Effective January 1, 2000
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Article I. INTRODUCTION |
Section 1.01 The
American Society of Home Inspectors®, Inc.
(ASHI®) is a not-for-profit professional society
established in 1976. Membership in ASHI is voluntary
and its members are private home inspectors. ASHI's
objectives include promotion of excellence within
the profession and continual improvement of its
members' inspection services to the public. |
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Article II. PURPOSE AND SCOPE |
Section 2.01 The
purpose of these Standards of Practice is to establish
a minimum and uniform standard for home inspectors
who subscribe to these Standards of Practice. Home
Inspections performed to these Standards of Practice
are intended to provide the client with objective
information regarding the condition of the systems
and components of the home as inspected at the
time of the home inspection. Redundancy in the
description of the requirements, limitations, and
exclusions regarding the scope of the home inspection
is provided for emphasis only. |
Section 2.02 Inspectors shall: |
(A) adhere
to the Code of Ethics of the American Society of
Home Inspectors. |
(B) inspect
readily accessible, visually observable, installed
systems and componentslisted in
these Standards
of Practice.
(C) report
:
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1. those systems
and components inspected that, in the professional
judgment of the inspector, are not functioning
properly, significantly deficient, unsafe, or are
near the end of their service lives.
2. recommendations to correct, or monitor for future correction, the deficiencies
reported in 2.2.C.1, or items needing further evaluation. (Per Exclusion 13.2.A.5
inspectors are NOT required to determine methods, materials, or costs of corrections.)
3. reasoning or explanation as to the nature of the deficiencies reported in
2.2.C.1, that are not self-evident.
4. systems and components designated for inspection in these Standards of Practice
that were present at the time of the home inspection but were not inspected and
the reason(s) they were not inspected.
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Section 2.03 These Standards of Practice are not intended to limit inspectors from: |
(A) including
other inspection services or systems and components
in
addition to those required In Section 2.2.B.
(B) designing or specifying repairs, provided the
inspector is appropriately qualified and willing
to do so.
(C) excluding systems and components from the inspection
if requested by the client. |
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Article III. STRUCTURAL SYSTEM |
Section 3.01 The inspector shall |
(A) inspect
1. the structural components including the
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 or presumed
to exist.
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(B) describe
1. the methods used to inspect under-floor
crawl space ands attics.
2. the foundation.
3. the floor structure.
4. the wall structure.
5. the ceiling structure.
6. the roof structure. |
Section 3.02 The inspector is NOT required to |
(A) provide
any engineering or architectural service or analysis.
(B) offer an opinion as to the adequacy of any
structural system or component |
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Article IV. EXTERIOR |
Section 4.01 The inspector shall: |
(A) inspect
:
1. siding, flashing and trim.
2. all exterior doors.
3. attached or adjancent decks, balconies,
stoops, steps, porches, and their associated
railings.
4. eaves, soffits, and fascias where accessible
from the ground level.
5. vegetation, grading, surface drainage,
and retaining walls that are likely to
adversely
affect the building.
6. adjacent or entryway walkways, patios,
and driveways.
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(B) Describe
1. siding
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Section 4.02 The
inspector is NOT required to inspect: |
(A)
screening, shutters, awnings, and similar seasonal
accessories.
(B) fences.
(C) geological and/or soil conditions.
(D) recreational facilities.
(E) outbuildings other than garages and carports.
(F) seawalls, break-walls, and docks.
(G) erosion control and earth stabilization
measures.
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Article V. ROOF SYSTEM |
Section 5.01 The inspector shall: |
(A) inspect:
1. roofing
materials .
2. roof drainage systems.
3. flashing.
4. skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations.
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(B) Describe
1. roofing materials .
2. methods used
to inspect the roofing.
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Section 5.02 The
inspector is NOT required to inspect: |
(A) antennae.
(B) Interiors
of flues or chimneys which are not readily
accessible.
(C) Other installed accessories. |
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Article VI. PLUMBING SYSTEM |
Section 6.01 The inspector shall: |
(A) inspect:
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interior water supply and distribution
systems including all fixtures and
faucets.
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drain, waste and vent systems including
all fixtures.
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water heating equipment and hot water
supply system.
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vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
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fuel storage and fuel distribution
systems.
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drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related
piping.
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(B) describe :
- water supply, drains, wastes, and vents
piping materials.
- water heating equipment including
the energy source(s).
- location of main water and main fuel
shut-off valves.
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Section 6.02 The inspector is NOT required to: |
(A) inspect
:
- the clothes washing machine connections.
- the interiors of flues or chimneys which
are not readily accessible.
- wells, well pumps, or water storage related
equipment.
- water conditioning systems.
- solar water heating systems.
- fire and lawn sprinkler systems.
- private waste disposal systems.
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(B) determine:
- whether water supply and waste disposal
systems are public or private.
- water supply quantity or quality.
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(C) operate
automatic safety controls or manual stop valves. |
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Article VII. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM |
Section 7.01 The inspector shall: |
(A) inspect
:
- service drop.
- service entrance conductors, cables,
and raceways.
- service equipment and main disconnects.
- service grounding.
- interior components of service panels
and sub panels.
- conductors.
- over current protection devices.
- a representative number of installed lighting
fixtures, switches, and receptacles.
- ground fault circuit interrupters.
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(B) describe:
- amperage and voltage rating of the
service.
- the location of main disconnect(s) and
sub panels.
- presence of solid conductor aluminum branch
circuit wiring.
- presence or absence of smoke detectors.
- wiring methods.
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Section 7.02 The inspector is NOT required to: |
(A) inspect:
- remote control devices.
