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InspectAPedia ® Home HOME & BUILDING INSPECTORS & INSPECTION METHODS AGE of a BUILDING - how to determine AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS ALUMINUM WIRING HAZARDS & REPAIRS ANIMAL ENTRY POINTS in buildings ANIMAL ODORS IN buildings ARCHITECTURE & BUILDING COMPONENT ID ASBESTOS IDENTIFICATION IN buildings ASHI American Society of Home Inspectors ASHI Certification of Home Inspectors ATTORNEYS and EXPERT WITNESSES ATTIC LEAKS, CONDENSATION & MOLD ATTIC VENTILATION BASEMENT CEILING VAPOR BARRIER BASEMENT HEAT LOSS BUILDING DAMAGE ASSESSMENT & REPAIR BUILDING SAFETY HAZARDS GUIDE BUILDING SETTLEMENT CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS CRAWL SPACES CRAWL SPACE ACCESS CRAWL SPACE SAFETY ADVICE DECK & PORCH CONSTRUCTION DECK COLLAPSE Case Study DECK FINISHES COATINGS PRESERVATIVES DECK FLASHING LEAKS, ROT Case Study DEFECT CLUSTERS at HOME INSPECTIONS DIRECTORY of BUILDING INSPECTORS DISASTER BUILDING INSPECTION & REPAIR DRINKING WATER EARTHQUAKE DAMAGED FOUNDATIONS EIFS & STUCCO EXTERIORS ELECTRICAL INSPECTION, DIAGNOSIS, REPAIR Electrical Inspection Safety ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS - INSPECT, TEST, REMEDY Fiberglass hazards in buildings FIRE CLEARANCES, Single-Wall Metal Flues FIREPLACES & HEARTHS FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP FLOODS IN buildings-priorities FOUNDATION CRACKS & DAMAGE GUIDE FPE Stab-Lok HAZARDS & REPAIRS WEBSITE GAS PIPING, VALVES, CONTROLS GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS GLUES ADHESIVES, EXTERIOR CONSTRUCTION HEATING SYSTEMS HOME & BUILDING INSPECTORS & INSPECTION METHODS BUILDING INSPECTORS DIRECTORY Advice on Becoming a Home Inspector Checklists vs Narrative Reports Historic Homes, Home Improvement Costs, Research HOME INSPECTOR EDUCATION Home Inspector, How to Become a Home Inspector Skills, Reports Home Inspection Company Franchises Home Inspection Components Master List Home Inspection Definitions & Terms Home Inspection Ethical Codes Home Inspection, How to Get The Most Benefit From Home Inspection Publications Home Inspection Report Writing Guide HOME INSPECTION SAFETY HAZARDS HOME INSPECTION STANDARDS HOUSE DOCTOR, how-to be HOME INSPECTION STANDARDS Home Inspection Standards 2002 Home Inspection Standards 2001 Home Inspection Standards 2000 Home Inspection Standards 1997 Home Inspection Standards 1996 Home Inspection Standards 1995 MOBILE HOME INSPECTION GUIDE Home Inspection Report Writing Guide HOME INSPECTION SAFETY HAZARDS HOME INSPECTION STANDARDS HOUSE DOCTOR, how-to be How Much Should You Pay For Professional Services? INSPECTION COMPONENTS MASTER LIST MOBILE HOME INSPECTION GUIDE VISUAL PERCEPTION ERRORS HOT WATER HEATERS HOUSE PARTS, DEFINITIONS INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GUIDE ICE DAM PREVENTION INSECT INFESTATION / DAMAGE INSULATION IDENTIFICATION GUIDE INSULATION INSPECTION & IMPROVEMENT LEED GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION LEED Building Designation & IAQ LIGHT, GUIDE to FORENSIC USE LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEMS LOG HOME GUIDE MANUALS & PARTS GUIDES - HVAC MOBILE HOME INSPECTION GUIDE MOISTURE CONTROL in BUILDINGS MOISTURE METER STUDY MOLD in buildings MOLD PREVENTION GUIDE MOLD RELATED ILLNESS GUIDE MOLD SAFETY WARNINGS MOLD SPRAYS, SEALANTS, PAINTS MOLD STANDARDS MOLD TESTING SERVICES MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets MVOCs & MOLDY MUSTY ODORS Nanomaterials Hazards NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE ODORS & SMELLS DIAGNOSIS & CURE OIL TANK PIPING & PIPING DEFECTS OIL TANKS INSPECT LEAK TEST ABANDON REGS PAINT ANALYSIS, DIAGNOSTIC USES PAINT & STAIN GUIDE, EXTERIOR PAINT FALURE, DIAGNOSIS, CURE, PREVENTION PIPING IN buildings, Clogs Leaks Types PLASTER & BEAVERBOARD & DRYWALL PLASTER BULGES & PILLOWS PLASTER LATH, METAL PLASTER, LOOSE FALL HAZARDS PLASTER TYPE IDENTIFICATION PLUMBING SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR RAILINGS, DECK & PORCH RAILINGS, STAIRWAY Reports: Checklists vs Narrative RETAINING WALL DESIGNS, TYPES, DAMAGE ROOFING INSPECTION & REPAIR ROOF VENTILATION SPECIFICATIONS ROT RESISTANT LUMBER ROT, TIMBER FRAME ROT, TIMBER ASSESSMENT SAFETY HAZARDS & INSPECTIONS SAFETY: Elderly & Veterans Home Safety SAFETY for ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS SAFETY HAZARDS GUIDE Safety for Septic Inspectors Sears Catalog kit homes - how to identify Septic System Safety Hazards SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR SIDING TYPES, INSTALLATION, DEFECTS SIDING, ALUMINUM SIDING, ASBESTOS FIBER CEMENT SIDING ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES on WALLS SIDING ASPHALT SHINGLE or SHEET SIDING DAMAGE by SPLASHBACK SIDING EIFS & STUCCO SIDING, FIBER CEMENT SIDING HARDBOARD SIDING STEEL SIDING VINYL SIDING, WOOD PRODUCT CHOICES SIDING, WOOD INSTALLATION SIDING