NEW JERSEY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
TITLE 13
LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY
CHAPTER 40 SUBCHAPTER 15
13:40-15.16 STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

1. All home inspectors shall comply with the standards of practice contained in this section when conducting home inspections. The scope of home inspection services performed in compliance with the requirements set forth in this section shall provide the client with objective information regarding the condition of the systems and components of the home as determined at the time of the home inspection.
2. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a home inspector to:
   1. Enter any area or perform any procedure which is, in the opinion of the home inspector, unsafe and likely to be dangerous to the inspector or other persons;
   2. Enter any area or perform any procedure which will, in the opinion of the home inspector, likely damage the property or its systems or components;
   3. Enter any area which does not have at least 24 inches of unobstructed vertical clearance and at least 30 inches of unobstructed horizontal clearance;
   4. Identify concealed conditions and latent defects;
   5. Determine life expectancy of any system or component;
   6. Determine the cause of any condition or deficiency;
   7. Determine future conditions that may occur including the failure of systems and components including consequential damage; 8) Determine the operating costs of systems or components;
   8. Determine the suitability of the property for any specialized use; 10) Determine compliance with codes, regulations and/ or ordinances;
   9. Determine market value of the property or its marketability;
   10. Determine advisability of purchase of the property;
   11. Determine the presence of any potentially hazardous plants, animals or diseases or the presence of any suspected hazardous substances or adverse conditions such as mold, fungus, toxins, carcinogens, noise, and contaminants in soil, water, and air;
   12. Determine the effectiveness of any system installed or method utilized to control or remove suspected hazardous substances;
   13. Operate any system or component which is shut down or otherwise inoperable;
   14. Operate any system or component which does not respond to normal operating controls;
   15. Operate shut-off valves;
   16. Determine whether water supply and waste disposal systems are public or private;
   17. Insert any tool, probe or testing device inside electrical panels;
   18. Dismantle any electrical device or control other than to remove the covers of main and sub panels;
   19. Walk on un-floored sections of attics; and
   20. Light pilot flames or ignite or extinguish fires.
3. Home inspectors shall:
   1. Inspect the following systems and components in residential buildings and other related residential housing components:
      1. Structural components as required by (e) below;
      2. Exterior components as required by (f) below;
      3. Roofing system components as required by (g) below;
      4. Plumbing system components as required by (h) below;
      5. Electrical system components as required by (i) below;
      6. Heating system components as required by (j) below;
      7. Cooling system components as required by (k) below;
      8. Interior components as required by (l) below;
      9. Insulation components and ventilation system as required by (m) below; and
      10. Fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances as required by (n) below;
   2. Prepare a home inspection report which shall:
      1. Disclose those systems and components as set forth in (c)1 above which were present at the time of inspection;
      2. Disclose systems and components as set forth in (c)1 above which were present at the time of the home inspection but were not inspected, and the reason(s) they were not inspected;
      3. Describe the systems and components specified in these standards of practice;
      4. State material defects found in systems or components;
      5. State the significance of findings where any material defects in the systems and components of (c)1 above were found; and
      6. Provide recommendations where material defects were found to repair, replace or monitor a system or component or to obtain examination and analysis by a qualified professional, tradesman, or service technician without determining the methods, materials or cost of corrections; and
   3. Retain copies of all home inspection reports prepared pursuant to (c)2 above, for a period of five years upon completion of the report;
   4. Subsection (c) above is not intended to limit home inspectors from:
      1. Inspecting or reporting observations and conditions observed in systems and components in addition to those required in (c)1 above and inspecting systems and components other than those mandated for inspection in (c)1 above as long as the inspection and reporting is based on the licensee’s professional opinion, prior work experience, education and training, unless these standards of practice prohibit the home inspector from inspecting such system or component;
      2. Contracting with the client to provide, for an additional fee additional inspection services provided the home inspector is educated, trained, certified, registered or licensed, pursuant to the provisions of N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.22 and other applicable statutes and rules; and
      3. Excluding systems and components from the inspection if requested in writing by the client.
   5. When conducting the inspection of the structural components, the home inspector shall
      1. Inspect:
         1. Foundation;
         2. Floors;
         3. Walls;
         4. Ceilings; and
         5. Roof;
      2. Describe:
         1. Foundation construction type and material;
         2. Floor construction type and material;
         3. Wall construction type and material;
         4. Ceiling construction type and material; and
         5. Roof construction type and material;
      3. Probe structural components where deterioration is suspected unless such probing would damage any finished surface; and
      4. Describe in the home inspection report the methods used to inspect under-floor crawl spaces and attics.
   6. When conducting the inspection of the exterior components, a home inspector shall:
      1. Inspect:
         1. Exterior surfaces, excluding shutters, and screening, awnings, and other similar seasonal accessories;
         2. Exterior doors excluding storm doors or safety glazing;
         3. Windows excluding storm windows and safety glazing;
         4. Attached or adjacent decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and their railings;
         5. Vegetation, grading, drainage, and retaining walls with respect to their immediate detrimental effect on the condition of the residential building, excluding fences, geological and/or soil conditions, sea walls, break-walls, bulkheads and docks, or erosion control and earth stabilization;
         6. Attached or adjacent walkways, patios, and driveways; and
         7. Garage doors including automatic door openers and entrapment protection mechanisms, excluding remote control devices;
      2. Describe exterior wall surface type and material.
      3. When inspecting the roof of a residential building, the home inspector shall:
         1. Inspect:
            1. Roofing surface, excluding antennae and other installed accessories such as solar heating systems, lightning arresters, and satellite dishes;
            2. Roof drainage systems;
            3. Flashing;
            4. Skylights; and
            5. Exterior of chimneys;
         2. Describe:
            1. Roof surface;
            2. Roof drainage systems;
            3. Flashing;
            4. Skylights; and
            5. Chimneys;
         3. Employ reasonable, practicable and safe methods to inspect the roof such as:
            1. Walking on the roof;
            2. Observation from a ladder at roof level; or
            3. Visual examination with binoculars from ground level; and
         4. Describe the methods used to inspect the roof.
         5. When inspecting the plumbing system, a home inspector shall:
            1. Inspect:
               1. Interior water supply and distribution systems including functional water flow and functional drainage, excluding wells, well pumps, well water sampling or water storage related equipment, determination of water supply quantity or quality and water conditioning systems and lawn irrigation systems;
               2. All interior fixtures and faucets, excluding shut off valves, wells, well pumps, well water sampling and water storage related equipment;

