National Occupational Standards vs InterNACHI Standards of Practice

 

 

A - Manages Inspection

Process

A1 Performs Pre Inspection

Procedures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A2 Communicates Orally

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A3 Provides Written Reports

 

Interpersonal communications is a key component of the  Professional Home and

Property Inspector occupation. Professional Home and Property Inspectors must determine the client?s expectations of the inspection and clarify the scope and limitations of the inspection. Access to the site must be arranged and the availability of the utilities such as gas, power, and water should be determined, since this may further

limit the scope of the inspection. Under normal circumstances a written contract is in place before the inspection commences.

 

Professional Home and Property Inspectors act for and on behalf of a client. They must carefully explain the condition of the property and address all the client?s questions and concerns in understandable terms. They must also take care to ensure the client understands the practical limitations of inspecting a property. They must also be able to communicate with other parties

affected by the transaction such as owners, agents, and trades conducting repairs.

 

A written report is prepared by the Professional Home and Property Inspector, consolidating the details of the inspection. The report may be a computer generated custom report, a pre printed checklist or a combination of both. Whatever the format used the report must be carefully worded and explained in detail to the client. Again, the limitations of the inspection must be carefully spelled out to avoid  misunderstandings.  Written reports can be supplemented with supportive documents such as photographs, etc.

 

 

 

 

1.1. A Home Inspection is a non-invasive visual examination of a

residential dwelling, performed for a fee, which is

designed to identify observed material defects within specific

 components of said dwelling. Components may include any

 combination of mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or

 other essential systems or portions of the home, as identified

 and agreed to by the Client and Inspector, prior to the

inspection process.

 

I. A Home Inspection is intended to assist in evaluation of the  overall

 condition of the dwelling. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of the inspection and not the prediction of future conditions.

 

II. A home inspection will not reveal every concern that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the day of the inspection.

1.2. A Material Defect is a condition of a residential real property or any portion of it that would have a significant adverse impact on the value of the real property or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural element, system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of the normal useful life of such a structural element, system or subsystem is not by itself a material defect.

1.3. An Inspection report shall describe and identify in written format the inspected systems, structures, and components of the dwelling and shall identify material defects observed. Inspection reports may contain recommendations regarding conditions reported or recommendations for correction, monitoring or further evaluation by professionals, but this is not required.

 

A4 Resolves Conflicts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A5 Recognizes Legal

Responsibility

 

 

 

Envelope)

 

B1 Visually Inspects Exterior

Structure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B2 Visually Inspects Exterior

Components

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B3 Visually Inspects Site

Elements

 

Several parties may be involved in the inspection process, including clients, owners, vendors, and representatives of various agencies and professions. Occasionally, conflicts may arise from the perceived condition of the property when purchased, as opposed to the actual condition of the property when inspected, or as a result of a

misunderstanding of the limitations of the inspection, or as a result of actual or alleged negligence by the inspector. The Professional Home and Property Inspector should respond to client?s complaints/concerns as soon as they arise to prevent the escalation of the conflict. The Professional Home and Property Inspector must be aware of the responsibilities (if any) of associates or referred professionals involved in a conflict.

 

Professional Home and Property Inspectors require a basic understanding of relevant law

and their legal responsibilities to their client and (in some cases) to government and/or regulatory bodies. They must also be aware

of their responsibility to warn other parties when a dangerous or unsafe condition is observed.

 

Professional Home and Property Inspectors visually inspect the exterior structure of the building(s). They observe and describe the

condition of structural components, such as foundation, walls and roofs, and report on observed signs of defects caused by improper workmanship, inappropriate

materials or  deterioration/degradation, etc. In

some cases the Professional Home and Property Inspector will physically probe structural components displaying signs of rot

 

Professional Home and Property Inspectors inspect exterior building components such as roofing components, chimney exteriors,

exterior cladding and finishes, windows and skylights, exterior doors and trim, and garage

doors and automatic devices. Physical features such as height, and weather conditions such as snow, extreme high or low temperatures and wind can limit this element of the inspection. The Professional Home and Property Inspector must report on these and any other limitations of the inspection.

