I. The inspector shall inspect from ground level or the

eaves:

A. the roof-covering materials;

B. the gutters;

C. the downspouts;

D. the vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, and other

roof penetrations; and

E. the general structure of the roof from the readily

accessible panels, doors or stairs.

II. The inspector shall describe:

A. the type of roof-covering materials.

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

A. observed indications of active roof leaks.

IV. The inspector is not required to:

A. walk on any roof surface.

B. predict the service life expectancy.

C. inspect underground downspout diverter

drainage pipes.

D. remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that

prohibit the observation of the roof surfaces.

E. move insulation.

F. inspect antennae, satellite dishes, lightning

arresters, de-icing equipment, or similar

attachments.

G. walk on any roof areas that appear, in the

inspector’s opinion, to be unsafe.

H. walk on any roof areas if doing so might, in the

inspector’s opinion, cause damage.

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. the exterior wall-covering materials, flashing and

trim;

B. all exterior doors;

C. adjacent walkways and driveways;

D. stairs, steps, stoops, stairways and ramps;

E. porches, patios, decks, balconies and carports;

F. railings, guards and handrails;

G. the eaves, soffits and fascia;

H. a representative number of windows; and

I. vegetation, surface drainage, retaining walls and

grading of the property, where they may

adversely affect the structure due to moisture

intrusion.

II. The inspector shall describe:

A. the type of exterior wall-covering materials.

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

A. any improper spacing between intermediate

balusters, spindles and rails.

IV. The inspector is not required to:

A. inspect or operate screens, storm windows,

shutters, awnings, fences, outbuildings, or

exterior accent lighting.

B. inspect items that are not visible or readily

accessible from the ground, including window

and door flashing.

C. inspect or identify geological, geotechnical,

hydrological or soil conditions.

6

D. inspect recreational facilities or playground

equipment.

E. inspect seawalls, breakwalls or docks.

F. inspect erosion-control or earth-stabilization

measures.

G. inspect for safety-type glass.

H. inspect underground utilities.

I. inspect underground items.

J. inspect wells or springs.

K. inspect solar, wind or geothermal systems.

L. inspect swimming pools or spas.

M. inspect wastewater treatment systems, septic

systems or cesspools.

N. inspect irrigation or sprinkler systems.

O. inspect drainfields or dry wells.

P. determine the integrity of multiple-pane window

glazing or thermal window seals.

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. the foundation;

B. the basement;

C. the crawlspace; and

D. structural components.

II. The inspector shall describe:

A. the type of foundation; and

B. the location of the access to the under-floor

space.

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

A. observed indications of wood in contact with or

near soil;

B. observed indications of active water

penetration;

C. observed indications of possible foundation

movement, such as sheetrock cracks, brick

cracks, out-of-square door frames, and unlevel

floors; and

D. any observed cutting, notching and boring of

framing members that may, in the inspector's

opinion, present a structural or safety concern.

IV. The inspector is not required to:

A. enter any crawlspace that is not readily

accessible, or where entry could cause damage

or pose a hazard to him/herself.

B. move stored items or debris.

C. operate sump pumps with inaccessible floats.

D. identify the size, spacing, span or location or

determine the adequacy of foundation bolting,

bracing, joists, joist spans or support systems.

E. provide any engineering or architectural service.

F. report on the adequacy of any structural system

or component.

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. the heating system, using normal operating

controls.

II. The inspector shall describe:

A. the location of the thermostat for the heating

system;

B. the energy source; and

C. the heating method.

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

A. any heating system that did not operate; and

B. if the heating system was deemed inaccessible.

IV. The inspector is not required to:

A. inspect or evaluate the interior of flues or

chimneys, fire chambers, heat exchangers,

combustion air systems, fresh-air intakes,

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. the heating system, using normal operating

controls.