WOOD, FAILURES OVER FOAM BOARD SIDING WOOD, FLASHING DETAILS SIDING WOOD SHINGLE INSTALLATION SINKHOLES, WARNING SIGNS SLAB CRACK EVALUATION Splits in Structural Wood Beams SQUARE-D RECALLS STAIN & BIODETERIORATION AGENT CATALOG STAINS on & in BUILDINGS, CAUSES & CURES STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING EXTERIORS STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING INTERIORS STAIN DIAGNOSIS on ROOFS STAIN DIAGNOSIS on STONE STAINS on INDOOR SURFACES: PHOTO GUIDE STANDARDS, HOME INSPECTION STAIRS, RAILINGS, LANDINGS, RAMPS STAIR FALL & TRIP HAZARDS STONE CLEANING METHODS STRESS SKIN INSULATED PANELS STRUCTURAL DAMAGE PROBING TANK TYPES: WATER, OIL, EXPANSION, ALL THERMAL TRACKING Indicates Heat Loss VAPOR BARRIERS & HOUSEWRAP VAPOR CONDENSATION & BUILDING SHEATHING VENTILATION in BUILDINGS VISUAL PERCEPTION ERRORS WALL CONSTRUCTION BARRIER vs CAVITY WATER ENTRY in buildings WATER HEATERS WATER ODORS, CAUSE CURE WATER PRESSURE & FLOW MEASUREMENT WATER PUMPS, TANKS, TESTS, WELLS, REPAIRS WATER PUMP REPAIR GUIDE WATER QUANTITY IMPROVEMENT WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS WATER TEST CHOICES & WATER TEST FEES WATER TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT WATER TESTING ADVICE WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT CHOICES WELLS CISTERNS & SPRINGS WELL CLEARANCES WELL CHLORINATION SHOCKING PROCEDURE WINDOWS & DOORS Wood Burning Boilers, Furnaces Fireplaces Stoves WOOD ROOF INSPECTION GUIDE ZINSCO / SYLVANIA HAZARDS ![]() ![]() ![]() More Information |
This is a public, consumer information document describing the Standards of Practice for professional home inspectors in the United States and Canada. NOTE: the web author (DJF) collects the history of the ASHI and other Home Inspection Standards of Practice, and links to other Home Inspection Standards at this web page. Readers should also see Home Inspection Ethical Codes and should check ashi.com or other home inspection professional associations and the various U.S. states and Canadian Provinces for the version of home inspection standards or code of ethics that is applied in their jurisdiction. Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman. Standards of Practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors 2002effective January 1, 2002 Date: 04/25/01 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI(r)) is a not-for-profit professional society established in 1976. Membership in ASHI is voluntary and its members include private, fee-paid home inspectors. ASHI's objectives include promotion of excellence within the profession and continual improvement of its members' inspection services to the public. 2. PURPOSE AND SCOPE 2.1 The purpose of these Standards of Practice is to establish a minimum and uniform standard for private, fee-paid home inspectors who are members of the American Society of Home Inspectors. Home Inspections performed to these Standards of Practice are intended to provide the client with information regarding the condition of the systems and components of the home as inspected at the time of the Home Inspection. 2.2 The inspector shall: A. inspect installed systems and components that are: 1. designated for inspection in these Standards of Practice and 2. readily accessible and 3. located in or on the home or its garage or carport. B. report: 1. on those systems and components inspected or designated for inspection in these Standards of Practice that, in the professional opinion of the inspector, are significantly deficient or are near the end of their service lives. 2. a reason why, if not self-evident, the system or component is judged significantly deficient or near the end of its service life. 3. the inspector's recommendations whether for correction, monitoring, or further evaluation of the reported deficiency. 4. on any installed systems and components designated for inspection in these Standards of Practice that were not inspected and the reason they were not inspected. 2.3 These Standards of Practice are not intended to limit the inspector from: A. including other inspection services, systems, or components in addition to those required by these Standards of Practice. B. specifying repairs, provided the inspector is appropriately qualified and agrees to do so. C. excluding systems and components from the inspection if requested by the client. 3. STRUCTURAL SYSTEM 3.1 The inspector shall: A. inspect: 1. the structural components including foundation and framing. 2. by probing a representative number of structural components where deterioration is suspected or where clear indications of possible deterioration exist. Probing is NOT required when probing would damage any finished surface or where no deterioration is visible. B. describe the: 1. foundation and report the methods used to inspect the under-floor crawl space. 2. floor structure. 3. wall structure. 4. ceiling structure. 