What to Expect

Inspection Standards – Scope of Inspection

 

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a building to assist in the identification of those areas in need of repair, replacement or further evaluation. The scope of the inspection and the nature of the report are established by Chapter 9.3 of Division 3 of the California Business and Professions Code.

 

The Standard of Care identified by the legislature in performing home inspections recognizes the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) and CREIA (California Real Estate Inspection Association) when determining whether an inspection meets the required standard of care.

 

The ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI) program stablishes the minimum and uniform standard of practice for home inspectors practicing in the United States and Canada.  An ASHI Certified Inspector is the highest level of ASHI membership, is fully accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and is recognized as having the highest standards in the profession.

 

A certified ASHI inspector is required to agree to follow ASHI’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, pass the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE), have inspection reports reviewed and verified for compliance with ASHI’S Standards of Practice and submit valid proof of at least 250 fee-paid home inspections that meet or exceed ASHI Standards of Practice. These Standards of Practice define the scope of an inspection which includes the following:

 

Site, Exterior, Roof: Site Grading and Drainage; Retaining Walls; Driveways, Patios, Walkways; Attached Decks, Balconies, Stairs and Railings; Exterior Cladding, Trim, Eaves & Flashings; Doors and Windows: Roof covering, Drainage, Flashings, Penetrations, Chimneys & Skylights:

 

Structure: Foundations, Support framing, Seismic features: Underbuilding Ventilation and Moisture: Interior Wall Inspection; Roof Framing & Sheathing; Attic Moisture and Ventilation;

 

Additional Systems: Interior surfaces; Built-in Appliances; Plumbing System including water supply, waste, gas plumbing; Electrical System; Heating System; Water heaters: Air Conditioning: Fireplace: Insulation and energy features; Plumbing fixtures; Laundry hookups; Kitchen components

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

https://www.homeinspector.org/Buyers-And-Owners/Homebuyers-Guide/FAQs-about-Home-Inspection

 

Code of Ethics – American Society of Home Inspectors

https://www.homeinspector.org/Resources/Code-Of-Ethics

 

Standards of Practice – American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)

https://www.homeinspector.org/Resources/Standard-of-Practice

 

Home buyers guide:

https://www.homeinspector.org/Buyers-And-Owners/Homebuyers-Guide

 

Home systems:

https://www.homeinspector.org/Buyers-And-Owners/Homeowner-Resources/Home-Systems