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Assurance Home Inspection Group operates under the NACHI Standards of
Practice as detailed below.
Table of Contents
1. Definitions
and Scope.
2.
Standards of
Practice
2.1. Roof
2.2. Exterior
2.3. Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure
2.4. Heating
2.5. Cooling
2.6. Plumbing
2.7. Electrical
2.8. Fireplace
2.9. Attic & Insulation
2.10. Doors, Windows & Interior
3. Limitations,
Exceptions & Exclusions
4. Glossary of
Terms
1. Definitions and Scope
1.1. A Home
inspection is a non-invasive visual examination of a residential dwelling,
performed for a fee, which is designed to identify observed material defects
within specific components of said dwelling. Components may include any
combination of mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential
systems or portions of the home, as identified and agreed to by the Client and
Inspector, prior to the inspection process.
I. A home
inspection is intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of the
dwelling. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent
condition of the structure and its components on the date of the inspection and
not the prediction of future conditions.
II. A home
inspection will not reveal every concern that exists or ever could exist, but
only those material defects observed on the day of the inspection.
1.2. A Material
defect is a condition with a residential real property or any portion of it that
would have a significant adverse impact on the value of the real property or
that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a
structural element, system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of the
normal useful life of such a structural element, system or subsystem is not by
itself a material defect.
1.3. An
Inspection report shall describe and identify in written format the inspected
systems, structures, and components of the dwelling and shall identify material
defects observed. Inspection reports may contain recommendations regarding
conditions reported or recommendations for correction, monitoring or further
evaluation by professionals, but this is not required.
2. Standards of Practice
2.1. Roof
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I. The inspector
shall inspect from ground level or eaves:
A. The roof
covering.
B. The gutters.
C. The downspouts.
D. The vents, flashings, skylights, chimney and other roof penetrations.
E. The general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors
or stairs.
II. The
inspector is not required to:
A. Walk on any
roof surface.
B. Predict the service life expectancy.
C. Inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
D. Remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation of
the roof surfaces.
E. Inspect antennae, lightning arresters, or similar attachments.
2.2. Exterior
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I. The inspector
shall inspect:
A. The siding,
flashing and trim.
B. All exterior doors, decks, stoops, steps, stairs, porches, railings, eaves,
soffits and fascias.
C. And report as
in need of repair any spacings between intermediate balusters, spindles, or
rails for steps, stairways, balconies, and railings that permit the passage of
an object greater than four inches in diameter.
D. A
representative number of windows.
E. The vegetation, surface drainage and retaining walls when these are likely to
adversely affect the structure.
F. And describe the exterior wall covering.
II. The
inspector is not required to:
A. Inspect or
operate screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings, fences, outbuildings, or
exterior accent lighting.
B. Inspect items, including window and door flashings, which are not visible or
readily accessible from the ground.
C. Inspect geological, geotechnical, hydrological and/or soil conditions.
D. Inspect recreational facilities.
E. Inspect seawalls, break-walls and docks.
F. Inspect erosion control and earth stabilization measures.
G. Inspect for safety type glass.
H. Inspect underground utilities.
I. Inspect underground items.
J. Inspect wells or springs.
K. Inspect solar systems.
L. Inspect swimming pools or spas.
M. Inspect septic systems or cesspools.
N. Inspect playground equipment.
O. Inspect sprinkler systems.
P. Inspect drain fields or drywells.
Q. Determine the integrity of the thermal window seals or damaged glass.
2.3. Basement,
Foundation & Crawlspace
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I. The inspector
shall inspect:
A. The basement.
B. The foundation
C. The crawlspace.
D. The visible structural components.
E. Any present conditions or clear indications of active water penetration
observed by the inspector.
F. And report
any general indications of foundation movement that are observed by the
inspector, such as but not limited to sheetrock cracks, brick cracks,
out-of-square door frames or floor slopes.
II. The
inspector is not required to:
A. Enter any
crawlspaces that are not readily accessible or where entry could cause damage or
pose a hazard to the inspector.
