Inspec Homes Home Inspector Code of Ethics

Inspec Homes Home Inspectors subscribe to the Code of Ethics established by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). We require our home inspectors to follow a high standard of professionalism, ethics and home inspection procedures.

1. Home Inspector’s Duty to the Public
   1. Always be fair, honest and unbiased, truthful about qualifications, certifications and services
   2. Do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, nationality, sexual orientation, family status or disability for any business activities
   3. Always act in the best interest of the client unless doing so violates the law
   4. Always use a written contract that identifies the specific services, deliverables, limitations of service and fees associated
   5. Do not release any information to a third party other than to protect the safety of others, to comply with the law, or with written consent from the client and they have been made explicitly aware of exactly what information will be released, to whom and for what purpose
   6. Any disclosed or undisclosed conflict of interest with a client is strictly prohibited
   7. Do not offer or accept and commissions, profits, rebates or other benefit from real estate agents, brokers or any third parties having a financial interest in the sale of the property
   8. Do not offer or provide repair services (for additional compensation) for a home that was the subject of a home inspection conducted by the home inspector or the company for a period of 12 months.
2. Home Inspector’s Duty to Continue Education
   1. Prepare for and pass the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) Online Home Inspector Exam once every 3 years
   2. Maintain knowledge of current building codes and local/municipal updates that are relevant to home inspections
3. Home Inspector's Professional Duty
   1. Do not engage in any action that damages or is destructive to other home inspectors, the home inspection industry or its governing bodies.
   2. Maintain membership and abide by the current rules of the InterNACHI

Home Inspector Standards of Practice

Summary

A general home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a home. The purpose of the home inspection is to identify defects to the systems, structure and components of the home as defined by these standards of practice.

The observations made on the general home inspection are relevant to the date of inspection and not a prediction of future conditions and may not completely reveal every issue present or that could ever be present, only those observed on the date of the inspection.

A defect is a specific issue of concern that may have a significant, adverse impact on the value of the property or that poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Just because a system, structure or component is nearing or beyond its useful life may not mean it is a material defect.

The general home inspection identifies in writing the defects observed and identified by the home inspector and may include additional comments and recommendations.

Limitations

• Home inspection is not technically exhaustive
• Home inspection may not identify latent or concealed defects
• Home inspection does not identify aesthetic issues or cosmetic concerns
• Home inspection does not identify the suitability for a specific use
• Home inspection does not prescribe market value or the property's marketability
• Home inspection does not determine insurability
• Home inspection is not advice to purchase or not purchase the inspected property
• Home inspection does not identify the life expectancy of the components, structures and systems
• Home inspection does not include temporarily installed components or structures

Exclusions

• Home inspector is not required to determine:
• Encroachments or property lines, condition of inaccessible components, structures or systems
• Size, capacity, BTU, performance or efficiency of any component or system
• Reason or cause of a condition or defect or future need for correction, repair or replacement
• Compliance with codes and regulations
• Evidence or presence of pests such as rodents, birds or insects or presence of mold, mildew or fungus or quality of the air
• Presence of environmental concerns such as lead paint or asbestos or hazardous waste conditions or electromagnetic fields
• Manufacturers’ installation conformance or current recalls
• Acoustic properties
• Repair or replacement cost estimates or operation costs
• Home inspector is not required to operate
• Any system that is shutdown or does not function properly
• Evaluate low-voltage systems
• Shut-off or manual stop valves or electrical over-current protection devices
• Alarm systems
• Moisture meters or gas detectors
• Home Inspector is not required to
• Move obstructions to the inspection which may include: carpets, wall coverings, furniture, ceiling tiles, window coverings, equipment, ice and snow, water, dirt, pet, or other visual restrictions
• Dismantle, open or uncover systems or any components
• Enter/access areas or crawlspaces possibly unsafe
• Inspect underground items
• Do anything that the inspector considers to be unsafe/dangerous or damage property which may include: walking on roof surfaces, climbing ladders, entering attics or dealing with pets
• Inspect decorative items, common elements/areas in multi-unit housing, intercoms/speaker systems or security systems
• Offer a guarantee or warranty
• Perform/offer engineering services
• Offer or Perform any trade of professional service other than the home inspection
• Research property history or report on it’s modification/improvement potential for a specific or proposed use
• Ascertain the age of construction/installation of any structure/component/system of a building, or differentiate original construction from additions, renovations or replacements
• Comment on insurability
• Perform/offer Phase 1 or environmental audits
• Perform an inspection on any system or component not included in these Standards

