Scope of the Agreement
About the InterNACHI Standards of Practice
These Standards of Practice apply to residential properties with four or fewer units. They define the minimum requirements of a home inspection. A professional inspection outlines the visible systems and components that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector at the exact time and date of the inspection.
Definitions & Scope
1.1 Home Inspection Scope
A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a residential property designed to identify defects within specific systems and components defined by these Standards that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector.
Modifications: The scope of work may be modified by agreement between the Client and Inspector prior to the inspection process.
Context of Time: The inspection is based on observations made on the date of the inspection. It is not a prediction of future conditions.
Observed Defects Only: The inspection will not reveal every issue that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the inspection date.
1.2 Material Defect Definition
A material defect is a specific issue with a system or component of a residential property that may have a significant, adverse impact on the value of the property, or that poses an unreasonable risk to people.
Useful Life Expectancy: The fact that a system or component is near, at, or beyond the end of its normal, useful life is not, in itself, a material defect.
1.3 Inspection Report
A home inspection report shall identify, in written format, defects within specific systems and components defined by these Standards that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector.
Recommendations: Reports may include additional comments and recommendations for correction or monitoring.
Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions
- An inspection is not technically exhaustive.
- An inspection will not identify concealed or latent defects.
- An inspection will not deal with aesthetic concerns or cosmetics.
- An inspection does not determine property suitability for any use.
- An inspection does not determine market value or marketability.
- An inspection does not determine property insurability.
- An inspection does not determine purchase advisability.
- An inspection does not determine life expectancy of components.
- An inspection does not include items not permanently installed.
- Applied to properties with 4 or fewer residential units & garages.
The inspector is not required to determine:
- Property boundary lines or encroachments.
- Condition of any component that is not readily accessible.
- Service life expectancy of any component or system.
- Size, capacity, BTU, performance or efficiency.
- Cause or reason of any condition.
- Reason for correction, repair, or replacement.
- Future conditions.
- Compliance with building codes or regulations.
- Presence of rodents, birds, insects or pests.
- Presence of mold, mildew or fungus.
- Airborne hazards, including radon and air quality.
- Lead paint, asbestos, toxic drywall or env. hazards.
- Electromagnetic fields or hazardous waste conditions.
- Manufacturer recalls or installation conformance.
- Acoustical properties.
- Correction, replacement or repair cost estimates.
- Estimates of system operating costs.
The inspector is not required to operate:
- Any system that is shut down or does not function properly.
- Any system that does not turn on with normal operating controls.
- Any shut-off valves or manual stop valves.
- Electrical disconnects or over-current protection devices.
- Alarm systems, moisture meters, or gas detectors.
- Low-voltage electrical systems (phones, cable, satellite, antennae, lights).
The inspector is not required to perform actions like:
- Move personal items, rugs, carpeting, furniture, window coverings, or plants.
- Dismantle, open, or uncover any system or component.
- Enter crawlspaces, attics, or areas that may be unsafe or inaccessible.
- Inspect underground items (sprinklers, underground storage tanks).
- Walk on roof surfaces, climb ladders, or negotiate with pets.
- Inspect decorative items, security systems, intercoms, or common elements.
- Offer guarantees, warranties, engineering services, or trade work.
- Research property history, structural age, or alteration potential.
Standards of Practice
3.1 Roof
Shall Inspect
- The roof-covering materials from ground level or the eaves.
- The gutters and downspouts.
- Vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, and other roof penetrations.
- General structure of roof from readily accessible panels/doors/stairs.
Shall Describe
- The type of roof-covering materials.
Correction Needed
- Observed indications of active roof leaks.
Not Required To
- Walk on any roof surface.
- Predict roof service life expectancy.
- Inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
- Remove snow, ice, or debris prohibiting inspection.
- Move insulation or perform water test.
- Confirm proper fastening/installation of roof covering.
3.2 Exterior
Shall Inspect
- Exterior wall-covering materials, flashing and trim.
- Eaves, soffits, and fascia.
- Representative number of windows and all exterior doors.
- Adjacent walkways, driveways, stairs, stoops, and ramps.
- Porches, patios, decks, balconies, and carports.
- Railings, guards, and handrails.
- Grading, surface drainage, vegetation, and retaining walls.
Shall Describe
- The type of exterior wall-covering materials.
Correction Needed
- Improper spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles, and rails.
Not Required To
- Inspect screens, shutters, storm windows, fences, or accent lighting.
- Inspect items not visible or accessible from the ground (flashing).
- Identify geological, hydrological, soil, or erosion-control details.
- Inspect swimming pools, spas, wastewater treatments, or septic systems.
- Inspect irrigation, wells, solar, wind, or geothermal installations.
- Determine integrity of multi-pane window glazing/thermal seals.
3.3 Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure
Shall Inspect
- The foundation.
- The basement and crawlspace.
- All structural components.
Shall Describe
- The type of foundation.
- The location of access to the under-floor space.
Correction Needed
- Wood in contact with or near soil.
- Observed indications of active water penetration.
- Indications of foundation movement (cracks, out-of-square frames, unlevel floors).
- Improper cutting, notching, or boring of framing members.
Not Required To
- Enter crawlspaces that are not readily accessible or unsafe.
- Move stored items, furniture, or debris.
- Operate sump pumps with inaccessible floats.
- Identify size, spacing, span, or adequacy of structural members.
- Provide engineering or architectural services.
3.4 Heating
Shall Inspect
- The heating system using normal operating controls.
