Inspection Service Scope of Work

The inspector will:

• Describe the type of building materials comprising the major structural components.
• Enter and traverse attics and subfloor crawlspaces.
• Inspect the condition and serviceability of visible, exposed foundations and grade slabs, walls, posts, piers, beams, joists, trusses, subfloors, chimney foundations, stairs and the visible roof structure and attic components where readily and safely accessible.
• Inspect subfloor crawlspaces and basements for indications of flooding and moisture penetration.
• Probe a representative number of structural components where deterioration is suspected or where clear indications of possible deterioration exist.
• Describe any deficiencies of these systems or components.
• Report all wood rot and pest-conducive conditions discovered.
• Refer all issues that are suspected to be insect related to a licensed structural pest inspector (SPI) or pest control operator (PCO) for follow up.

The inspector is not required to:

• Enter subfloor crawlspaces that require excavation or have an access opening less than eighteen inches by twenty-four inches or headroom less than eighteen inches beneath floor joists and twelve inches beneath girders.
• Enter any areas that are not readily accessible due to obstructions, inadequate clearances or have conditions which, in the inspector's opinion, are hazardous to the health and safety of the inspector or will cause damage to components of the home.
• Move stored items or debris or perform excavation to gain access.

The inspector will:

• Describe the exterior components visible from ground level.
• Inspect visible wall coverings, trim, protective coatings and sealants, windows and doors, attached porches, decks, steps, balconies, handrails, guardrails, carports, eaves, soffits, fascias and visible exterior portions of chimneys.
• Probe exterior components where deterioration is suspected or where clear indications of possible deterioration exist.
• Describe any deficiencies of these systems or components.

The inspector is not required to:

• Inspect buildings, decks, patios, fences, retaining walls, and other structures detached from the dwelling.
• Inspect safety type glass or the integrity of thermal window seals.
• Test or evaluate the operation of security locks, devices or systems.
• Enter areas beneath decks with less than five feet of clearance from the underside of joists to grade.
• Evaluate the function or condition of shutters, awnings, storm doors, storm windows, screens, and similar accessories.

The inspector will:

• Inspect the roof.
• Inspect the gutters and downspout systems, visible flashings, soffits and fascias, skylights, and other roof penetrations.
• Report the manner in which the roof is ventilated.
• Describe the type and general condition of roof coverings.
• Report multiple layers of roofing when visible or readily apparent.
• Describe any deficiencies of these systems or components.

The inspector is not required to:

• Traverse a roof where, in the opinion of the inspector, doing so can damage roofing materials or be unsafe.
• Remove snow, ice, debris or other material that obscures the roof surface or prevents access to the roof.
• Inspect gutter and downspout systems concealed within the structure; related underground drainage piping; and/or antennas, lightning arresters, or similar attachments.
• Operate powered roof ventilators.
• Predict remaining life expectancy of roof coverings.

The inspector will:

• Describe the visible water supply and distribution piping materials; drain, waste and vent materials; water-heating equipment.
• Report the presence and functionality of sump pumps/waste ejector pumps when visible.
• Report the presence and location of a main water shutoff valve and/or fuel shutoff valve(s).
• Report the presence of the temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve and associated piping.
• Inspect the condition of accessible and visible water supply pipes, drain/waste plumbing and the domestic hot water system when possible.
• Operate fixtures in order to observe functional flow.
• Check for functional drainage from fixtures.
• Describe any deficiencies of these systems or components in the inspection report.

The inspector is not required to:

• Operate any valves, including faucets of freestanding or built-in appliances or fixtures, if the outlet end of the valve or faucet is connected or intended to be connected to an appliance.
• Inspect any system that is shut down or winterized.
• Inspect floor drains and exterior drain systems.
• Inspect fire sprinkler systems.
• Inspect water-conditioning equipment, including softeners and filter systems.
• Inspect private water supply systems or gas supply systems.
• Determine the potability of any water supply whether public or private.
• Ignite pilot lights.

The inspector will:

• Describe the type of primary service, whether overhead or underground, voltage, amperage, over-current protection devices and the type of branch wiring used.
• Report the existence of a connected service-grounding conductor and service-grounding electrode when same can be determined.
• Inspect the main and branch circuit conductors for proper over-current protection and condition by visual observation after removal of the readily accessible service panel and/or distribution panel cover(s).
• Report, if present, solid conductor aluminum branch circuits.
• Verify the operation of a representative number of accessible switches, receptacles and light fixtures.
• Verify the grounding and polarity of a representative number of receptacles.
• Verify ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection and arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection where required.
• Report the location of any inoperative or missing GFCI and/or AFCI devices when they are recommended by industry standards.
• Describe any deficiencies of these systems or components.

The inspector is not required to:

• Insert any tool, probe or testing device into the service or distribution panels.
• Activate electrical systems or branch circuits that are not energized.
• Operate circuit breakers, service disconnects or remove fuses.
• Inspect ancillary systems including timers, security systems, smoke/heat detectors, antennas, intercoms, or swimming pool wiring.
• Dismantle any electrical device or control, except for the removal of the dead-front covers from the main service panel and distribution panels.
• Test every switch, receptacle, and fixture.
• Remove switch and receptacle cover plates.

