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| 905-435-2760 |
Standards of Practice
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the NSHI Standards of Practice is to establish a
minimum and uniform standard for performing an inspection of a
single-family to a four-family dwelling. The Standards set minimum
requirements for describing and reporting conditions observed. The
Standards define and clarify terms, procedures, scope, conditions,
and limitations as they relate to an NSHI Inspection and Report.
TERMS
Client: A person who engages the services of a home inspector for
an inspection assignment.
Component: A part of a system.
Describe: To report a system or component by its type or other
observed, significant characteristics to distinguish it from other
systems or components.
Home Inspection Report: A written evaluation prepared and issued
by a home inspector upon completion of a home inspection that
meets the standards of practice as established by NSHI.
Inspect: To visually examine readily accessible systems and
components of a building in accordance with these Standards of
Practice, using normal operating controls and opening readily
accessible access panels.
Pre-inspection Agreement: An agreement signed by the client prior
to the start of the home inspection that contains, at a minimum, the
full name and address of the client, the address of the home to be
inspected, the date and time of the home inspection, the price of the
home inspection, and the scope and limitations of the inspection.
Roof Drainage Systems: Components used to carry water off a roof
and away from a building.
Significantly Deficient: Unsafe or not functioning.
Shut Down: A state in which a system or component cannot be
operated by normal operating controls.
Solid Fuel Burning Appliances: A hearth and fire chamber or similar
prepared place in which a fire may be built and which is built in
conjunction with a chimney; or a listed assembly of a fire chamber,
its chimney and related factory-made parts designed for unit
assembly without requiring field construction.
Structural Component: A component that supports non-variable
forces or weights (dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live
loads).
System: A combination of interacting or interdependent
components, assembled to carry out one or more functions.
Under Floor Crawl Space: The area within the confines of the
foundation and between the ground and the underside of the floor.
Unsafe: A condition in a system or component that poses a
significant risk of personal injury or property damage during normal,
day-to-day use.
PURPOSE
The purpose of a home inspection is to provide the client with
information regarding the condition of the systems and components
of the home as they existed at the time of the home inspection. The
Home Inspection Report communicates the information to the client
through a written summary that describes the general conditions of
the building systems and components along with items deemed
significantly deficient.
SCOPE
The scope of the inspection is a visual observation of the readily
accessible areas of the building, components, and systems that is
limited to the readily accessible and visible areas and the systems
identified as follows: Site/ Grounds, Structural System/ Foundation,
Exterior, Roof, Plumbing, Electrical, Heating System, Cooling
System, Interior, Insulation and Ventilation, and Fireplaces / Solid
Burning Appliances.
LIMITATIONS
The inspector will not dismantle and/or move equipment, systems,
furniture, appliances, floor coverings, finished or fastened surfaces
or components, personal property or other items to conduct this
inspection or otherwise to expose concealed or inaccessible
conditions. The inspection will not include destructive testing of any
kind. Systems and conditions that are not within the scope of the
inspection include, but are not limited to:
Environmental hazards including the presence or absence of
asbestos, lead paint, radon, or urea formaldehyde insulation
Water or air quality
Presence of toxic or carcinogenic matter emitted from the ground,
building materials, presence in water, in air supply or from the
operation of any equipment.
Items that are obstructed, inaccessible or not in plain view.
Mold or mold type.
Animal or insect infestations.
The following components or systems also fall outside the scope of
the inspection: security systems; appliances; playground and
recreational equipment; swimming pools; hot tubs/spas; lawn
sprinkler systems; intercom and audio/video systems and below
ground drainage systems; antennas; central vacuums; solar
systems; water softeners and filters; wells; septic systems; latent
defects; adequacy of system designs; zoning or building code
compliance; and any items considered to be cosmetic in nature.
WARRANTIES AND GUARANTEES:
The written home inspection report is not intended to be used as a
guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding adequacy,
performance, or condition of any inspected building, system or
component. Items inspected are not guaranteed to be defect-free, as
problems may exist even though signs of such may not be present
during the inspection.