Shall Describe
- Location of thermostat for heating system.
- The system energy source and heating method.
Correction Needed
- Any heating system that did not operate.
- Heating systems deemed inaccessible.
Not Required To
- Inspect flues/chimney interiors, heat exchangers, combustion air, humidifiers, or electronic filters.
- Inspect fuel tanks or concealed supply lines.
- Determine system capacity, BTU sizing, air flow balance, or heat uniformity.
- Light pilot flames or bypass electronic thermostats.
3.5 Cooling
Shall Inspect
- The cooling system using normal operating controls.
Shall Describe
- Location of thermostat for cooling system.
- The cooling method.
Correction Needed
- Any cooling system that did not operate.
- Cooling systems deemed inaccessible.
Not Required To
- Determine BTU size, distribution balance, flow rate, or cooling uniformity.
- Inspect portable window units, through-wall units, or electronic air filters.
- Operate systems if ambient outdoor temperature is below 65° Fahrenheit.
- Examine electrical current, coolant fluids, gases, or leaks.
3.6 Plumbing
Shall Inspect
- The main water and main fuel supply shut-off valves.
- Water heating equipment, including energy source, venting, and TPR valves.
- Interior water supply, including fixtures and faucets by running water.
- All toilets for proper operation by flushing.
- Sinks, tubs, and showers for functional drainage.
- Drain, waste, and vent systems.
- Drainage sump pumps with accessible floats.
Shall Describe
- Public or private water supply based on observed evidence.
- Location of main water supply shut-off valve.
- Location of main fuel supply shut-off valve.
- Capacity of water heating equipment, if labeled.
Correction Needed
- Water flow deficiencies observed in two simultaneous fixtures.
- Incorrect hot and cold faucet installation.
- Active plumbing leaks observed during inspection.
- Damaged, leaking, loose, or improperly operating toilets.
Not Required To
- Light pilot flames or operate manual stop/safety valves.
- Determine water flow rate, pressure, volume, or water quality.
- Open sealed access panels, inspect washing machine connections, or test shower pans.
- Inspect water softeners, filter systems, lawn sprinklers, or fire sprinkler lines.
3.7 Electrical
Shall Inspect
- Service drop, overhead conductors, service head, and drip loops.
- Service mast, conduit, raceway, electric meter, and base.
- Main service disconnect, panelboards, breakers, and fuses.
- Service grounding, bonding, and smoke/CO detector presence.
- Representative switches, fixtures, GFCI/AFCI receptacles (using testers).
Shall Describe
- Main service disconnect's amperage rating, if labeled.
- Type of wiring observed.
Correction Needed
- Deficient service-entrance conductors (insulation or clearance).
- Unused circuit breaker openings that are not filled.
- Solid conductor aluminum branch-circuit wiring, if visible.
- Deficient receptacles (unpowered, incorrect polarity, ungrounded, loose, or heat/arcing signs).
- Absence of smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors.
Not Required To
- Insert tools or probes into panelboards or distribution covers.
- Remove panel cabinet covers or dead fronts.
- Reset breakers, test alarms, or verify service ground depth.
- Inspect low-voltage systems, generators, solar/wind systems, or swimming pool wiring.
3.8 Fireplace
Shall Inspect
- Accessible and visible portions of fireplaces and chimneys.
- Lintels above fireplace openings.
- Damper doors by manually opening and closing, if accessible.
- Cleanout doors and frames.
Shall Describe
- The type of fireplace.
Correction Needed
- Hearth, extension, or chamber joint separation/damage/deterioration.
- Manually operated dampers that did not open and close.
- Lack of smoke or CO detector in the fireplace room.
- Cleanouts not made of metal, concrete, or non-combustibles.
Not Required To
- Inspect the interior of chimneys or flues, fire doors, or screens.
- Operate gas inserts, light pilot flames, or perform smoke tests.
- Determine draft characteristics or move fireplace contents/stoves.
- Perform NFPA-style or Phase I fireplace inspections.
3.9 Attic, Insulation & Ventilation
Shall Inspect
- Insulation in unfinished spaces (attics, crawlspaces, foundation).
- Ventilation of unfinished spaces (attics, crawlspaces, foundation).
- Mechanical exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry area.
Shall Describe
- The type of insulation observed.
- Approximate average depth of insulation in unfinished attics.
Correction Needed
- General absence of insulation or ventilation in unfinished spaces.
Not Required To
- Enter attics/spaces that are inaccessible or unsafe.
- Move, touch, or disturb insulation or vapor retarders.
- Break access panel seals, or identify insulation composition/R-values.
- Activate thermostatic fans or determine ventilation adequacy.
3.10 Doors, Windows & Interior
Shall Inspect
- Representative number of doors and windows (open/close).
- Floors, walls, and ceilings.
- Stairs, steps, landings, stairways, and ramps.
- Railings, guards, and handrails.
- Garage vehicle doors and automatic opener controls.
Shall Describe
- Garage vehicle door as manual or auto-opener installed.
Correction Needed
- Improper intermediate spacing of balusters/rails.
- Faulty photo-electric garage safety sensors.
- Windows that are fogged or show evidence of broken seals.
Not Required To
- Inspect paint, wallpaper, carpet, or finish treatments.
- Move furniture, appliances, rugs, or suspended tiles.
- Evaluate security bar releases, alarms, central vacuums, or safety glass glazing.
- Inspect saunas, kilns, small appliances, pools, or spas.