5. roof structure and report the methods used to inspect the attic. 3.2 The inspector is NOT required to: A. provide any engineering service or architectural service. B. offer an opinion as to the adequacy of any structural system or component. 4. EXTERIOR 4.1 The inspector shall: A. inspect the: 1. wall coverings, flashings, and trim. 2. doors and windows. 3. attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and their associated railings. 4. eaves, soffits, and fascias. 5. vegetation, grading, surface drainage, and retaining walls on the property when any of these are likely to adversely affect the building. 6. walkways, patios, and driveways leading to dwelling, garage, or carport entrances. B. describe the exterior wall covering. 4.2 The inspector is NOT required to: A. inspect the: 1. screening, shutters, awnings, and similar seasonal accessories. 2. fences. 3. geological, geotechnical, or hydrological conditions. 4. recreational facilities. 5. outbuildings. 6. seawalls, break-walls, and docks. 7. erosion control and earth stabilization measures. 5. ROOF SYSTEM 5.1 The inspector shall: A. inspect the: 1. roof covering. 2. roof drainage systems. 3. flashings. 4. skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations. B. describe the roof covering and report the methods used to inspect the roof. 5.2 The inspector is NOT required to: A. inspect the: 1. antennae. 2. other installed accessories. 6. PLUMBING SYSTEM 6.1 The inspector shall: A. inspect the: 1. water supply and distribution systems including all fixtures and faucets. 2. drain, waste, and vent piping systems including ejector pumps and all fixtures. 3. water heating equipment. 4. exterior of vent systems, including flues and chimneys. 5. fuel storage and fuel distribution systems. 6. drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related piping. B. describe the: 1. water supply, drain, waste, and vent piping materials. 2. water heating equipment including the energy source. 3. location of main water and main fuel shut-off valves. 6.2 The inspector is NOT required to: A. inspect the: 1. clothes washing machine connections. 2. wells, well pumps, water storage, or related equipment. 3. water conditioning systems. 4. solar water heating systems. 5. fire suppression and irrigation systems. 6. private waste disposal systems. B. determine: 1. whether the water supply and waste disposal systems are public or private. 2. the quantity or quality of the water supply. 3. the adequacy of the waste disposal. 7. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7.1 The inspector shall: A. inspect the: 1. service drop. 2. service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways. 3. service equipment and main disconnects. 4. service grounding. 5. service panels, sub panels, and their components within. 6. overcurrent protection devices. 7. conductors. 8. installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles by operating a representative number. 9. ground fault circuit interrupters. B. describe the: 1. amperage and voltage rating of the service. 2. location of main disconnect(s) and sub panels. 3. wiring methods. C. report the: 1. presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring. 2. absence of smoke detectors. 7.2 The inspector is NOT required to: A. inspect the: 1. remote control devices unless the device is the only control device. 2. alarm systems and components. 3. low voltage wiring systems and components. 4. ancillary wiring systems and components not a part of the primary electrical power distribution system. B. measure amperage, voltage, or impedance. 8. HEATING SYSTEM 8.1 The inspector shall: A. inspect the: 1. installed heating equipment. 2. exterior of vent systems, including flues and chimneys. B. describe the: 1. energy source. 2. heating method by its distinguishing characteristics. 8.2 The inspector is NOT required to: A. inspect the: 1. concealed portions of the heat exchanger. 2. humidifier or dehumidifier. 3. electronic air filter. 4. solar space heating system. B. determine the heat supply adequacy or distribution balance. 9. AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS 9.1 The inspector shall: A. inspect the installed central and through-wall cooling equipment. B. describe the: 1. energy source 2. cooling method by its distinguishing characteristics. 9.2 The inspector is NOT required to: A. inspect electronic air filters. B. determine the cooling supply adequacy or distribution balance. 10. INTERIOR 10.1 The inspector shall: A. inspect the: 1. walls, ceilings, and floors. 2. steps, stairways, and railings. 3. countertops and a representative number of installed cabinets. 4. garage doors and garage door operators and a representative number of doors and windows. 10.2 The inspector is NOT required to: A. inspect the: 1. paint, wallpaper, and other finish treatments. 2. carpeting. 3. window treatments. 4. central vacuum systems. 