InterNACHI's Standards of Practice for Performing Wildfire Surveys of Residential Properties

1. The inspector should inspect:

1. the primary road(s) leading to the property;

2. road and property address signs;

3. automatic gates;

4. the driveway;

5. property slope;

6. property vegetation;

7. the yard within 100 feet of the home (aka the defensible space);

8. the home’s exterior, including:

   1. roof-covering materials, gutters, and penetrations, including vents, the drainage system, and chimneys;

   2. exterior walls; and

   3. window and door exteriors; and

9. the electrical service conductors.

2. Describe:

   1. the access road and driveway surfacing materials and maintenance protocol;

   2. the lot size (when available from documentation);

   3. any bridge materials, clearances, and certifications;

   4. any gate’s horizontal and vertical clearances;

   5. any automatic gate’s means of entry;

   6. any horizontal and vertical clearance limitations of the driveway;

   7. the smallest driveway’s inside turn radius (where applicable);

   8. the property fuels of concern (type and general density);

   9. the absence, presence, and location of a water source approved for firefighting;

   10. the roof-covering and drainage system materials;

   11. the exterior wall construction method and exterior wall-covering materials;

   12. the onsite electrical service conductors as being above- or under-ground;

   13. the presence of outbuildings within 30 feet of the home, including the combustibility of their exterior materials; and

   14. the presence of potential hazards to emergency responders (combustible gas/liquid fuel tanks, hazardous chemicals, etc.).

3. Photo-document:

   1. the entry to the property, including the address sign;

   2. any bridges and posted weight limitations;

   3. any automatic gate showing key box location (if present);

   4. the property’s slope with respect to the home;

   5. the area included within the defensible space;

   6. the home elevations and roof slopes;

   7. all attached structures (decks, balconies, porches); and

   8. any potential hazards to emergency responders (combustible gas/liquid fuel tanks, hazardous chemicals, etc.).
      
      

4. The inspector is not required to:

   1. verify compliance with any regulations, codes, standards, or building permits;

   2. verify the fire-rating of the roof-covering materials;

   3. make property entry recommendations;

   4. enter a home or outbuilding;

   5. inspect outbuildings or ancillary structures;

   6. inspect or report on systems or components that are not readily visible;

   7. inspect for, sample for, or identify any environmental hazards;

   8. make any purchase recommendations; or

   9. include in the report items listed as being outside the scope of the inspection or these Standards.

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