- alarm systems and components.
- low voltage wiring systems and components.
- ancillary wiring systems and components
not a part of the primary electrical
power distribution system.
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(B) measure
amperage, voltage, or impedance |
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Article VIII. HEATING SYSTEM |
Section 8.01 The inspector shall: |
(A) open readily
openable access panels. |
(B) inspect:
- installed heating equipment.
- vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
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(C) describe:
- energy source(s).
- heating systems.
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Section 8.02 The inspector is NOT required to: |
(A) inspect:
- interiors of flues or chimneys which
are not readily accessible.
- heat exchangers.
- humidifier or dehumidifier.
- electronic air filter.
- solar space heating system.
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(B) determine
heat supply adequacy or distribution balance. |
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Article IX. AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS |
Section 9.01 The inspector shall: |
(A) open
readily openable access panels. |
(B) inspect:
- central and through-wall equipment.
- distribution systems.
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(C) describe:
- energy source(s).
- cooling systems.
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Section 9.02 The inspector is NOT required to: |
- inspect electronic air
filters.
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determine cooling supply adequacy
or distribution balance.
- inspect window air conditioning units.
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Article X. INTERIOR |
Section 10.01 The
inspector shall inspect: |
(A) walls, ceilings, and floors.
(B) steps, stairways, and railings.
(C) countertops and a representative number of
installed cabinets.
(D) garage doors and garage door operators. |
Section 10.02 The
inspector is NOT required to inspect: |
(A) paint,
wallpaper, and other finish treatments.
(B) carpeting.
window treatments.
(C) central vacuum systems.
(D) household appliances.
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Article XI. INSULATION & VENTILATION |
Section 11.01 The inspector shall: |
(A) inspect
- insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished
spaces.
- ventilation of attics and foundation
areas.
- mechanical ventilation systems
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(B) describe:
- insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished
spaces.
- absence of insulation in unfinished
spaces at conditioned surfaces.
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Section 11.02 The
inspector is NOT required to disturb insulation. |
See 13.2.A.11 and 13.2.A.12. |
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Article XII. FIREPLACES AND SOLID FUEL BURNING APPLIANCES |
Section 12.01 The inspector shall: |
(A) inspect:
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system components.
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chimney and
vents.
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(B) describe:
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fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances.
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chimneys.
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Section 12.02 The Inspector is NOT required to: |
(A) inspect:
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interiors of flues or chimneys.
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firescreens and doors.
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seals and gaskets.
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automatic fuel feed devices.
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mantles and fireplace surrounds.
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combustion make-up air devices.
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heat distribution assists (gravity
fed or fan assisted).
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(B) ignite or
extinguish fires. |
(C) determine
draft characteristics. |
(D) move fireplace
inserts or stoves or firebox contents. |
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Article XIII. GENERAL LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS |
Section 13.01 General limitations: |
(A) The inspector
is NOT required to perform any action or make any
determination not specifically stated in these
Standards of Practice. |
(B) Inspections
performed in accordance with these Standards of
Practice:
- Are not technically exhaustive.
- are not required to identify concealed
conditions, latent defects, or consequential
damage(s). .
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(C) These Standards of Practice
are applicable to buildings with four or fewer
dwelling
units and their garages or carports. |
Section 13.02 General exclusions: |
(A) Inspectors
are NOT required to determine:
- conditions of systems or components
that are not readily accessible.
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remaining life expectancy of any system or component.
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strength, adequacy, effectiveness, or efficiency of any system or component.
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the causes of any condition or deficiency.
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methods, materials, or costs of corrections.
- future conditions including, but not limited
to, failure of systems and components.
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the suitability of the property for any specialized use.
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compliance with regulatory requirements (codes, regulations, laws, ordinances,
etc.).
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market value of the property or its marketability.
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the advisability of the purchase of the property.
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the presence of potentially hazardous plants or animals including, but
not limited to wood destroying organisms or diseases harmful to humans
including molds or mold-like substances.
- the presence of any environmental
hazards including, but not limited to toxins,
carcinogens, noise, and contaminants in soil,
water, and air.
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the effectiveness of any system installed or methods utilized to control
or remove suspected hazardous substances.
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operating costs of systems or components.
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acoustical properties of any system or component.
- soil conditions relating to geotechnical
or hydrologic specialties.
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(B) Inspectors
are NOT required to offer:
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or perform any act or service contrary to law.
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or perform engineering services.
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or perform work in any trade or any professional service other than home
inspection.
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warranties or guarantees of any kind.
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(C) Inspectors
are NOT required to operate:
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any system or component which is shut down or otherwise inoperable.
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any system or component which does not respond to normal operating controls.
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shut-off valves or manual stop valves.
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(D) Inspectors
are NOT required to enter:
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any area which 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.
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under-floor crawl spaces or attics that are not readily accessible.
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(E) Inspectors
are NOT required to inspect:
1. underground items including, but not limited
to underground storage tanks or other underground
indications of their presence, whether abandoned
or active.
2. items that are not installed.
3. installed decorative items.
4. items in areas that are not entered in accordance
with 13.2.D.
5. detached structures other than garages and
carports.
6. common elements or common areas in multi-unit
housing, such as condominium properties or cooperative
housing.
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(F) Inspectors
are NOT required to:
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Perform any procedure or operation which
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.
- describe
or report on any system or component that
is not included in these Standards and was
not inspected.
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Move suspended ceiling tiles, personal
property, furniture, equipment, plants,
soil, snow, ice, or debris.
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Dismantle any system or component, except
as explicitly required by these Standards
of Practice.
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