The Standards provide minimum guidelines for the Inspector, and
outline what the Inspector should observe, identify, inspect, and
describe. The guidelines provide the minimum contents of a written
report and are not intended to limit the Inspector from performing
additional inspection services.
INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS
NSHI members have demonstrated extensive knowledge of new
home inspection by acquiring at least 90-hours of accredited home
inspector education and by passing the NSHI Exam, which is a
national exam sponsored by NSHI. Members with the designation
"full members" have completed or participated in at least 100
inspections. Members are required to obtain approved continuing
education to maintain their membership.
STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
The following Standards provide guidelines for the NSHI Inspector
and outline what the Inspector should observe, identify, inspect, and
describe. The guidelines provide the minimum contents of a written
report and are not intended to limit the Inspector from performing
additional inspection services.
SITE/GROUNDS
Inspect and describe the ground cover and vegetation, grading,
surface drainage, and retaining walls on the property when any of
these are likely to adversely affect the building.
Inspect and describe walkways, patios (contiguous to the
foundation), and driveways leading to dwelling entrances; identify
conditions that are hazardous, or could adversely affect the dwelling.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Inspect property fences that do not adversely affect the building.
Evaluate the condition of shrubs, trees and other vegetation that do
not adversely affect the building.
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM/FOUNDATION
Inspect and describe the condition of the visible materials of
foundation walls and framing. Report the methods used to inspect
the under-floor crawl space, floor, wall, ceiling, roof, structure and
report the methods used to inspect the attic.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Determine the adequacy of any structural system or component
Provide architectural or engineering recommendations.
EXTERIOR SYSTEMS
Inspect the exterior wall covering, flashing, trim, all exterior doors,
attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and their
associated railings, the eaves, soffits, and fascias where accessible
from the ground level.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Inspect or report on free-standing decks or other structures that are
not attached to the dwelling.
Report on the adequacy of storm windows or doors.
ROOF COMPONENTS
Inspect the roof covering, the roof drainage systems
(gutters/downspouts), the flashings, the skylights, chimneys, and
roof penetrations; and describe the roof covering and report the
methods used to inspect the roof (e.g. from ground, with binoculars,
from ladder, etc.). Identify and report the roof style and report areas
that could not be inspected.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Walk on roof or perform any tasks that could be dangerous.
Certify that the roof is free of leaks.
Report on accessory items such as antennas or solar panels.
Determine or estimate the remaining life of roof covering.
PLUMBING SYSTEMS
Describe in detail the interior water supply and distribution including
all fixtures and faucets, drains, waste and vent systems including all
fixtures, the water heating equipment, the vent systems, flues, and
chimneys, the fuel storage and fuel distribution systems, the
drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related piping, and the location
of main water and main fuel shut-off valves.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Operate systems that have been shutdown or winterized.
Operate or test main shut-off valves.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Inspect the service drop, the service entrance conductors, cables,
and raceways, the service equipment and main disconnects, the
service grounding, the interior components of service panels and
sub panels, the conductors, the over-current protection devices,
installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles, the ground fault
circuit interrupters.
Describe the amperage and voltage rating of the service, the location
of main disconnects and sub panels, the wiring methods; and report
on the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring
and on the absence of smoke detectors.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Inspect equipment that is not readily accessible, nor dismantle
equipment or components.
Activate electrical systems or branch circuits that are not energized.
Test all switches, receptacles, or fixtures.
Move objects to gain access to electrical outlets or panels.
Operate overload protection devices except GFCI breakers.
Operate or test smoke detectors
HEATING SYSTEMS
Inspect the installed heating equipment, the vent systems, flues, and
chimneys; and describe the energy source, the heating method by
its distinguishing characteristics.
Report the type of fuel and the estimated or approximate age.
Operate and report the condition of thermostats. Inspect and report
the condition of a representative number of supply and return
openings.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Operate a heating system when the operation could cause damage
to the system.
Activate equipment that has been “shut-down” or will not respond to
thermostat controls.
Examine equipment by any means other than the service panels
provided by the manufacturer.