II. The inspector shall describe:

A. the location of the thermostat for the heating

system;

B. the energy source; and

C. the heating method.

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

A. any heating system that did not operate; and

B. if the heating system was deemed inaccessible.

IV. The inspector is not required to:

A. inspect or evaluate the interior of flues or

chimneys, fire chambers, heat exchangers,

combustion air systems, fresh-air intakes,humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters,

geothermal systems, or solar heating systems.

B. inspect fuel tanks or underground or

concealed fuel supply systems.

C. determine the uniformity, temperature, flow,

balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or

supply adequacy of the heating system.

D. light or ignite pilot flames.

E. activate heating, heat pump systems, or other

heating systems when ambient temperatures or

other circumstances are not conducive to safe

operation or may damage the equipment.

F. override electronic thermostats.

G. evaluate fuel quality.

H. verify thermostat calibration, heat anticipation, or

automatic setbacks, timers, programs or clocks.

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. the cooling system, using normal operating

controls.

II. The inspector shall describe:

A. the location of the thermostat for the cooling

system; and

B. the cooling method.

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

A. any cooling system that did not operate; and

B. if the cooling system was deemed inaccessible.

IV. The inspector is not required to:

A. determine the uniformity, temperature, flow,

balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or

supply adequacy of the cooling system.

B. inspect portable window units, through-wall

units, or electronic air filters.

C. operate equipment or systems if the exterior

temperature is below 65° Fahrenheit, or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe

operation or may damage the equipment.

D. inspect or determine thermostat calibration,

cooling anticipation, or automatic setbacks or

clocks.

E. examine electrical current, coolant fluids or

gases, or coolant leakage.

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. the main water supply shut-off valve;

B. the main fuel supply shut-off valve;

C. the water heating equipment, including the

energy source, venting connections,

temperature/pressure-relief (TPR) valves, Watts

210 valves, and seismic bracing;

D. interior water supply, including all fixtures and

faucets, by running the water;

E. all toilets for proper operation by flushing;

F. all sinks, tubs and showers for functional

drainage;

G. the drain, waste and vent system; and

H. drainage sump pumps with accessible floats.

II. The inspector shall describe:

A. whether the water supply is public or private

based upon observed evidence;

B. the location of the main water supply shut-off

valve;

C. the location of the main fuel supply shut-off

valve;

D. the location of any observed fuel-storage

system; and

E. the capacity of the water heating equipment, if

labeled.

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

A. deficiencies in the water supply by viewing the

functional flow in two fixtures operated

simultaneously;

B. deficiencies in the installation of hot and cold

water faucets;

C. mechanical drain stops that were missing or did

not operate if installed in sinks, lavatories and

tubs; and

D. toilets that were damaged, had loose

connections to the floor, were leaking, or had

tank components that did not operate.

IV. The inspector is not required to:

A. light or ignite pilot flames.

B. measure the capacity, temperature, age, life

expectancy or adequacy of the water heater.

C. inspect the interior of flues or chimneys,

combustion air systems, water softener or

filtering systems, well pumps or tanks, safety

or shut-off valves, floor drains, lawn sprinkler

systems, or fire sprinkler systems.

D. determine the exact flow rate, volume, pressure,

temperature or adequacy of the water supply.

E. determine the water quality, potability or

reliability of the water supply or source.

F. open sealed plumbing access panels.

G. inspect clothes washing machines or their

connections.

H. operate any valve.

I. test shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or

enclosures for leakage or functional overflow

protection.

J. evaluate the compliance with conservation,

energy or building standards, or the proper

design or sizing of any water, waste or venting

components, fixtures or piping.

K. determine the effectiveness of anti-siphon, backflow

prevention or drain-stop devices.

L. determine whether there are sufficient cleanouts

for effective cleaning of drains.

M. evaluate fuel storage tanks or supply systems.

N. inspect wastewater treatment systems.

O. inspect water treatment systems or water filters.

P. inspect water storage tanks, pressure pumps, or

bladder tanks.

