STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

SCOPE:

A. The inspector shall:
     1. Observe all listed systems and components
     2. Submit a written report to the client which shall:
         a. Identify all components;
         b. Perform a limited visual and audible on-site observation of the structural
             components, exposed plumbing, heating and cooling systems, electrical
             systems, and built-in appliances;
         c. Give a personal opinion as to whether or not the components and/or
             systems are OPERABLE or INOPERABLE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION, that
             is, whether such items are PERFORMING THE FUNCTION FOR WHICH THEY
             ARE NORMALLY INTENDED; OR IN NEED OF REPAIR OR WARRANT
             ATTENTION;       
         d. Note ant installed systems or components specified which were not
             observed and state why they were not observed.

B. These standards are not intended to limit the Inspector from:
    1. Reporting observations and conditions in addition to those required;
    2. Providing additional inspection services or inspecting additional items and/or
        systems;
    3. Excluding various systems and/or components from the inspection.

SECTION 1:  STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

1. Foundation and floor systems:

Components to be inspected:
Foundation
Floor systems
Ventilation (when applicable)
Split levels and basements

2. Exterior/Interior structure:

Components to be inspected:
Exterior wall components
Exterior moldings and trim
Windows and doors
Weather seals and protective coatings
Surfaces of fireplaces, flues and chimneys
Interior walls, floors and ceilings
Stairways and balconies
Kitchen cabinets

3. Roof systems:

Components to be inspected:
Framing, sheathing and decking
Roof covering
Roof flashing
Rain gutters
Down spout and runoff systems
Attic insulation
Attic ventilation
Soffits and fascia

4. Grading and drainage:

Components to be inspected:
Building perimeter, land grade and water drainage adjacent to foundation
Walks, steps, driveways, patios and retaining walls contiguous with structure
Trees and vegetation that adversely affect the structure

SECTION 2:  BUILT-IN APPLIANCES

Components to be inspected:
Dishwasher
Garbage disposal
Gas/electric range, cooktop and/or oven
Vent hood/exhaust fan

SECTION 3: PLUMBING SYSTEMS

Components to be inspected:            
1. Interior water distribution systems                 
a. Water supply for functional flow             
b. Kitchen fixtures and components            
c. Visual water supply lines                         
d. Washer box components                         
e. Commodes and components                   
f. Lavatories and components                    
g. Tub and/or shower components             
2. Interior drain, vent and waste systems (visual)
a. Traps, drains, waste lines and vent piping
b. Leaks                                                     
c. Drainage for functional flow                  
3. Water heating systems                                   
a. Water heating equipment                       
b. Normal operating controls                     
c. Combustion air and venting                    
d. Clearance to combustibles                      

SECTION 4:  ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

Components to be inspected:
1. Service entrance                                         
2. Main distribution system                              
a. Main overcurrent device                      
b. Circuit breaker panels                         
c. Fuse boxes                                          
d. Wire type                                            
e. Exposed junction boxes                       
f. Exposed grounding cables                    
g. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)
3. Electrical components                                
a. Switches                                            
b. Receptacles                                       
c. Lighting fixtures                                
d. 220VAC receptacles                           
e. Exposed grounding wires                   
f. Ceiling fans                                        

SECTION 5:  HEATING/COOLING SYSTEMS

A. Heating systems                                     
1. Permanent heating equipment        
a. Gas forced warm air units      
b. Electric forced warm air units
c. Heat pumps                           
d. Auxiliary heating systems       
e. Combustion air                      
f. Vent pipes                              
2. Distribution systems                      
B. Central cooling systems                         
1. Refrigerated cooling equipment    
a. Air handling equipment         
b. Compressor                         
c. Condenser coil                     
2. Distribution system