Professional Home and Property Inspectors inspect the building surroundings such as vegetation, driveways and grading to assess the impact that these elements may have on the building, and on occupant safety. They are not required to inspect or report on the

condition of the landscaping, recreational facilities or outbuildings (other than attached garages) unless specifically directed or

contracted to by the client. Physical features such as height, and weather conditions such

as snow, extreme high or low temperatures and wind can limit this element of the inspection. The Professional Home and Property Inspector must report on these and any other limitations of the inspection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.1. Roof

 

I. The inspector shall inspect from ground level or eaves:

 

A. The roof covering.

B. The gutters.

C. The downspouts.

D. The vents, flashings, skylights, chimney and other

roof penetrations.

E. The general structure of the roof from the readily

accessible panels, doors or stairs.

 

II. The inspector is not required to:

 

A. Walk on any pitched 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, lightning arresters, de-icing

equipment, or similar attachments.

G. Walk on any roof areas that appear, in the opinion of

the inspector, to be unsafe.

H. Walk on any roof areas if it might, in the opinion of

the inspector, cause damage.

I. Perform a water test.

J. Warrant or certify the roof.

 

2.2. Exterior

 

I. The inspector shall inspect:

 

A. The siding, flashing and trim.

B. All exterior doors, decks, stoops, steps, stairs,

porches, railings, eaves, soffits and fascias.

C. And report as in need of repair any spacings

between intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails for

steps, stairways, balconies, and railings that permit

the passage of an object greater than four inches in

diameter.

D. A representative number of windows.

E. The vegetation, surface drainage and retaining walls

when these are likely to adversely affect the

structure.

F. And describe the exterior wall covering.

 

II. The inspector is not required to:

 

A. Inspect or operate screens, storm windows,

shutters, awnings, fences, outbuildings, or exterior

accent lighting.

B. Inspect items, including window and door flashings,

which are not visible or readily accessible from the

ground.

C. Inspect geological, geotechnical, hydrological and/or

soil conditions.

D. Inspect recreational facilities or playground

equipment.

E. Inspect seawalls, break-walls and docks.

F. Inspect erosion control and 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 septic systems or cesspools.

N. Inspect sprinkler systems.

O. Inspect drain fields or drywells.

P. Determine the integrity of the thermal window seals

or damaged glass.

Q. Inspect any damaged glass.

 

 

 

C1 Visually Inspects

Windows and Skylights

 

C2 Visually Inspects Doors

 

 

 

 

 

 

C3 Visually Inspects

Ventilation

 

 

 

 

C4 Visually Inspects

insulation

 

 

 

 

C5 Visually Inspects Interior

Surfaces

 

Professional Home and Property Inspectors

inspect and operates a representative number

of accessible windows and skylights, and

report on signs of damage, deterioration or

non-operability.

 

Professional Home and Property Inspectors

inspect and operate a representative number

of doors, and report on signs of damage,

deterioration or non-operability.

 

Professional Home and Property Inspectors

operate and report on the condition of all permanently installed mechanical ventilation

systems where possible.

 

Since the inspections performed by

Professional Home and Property Inspectors are non-intrusive in nature, inspections of insulation are limited to the observation of

insulation and air/vapour barriers in

unfinished spaces.

Professional Home and Property Inspectors

observe the condition of readily accessible interior wall, ceilings and floor finishes,

installed fixtures and trim, and report on

signs of damage, deterioration and hazards.

In some cases the Professional Home and

Property Inspector will physically probe

structural components displaying signs of rot

or decay. The Professional Home and

Property Inspector will enter and report on

the condition of crawl spaces and attics if

accessible. If these are not accessible or

available for safe inspection, Professional

Home and Property Inspectors will then

report that they cannot access the crawl space/attic, and the reason.

 

 

I. The inspector shall inspect:

 

A. The insulation in unfinished spaces.

B. The ventilation of attic spaces.

C. Mechanical ventilation systems.

D. And report on the general absence or lack of

insulation in unfinished spaces.

 

II. 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 pose a safety hazard to the inspector in

his or her opinion.

B. To move, touch, or disturb insulation.

C. To move, touch or disturb vapor retarders.

D. Break or otherwise damage the surface finish or

weather seal on or around access panels and

covers.

E. Identify the composition or exact 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, and

wiring.

H. Determine the adequacy of ventilation.

 

 

I. The inspector shall:

 

A. Open and close a representative number of doors

and windows.

B. Inspect the walls, ceilings, steps, stairways, and railings.

C. And report as in need of repair any spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails for steps, stairways, and railings that permits the passage of

an object greater than four inches in diameter.

D. Inspect garage doors and garage door openers by operating first by remote (if available) and then by the installed automatic door control.

E. And report as in need of repair any installed electronic sensors that are not operable or not installed at proper heights above the garage door.