• Drain, waste and vent systems;

1. Domestic water heating systems, without operating safety valves or automatic safety controls, and excluding solar water heating systems;
2. Combustion vent systems excluding interiors of flues and chimneys;
3. Fuel distribution systems; and

• Drainage sumps, sump pumps and related piping; and

2. Describe:
   1. Predominant interior water supply and distribution piping materials;
   2. Predominant drain, waste and vent piping materials; and

• Water heating equipment including energy sources.

6. When inspecting the electrical system, a home inspector shall:
   1. Inspect:
      1. Service entrance system;
      2. Main disconnects, main panel and sub panels, including interior components of main panel and sub panels;

• Service grounding;

1. Wiring, without measuring amperage, voltage or impedance, excluding any wiring not a part of the primary electrical power distribution system, such as central vacuum systems, remote control devices, telephone or cable system wiring, intercom systems, security systems and low voltage wiring systems;
2. Over-current protection devices and the compatibility of their ampacity with that of the connected wiring;
3. At least one of each interior installed lighting fixture, switch, and receptacle per room and at least one exterior installed lighting fixture, switch, and receptacle per side of house; and

• Ground fault circuit interrupters; and

2. Describe:
   1. Amperage and voltage rating of the service;
   2. Location of main disconnect, main panels, and sub-panels;

• Type of over-current protection devices;

1. Predominant type of wiring;
2. Presence of knob and tube branch circuit wiring; and
3. Presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring.