Report on the efficiency or adequacy of the system or distribution
method.
COOLING SYSTEM
Inspect the installed central and through-wall cooling equipment;
and describe the energy source, the cooling method by its
distinguishing characteristics.
Report the equipment type, size and approximate age (if specified on
the service tag). Operate the equipment (weather permitting) by
normal control controls and report the condition.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Operate cooling equipment when the ambient temperature has been
less than 65 Degrees F within the previous 24 hours.
Activate systems that have been “shut-down” or deactivated.
Report on the efficiency of the equipment.
INTERIOR SYSTEMS
Inspect the walls, ceilings, and floors, the steps, stairways, and
railings, the countertops, installed cabinets, doors, and windows.
Describe and report the condition and any defects or deficiencies.
Describe style, size and location of an attached garage. Operate
garage doors and garage door operators and report any defects or
deficiencies.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Move furniture or owners possessions.
Operate door openers that have been disconnected from a power
source.
INSULATION AND VENTILATION
Inspect the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces, the
ventilation of attics and foundation areas, the mechanical ventilation
systems; and describe the insulation and vapor retarders in
unfinished spaces, the absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at
conditioned surfaces.
LIMITATIONS:
The inspector is not required to:
Enter crawl spaces with headroom less than two feet or where
adverse conditions exist.
Enter attic spaces where the headroom is less than 3 feet.
Enter attic spaces where hazardous conditions exist.
Evaluate ventilation adequacy by any means other than visually.
Evaluate the efficiency of insulation other than by accepted
thickness.
Operate sump pumps.
FIREPLACES AND SOLID BURNING APPLIANCES
Inspect the system components, the vent systems, flues, and
chimneys; and describe the fireplaces, solid fuel burning appliances,
and the chimneys.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Light a fire in the fireplace or ignite a pilot light.
Inspect the interiors of flues, fire screens, doors, seals, and gaskets.
Determine combustion make-up air devices or draft characteristics.
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the NSHI Standards of Practice is to establish a
minimum and uniform standard for performing an inspection of a
single-family to a four-family dwelling. The Standards set minimum
requirements for describing and reporting conditions observed. The
Standards define and clarify terms, procedures, scope, conditions,
and limitations as they relate to an NSHI Inspection and Report.
TERMS
Client: A person who engages the services of a home inspector for
an inspection assignment.
Component: A part of a system.
Describe: To report a system or component by its type or other
observed, significant characteristics to distinguish it from other
systems or components.
Home Inspection Report: A written evaluation prepared and issued
by a home inspector upon completion of a home inspection that
meets the standards of practice as established by NSHI.
Inspect: To visually examine readily accessible systems and
components of a building in accordance with these Standards of
Practice, using normal operating controls and opening readily
accessible access panels.
Pre-inspection Agreement: An agreement signed by the client prior
to the start of the home inspection that contains, at a minimum, the
full name and address of the client, the address of the home to be
inspected, the date and time of the home inspection, the price of the
home inspection, and the scope and limitations of the inspection.
Roof Drainage Systems: Components used to carry water off a roof
and away from a building.
Significantly Deficient: Unsafe or not functioning.
Shut Down: A state in which a system or component cannot be
operated by normal operating controls.
Solid Fuel Burning Appliances: A hearth and fire chamber or similar
prepared place in which a fire may be built and which is built in
conjunction with a chimney; or a listed assembly of a fire chamber,
its chimney and related factory-made parts designed for unit
assembly without requiring field construction.
Structural Component: A component that supports non-variable
forces or weights (dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live
loads).
System: A combination of interacting or interdependent
components, assembled to carry out one or more functions.
Under Floor Crawl Space: The area within the confines of the
foundation and between the ground and the underside of the floor.
Unsafe: A condition in a system or component that poses a
significant risk of personal injury or property damage during normal,
day-to-day use.
PURPOSE
The purpose of a home inspection is to provide the client with
information regarding the condition of the systems and components
of the home as they existed at the time of the home inspection. The
Home Inspection Report communicates the information to the client
through a written summary that describes the general conditions of
the building systems and components along with items deemed
significantly deficient.