F. And report as in need of repair any door locks or side ropes that have not been removed or disabled when garage door opener is in use.

G. And report as in need of repair any windows that are obviously fogged or display other evidence of broken seals.

 

II. The inspector is not required to:

 

A. Inspect paint, wallpaper, window treatments or finish treatments.

B. Inspect central vacuum systems.

C. Inspect safety glazing.

D. Inspect security systems or components.

E. Evaluate the fastening of countertops, cabinets, sink tops or fixtures.

F. Move furniture, stored items, or any coverings like carpets or rugs in order to inspect the concealed floor structure.

G. Move drop ceiling tiles.

H. Inspect or move any household appliances.

I. Inspect or operate equipment housed in the garage except as otherwise noted.

J. Verify or certify safe operation of any auto reverse or related safety function of a garage door.

K. Operate or evaluate any security bar release and opening mechanisms, whether interior or exterior, including their compliance with local, state, or

federal standards.

L. Operate any system, appliance or component that requires the use of special keys, codes, combinations, or devices.

M. Operate or evaluate self-cleaning oven cycles, tilt guards/latches or signal lights.

N. Inspect microwave ovens or test leakage from microwave ovens.

O. Operate or examine any sauna, steam-jenny, kiln, toaster, ice-maker, coffee-maker, can-opener, bread-warmer, blender, instant hot water dispenser, or other small, ancillary devices.

P. Inspect elevators.

Q. Inspect remote controls.

R. Inspect appliances.

S. Inspect items not permanently installed.

T. Discover firewall compromises.

U. Examine or operate any above-ground, movable, freestanding, or otherwise non-permanently installed pool/spa, recreational equipment or self-contained

equipment.

V. Come into contact with any pool or spa water in order to determine the system structure or components.

W. Determine the adequacy of spa jet water force or bubble effect.

X. Determine the structural integrity or leakage of a pool or spa.

 

C6 Visually Inspects Interior

Structure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D1 Visually Inspects Primary Heating Systems

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D2 Visually Inspects

Supplemental Heating

Systems

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D3 Visually Inspects

Permanent Cooling Systems

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D4 Visually Inspects Air

Handling Systems

 

E1 Visually Inspects Water

Service Supply and

Distribution

 

 

 

E2 Visually Inspects and

Operates Fixtures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E3 Visually Inspects and

Operates Water Heaters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E4 Visually Inspects Drain,

Waste and Venting

Professional Home and Property Inspectors perform a visual inspection of the accessible

interior structural components to detect and report conditions which need repair or further

evaluation by a qualified structural specialist.

Such conditions include deterioration,

deflection and improper alteration. The inspection is limited to floor wall, foundation, ceiling, roof, stair and railing assemblies which are visible, accessible and not covered

by finishes or furnishings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professional Home and Property Inspectors visually inspect the primary heating system

to determine safe and functional operation and fuel sources. Normal user controls and

equipment components are observed and described. The Professional Home and

Property Inspector is not required to operate equipment that is damaged, shut down or

otherwise inoperable due to weather conditions, and does not inspect the interior

of chimneys. Solid fuel appliances are normally only inspected if the inspector holds appropriate industry qualifications (such as

WETT). The professional home and property inspector does not normally remove any access panels, covers, etc, that would not be removed during normal homeowner operation and maintenance.

 

 

 

 

Professional Home and Property Inspectors visually inspect any supplemental heating system for the purpose of determining safe

and functional operation. Fuel services and storage, normal user controls and equipment components are observed and described. The Professional Home and Property Inspector is not required to operate solid fuel

burning stoves or any heating device that does not respond to normal operating controls. The professional home and property inspector does not normally remove

any access panels, covers, etc, that would not be removed during normal homeowner operation and maintenance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professional Home and Property Inspectors visually inspect the condition of permanent

cooling systems for safe and functional operation. Normal user controls and equipment components are observed and

described. Signs of ineffective operation, damage or deterioration are observed and noted. In cold weather conditions the

Professional Home and Property Inspector is unable to operate the permanent cooling system, in which case this is noted in the final report.

 

Professional Home and Property Inspectors identify the type of air handling systems and visually inspect the system for safe and

functional operation. Normal user controls and both interior and exterior equipment and

components are observed and described. Signs of ineffective operation, damage or deterioration are observed and noted.