7. When inspecting the heating system, a home inspector shall:
   1. Inspect:
      1. Installed heating equipment and energy sources, without determining heat supply adequacy or distribution balance, and without operating automatic safety controls or operating heat pumps when weather conditions or other circumstances may cause damage to the pumps, and excluding humidifiers, electronic air filters and solar heating systems;
      2. Combustion vent systems and chimneys, excluding interiors of flues or chimneys;

• Fuel storage tanks, excluding propane and underground storage tanks; and iv) Visible and accessible portions of the heat exchanger; and

2. Describe:
   1. Heating equipment and distribution type; and
   2. Energy sources.
3. When inspecting the cooling system, a home inspector shall:
   1. Inspect:
      1. Central cooling system, excluding electronic air filters and excluding determination of cooling supply adequacy or distribution balance and without operating central cooling equipment when weather conditions or other circumstances may cause damage to the cooling equipment;
      2. Permanently installed hard-wired, through-wall individual cooling systems; and

• Energy sources; and

2. Describe:
   1. Cooling equipment and distribution type; and
   2. Energy sources.
3. When inspecting the interior of a residential building, a home inspector shall:
   1. Inspect:
      1. Walls, ceilings, and floors excluding paint, wallpaper and other finish treatments, carpeting and other non-permanent floor coverings;
      2. Steps, stairways, and railings;

• Installed kitchen wall cabinets to determine if secure;

1. At least one interior passage door and operate one window per room excluding window treatments; and
2. Household appliances limited to:
   1. The kitchen range and oven to determine operation of burners or heating elements excluding microwave ovens and the operation of self-cleaning cycles and appliance timers and thermostats;
   2. Dishwasher to determine water supply and drainage; and
   3. Garbage disposer.
3. When inspecting the insulation components and ventilation system of a residential building, the home inspector shall:
   1. Inspect:
      1. Insulation in unfinished spaces without disturbing insulation;
      2. Ventilation of attics and crawlspaces; and

• Mechanical ventilation systems; and

2. Describe:
   1. Insulation in unfinished spaces adjacent to heated areas; and
   2. Evidence of inadequate attic and crawlspace ventilation.
3. When inspecting fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances, a home inspector shall:
   1. Inspect:
      1. Fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances, without testing draft characteristics, excluding fire screens and doors, seals and gaskets, automatic fuel feed devices, mantles and non-structural fireplace surrounds, combustion make-up air devices, or gravity fed and fan assisted heat distribution systems; and
      2. Chimneys and combustion vents excluding interiors of flues and chimneys; and
   2. Describe:
      1. Type of fireplaces and/or solid fuel burning appliances;
      2. Energy source; and

• Visible evidence of improper draft characteristics.

PENNSYLVANIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

• A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a residential property (as delineated below), performed for a fee, which is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components defined by these Standards that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector. The scope of work may be modified by the Client and Inspector prior to the inspection process.

1. The home inspection is based on the observations made on the date of the inspection, and not a prediction of future conditions.
2. The home inspection will not reveal every issue that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the date of the inspection.
   • A material defect is a specific issue with a system or component of a residential property that may have a significant, adverse impact on the value of the property, or that poses an unreasonable risk to people. The fact that a system or component is near, at, or beyond the end of its normal, useful life is not, in itself, a material defect.
   • A home inspection report shall identify, in written format, defects within specific systems and components defined by these Standards that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector. Inspection reports may include additional comments and recommendations.

2. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions

• Limitations:

1. An inspection is not technically exhaustive.
2. An inspection will not identify concealed or latent defects.

• An inspection will not deal with aesthetic concerns, or what could be deemed matters of taste, cosmetic defects, etc.

1. An inspection will not determine the suitability of the property for any use.
2. An inspection does not determine the market value of the property or its marketability.
3. An inspection does not determine the insurability of the property.

• An inspection does not determine the advisability or inadvisability of the purchase of the inspected property.
• An inspection does not determine the life expectancy of the property or any components or systems therein.

1. An inspection does not include items not permanently installed.
2. This Standards of Practice applies to properties with four or fewer residential units and their attached garages and carports.
   • Exclusions:
3. The inspector is not required to determine:
   1. Property boundary lines or encroachments.
   2. The condition of any component or system that is not readily accessible.
   3. The service life expectancy of any component or system.
   4. The size, capacity, BTU, performance or efficiency of any component or system.
   5. The cause or reason of any condition.
   6. The cause for the need of correction, repair or replacement of any system or component.
   7. Future conditions.
   8. Compliance with codes or regulations.
   9. The presence of evidence of rodents, birds, bats, animals, insects, or other pests.
   10. The presence of mold, mildew or fungus.
   11. The presence of airborne hazards, including radon.
   12. The air quality.
   13. The existence of environmental hazards, including lead paint, asbestos or toxic drywall.
   14. The existence of electromagnetic fields.
   15. Any hazardous waste conditions.
   16. Any manufacturers’ recalls or conformance with manufacturer installation, or any information included for consumer protection purposes.
   17. Acoustical properties.
   18. Correction, replacement or repair cost estimates.
   19. Estimates of the cost to operate any given system.
4. The inspector is not required to operate:
   1. Any system that is shutdown
   2. Any system that does not function properly.
   3. Evaluate low-voltage electrical systems, such as, but not limited to:
      1. Phone lines;
      2. cable lines;