Q. evaluate wait time to obtain hot water at fixtures,

or perform testing of any kind to water heater

elements.

R. evaluate or determine the adequacy of

combustion air.

S. test, operate, open or close: safety controls,

manual stop valves, temperature/pressure-relief

valves, control valves, or check valves.

T. examine ancillary or auxiliary systems or

components, such as, but not limited to, those

related to solar water heating and hot water

circulation.

U. determine the existence or condition of

polybutylene plumbing.

V. inspect or test for gas or fuel leaks, or

indications thereof.

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. the service drop;

B. the overhead service conductors and

attachment point;

C. the service head, gooseneck and drip loops;

D. the service mast, service conduit and raceway;

E. the electric meter and base;

F. service-entrance conductors;

G. the main service disconnect;

H. panelboards and over-current protection devices

(circuit breakers and fuses);

I. service grounding and bonding;

J. a representative number of switches, lighting

fixtures and receptacles, including receptacles

observed and deemed to be arc-fault circuit

interrupter (AFCI)-protected using the AFCI test

button, where possible;

K. all ground-fault circuit interrupter receptacles

and circuit breakers observed and deemed to be

GFCIs using a GFCI tester, where possible; and

L. smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.

II. The inspector shall describe:

A. the main service disconnect's amperage rating,

if labeled; and

B. the type of wiring observed.

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

A. deficiencies in the integrity of the serviceentrance

conductors’ insulation, drip loop, and

vertical clearances from grade and roofs;

B. any unused circuit-breaker panel opening that

was not filled;

C. the presence of solid conductor aluminum

branch-circuit wiring, if readily visible;

D. any tested receptacle in which power was not

present, polarity was incorrect, the cover was

not in place, the GFCI devices were not properly

installed or did not operate properly, evidence of

arcing or excessive heat, and where the

receptacle was not grounded or was not secured

to the wall; and

E. the absence of smoke detectors.

IV. The inspector is not required to:

A. insert any tool, probe or device into the main

panelboard, sub-panels, distribution

panelboards, or electrical fixtures.

B. operate electrical systems that are shut down.

C. remove panelboard cabinet covers or dead

fronts.

D. operate or re-set over-current protection devices

or overload devices.

E. operate or test smoke or carbon-monoxide

detectors or alarms

F. inspect, operate or test any security, fire or

alarms systems or components, or other

warning or signaling systems.

G. measure or determine the amperage or voltage

of the main service equipment, if not visibly

labeled.

H. inspect ancillary wiring or remote-control

devices.

I. activate any electrical systems or branch circuits

that are not energized.

J. inspect low-voltage systems, electrical de-icing

tapes, swimming pool wiring, or any timecontrolled

devices.

K. verify the service ground.

L. inspect private or emergency electrical supply

sources, including, but not limited to: generators,

windmills, photovoltaic solar collectors, or

battery or electrical storage facility.

M. inspect spark or lightning arrestors.

N. inspect or test de-icing equipment.

O. conduct voltage-drop calculations.

P. determine the accuracy of labeling.

Q. inspect exterior lighting.

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. readily accessible and visible portions of the

fireplaces and chimneys;

B. lintels above the fireplace openings;

C. damper doors by opening and closing them, if

readily accessible and manually operable; and

D. cleanout doors and frames.

II. The inspector shall describe:

A. the type of fireplace.

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

A. evidence of joint separation, damage or

deterioration of the hearth, hearth extension or

chambers;

B. manually operated dampers that did not open

and close;

C. the lack of a smoke detector in the same

room as the fireplace;

D. the lack of a carbon-monoxide detector in the

same room as the fireplace; and

E. cleanouts not made of metal, pre-cast cement,

or other non-combustible material.

IV. The inspector is not required to:

A. inspect the flue or vent system.

B. inspect the interior of chimneys or flues, fire

doors or screens, seals or gaskets, or mantels.