5. kitchen, laundry, and similar appliances, whether installed or free-standing. 6. recreational facilities. 11. INSULATION AND VENTILATION 11.1 The inspector shall: A. inspect the: 1. insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces. 2. ventilation of attics and foundation areas. 3. mechanical ventilation systems. B. describe the: 1. insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces. 2. absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at conditioned surfaces. 11.2 The inspector is NOT required to: A. disturb insulation or vapor retarders. B. determine indoor air quality. 12. FIREPLACES AND SOLID FUEL BURNING STOVES AND APPLIANCES 12.1 The inspector shall: A. inspect the: 1. system and its components. 2. exterior of vent systems, including flues and chimneys. B. describe the: 1. fireplaces, stoves, and appliances. 2. chimneys. 12.2 The inspector is NOT required to: A. inspect the: 1. firescreens and doors. 2. seals and gaskets. 3. automatic solid fuel feed devices. 4. mantles and fireplace surrounds. 5. combustion make-up air devices. 6. heat distribution components. B. ignite or extinguish fires. C. determine draft characteristics. D. move fireplace inserts or stoves or firebox contents. ]13. GENERAL LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS 3.1 General limitations: A. Inspections performed in accordance with these Standards of Practice 1. are not technically exhaustive. 2. will not identify concealed conditions or latent defects. B. These Standards of Practice are applicable to buildings with four or fewer dwelling units and their garages or carports. 13.2 General exclusions: A. The inspector is not required to perform any action or make any determination unless specifically stated in these Standards of Practice, except as may be required by law. B. The inspector is NOT required to determine the: 1. condition of or describe systems or components that are not readily accessible including, but not limited to, the interiors of vent systems, flues, or chimneys. 2. remaining life of any system or component. 3. strength, adequacy, effectiveness, or efficiency of any system or component. 4. causes of any condition or deficiency. 5. methods, materials, or costs of corrections. 6. future conditions including, but not limited to, failure of systems and components. 7. suitability of the property for any specialized use. 8. compliance with regulatory requirements (codes, regulations, laws, ordinances, etc.). 9. value or marketability of the property. 10. advisability of the purchase of the property. 11. presence of potentially hazardous plants, animals, or fungi including, but not limited to, molds, mildew, wood destroying organisms, or diseases. 12. presence of any environmental hazards including, but not limited to, toxins, carcinogens, noise, and contaminants in soil, water, and air. 13. effectiveness of any system or method utilized to control or remove suspected hazardous substances. 14. operating costs of systems or components. 15. acoustical properties of any system or component. C. The inspector is NOT required to offer or provide: 1. any service contrary to law. 2. work in any trade, engineering services, or any professional service other than Home Inspection. 3. warranties or guarantees of any kind. D. The inspector is NOT required to operate: 1. any system or component that cannot be operated by or does not respond to normal operating controls, is shut down, or is otherwise not functional. 2. safety valves, shut-off valves, drain valves, electrical disconnects, or overcurrent protection devices. E. The inspector is NOT required to enter: 1. any area that will, in the opinion of the inspector, likely be dangerous to the inspector or other persons or damage the property or its systems or components. 2. the under-floor crawl spaces or attics that are not readily accessible. F. The inspector is NOT required to inspect, describe, or report on: 1. any underground components and indications of their presence, including, but not limited to, tanks, chambers, piping, wells, and electrical, whether in use or not in use. 2. systems or components that are not installed. 3. decorative or ornamental items not required for the operation of the essential systems and components of a home. 4. systems or components located in areas that are not entered in accordance with these Standards of Practice. 5. systems or components not located in or on the home, garage, or carport. 6. common elements or common areas in multi-unit housing, such as condominium properties or cooperative housing. G. The inspector is NOT required to: 1. perform any procedure or operation that will, in the opinion of the inspector, likely be dangerous to the inspector or other persons or damage the property or it's systems or components. 