• satellite dishes;

1. antennae;
2. lights; or
3. Remote controls.

1. Any system that does not turn on with the use of normal operating controls.
2. Any shut-off valves or manuals top valves.
3. Any electrical disconnect or over-current protection devices.
4. Any alarm systems.
5. Moisture meters, gas detectors or similar equipment.

• The inspector is not required to:
  1. Move any personal items or other obstructions, such as, but not limited to:
     1. Throw rugs, carpeting, wall coverings, furniture, ceiling tiles, window coverings, equipment, plants, ice, debris, snow, water, dirt, pets, or anything else that might restrict the visual inspection.
     2. Dismantle, open or uncover any system or component.

• Enter or access any area that may, in the inspector’s opinion, be unsafe.

1. Enter crawlspaces or other areas that may be unsafe or not readily accessible.
2. Inspect underground items, such as, but not limited to lawn-irrigation systems, or underground storage tanks (or indications of their presence), whether abandoned or actively used.
3. Do anything that may, in the inspector’s opinion, be unsafe or dangerous to him/herself or others, or damage property, such as, but not limited to walking on roof surfaces, climbing ladders, entering attic spaces, or negotiating with pets.

• Inspect decorative items.
• Inspect common elements or areas in multi-unit housing.

1. Inspect intercoms, speaker systems or security systems.
2. Offer guarantees or warranties.
3. Offer or perform any engineering services.

• Offer or perform any trade or professional service other than a home inspection.
• Research the history of the property, or report on its potential for alteration, modification, extendibility or suitability for a specific or proposed use for occupancy.
• Determine the age of construction or installation of any system, structure or component of a building, or differentiate between original construction and subsequent additions, improvements, renovations or replacements.

1. Determine the insurability of a property.

• Perform or offer Phase 1 or environmental audits.
• Inspect any system or component that is not included in these Standards.

3. Standards of Practice

• Roof

1. The inspector shall inspect from ground level or the eaves:
   1. The roof-covering materials;
   2. The gutters;
   3. The downspouts;
   4. The vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, and other roof penetrations; and
   5. The general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.
2. The inspector shall describe:
   1. The type of roof-covering materials.

• The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  1. Observed indications of active roof leaks.

1. The inspector is not required to:
   1. Walk on any roof surface.
   2. Predict the service life expectancy.
   3. Inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
   4. Remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation of the roof surfaces.
   5. Move insulation.
   6. Inspect antennae, satellite dishes, lightning arresters, de-icing equipment, or similar attachments.
   7. Walk on any roof areas that appear, in the inspector’s opinion, to be unsafe.
   8. Walk on any roof areas if doing so might, in the inspector’s opinion, cause damage.
   9. Perform a water test.
   10. Warrant or certify the roof.
   11. Confirm proper fastening or installation of any roof-covering material.

• Exterior

1. The inspector shall inspect:
   1. The exterior wall-covering materials;
   2. The eaves, soffits and fascia;
   3. A representative number of windows;
   4. all exterior doors;
   5. flashing and trim;
   6. Adjacent walkways and driveways;
   7. Stairs, steps, stoops, stairways and ramps;
   8. Porches, patios, decks, balconies and carports;
   9. Railings, guards and handrails; and
   10. Vegetation, surface drainage, retaining walls and grading of the property, where they may adversely affect the structure due to moisture intrusion.
2. The inspector shall describe:
   1. The type of exterior wall-covering materials.

• The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  1. Any improper spacing between intermediate balusters spindles and rails.