B. Move stored items or debris.
C. Operate sump pumps with inaccessible floats.
D. Identify size, spacing, span, location or determine adequacy of foundation
bolting, bracing, joists, joist spans or support systems.
E. Provide any engineering or architectural service.
F. Report on the adequacy of any structural system or component.
2.4. Heating
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I. The inspector
shall inspect:
A. The heating
systems using normal operating controls and describe the energy source and
heating method.
B. And report as in need of repair heating systems which do not operate.
C. And report if inspector deemed the heating systems inaccessible
II. The
inspector is not required to:
A. Inspect or
evaluate interiors of flues or chimneys, fire chambers, heat
exchangers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters, solar heating
systems or fuel tanks.
B. Inspect underground fuel tanks.
C. Determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size,
capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the heating system.
D. Light or ignite pilot flames.
E. Activate heating, heat pump systems, or other heating systems when ambient
temperatures or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or
may damage the equipment.
F. Override electronic thermostats.
G. Evaluate fuel quality.
H. Verify
thermostat calibration, heat anticipation or automatic setbacks, timers,
programs or clocks.
2.5. Cooling
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I. The inspector
shall inspect:
A. The central
cooling equipment using normal operating controls.
II. The
inspector is not required to:
A. Determine the
uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or
supply adequacy of the cooling system.
B. Inspect window units, through-wall units, or electronic air filters.
C. Operate equipment or systems if exterior temperature is below 60 degrees
Fahrenheit or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or
may damage the equipment.
D. Inspect or determine thermostat calibration, heat anticipation or automatic
setbacks or clocks.
E. Examine electrical current, coolant fluids or gases, or coolant leakage.
2.6. Plumbing
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I. The inspector
shall:
A. Verify the
presence of and identify the location of the main water shutoff valve.
B. Inspect the water heating equipment, including combustion air, venting,
connections, energy sources, seismic bracing, and verify the presence or absence
of temperature-pressure relief valves and/or Watts 210 valves.
C. Flush toilets.
D. Run water in sinks, tubs, and showers.
E. Inspect the interior water supply including all fixtures and faucets.
F. Inspect the drain, waste and vent systems, including all fixtures.
G. Describe any visible fuel storage systems.
H. Inspect the drainage sump pumps testing sumps with accessible floats.
I. Inspect and describe the water supply, drain, waste and main fuel shut-off
valves, as well as the location of the water main and main fuel shut-off valves.
J. Inspect and determine if the water supply is public or private.
K. Inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the water supply by
viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously.
L. Inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in installation and
identification of hot and cold faucets.
M. Inspect and report as in need of repair mechanical drain-stops that are
missing or do not operate if installed in sinks, lavatories and tubs.
N. Inspect and report as in need of repair commodes that have cracks in the
ceramic material, are improperly mounted on the floor, leak, or have tank
components which do not operate.
II. The
inspector is not required to:
A. Light or
ignite pilot flames.
B. Determine the size, temperature, age, life expectancy or adequacy of the
water heater.
C. Inspect interiors of flues or chimneys, water softening or filtering systems,
well pumps or tanks, safety or shut-of valves, floor drains, lawn sprinkler
systems or fire sprinkler systems.
D. Determine the exact flow rate, volume, pressure, temperature, or adequacy of
the water supply.
E. Determine the water quality or potability or the reliability of the water
supply or source.
F. Open sealed plumbing access panels.
G. Inspect clothes washing machines or their connections.
H. Operate any main, branch or fixture valve.
I. Test shower
pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for leakage.
J. Evaluate the compliance with local or state conservation or energy standards,
or the proper design or sizing of any water, waste or venting components,
fixtures or piping.
K. Determine the effectiveness of anti-siphon, back-flow prevention or
drain-stop devices.
L. Determine whether there are sufficient clean-outs for effective cleaning of
drains.
M. Evaluate gas, liquid propane or oil storage tanks.
N. Inspect any private sewage waste disposal system or component of.
O. Inspect water treatment systems or water filters.
P. Inspect water storage tanks, pressure pumps or bladder tanks.
Q. Evaluate time
to obtain hot water at fixtures, or perform testing of any kind to water heater
elements.