Inspection Standards of Practice

• Inspector inspects from ground level or at the eaves:
• Roof-covering materials, gutters, downspouts, flashing, vents, skylights, chimneys and any roof penetrations, overall roof structure
• Inspector will:
• Describe the type of roof covering material
• Report observed indicators of active roof leaks
• Inspector is not required to:
• Estimate life expectancy of a component or system
• Walk on any roof surface or move snow, ice, dirt or the like that may affect inspection of roof and components
• Move insulation
• Inspect satellite dishes, antennae, de-icing equipment or similar attachments or underground drainage/diverter pipes
• Perform a water leak test
• Provide a warranty or certify the roof
• Inspect fastening or proper installation of any roof covering material

• Inspector will:
• Inspect exterior wall-covering material, flashing, trim, soffits, fascia, doors, walkways/driveways, stairs/steps/ramps, railings, porches, patios/decks, balconies, carports, windows, drainage, vegetation, retaining walls
• Describe wall-covering materials
• Report components in need of correction such as improper spacing between balusters, spindles and rails
• Inspector is not required to:
• Inspect/Operate screens, shutters, storm windows, awnings, fences, outbuildings, exterior accent lighting
• Inspect items not readily accessible/visible from the ground including window and door flashing
• Inspect geological, geotechnical, hydrological or soil conditions
• Inspect recreational facilities, play structures, safety-type glass, seawalls, breakwalls, docks, erosion-control or earth-stabilization measures
• Inspect underground utilities or items, wells or springs
• Inspect solar, wind, geothermal systems, pools or spas, wastewater treatment systems, septic systems or cesspools, irrigation/sprinkler systems, drainfields or dry wells
• Evaluate multi-pane window glazing or thermal window seals

• Inspector will:
• Inspect foundation, basement, crawlspace and structural components
• Describe type of foundation and location of access to under-floor space
• Report evidence of wood in contact with/near soil
• Report evidence of water penetration, possible foundation movement, sheetrock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames, unlevel floors
• Report any cutting, notching or boring of structural members that may present structural integrity or safety concern
• Inspector is not required to:
• Enter a space that is not readily accessible or deemed to pose a hazard
• Move stored items or debris
• Operate sump pumps with inaccessible floats
• Evaluate size, spacing, span, location or adequacy of foundation bolting, bracing, joists, joist spans or support systems
• Provide engineering or architectural service/advice
• Report on the adequacy of any structural system or component

• Inspector will
• Inspect heating system with normal operating controls
• Indicate thermostat location, energy source and heating method
• Report heating system components that didn’t function properly or if it is inaccessible
• Inspector is not required to
• Inspect, measure, or evaluate the interior of flues or chimneys, fire chambers, heat exchangers, combustion air systems, fresh-air intakes, makeup air, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters, geothermal systems, or solar heating system
• Remove/move obstructions or dismantle/uncover items
• Go into anywhere deemed unsafe or not easily accessed
• Determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the heating system or thermostat/control calibration
• Light pilot flames, override thermostats, evaluate fuel quality, ventilation

• Inspector will
• Inspect cooling system with normal operating controls
• Indicate thermostat location, cooling method
• Report cooling system components that didn’t function properly or if it is inaccessible
• Inspector is not required to
• Determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the cooling system or thermostat calibration, electrical current, coolant fluids/gases, leaks
• Inspect portable window or through-wall units or air filters
• Operate below 65’ F or when not safe