1. The inspector is not required to:
   1. Inspect or operate screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings, fences, outbuildings, or exterior accent lighting.
   2. Inspect items that are not visible or readily accessible from the ground including window and door flashing.
   3. Inspect or identify geological, geotechnical, hydrological or soil conditions.
   4. Inspect recreational facilities or playground equipment.
   5. Inspect seawalls, break walls or docks.
   6. Inspect erosion-control or earth-stabilization measures.
   7. Inspect for safety-type glass.
   8. Inspect underground utilities.
   9. Inspect underground items.
   10. Inspect wells or springs.
   11. Inspect solar, wind or geothermal systems.
   12. Inspect swimming pools or spas.
   13. Inspect wastewater treatment systems, septic systems or cesspools.
   14. Inspect irrigation or sprinkler systems.
   15. Inspect drain fields or dry wells.
   16. Determine the integrity of multiple-pane window glazing or thermal window seals.

• Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure

1. The inspector shall inspect:
   1. The foundation;
   2. The basement;
   3. The crawlspace; and
   4. Structural components.
2. The inspector shall describe:
   1. The type of foundation; and
   2. The location of the access to the under-floor space.

• The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

1. The inspector is not required to:
   1. Observed indications of wood in contact with or near soil;
   2. Observed indications of active water penetration;
   3. Observed indications of possible foundation movement, such as sheetrock, cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames, and un-level floors; and any observed cutting, notching and boring of framing members that may, in the inspector’s opinion, present a structural or safety concern.
   4. Enter any crawl space that is not readily accessible, or where entry could cause damage or pose a hazard to him/herself.
   5. Move stored items or debris.
   6. Operate sump pumps with inaccessible floats.
   7. Identify the size, spacing, span or location or determine the adequacy of foundation bolting, bracing, joists, joist spans or support systems.
   8. Provide any engineering or architectural service.
   9. Report on the adequacy of any structural system or component.

• Heating

1. The inspector shall inspect:
   1. The heating system, using normal operating controls.
2. The inspector shall describe:
   1. The location of the thermostat for the heating system;
   2. The energy source; and
   3. The heating method.

• The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  1. Any heating system that did not operate; and
  2. If the heating system was deemed inaccessible.

1. The inspector is not required to:
   1. 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 systems.
   2. Inspect fuel tanks or underground or concealed fuel supply systems.
   3. Determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the heating system.
   4. Light or ignite pilot flames.
   5. 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.
   6. Override electronic thermostats.
   7. Evaluate fuel quality.
   8. Verify thermostat calibration, heat anticipation, or automatic setbacks, timers, programs or clocks.
   9. Measure or calculate the air for combustion, ventilation, or dilution of flue gases for appliances.

• Cooling

1. The inspector shall inspect:
   1. The cooling system, using normal operating controls.
2. The inspector shall describe:
   1. The location of the thermostat for the cooling system; and
   2. The cooling method.

• The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  1. Any cooling system that did not operate; and
  2. If the cooling system was deemed inaccessible.

1. The inspector is not required to:
   1. Determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the cooling system.
   2. Inspect portable window units, through-wall units, or electronic air filters.
   3. 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.
   4. Inspect or determine thermostat calibration, cooling anticipation, or automatic setbacks or clocks.
   5. Examine electrical current, coolant fluids or gases, or coolant leakage.

• Plumbing

1. The inspector shall inspect:
   1. The main water supply shut-off valve;
   2. The main fuel supply shut-off valve;
   3. The water heating equipment, including the energy source, venting connections, temperature/pressure-relief (TPR) valves, Watts 210 valves, and seismic bracing;
   4. Interior water supply, including all fixtures and faucets, by running the water;
   5. All toilets for proper operation by flushing;
   6. All sinks, tubs and showers for functional drainage;
   7. the drain, waste and vent system; and
   8. Drainage sump pumps with accessible floats.
2. The inspector shall describe:
   1. Whether the water supply is public or private based upon observed evidence;
   2. The location of the main water supply shut-off valve;
   3. The location of the main fuel supply shut-off valve;
   4. The location of any observed fuel-storage system; and
   5. The capacity of the water heating equipment, if labeled.

• The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  1. Deficiencies in the water supply by viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously;
  2. Deficiencies in the installation of hot and cold water faucets;
  3. Active plumbing water leaks that were observed during the inspection; and toilets that were damaged, had loose connections to the floor, were leaking, or had tank components that did not operate.