R. Evaluate or
determine the adequacy of combustion air.
S. Test,
operate, open or close safety controls, manual stop valves and/or temperature or
pressure relief valves.
T. Examine
ancillary systems or components, such as, but not limited to, those relating to
solar water heating, hot water circulation.
U. Determine the
existence or condition of polybutylene plumbing.
2.7. Electrical
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I. The inspector
shall inspect:
A. The service
line.
B. The meter box.
C. The main disconnect.
D. And determine the rating of the service amperage.
E. Panels, breakers and fuses.
F. The service grounding and bonding.
H. A representative number of switches, receptacles, light fixtures, AFCI
receptacles
I. And test all
GFCI receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCI's
during the inspection.
I. And report
the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring if readily
visible.
J. And report on any GFCI-tested receptacles in which power is not present,
polarity is incorrect, the receptacle is not grounded, is not secured to the
wall, the cover is not in place, the ground fault circuit interrupter devices
are not properly installed or do not operate properly, or evidence of arcing or
excessive heat is present.
K. The service entrance conductors and the condition of their sheathing.
L. The ground fault circuit interrupters observed and deemed to be GFCI's during
the inspection with a GFCI tester.
M. And describe the amperage rating of the service.
N. And report the absence of smoke detectors.
O. Service entrance cables and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the
integrity of the insulation, drip loop, or separation of conductors at
weatherheads and clearances.
II. The
inspector is not required to:
A. Insert any
tool, probe or device into the main panel, sub-panels, downstream panels, or
electrical fixtures.
B. Operate electrical systems that are shut down.
C. Remove panel covers or dead front covers if not readily accessible.
D. Operate over current protection devices.
E. Operate non-accessible smoke detectors.
F. Measure or determine the amperage or voltage of the main service if not
visibly labeled.
G. Inspect the alarm system and components.
H. Inspect the ancillary wiring or remote control devices.
I. Activate any electrical systems or branch circuits which are not energized.
J. Operate overload devices.
K. Inspect low voltage systems, electrical de-icing tapes, swimming pool wiring
or any time-controlled devices.
L. Verify the continuity of the connected service ground.
M. Inspect private or emergency electrical supply sources, including but not
limited to generators, windmills, photovoltaic solar collectors, or battery or
electrical storage facility.
N. Inspect spark or lightning arrestors.
O. Conduct voltage drop calculations.
P. Determine the accuracy of breaker labeling.
2.8. Fireplace
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I. The inspector
shall inspect:
A. The
fireplace, and open and close the damper door if readily accessible and
operable.
B. Hearth extensions and other permanently installed components.
C. And report as in need of repair deficiencies in the lintel, hearth and
material surrounding the fireplace, including clearance from combustible
materials
II. The
inspector is not required to:
A. Inspect the
flue or vent system.
B. Inspect the interior of chimneys or flues, fire doors or screens, seals or
gaskets, or mantels.
C. Determine the need for a chimney sweep.
D. Operate gas fireplace inserts.
E. Light pilot flames.
F. Determine the appropriateness of such installation.
G. Inspect automatic fuel feed devices.
H. Inspect combustion and/or make-up air devices.
I. Inspect heat distribution assists whether gravity controlled or fan assisted.
J. Ignite or extinguish fires.
K. Determine draft characteristics.
L. Move fireplace inserts, stoves, or firebox contents.
M. Determine adequacy of draft, perform a smoke test or dismantle or remove any
component.
N. Perform an
NFPA inspection.
2.9. Attic,
Ventilation & Insulation
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I. The inspector
shall inspect:
A. The
insulation in unfinished spaces.
B. The ventilation of attic spaces.
C. Mechanical ventilation systems.
D. And report on the general absence or lack of insulation.
II. The
inspector is not required to:
A. Enter the
attic or unfinished spaces that are not readily accessible or where entry could
cause damage or pose a safety hazard to the inspector in his or her opinion.
B. To move, touch, or disturb insulation.
C. To move, touch or disturb vapor retarders.
D. Break or otherwise damage the surface finish or weather seal on or around
access panels and covers.
