refers to Items or areas that were not able to be inspected due to the reported cause.

Safety Concern - Refers to inspected items or areas that need addressed due to it being unsafe to operate or use.

Needs Addressing - Refers to items or areas that need correction to reduce, limit, or repair damage to the property. As well as things that need repaired in order to operate correctly.

Deficiencies - Refers to Items or areas that are functioning but would benefit from correction.

Monitor - Refers to items or areas that show signs of potential concerns but were serviceable or operating during the time of the inspection.

Maintenance - Refers to Items or areas that John & Jane Doe needs to be aware of that require maintenance.

Informational - Refers to general information regarding observed items or areas during the time of the inspection.

Disclaimer

THE SCOPE OF THE INSPECTION:

The scope of this inspection and report is limited to a visual inspection of the systems and components as listed below, in order to identify those, if any, which may need replacement or repair. American Society of Home Inspectors(ASHI®) are used to conduct this inspection. For more detailed information on the standard of practice used including exclusions and limitations please go to https://www.homeinspector.org/Resources/Standard-of-Practice.

DURING THE INSPECTION

THE INSPECTOR SHALL:

Inspect readily accessible, visually observable, installed systems and components listed in this Standard.

Provide the client with a written report, using a format and medium selected by the inspector that states:

1. those systems and components inspected that, in the professional judgment of the inspector, are not functioning properly, significantly deficient, unsafe, or are near the end of their service lives,
2. recommendations to correct, or monitor for future correction, the deficiencies reported in 2.2.B.1, or items needing further evaluation (Per Exclusion 13.2.A.5 the inspector is NOT required to determine methods, materials, or costs of corrections.),
3. reasoning or explanation as to the nature of the deficiencies reported in 2.2.B.1, that are not self-evident,
4. those systems and components designated for inspection in this Standard that were present at the time of the home inspection but were not inspected and the reason(s) why.
5. adhere to the ASHI® Code of Ethics for the Home Inspection Profession.

THIS STANDARD IS NOT INTENDED TO LIMIT THE INSPECTOR FROM:

1. including other services or systems and components in addition to those required in Section 2.2.A.
2. designing or specifying repairs, provided the inspector is appropriately qualified and willing to do so.
3. excluding systems and components from the inspection if requested or agreed to by the client.

AREAS INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF THIS INSPECTION

For details on limitations to the following areas please visit: https://www.homeinspector.org/Resources/Standard-of-Practice.

The following areas will be inspected and described:

++STRUCTURAL SYSTEM++

crawl spaces/attics, foundations, floors, walls, ceilings and roofs

++EXTERIOR++

wall coverings, flashing, trim, exterior doors, decks, balconies,stoops, steps, porches, railing system, eaves, soffits, fascias, vegetation, grading, surface drainage, retaining walls, walkways, patios and driveways.

++ROOF SYSTEM++

roofing material, drainage, flashing, skylights, chimneys and roof penetrations.

++PLUMBING SYSTEM++

water supply plus location of main shut-off, fixtures, faucets, drains, vents, flues, chimneys, water heating equipment, hot water supply system, fuel storage, fuel distribution system, sewage ejectors, sump pump, and piping.

++ELECTRICAL SYSTEM++

service drop, entrance conductors, wiring method, cables, raceways, service equipment, main disconnect, grounding, interior components of panel/sub panel plus location, amperage of service, conductors, overcurrent protection devices, light fixtures, switches, receptacle, ground fault interrupters and arc fault circuit interrupters.

++HEATING SYSTEM++

installed heating equipment, vent system, flues, chimneys, distribution systems, energy source(s) and heating systems.

++AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM++

installed central cooling equipment, distribution system, and energy source.

++INTERIOR++

walls, ceilings, floors, steps, stairways, railings, countertops, installed cabinets, doors, windows, garage doors/openers, installed ovens, installed ranges, surface cooking appliances, installed microwaves, dishwashers and garbage disposals.

++INSULATION AND VENTILATION++

insulation in unfinished space, vapor retarders in unfinished space, ventilation of crawl spaces/ attics, exhaust systems, and dryer vent.