• Inspector will
• Inspect main water supply and fuel shut-off valves
• Inspect water heater, water distribution, fixtures and faucets, toilets, fixture drainage, main drain, sump pumps with accessible floats
• Report location of main water and fuel shut-off valves, fuel-storage systems, water heater capacity and whether public or private
• Report shortcomings in water flow/supply, faucet installation, drain stops, or toilets
• Inspector is not required to
• Evaluate capacity, temperature, age/life expectancy or adequacy of water heater
• Operate valves, test shower pans/tubs, inspect washing machines, open sealed access panels, light pilot lights, determine water supply attributes (pressure, volume, temperature, flow rate)
• Inspect inside chimneys, water softener or filter systems, well pumps, safety or shut-off valves, floor drains, lawn sprinkler systems, fire sprinkler systems
• Determine compliance with energy or building standards or proper design of any water, waste or venting components, fixtures or piping or effectiveness of back-flow prevention/drain-stop devices or that cleanouts are sufficient
• Inspect fuel storage or supply systems, wastewater treatment systems, water storage tanks, pressure pumps, bladder tanks, hot water wait times, auxilary systems such solar heating, polybutylene plumbing or for gas/fuel leaks
• Test or operate safety, control, check, pressure, manual stop valves

• Inspector will
• Inspect service drop, overhead service conductors and attachment point, service head, gooseneck, drip loops, mast, conduit, raceway, electric meter and base, service-entrance conductors, main service disconnect, panelboards, over-current protection devices, service grounding and bonding, a representative number of switches, light fixtures/receptacles, all ground-fault circuit interrupter receptacles/breakers, smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors
• Report main service disconnect amperage rating, if labeled, type of wiring
• Report deficiencies in insulation, drip loop, clearances, circuit panel, absence of smoke detectors and receptacles without power
• Inspector is not required to
• Remove covers or Insert tools into panels or fixtures, verify service ground
• Operate shut down systems or smoke/carbon dioxide detectors, overload devices, security, fire alarm systems, swimming pools
• Inspect private or emergency electrical supply sources or ancillary wiring, lightning arrestors, de-icing, exterior lighting

• Inspector will
• Inspect all accessible areas of fireplace and chimney, lintels, damper doors, cleanouts and describe type of fireplace
• Report on deficiencies from deterioration, inadequate dampers or cleanouts and presence of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Inspector is not required to
• Inspect flue, interior of chimneys, vent system, fire doors/screens/seals, automatic fuel-fed devices, heat-distribution assists, make-up air devices
• Light pilot flames, operate gas inserts, ignite/extinguish flames, move insets, stoves or firebox contents, perform smoke test, dismantle anything, perform a National Fire Protection Association or Phase 1 inspection

• Inspector will
• Inspect spaces not finished ie-attics, crawlspaces and foundation for insulation and ventilation and exhaust systems for kitchen, bathroom and laundry areas
• Report insulation type and average depth as well as the general absence of insulation or ventilation
• Inspector is not required to
• Enter Attics or other spaces not readily accessible, potentially hazardous or where they may cause damage
• Touch or move insulation, vapor retarders or break/damage access panels or covers or activate thermostatic fans
• Determine R-value, types of materials insulating pipes, ducts, jackets, boilers or wiring or adequacy of ventilation

• Inspector will
• Inspect by opening/closing representative number windows and doors, floors, walls, ceilings, stairs/steps, railings/guards, garage doors/openers
• Report if garage door opener present and safety sensors, improper spacing of spindles, rails, steps or stairways, any windows obviously fogged or apparent broken seals
• Inspector is not required to
• Inspect paint/wallpaper, window/finish treatments, floor coverings, central vacuum, safety glazing, security systems, islands, cabinets, countertops, household appliances, pressure-activated garage door, key/code devices, elevators, remote controls, firewall compromises, pools, spas or fountains
• Move furniture, coverings, flooring, ceiling tiles

These terms are a summary of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Visit InterNACHI's full description and glossary of terms.