 

 

Professional Home and Property Inspectors perform a visual inspection on the potable water supply and distribution on the property. They observe and describe the type of service, components such as piping material, supports valves, and fixtures and report on their  condition including signs of deterioration and leaks.

 

Professional Home and Property Inspectors visually inspect and operate plumbing fixtures. They observe and report on the functional water flow, proper operation, and the condition of water resistant surfaces such

as shower enclosures and counter tops. They are not required to operate the shut-off valves or any inoperative fixture, and do not

report on recreational facilities.

 

Professional Home and Property Inspectors visually inspect and operate water heaters for the purpose of determining safe and

functional operation and fuel sources. Normal user controls and equipment components are observed and described.

Operation of the water heater is limited to operating hot water taps and observing the results.

 

Professional Home and Property Inspectors inspect visible waste and drain components such as traps, waste lines, vent piping, and

piping supports, venting and cleanouts. They look for evidence of leaks, deterioration, improper installations, and cross connections.

 

 

I. The inspector shall inspect:

 

A. The basement.

B. The foundation.

C. The crawlspace.

D. The visible structural components.

E. And report on the location of under-floor access openings.

F. And report any present conditions or clear indications of active water penetration observed by the inspector.

G. For wood in contact or near soil.

H. And report any general indications of foundation movement that are observed by the inspector, such as but not limited to sheetrock cracks, brick cracks,

out-of-square door frames or floor slopes.

I. And report on any cutting, notching and boring of framing members which may present a structural or safety concern.

 

II. The inspector is not required to:

 

A. Enter any crawlspaces that are not readily

accessible or where entry could cause damage or pose a hazard to the inspector.

B. Move stored items or debris.

C. Operate sump pumps with inaccessible floats.

D. Identify size, spacing, span, location or determine

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 systems using normal operating controls and describe the energy source and heating method.

B. And report as in need of repair heating systems which do not operate.

C. And report if the heating systems are deemed inaccessible.

 

II. The inspector is not required to:

 

A. Inspect or evaluate interiors 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 when 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.

 

 

The inspector shall inspect:

 

A. The fireplace, and open and close the damper door if readily accessible and operable.

B. Hearth extensions and other permanently installed components.

C. And report as in need of repair deficiencies in the lintel, hearth and material surrounding the fireplace, including fireplace opening clearance from visible combustible materials.

 

II. 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 feed devices.

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

I. Inspect heat distribution assists whether gravity controlled or fan assisted.

J. Ignite or extinguish fires.

K. Determine adequacy of draft 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 Prevention Association (NFPA) style inspection.

P. Perform a Phase I fireplace and chimney inspection.

 

2.5. Cooling

 

I. The inspector shall inspect:

 

A. The central cooling equipment using normal operating

controls.

 

II. 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 window units, through-wall units, or electronic air filters.

C. Operate equipment or systems if exterior temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment.

D. Inspect or determine thermostat calibration, heat anticipation or automatic setbacks or clocks.

E. Examine electrical current, coolant fluids or gases, or coolant leakage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The inspector shall:

 

A. Inspect and determine if the water supply is public or private.

B. Verify the presence of and identify the location of the main water shutoff valve.

C. Inspect the water heating equipment, including venting, connections, energy source supply system, seismic bracing, and verify the presence or absence of temperature-pressure relief valves and/or Watts 210 valves.

D. Flush toilets.

E. Run water in sinks, tubs, and showers.

F. Inspect the interior water supply including all fixtures and faucets.

G. Inspect the drain, waste and vent systems, including all fixtures.

H. Describe any visible fuel storage systems.

I. Inspect the drainage sump pumps and test pumps with accessible floats.

J. Inspect and describe the water supply, drain, waste and main fuel shut-off valves, as well as the location  of the water main and main fuel shut-off valves.

K. Inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the water supply by viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously.

L. Inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in installation and identification of hot and cold faucets.

M. Inspect and report as in need of repair mechanical drain-stops that are  missing or do not operate if installed in sinks, lavatories and tubs.

N. Inspect and report as in need of repair commodes that have cracks in the ceramic material, are improperly mounted on the floor, leak, or have tank

components which do not operate.

 

II. The inspector is not required to:

 

A. Light or ignite pilot flames.

B. Determine the size, temperature, age, life expectancy or adequacy of the water heater.

C. Inspect interiors of flues or chimneys, combustion air systems, water softening or filtering systems, well pumps or tanks, safety or shut-of 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 or potability or the reliability of the water supply or source.