1. The inspector is not required to:
   1. Light or ignite pilot flames.
   2. Measure the capacity, temperature, age, life expectancy or adequacy of the water heater.
   3. 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.
   4. Determine the exact flow rate, volume, pressure, temperature or adequacy of the water supply.
   5. Determine the water quality, portability or reliability of the water supply or source.
   6. Open sealed plumbing access panels.
   7. Inspect clothe s washing machines or their connections.
   8. Operate any valve.
   9. Test shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for leakage or for functional overflow protection.
   10. 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.
   11. Determine the effectiveness of anti-siphon, back-flow prevention or drain-stop devices.
   12. Determine whether there are sufficient cleanouts for effective cleaning of drains.
   13. Evaluate fuel storage tanks or supply systems.
   14. Inspect wastewater treatment systems.
   15. Inspect water treatment systems or water filters.
   16. Inspect water storage tanks, pressure pumps, or bladder tanks.
   17. Evaluate wait time to obtain hot water at fixtures, or perform testing of any kind to water heater elements.
   18. Evaluate or determine the adequacy of combustion air.
   19. Test, operate, open or close: safety controls, manual stop valves, temperature/pressure-relief valves, control valves, or check valves.
   20. Examine ancillary or auxiliary systems or components, such as, but not limited to, those related to solar water heating and hot water circulation.
   21. Determine the existence or condition of poly butylene, polyethylene, or similar plastic piping.
   22. Inspect or test for gas or fuel leaks, or indications thereof.

• Electrical

1. The inspector shall inspect:
   1. The service drop;
   2. The overhead service conductor sand attachment point;
   3. The service head, gooseneck and drip loops;
   4. The service mast, service conduit and raceway;
   5. The electric meter and base;
   6. Service-entrance conductors;
   7. The main service disconnect;
   8. Panel boards and over-current protection devices (circuit breakers and fuses);
   9. Service grounding and bonding;
   10. 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;
   11. All ground-fault circuit interrupter receptacles and circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs using a GFCI tester, where possible; and
   12. For the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
2. The inspector shall describe:
   1. The main service disconnect’s amperage rating, if labeled; and
   2. The type of wiring observed.

• The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  1. Deficiencies in the integrity of the service-entrance conductors’ insulation, drip loop, and vertical clearances from grade and roofs;
  2. Any unused circuit-breaker panel opening that was not filled;
  3. The presence of solid conductor aluminum branch-circuit wiring, if readily visible;
  4. 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
  5. The absence of smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors.

1. The inspector is not required to:
   1. Insert any tool, probe or device into the main panel board, sub-panels, distribution panel boards, or electrical fixtures.
   2. Operate electrical systems that are shutdown.
   3. Remove panel board cabinet covers or dead fronts.
   4. Operate or re-set over-current protection devices or overload devices.
   5. Operate or test smoke or carbon monoxide detectors or alarms.
   6. Inspect, operate or test any security, fire or alarm systems or components, or other warning or signaling systems.
   7. Measure or determine the amperage or voltage of the main service equipment, if not visibly labeled.
   8. Inspect ancillary wiring or remote-control devices.
   9. Activate any electrical systems or branch circuits that are not energized.
   10. Inspect low-voltage systems, electrical de-icing tapes, swimming pool wiring, or any time-controlled devices.
   11. Verify the service ground.
   12. Inspect private or emergency electrical supply sources, including, but not limited to: generators, windmills, photovoltaic solar collectors, or battery or electrical storage facility.
   13. Inspect spark or lightning arrestors.
   14. Inspect or test de-icing equipment.
   15. Conduct voltage-drop calculations.
   16. Determine the accuracy of labeling.
   17. Inspect exterior lighting.

• Fireplace

1. The inspector shall inspect:
   1. Readily accessible and visible portions of the fireplaces and chimneys;
   2. Lintels above the fireplace openings;
   3. Damper doors by opening and closing them, if readily accessible and manually operable; and
   4. Cleanout doors and frames.
2. The inspector shall describe:
   1. The type of fireplace.

• The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  1. Evidence of joint separation, damage or deterioration of the hearth, hearth extension or chambers;
  2. Manually operated dampers that did not open and close;
  3. The lack of a smoke detector in the same room as the fireplace;
  4. The lack of a carbon monoxide detector in the same room as the fireplace; and
  5. Cleanouts not made of metal, pre-cast cement, or other non-combustible material.