SCOPE
The scope of the inspection is a visual observation of the readily
accessible areas of the building, components, and systems that is
limited to the readily accessible and visible areas and the systems
identified as follows: Site/ Grounds, Structural System/ Foundation,
Exterior, Roof, Plumbing, Electrical, Heating System, Cooling
System, Interior, Insulation and Ventilation, and Fireplaces / Solid
Burning Appliances.
LIMITATIONS
The inspector will not dismantle and/or move equipment, systems,
furniture, appliances, floor coverings, finished or fastened surfaces
or components, personal property or other items to conduct this
inspection or otherwise to expose concealed or inaccessible
conditions. The inspection will not include destructive testing of any
kind. Systems and conditions that are not within the scope of the
inspection include, but are not limited to:
Environmental hazards including the presence or absence of
asbestos, lead paint, radon, or urea formaldehyde insulation
Water or air quality
Presence of toxic or carcinogenic matter emitted from the ground,
building materials, presence in water, in air supply or from the
operation of any equipment.
Items that are obstructed, inaccessible or not in plain view.
Mold or mold type.
Animal or insect infestations.
The following components or systems also fall outside the scope of
the inspection: security systems; appliances; playground and
recreational equipment; swimming pools; hot tubs/spas; lawn
sprinkler systems; intercom and audio/video systems and below
ground drainage systems; antennas; central vacuums; solar
systems; water softeners and filters; wells; septic systems; latent
defects; adequacy of system designs; zoning or building code
compliance; and any items considered to be cosmetic in nature.
WARRANTIES AND GUARANTEES:
The written home inspection report is not intended to be used as a
guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding adequacy,
performance, or condition of any inspected building, system or
component. Items inspected are not guaranteed to be defect-free, as
problems may exist even though signs of such may not be present
during the inspection.
The Standards provide minimum guidelines for the Inspector, and
outline what the Inspector should observe, identify, inspect, and
describe. The guidelines provide the minimum contents of a written
report and are not intended to limit the Inspector from performing
additional inspection services.
INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS
NSHI members have demonstrated extensive knowledge of new
home inspection by acquiring at least 90-hours of accredited home
inspector education and by passing the NSHI Exam, which is a
national exam sponsored by NSHI. Members with the designation
"full members" have completed or participated in at least 100
inspections. Members are required to obtain approved continuing
education to maintain their membership.
STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
The following Standards provide guidelines for the NSHI Inspector
and outline what the Inspector should observe, identify, inspect, and
describe. The guidelines provide the minimum contents of a written
report and are not intended to limit the Inspector from performing
additional inspection services.
SITE/GROUNDS
Inspect and describe the ground cover and vegetation, grading,
surface drainage, and retaining walls on the property when any of
these are likely to adversely affect the building.
Inspect and describe walkways, patios (contiguous to the
foundation), and driveways leading to dwelling entrances; identify
conditions that are hazardous, or could adversely affect the dwelling.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Inspect property fences that do not adversely affect the building.
Evaluate the condition of shrubs, trees and other vegetation that do
not adversely affect the building.
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM/FOUNDATION
Inspect and describe the condition of the visible materials of
foundation walls and framing. Report the methods used to inspect
the under-floor crawl space, floor, wall, ceiling, roof, structure and
report the methods used to inspect the attic.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Determine the adequacy of any structural system or component
Provide architectural or engineering recommendations.
EXTERIOR SYSTEMS
Inspect the exterior wall covering, flashing, trim, all exterior doors,
attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and their
associated railings, the eaves, soffits, and fascias where accessible
from the ground level.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Inspect or report on free-standing decks or other structures that are
not attached to the dwelling.
Report on the adequacy of storm windows or doors.
ROOF COMPONENTS
Inspect the roof covering, the roof drainage systems
(gutters/downspouts), the flashings, the skylights, chimneys, and
roof penetrations; and describe the roof covering and report the
methods used to inspect the roof (e.g. from ground, with binoculars,
from ladder, etc.). Identify and report the roof style and report areas
that could not be inspected.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Walk on roof or perform any tasks that could be dangerous.