F. Open sealed plumbing access panels.

G. Inspect clothes washing machines or their connections.

H. Operate any main, branch or fixture valve.

I. Test shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for leakage.

J. Evaluate the compliance with local or state

conservation or energy 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 clean-outs for

effective cleaning of drains.

M. Evaluate gas, liquid propane or oil storage tanks.

N. Inspect any underground or concealed fuel supply

systems.

O. Inspect any private sewage waste disposal system

or component of.

P. Inspect water treatment systems or water filters.

Q. Inspect water storage tanks, pressure pumps or

bladder tanks.

R. Evaluate wait time to obtain hot water at fixtures, or

perform testing of any kind to water heater elements.

S. Evaluate or determine the adequacy of combustion

air.

T. Test, operate, open or close safety controls, manual

stop valves and/or temperature or pressure relief

valves.

U. Examine ancillary systems or components, such as, but not limited to, those relating to solar water heating, hot water circulation.

V. Determine the existence or condition of polybutylene plumbing.  

 

F1 Visually Inspects Exterior

Service Entrances

 

 

 

 

F2 Visually Inspects Main

Panel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F3 Visually Inspects

Distribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F4 Visually Inspects Outlets,

Switches and Fixtures

 

Professional Home and Property Inspectors visually inspect electrical supply components (which can be safely accessed), from the

electrical utility?s connection at the property line to the main breaker or fuse box. They check for unsafe conditions, deterioration and compatibility, and the suitability of

components.

 

Professional Home and Property Inspectors identify the location of the main electrical panel and visually inspect the branch circuit

wiring. Basic electrical test equipment may be used to determine if circuits are live. In

some jurisdictions the cover plate of the main panel may be removed to inspect the condition and compatibility of wiring. In other

jurisdictions only cover plates of switches, receptacles and junction boxes may be removed. The Professional Home and

Property Inspector is not required to insert any tool or testing device inside the panel, nor are they required to operate any

overcurrent device except for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) or Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI). The Professional Home and Property Inspector should identify any types of branch circuit wiring.

 

Professional Home and Property Inspectors visually inspect branch circuit wiring where it is visible, and the condition of sub-panels. In

some jurisdictions the cover plate of the main and auxiliary panels may be removed to inspect the condition and compatibility of wiring. In other jurisdictions only cover plates of switches, receptacles and junction boxes may be removed.

 

The Professional Home and Property Inspector is not required to insert any tool or testing device inside the panel, nor are they required to operate any

overcurrent device except for Ground Fault

Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) or Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI). The Professional Home and Property Inspector should identify

any types of branch circuit wiring.

 

The Professional Home and Property Inspector operates and visually inspects a representative number of interior and exterior

outlets, switches and fixtures for condition and functionality. They may also observe the presence or absence of devices such as

GFCI?s, smoke and CO detectors, etc.

 

 

 

I. The inspector shall inspect:

 

A. The service drop/lateral.

B. The meter socket enclosures.

C. The means for disconnecting the service main.

D. And determine the rating of the service amperage.

E. Panelboards and overcurrent devices (breakers and fuses).

F. And report on any unused circuit breaker panel openings that are not filled.

G. The service grounding and bonding.

H. A representative number of switches, receptacles, lighting fixtures, AFCI protected receptacles.

I. And test all Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers observed and

deemed to be GFCI's during the inspection using a GFCI tester where possible.

J. And report the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring if readily visible.

K. And report on any tested tested receptacles in which power was not present, polarity is incorrect, is not secured to the wall, the cover is not in place, the

ground fault circuit interrupter devices are not properly installed or do not operate

properly, evidence of arcing or excessive heat is present, or where the receptacle is not grounded or is not secured to the wall.

L. The service entrance conductors and the condition of the conductor insulation.

M. And describe the amperage rating of the service.

N. And report the absence of smoke detectors.

O. Service entrance cables and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the integrity of the insulation, drip loop, or separation of conductors at weatherheads and clearances from grade or rooftops.

 

II. 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 front covers if they are not readily accessible.

D. Operate or reset overcurrent protection devices or overload devices.

E. Operate non-accessible smoke detectors.

F. Measure or determine the amperage or voltage of the main service equipment if not visibly labeled.

G. Inspect the fire or alarm system and components.

H. Inspect the ancillary wiring or remote control devices.

I. Activate any electrical systems or branch circuits which are not energized.

J. Inspect low voltage systems, electrical de-icing tapes, swimming pool wiring or any time-controlled 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 accent lighting.