2. dismantle any system or component other than: a. readily openable access panels b. removable flame shields, and electrical panel covers. GLOSSARY OF ITALICIZED TERMS Alarm Systems Warning devices, installed or free-standing, including but not limited to; carbon monoxide detectors, flue gas and other spillage detectors, security equipment, ejector pumps, and smoke alarms Architectural Service Any practice involving the art and science of building design for construction of any structure or grouping of structures and the use of space within and surrounding the structures or the design for construction, including but not specifically limited to, schematic design, design development, preparation of construction contract documents, and administration of the construction contract Component A part of a system Describe To report a system or component by its type or other observed, significant characteristics to distinguish it from other systems or components serving a similar function Dismantle To take apart or remove any system or component Engineering Service Any professional service or creative work requiring engineering education, training, and experience, and the application of special knowledge of the mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences to such professional service or creative work as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design, and supervision of construction for the purpose of assuring compliance with the specifications and design, in conjunction with structures, buildings, machines, equipment, works, or processes Further Evaluation Examination and analysis by a qualified professional, tradesman, or service technician beyond that provided by the Home Inspection Home Inspection A professional service by an impartial inspector who visually examines, operates, and reports in writing on the readily accessible systems and components of a home as designated in these Standards of Practice Inspect To examine systems and components of a building in accordance with these Standards of Practice using normal operating controls where available Inspector A person hired to examine any system or component of a building in accordance with these Standards of Practice Installed Attached such that removal requires tools Normal Operating Controls Devices such as thermostats, switches, or valves intended to be operated by the homeowner Readily Accessible Available for visual inspection from safe walking or crawling surfaces without dismantling items or moving personal property, equipment, furniture, suspended ceiling tiles, soil, plants, snow, ice, or debris Readily Openable Access Panel A panel provided for homeowner inspection and maintenance that is within normal reach, can be removed by one person, and is not sealed in place Recreational Facilities Spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, exercise, entertainment, athletic, playground, or other similar equipment and associated accessories Report To communicate in writing Representative Number One component per room for multiple similar interior components such as windows and electric outlets; one component on each side of the building for multiple similar exterior components Roof Drainage Systems Components used to carry water off a roof and away from a building Significantly Deficient Unsafe or not functioning Structural Component A component that supports non-variable forces or weights (dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live loads) System A combination of interacting or interdependent components, assembled to carry out one or more functions Technically Exhaustive An investigation that involves dismantling, the extensive use of advanced techniques, measurements, instruments, testing, calculations, or other means Under-floor Crawl Space The area within the confines of the foundation and between the ground and the underside of the floor Unsafe A condition in a readily accessible, installed system or component that is judged to be a significant risk of bodily injury during normal, day-to-day use. The risk may be due to damage, deterioration, improper installation, or a change in accepted residential construction standards Wiring Methods Identification of electrical conductors or wires by their general type, such as "non-metallic sheathed cable" ("Romex"), "armored cable" ("BX"), or "knob and tube", etc. Standards of Practice proposed revision version 2.25 04/02/01 Page 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or Comments about Home Inspection Standards of PracticeComment: DRAFT of Proposed Florida Standards of Practice for Home Inspections & Wind Damage MitigationAttached is the new Standard of Practices for all home inspectors in the State of Florida. I have highlighted sections which may be pertinent to Realtors specifically. These Standards of Practice will take effect approximately 90 days from now 1 January 2012] depending on what items are altered. This section of the Florida home inspection standards of practice:
will most likely be of importance to Realtors as each inspector will determine "life expectancy". Some may state that anything over 10 years old should be replaced, which could present numerous issues. As many of you are aware, several deals are being lost due to wind mitigation inspections not giving discounts which affects the insurance premiums and subsequently, in some instances, the ability to obtain financing. Starting February 1, 2012, the newest incarnation of the wind mitigation form (1802) will be implemented. It would be advisable to all Realtors when taking a listing, to inform your clients that any documentation as far as permits, invoices, or any thing available to prove dates of installation for hurricane shutters or roof replacement, available for the Buyer in order to obtain the greatest discount for insurance. If anyone has any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. - Eric Van De Ven
Owner/Inspector
Magnum Inspections Inc. [Mr. Van De Ven is a contributor to InspectAPedia.com including information about OWL FLEXDUCT - Ed. ] Reply:Comment: OPINION - DJF: Eric: Kudos to Florida home inspection standards writers for directing inspectors to focus on critical defects at homes. As you'll see from the old quote below, I agree emphatically with the scope and focus I read in the new Florida inspection standard. Quoting from Diagnostic Building Failure & Environmental Inspection & Testing as well as other notes at InspectAPedia,
Importance of making clear the significance of home inspection findings - aluminum wiring & a house fireAnd the requirement imposed by section (8) that the inspector make clear the significance of his/her findings is equally critical. Back in the dark ages of my service as on a home inspection standards committed I fielded a complaint from a homeowner whose house had burned to the ground not long after they had engaged the services of a home inspector to advise them on its condition. The fire was traced to solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring in the home. The home inspector had inspected the home for the buyer, had observed aluminum electrical wiring, was fully aware of the hazards (see ALUMINUM WIRING HAZARDS & REPAIRS), but had reported simply:
No comment was made about the safety hazards of this material nor the fact that it would be costly (more than $500. by my standard) to repair. The homeowner told me:
As a result of this and similar complaints, ASHI, and then other home inspection associations as well as some state and provincial legislatures agreed that mere reporting of the presence of an unsafe or costly defect would be inadequate performance by the inspector. The inspector shall indicate to his/her client the significance of the finding by explanations such as the presence of unsafe or costly defects. Blanket Building Component Condemnations are an Inappropriate ShortcutOn the other hand, as your concern about using age alone to condemn components, I agree that home inspectors who, perhaps lacking experience, training or confidence, look to play it "safe" by applying a simple rule of condemning a building component without actually inspecting it are not doing their job. Surely experts will agree with your remark that "Some may state that anything over 10 years old should be replaced, which could present numerous issues." and I would add that blanket condemnations of building components based on age alone is often patently absurd. There are numerous components, in fact the majority of them, that comprise a residential structure as well as its appurtenances that have a design life of far more than 10 years, such as foundations, structural members, siding, windows, doors, electrical wiring, heating systems, plumbing systems, sidewalks, most roofs, and many appliances. Any inspector who takes the "CYA" shortcut of simply condemning a component based on age alone should be considered as unprofessional. On the other hand, "wear age" is an important concept that we hope will leak into the minds of the first group of inspectors. A roof, for example, has both a chronological age and a wear age. The former dates from the installation, while the latter recognizes that even the same shingle material can have very different life expectancy depending on factors such as roof slope, shingle color, nearby trees, shade, sun exposure, geographic location, orientation of the roof with respect to sun, and maintenance. Kudos to Florida and the Florida home inspection professionals who wrote sections (7) and (8) of the new standard. - Respectfully, DJF Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)... Ask a Question or Search InspectApediaUse the search box below to ask a question or to search the InspectApedia.com website. Ask a Question or Enter Search Terms in the InspectApedia search box just below. Technical Reviewers & ReferencesRelated Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.
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