Certify that the roof is free of leaks.
Report on accessory items such as antennas or solar panels.
Determine or estimate the remaining life of roof covering.
PLUMBING SYSTEMS
Describe in detail the interior water supply and distribution including
all fixtures and faucets, drains, waste and vent systems including all
fixtures, the water heating equipment, the vent systems, flues, and
chimneys, the fuel storage and fuel distribution systems, the
drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related piping, and the location
of main water and main fuel shut-off valves.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Operate systems that have been shutdown or winterized.
Operate or test main shut-off valves.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Inspect the service drop, the service entrance conductors, cables,
and raceways, the service equipment and main disconnects, the
service grounding, the interior components of service panels and
sub panels, the conductors, the over-current protection devices,
installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles, the ground fault
circuit interrupters.
Describe the amperage and voltage rating of the service, the location
of main disconnects and sub panels, the wiring methods; and report
on the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring
and on the absence of smoke detectors.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Inspect equipment that is not readily accessible, nor dismantle
equipment or components.
Activate electrical systems or branch circuits that are not energized.
Test all switches, receptacles, or fixtures.
Move objects to gain access to electrical outlets or panels.
Operate overload protection devices except GFCI breakers.
Operate or test smoke detectors
HEATING SYSTEMS
Inspect the installed heating equipment, the vent systems, flues, and
chimneys; and describe the energy source, the heating method by
its distinguishing characteristics.
Report the type of fuel and the estimated or approximate age.
Operate and report the condition of thermostats. Inspect and report
the condition of a representative number of supply and return
openings.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Operate a heating system when the operation could cause damage
to the system.
Activate equipment that has been “shut-down” or will not respond to
thermostat controls.
Examine equipment by any means other than the service panels
provided by the manufacturer.
Report on the efficiency or adequacy of the system or distribution
method.
COOLING SYSTEM
Inspect the installed central and through-wall cooling equipment;
and describe the energy source, the cooling method by its
distinguishing characteristics.
Report the equipment type, size and approximate age (if specified on
the service tag). Operate the equipment (weather permitting) by
normal control controls and report the condition.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Operate cooling equipment when the ambient temperature has been
less than 65 Degrees F within the previous 24 hours.
Activate systems that have been “shut-down” or deactivated.
Report on the efficiency of the equipment.
INTERIOR SYSTEMS
Inspect the walls, ceilings, and floors, the steps, stairways, and
railings, the countertops, installed cabinets, doors, and windows.
Describe and report the condition and any defects or deficiencies.
Describe style, size and location of an attached garage. Operate
garage doors and garage door operators and report any defects or
deficiencies.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Move furniture or owners possessions.
Operate door openers that have been disconnected from a power
source.
INSULATION AND VENTILATION
Inspect the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces, the
ventilation of attics and foundation areas, the mechanical ventilation
systems; and describe the insulation and vapor retarders in
unfinished spaces, the absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at
conditioned surfaces.
LIMITATIONS:
The inspector is not required to:
Enter crawl spaces with headroom less than two feet or where
adverse conditions exist.
Enter attic spaces where the headroom is less than 3 feet.
Enter attic spaces where hazardous conditions exist.
Evaluate ventilation adequacy by any means other than visually.
Evaluate the efficiency of insulation other than by accepted
thickness.
Operate sump pumps.
FIREPLACES AND SOLID BURNING APPLIANCES
Inspect the system components, the vent systems, flues, and
chimneys; and describe the fireplaces, solid fuel burning appliances,
and the chimneys.
LIMITATIONS:
The Inspector is not required to:
Light a fire in the fireplace or ignite a pilot light.
Inspect the interiors of flues, fire screens, doors, seals, and gaskets.
Determine combustion make-up air devices or draft characteristics.
Creating balance
between Consumers
and Home Inspection
Professionals
between Consumers
and Home Inspection
Professionals
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