++FIREPLACE AND SOLID FUEL BURNING APPLIANCES++

fireplaces, stoves, inserts, accessories, chimneys and vent systems

GENERAL LIMITATIONS & EXCLUSIONS

GENERAL LIMITATION:

The inspector is NOT required to perform actions, or to make determinations, or to make recommendations not specifically stated in this Standard.

INSPECTIONS PERFORMED USING THIS STANDARD:

Are not technically exhaustive.

Are not required to identify and to report:

1. Concealed conditions, latent defects, consequential damages, and
2. Cosmetic imperfections that do not significantly affect a component’s performance of its intended function.
3. This Standard applies to buildings with four or fewer dwelling units and their attached and detached garages and carports.
4. This Standard shall not limit or prevent the inspector from meeting state statutes which license professional home inspection and home inspectors.
5. Redundancy in the description of the requirements, limitations, and exclusions regarding the scope of the home inspection is provided for emphasis only.

GENERAL EXCLUSIONS:

The inspector is NOT required to determine:

1. The condition of systems and components that are not readily accessible.
2. The remaining life expectancy of systems and components.
3. The strength, adequacy, effectiveness, and efficiency of systems and components.
4. The causes of conditions and deficiencies.
5. Methods, materials, and costs of corrections.
6. Future conditions including but not limited to failure of systems and components.
7. The suitability of the property for specialized uses.
8. Compliance of systems and components with past and present requirements and guidelines (codes, regulations, laws, ordinances, specifications, installation and maintenance instructions, use and care guides, etc.).
9. The market value of the property and its marketability.
10. The advisability of purchasing the property.
11. The presence of plants, animals, and other life forms and substances that may be hazardous or harmful to humans including, but not limited to, wood destroying organisms, molds and mold-like substances.
12. The presence of environmental hazards including, but not limited to, allergens, toxins, carcinogens, electromagnetic radiation, noise, radioactive substances, and contaminants in building materials, soil, water, and air.
13. The effectiveness of systems installed and methods used to control or remove suspected hazardous plants, animals, and environmental hazards.
14. Operating costs of systems and components.
15. Acoustical properties of systems and components.
16. Soil conditions relating to geotechnical or hydrologic specialties.
17. Whether items, materials, conditions and components are subject to recall, controversy, litigation, product liability, and other adverse claims and conditions.

The inspector is NOT required to offer:

1. Or to perform acts or services contrary to law or to government regulations.
2. Or to perform architectural, engineering, contracting, or surveying services or to confirm or to evaluate such services performed by others.
3. Or to perform trades or professional services other than home inspection.
4. Warranties or guarantees.

The inspector is NOT required to operate:

1. Systems and components that are shut down or otherwise inoperable.
2. Systems and components that do not respond to normal operating controls.
3. Shut-off valves and manual stop valves.
4. Automatic safety controls.

The inspector is NOT required to enter:

1. Areas that will, in the professional judgment of the inspector, likely be dangerous to the Inspector or to other persons, or to damage the property or its systems and Components.
2. Under-floor crawlspaces and attics that are not readily accessible.

The inspector is NOT required to inspect:

1. Underground items including, but not limited to, underground storage tanks and other underground indications of their presence, whether abandoned or active.
2. Items that are not installed.
3. Installed decorative items.
4. Items in areas that are not entered in accordance with the standard.
5. Detached structures other than garages and carports.
6. Common elements and common areas in multi-unit housing, such as condominium properties and cooperative housing.
7. Every occurrence of multiple similar components.
8. Outdoor cooking appliances.

The inspector is NOT required to:

1. Perform procedures or operations that will, in the professional judgment of the inspector, likely be dangerous to the inspector or to other persons, or to damage the property or its systems or components.
2. Describe or report on systems and components that are not included in this Standard and that were not inspected.
3. Move personal property, furniture, equipment, plants, soil, snow, ice, and debris.
4. Dismantle systems and components, except as explicitly required by this Standard.
5. Reset, reprogram, or otherwise adjust devices, systems, and components affected by inspection required by this Standard.
6. Ignite or extinguish fires, pilot lights, burners, and other open flames that require manual ignition.
7. Probe surfaces that would be damaged or where no deterioration is visible or presumed to exist.

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