C. determine the need for a chimney sweep.

D. operate gas fireplace inserts.

E. light pilot flames.

F. determine the appropriateness of any

installation.

G. inspect automatic fuel-fed devices.

H. inspect combustion and/or make-up air devices.

I. inspect heat-distribution assists, whether gravitycontrolled

or fan-assisted.

J. ignite or extinguish fires.

K. determine the adequacy of drafts or draft

characteristics.

L. move fireplace inserts, stoves or firebox

contents.

M. perform a smoke test.

N. dismantle or remove any component.

O. perform a National Fire Protection Association

(NFPA)-style inspection.

P. perform a Phase I fireplace and chimney

inspection.

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. insulation in unfinished spaces, including attics,

crawlspaces and foundation areas;

B. ventilation of unfinished spaces, including attics,

crawlspaces and foundation areas; and

C. mechanical exhaust systems in the kitchen,

bathrooms and laundry area.

II. The inspector shall describe:

A. the type of insulation observed; and

B. the approximate average depth of insulation

observed at the unfinished attic floor area or roof

structure.

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

A. the general absence of insulation or ventilation

in unfinished spaces.

IV. The inspector is not required to:

A. enter the attic or any unfinished spaces that are

not readily accessible, or where entry could

cause damage or, in the inspector's opinion,

pose a safety hazard.

B. move, touch or disturb insulation.

C. move, touch or disturb vapor retarders.

D. break or otherwise damage the surface finish or

weather seal on or around access panels or

covers.

E. identify the composition or R-value of insulation

material.

F. activate thermostatically operated fans.

G. determine the types of materials used in

insulation or wrapping of pipes, ducts, jackets,

boilers or wiring.

H. determine the adequacy of ventilation.

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. a representative number of doors and windows

by opening and closing them;

B. floors, walls and ceilings;

C. stairs, steps, landings, stairways and ramps;

D. railings, guards and handrails; and

E. garage vehicle doors and the operation of

garage vehicle door openers, using normal

operating controls.

II. The inspector shall describe:

A. a garage vehicle door as manually-operated or

installed with a garage door opener.

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

A. improper spacing between intermediate

balusters, spindles and rails for steps, stairways,

guards and railings;

B. photo-electric safety sensors that did not

operate properly; and

C. any window that was obviously fogged or

displayed other evidence of broken seals.

IV. The inspector is not required to:

A. inspect paint, wallpaper, window treatments or

finish treatments.

B. inspect floor coverings or carpeting.

C. inspect central vacuum systems.

D. inspect for safety glazing.

E. inspect security systems or components.

F. evaluate the fastening of islands, countertops,

cabinets, sink tops or fixtures.

G. move furniture, stored items, or any coverings,

such as carpets or rugs, in order to inspect the

concealed floor structure.

H. move suspended-ceiling tiles.

I. inspect or move any household appliances.

J. inspect or operate equipment housed in the

garage, except as otherwise noted.

K. verify or certify the proper operation of any

pressure-activated auto-reverse or related safety

feature of a garage door.

L. operate or evaluate any security bar release and

opening mechanisms, whether interior or

exterior, including their compliance with local,

state or federal standards.

M. operate any system, appliance or component

that requires the use of special keys, codes,

combinations or devices.

N. operate or evaluate self-cleaning oven cycles, tilt

guards/latches, or signal lights.

O. inspect microwave ovens or test leakage from

microwave ovens.

P. operate or examine any sauna, steamgenerating

equipment, kiln, toaster, ice maker,

coffee maker, can opener, bread warmer,

blender, instant hot-water dispenser, or other

small, ancillary appliances or devices.

Q. inspect elevators.

R. inspect remote controls.

S. inspect appliances.

T. inspect items not permanently installed.

U. discover firewall compromises.

V. inspect pools, spas or fountains.

W. determine the adequacy of whirlpool or spa jets,

water force, or bubble effects.

X. determine the structural integrity or leakage of

pools or spas.