1. The inspector is not required to:
   1. Inspect the flue or vent system.
   2. Inspect the interior of chimneys or flues, fire doors or screens, seals or gaskets, or mantels.
   3. Determine the need for a chimney sweep.
   4. Operate gas fireplace inserts.
   5. Light pilot flames.
   6. Determine the appropriateness of any installation.
   7. Inspect automatic fuel-fed devices.
   8. Inspect combustion and/or make-up air devices.
   9. Inspect heat-distribution assists, whether gravity-controlled or fan-assisted.
   10. Ignite or extinguish fires.
   11. Determine the adequacy of drafts or draft characteristics.
   12. Move fireplace inserts, stoves or firebox contents.
   13. Perform a smoke test.
   14. Dismantle or remove any component.
   15. Perform a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-style inspection.
   16. Perform a Phase I fireplace and chimney inspection.

• Attic, Insulation & Ventilation

1. The inspector shall inspect:
   1. Insulation in unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces and foundation areas;
   2. Ventilation of unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces and foundation areas; and
   3. Mechanical exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry area.
2. The inspector shall describe:
   1. The general absence of insulation or ventilation in unfinished spaces

• The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  1. The type of insulation observed; and
  2. The approximate average depth of insulation observed at the unfinished attic floor area or roof structure.

1. The inspector is not required to:
   1. 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.
   2. Move, touch or disturb insulation.
   3. Move, touch or disturb vapor retarders.
   4. Break or otherwise damage the surface finish or weather seal on or around access panels or covers.
   5. Identify the composition or R-value of insulation material.
   6. Activate thermostatically operated fans.
   7. Determine the types of materials used in insulation or wrapping of pipes, ducts, jackets, boilers or wiring.
   8. Determine the adequacy of ventilation.

• Doors, Windows & Interior

1. The inspector shall inspect:
   1. A representative number of doors and windows by opening and closing them;
   2. Floors, walls and ceilings;
   3. Stairs, steps, landings, stairways;
   4. Railings, guards and handrails; and
   5. Garage vehicle doors and the operation of garage vehicle door openers, using normal operating controls.
2. The inspector shall describe:
   1. A garage vehicle door as manually-operated or installed with a garage door opener.

• The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  1. Improper spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles and rails for steps, stairways, guards and railings;
  2. Photo-electric safety sensors that did not operate properly; and
  3. Any window that was obviously fogged or displayed other evidence of broken seals.

1. The inspector is not required to:
   1. Inspect paint, wallpaper, and window treatments or finish treatments.
   2. Inspect floor coverings or carpeting.
   3. Inspect central vacuum systems.
   4. Inspect for safety glazing.
   5. Inspect security systems or components.
   6. Evaluate the fastening of islands, countertops, cabinets, sink tops or fixtures.
   7. Move furniture, stored items, or any coverings, such as carpets or rugs, in order to inspect the concealed floor structure.
   8. Move suspended-ceiling tiles.
   9. Inspect or move any household appliances.
   10. Inspect or operate equipment housed in the garage, except as otherwise noted.
   11. Verify or certify the proper operation of any pressure-activated auto-reverse or related safety feature of a garage door.
   12. Operate or evaluate any security bar release and opening mechanisms, whether interior or exterior, including their compliance with local, state or federal standards.
   13. Operate any system, appliance or component that requires the use of special keys, codes, combinations or devices.
   14. Operate or evaluate self-cleaning oven cycles, tilt guards/latches, or signal lights.
   15. Inspect microwave ovens or test leakage from microwave ovens.
   16. Operate or examine any sauna, steam-generating equipment, kiln, toaster, icemaker, coffee maker, can opener, bread warmer, blender, instant hot-water dispenser, or other small, ancillary appliances or devices.
   17. Inspect elevators.
   18. Inspect remote controls.
   19. Inspect appliances.
   20. Inspect items not permanently installed.
   21. Discover firewall compromises.
   22. Inspect pools, spas or fountains.
   23. Determine the adequacy of whirlpool or spa jets, water force, or bubble effects.
   24. Determine the structural integrity or leakage of pools or spas.