Standards of Practice

THE STANDARD OF PRACTICE FOR HOME INSPECTIONS AND
THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR THE HOME INSPECTION PROFESSION

We Inspect to the ASHI 2014 (American Society of Home Inspectors) standards.

Standard of Practice

Home Inspections: What We Inspect and What We Don’t

Important Note:

Home inspections are visual only and non-destructive. Inspectors evaluate accessible components and systems based on their current condition at the time of the inspection. Home inspections are not a code review and do not guarantee compliance with local, provincial, or national building codes. Please see link above for more details on the standards of practice we operate under. The following provides a brief overview of what is typically included or excluded in a home inspection:

What we Inspect

Things Home Inspectors Will Inspect:

1. Structural Components:

• Foundation

• Walls

• Roof

• Beams and supports

• Floors

2. Exterior:

• Siding and trim

• Windows and doors

• Driveways and walkways

• Decks, patios, and balconies

• Gutters, downspouts and site drainage

3. Interior:

• Walls, ceilings, and floors

• Stairways and handrails

• Windows and doors

• Fireplace (if applicable)

• Cabinets and countertops

4. Plumbing

• Visible pipes

• Faucets and fixtures

• Drainage systems

• Functional water pressure and temperature

• Sump pumps

5. Electrical:

• Electrical panel and wiring

• Light switches and outlets

• Circuit breakers

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Grounding and bonding

6. Heating and Cooling Systems:

• Furnace or boiler

• Central air conditioning

• Ductwork and venting where visible

• Thermostat functionality

7. Appliances (if included in the inspection):

• Oven, stove, and range

• Refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave

• Garbage disposal

8. Insulation and Ventilation:

• Insulation in the attic, walls, and crawl spaces where visible

• Ventilation systems (bathroom, kitchen, attic)

• Venting for appliances like the dryer

9. Safety and Compliance:

• General safety of the property, including potential fire hazards

What we don't inspect

1. Pest Infestation:

• Termites, rodents, or other pests (unless specifically noted in the inspection)

2. Underground Systems:

• Sewer lines, wells or septic tanks

• Underground fuel tanks

3. Cosmetic Issues:

• Cracks in walls or minor cosmetic damages

• Paint or flooring that doesn’t impact structural integrity

4. Items Not Visually Accessible:

• Areas that are concealed or not easily accessible, like sealed-off rooms, walls, or crawl spaces that are locked or obstructed

5. Operational Appliances (unless included):

• Pools, hot tubs, or spas

• Washer and Dryers

6. Asbestos, Mold, or Lead:

• Detailed mold, asbestos, or lead inspections (although inspectors may note signs of these, a separate inspection is usually recommended)

7. Systems beyond visual inspection:

• Performance testing of systems beyond regular operation (e.g., furnace or AC performance under load or HVAC system pressure testing)

• Internal parts of appliances not visibly accesible (e.g., furnace heat exchanger or air conditioner coils not easily visible)

8. Hazardous Materials:

• Testing for radon, asbestos, or lead paint (unless specifically noted or arranged in advance)

9. Environmental or Health Risks:

• Air quality testing or other environmental hazards

10. Code Compliance:

• Full verification of code compliance or building permits (inspectors may note potential issues but do not perform a detailed code inspection)

Standards of Practice

THE STANDARD OF PRACTICE FOR HOME INSPECTIONS AND THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR THE HOME INSPECTION PROFESSION

What we Inspect

What we don't inspect

THE STANDARD OF PRACTICE FOR HOME INSPECTIONS AND
THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR THE HOME INSPECTION PROFESSION