8. HEATING SYSTEM
8.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect :
1. the installed heating equipment.
2. the vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
B. describe:
1. the energy source.
2. the heating method by its distinguishing characteristics.
8.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect :
1. the interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily accessible.
2. the heat exchanger.
3. the humidifier or dehumidifier.
4. the electronic air filter.
5. the solar space heating system.
6. determine heat supply adequacy or distribution balance.
9. AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS
9.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect the installed central and
through-wall cooling equipment.
B. describe:
1. the energy source
2. the cooling method by its distinguishing characteristics.
9.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect electronic air filters.
B. determine cooling supply adequacy or distribution
balance.
10. INTERIOR
10.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the walls, ceilings, and floors.
2. the steps, stairways, and railings.
3. the countertops and a representative number of installed cabinets.
4. a representative number of doors and windows.
5. garage doors and garage door operators.
10.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. the paint, wallpaper, and other finish treatments.
2. the carpeting.
3. the window treatments.
4. the central vacuum systems.
5. the household appliances.
6. recreational facilities.
11. INSULATION & VENTILATION
11.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces.
2. the ventilation of attics and foundation areas.
3. the mechanical ventilation systems.
B. describe:
1. the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces.
2. the absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at conditioned surfaces.
11.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. disturb insulation or vapor retarders.
B. determine indoor air quality.
12. FIREPLACES AND SOLID FUEL
BURNING APPLIANCES
12.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the system components.
2. the vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
B. describe:
1. the fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances.
2. the chimneys.
12.2 The Inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. the interiors of flues or chimneys.
2. the firescreens and doors.
3. the seals and gaskets.
4. the automatic fuel feed devices.
5. the mantles and fireplace surrounds.
6. the combustion make-up air devices.
7. the heat distribution assists whether gravity controlled or fan assisted.
B. ignite or extinguish fires.
C. determine draft characteristics.
D. move fireplace inserts or stoves or firebox contents.
13. GENERAL LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
13.1 General limitations:
A. Inspections performed in accordance
with these Standards of Practice:
1. are not technically exhaustive.
2. will not identify concealed conditions or latent defects.
B. These Standards
of Practice are applicable to buildings with four or fewer dwelling
units and their garages or carports.
13.2 General exclusions:
A. The inspector is not required to
perform any action or make any determination unless specifically
stated in these Standards of Practice, except as may be required
by lawful authority.
B. Inspectors are NOT required
to determine:
1. the condition of systems or components which are not readily accessible.
2. the remaining life of any system or component.
3. the strength, adequacy, effectiveness, or efficiency of any system or component.
4. the causes of any condition or deficiency.
5. the methods, materials, or costs of corrections.
6. uture conditions including, but not limited to, failure of systems and components.
7. the suitability of the property for any specialized use.
compliance with regulatory requirements (codes, regulations, laws, ordinances,
etc.).
8. the market value of the property or its marketability.
9. the advisability of the purchase of the property.
10. the presence of potentially hazardous plants or animals including, but
not limited to wood destroying organisms or diseases harmful to humans.
11. the presence of any environmental hazards including, but not limited to
toxins, carcinogens, noise, and contaminants in soil, water, and air.
12. the effectiveness of any system installed or methods utilized to control
or remove suspected hazardous substances.
13. the operating costs of systems or components.
14. the acoustical properties of any system or component.
C. Inspectors are NOT required
to offer:
1. or perform any act or service contrary to law.
2. or perform engineering services.
3. or perform work in any trade or any professional service other than home
inspection.
4. warranties or guarantees of any kind.
D. Inspectors are NOT required
to operate:
1. any system or component which is shut down or otherwise inoperable.
2. any system or component which does not respond to normal operating controls.
3. shut-off valves.
E. Inspectors are NOT required
to enter:
1. any area which will, in the opinion of the inspector, likely be dangerous
to the inspector or other persons or damage the property or 2. its systems
or components.
3. the under-floor crawl spaces or attics which are not readily accessible.
F. 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. systems or components which are not installed.
3. decorative items.
4. systems or components located in areas that are not entered in accordance
with these Standards of Practice.
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.
G. Inspectors are NOT required
to:
1. 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.
2. move suspended ceiling tiles, personal property, furniture, equipment, plants,
soil, snow, ice, or debris.
3. dismantle any system or component, except as explicitly required by these
Standards of Practice.
