4.20. Functional: Performing, or able
to perform, a function.
4.21. Home Inspection: The process
by which an inspector visually examines the readily accessible
systems and components of a home and operates those systems
and components utilizing these Standards of Practice as a guideline.
4.22. Household Appliances: Kitchen
and laundry appliances, room air conditioners, and similar appliances.
4.23. Inspect: To visually look at
readily accessible systems and components safely, using normal
operating controls and accessing readily accessible panels and
areas.
4.24. Inspected Property: The readily accessible areas of the buildings, site,
items, components, and systems included in the inspection.
4.25. Inspector: One who performs
a real estate inspection.
4.26. Installed: Attached or connected
such that the installed item requires tool for removal.
4.27. Material Defect: Refer to section
1.2.
4.28. Normal Operating Controls: Devices
such as thermostats that would be operated by ordinary occupants
which require no specialized skill or knowledge.
4.29. Observe: To see through visually
directed attention.
4.30. Operate: To cause systems to
function or turn on with normal operating controls.
4.31. Readily Accessible: An item
or component is readily accessible if, in the judgment of the
inspector, it is capable of being safely observed without movement
of obstacles, detachment or disengagement of connecting or securing
devices, or other unsafe or difficult procedures to gain access.
4.32. Recreational Facilities: Spas,
saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, tennis courts, playground
equipment, and other exercise, entertainment or athletic facilities.
4.33. Report: A written communication
(possibly including digital images) of any material defects seen
during the inspection.
4.34. Representative Number: A sufficient
number to serve as a typical or characteristic example of the
item(s) inspected.
4.35. Safety Glazing: Tempered glass,
laminated glass, or rigid plastic.
4.36. Shut Down: Turned off, unplugged,
inactive, not in service, not operational, etc.
4.37. Structural Component: A component
which supports non-variable forces or weights (dead loads) and
variable forces or weights (live loads).
4.38. System: An assembly of various
components to function as a whole.
4.39. Technically Exhaustive: A comprehensive
and detailed examination beyond the scope of a real estate home
inspection which would involve or include, but would not be limited
to: dismantling, specialized knowledge or training, special equipment,
measurements, calculations, testing, research, analysis or other
means.
4.40. Unsafe: A condition in a readily
accessible, installed system or component which is judged to
be a significant risk of personal 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.
4.41. Verify: To confirm or substantiate.