The inspector will:

• Describe the type of fuel, heating equipment, and heating distribution systems.
• Operate the system using normal readily accessible control devices.
• Open readily accessible access panels or covers provided by the manufacturer or installer, if readily detachable.
• Inspect the condition of normally operated controls and components of systems.
• Inspect visible flue pipes and related components to ensure functional operation and proper clearance from combustibles.
• Inspect each habitable space in the home to determine whether or not there is a functioning heat source present.
• Report any evidence that indicates the possible presence of an underground storage tank.
• Describe any deficiencies of these systems or components.

The inspector is not required to:

• Ignite pilot lights.
• Operate heating devices or systems that do not respond to normal controls or have been shut down.
• Inspect heat exchangers concealed inside furnaces and boilers.
• Inspect the interior of chimneys and flues.
• Inspect installed heating system accessories, such as humidifiers, air purifiers, motorized dampers, heat reclaimers, or solar heating systems.
• Determine the capacity, adequacy, or efficiency of a heating system.

The inspector will:

• Describe the central air conditioning system and energy sources.
• Operate the system using normal control devices and measure and record temperature differential.
• Open readily accessible access panels or covers provided by the manufacturer or installer.
• Inspect the condition of controls and operative components of the complete system; conditions permitting.
• Describe any deficiencies of these systems or components in the inspection report.

The inspector is not required to:

• Activate cooling systems that have been shut down.
• Inspect gas-fired refrigeration systems, evaporative coolers, or wall or window-mounted air-conditioning units.
• Check the coolant pressure/charge.
• Determine the efficiency, or adequacy of the system.
• Operate cooling system components if the exterior temperature is below sixty degrees Fahrenheit.

The inspector will:

• Verify that steps, handrails, guardrails, stairways and landings are installed wherever necessary and report when they are missing or in need of repair.
• Inspect the overall general condition of cabinets and countertops.
• Inspect caulking and grout at kitchen and bathroom counters.
• Inspect the interior walls, ceilings, and floors for indicators of concealed structural deficiencies, water infiltration or major damage.
• Inspect the condition and operation of a representative number of windows and doors.
• Comment on the presence or absence of smoke detectors.
• Describe any noncosmetic deficiencies of these systems or components.

The inspector is not required to:

• Report on cosmetic conditions related to the condition of interior components.
• Verify whether all walls, floors, ceilings, doorways, cabinets and window openings are square, straight, level or plumb.

The inspector will:

• Inspect the insulation, ventilation and installed mechanical systems in viewable and accessible attics and unfinished subfloor areas.
• Describe the type of insulation in viewable and accessible unconditioned spaces.
• Report missing or inadequate vapor barriers in subfloor crawlspaces with earth floors.
• Report the absence of insulation at the interface between conditioned and unconditioned spaces where visible.
• Report the absence of insulation on heating system ductwork and supply plumbing in unconditioned spaces.
• Describe any deficiencies of these systems or components.

The inspector is not required to:

• Determine the presence, extent, and type of insulation and vapor barriers concealed in the exterior walls.
• Determine the thickness or R-value of insulation above the ceiling, in the walls or below the floors.

The inspector will:

• Describe fireplaces and stoves.
• Inspect dampers, fireboxes and hearths.
• Describe any deficiencies of these systems or components.

The inspector is not required to:

• Inspect flues and verify the presence of flue liners beyond what can be safely and readily seen from the firebox of a stove or fireplace.
• Ignite fires in a fireplace or stove.
• Determine the adequacy of draft.
• Perform a chimney smoke test.
• Evaluate modifications to a fireplace, stove, or chimney.

The inspector will:

• Describe the material used for driveways, walkways, patios and other flatwork around the home.
• Inspect for serviceability of the driveways, steps, walkways, patios, flatwork and retaining walls contiguous with the structure.
• Inspect for proper grading and drainage slope.
• Inspect vegetation in close proximity to the home.
• Describe any deficiencies of these systems or components.

The inspector is not required to:

• Inspect fences, privacy walls or retaining walls that are not contiguous with the structure.
• Report the condition of soil, trees, shrubs or vegetation unless they adversely affect the structure.
• Evaluate hydrological or geological conditions.

The inspector will:

• Inspect the condition and function of the overhead garage doors and associated hardware.
• Test the function of the garage door openers, their auto-reverse systems and secondary entrapment devices (photoelectric and edge sensors) when present.
• Inspect the condition and installation of any pedestrian doors.
• Inspect fire separation between the house and garage when applicable.
• Report as a fire hazard the presence of any ignition source that is within eighteen inches of the garage floor.
• Describe any deficiencies of these systems or components.

The inspector is not required to:

• Determine whether or not a solid core pedestrian door that is not labeled is fire rated.
• Verify the functionality of garage door opener remote controls.
• Move vehicles or personal property.