E. Identify the composition of or the exact R-value of insulation material.
F. Activate thermostatically operated fans.
G. Determine the types of materials used in insulation/wrapping of pipes, ducts,
jackets, boilers, and wiring.
H. Determine
adequacy of ventilation.
2.10. Doors,
Windows & Interior
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I. The inspector
shall:
A. Open and
close a representative number of doors and windows.
B. Inspect the walls, ceilings, steps, stairways, and railings.
C. And report as
in need of repair any spacings between intermediate balusters, spindles, or
rails for steps, stairways, and railings that permit the passage of an object
greater than four inches in diameter.
D. Inspect garage doors and garage door openers by operating first by remote (if
available) and then by the installed automatic door control.
E. And report as in need of repair any installed electronic sensors that are not
operable or not installed at proper heights above the garage door.
F. And report as in need of repair any door locks or side ropes that have not
been removed or disabled when garage door opener is in use.
G. And report as in need of repair any windows that are obviously fogged or
display other evidence of broken seals.
II. The
inspector is not required to:
A. Inspect
paint, wallpaper, window treatments or finish treatments.
B. Inspect central vacuum systems.
C. Inspect safety glazing.
D. Inspect security systems or components.
E. Evaluate the fastening of countertops, cabinets, sink tops and fixtures, or
firewall compromises.
F. Move furniture, stored items, or any coverings like carpets or rugs in order
to inspect the concealed floor structure.
G. Move drop ceiling tiles.
H. Inspect or move any household appliances..
I. Inspect or operate equipment housed in the garage except as otherwise noted.
J. Verify or certify safe operation of any auto reverse or related safety
function of a garage door.
K. Operate or evaluate security bar release and opening mechanisms, whether
interior or exterior, including compliance with local, state, or federal
standards.
L. Operate any system, appliance or component that requires the use of special
keys, codes, combinations, or devices.
M. Operate or evaluate self-cleaning oven cycles, tilt guards/latches or signal
lights.
N. Inspect microwave ovens or test leakage from microwave ovens.
O. Operate or examine any sauna, steam-jenny, kiln, toaster, ice-maker,
coffee-maker, can-opener, bread-warmer, blender, instant hot water dispenser, or
other small, ancillary devices.
P. Inspect elevators.
Q. Inspect remote controls.
R. Inspect appliances.
S. Inspect items not permanently installed.
T. Examine or operate any above-ground, movable, freestanding, or otherwise
non-permanently installed pool/spa, recreational equipment or self-contained
equipment.
U. Come into contact with any pool or spa water in order to determine the system
structure or components.
V. Determine the adequacy of spa jet water force or bubble effect.
W. Determine the structural integrity or leakage of a pool or spa.
3. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions
3.1.
Limitations:
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I. An inspection
is not technically exhaustive.
II. An inspection will not identify concealed or latent defects.
III. An inspection will not deal with aesthetic concerns or what could be deemed
matters of taste, cosmetic, etc.
IV. An inspection will not determine the suitability of the property for any
use.
V. An inspection does not determine the market value of the property or its
marketability.
VI. An
inspection does not determine the insurability of the property.
VI. An inspection does not determine the advisability or inadvisability of the
purchase of the inspected property.
VIII. An inspection does not determine the life expectancy of the property or
any components or systems therein.
IX. An inspection does not include items not permanently installed.
X. These Standards of Practice apply only to homes with four or fewer dwelling
units.
3.2. Exclusions:
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I. The
inspectors are not required to determine:
A. Property
boundary lines or encroachments.
B. The condition of any component or system that is not readily accessible.
C. The service life expectancy of any component or system.
D. The size, capacity, BTU, performance, or efficiency of any component or
system.
E. The cause or reason of any condition.
F. The cause for the need of repair or replacement of any system or component.
G. Future conditions.
H. The compliance with codes or regulations.
I. The presence of evidence of rodents, animals or insects.
J. The presence of mold, mildew or fungus.
K. The presence of air-borne hazards.
L. The presence of birds.
M. The presence of other flora or fauna.
N. The air quality.
O. The existence of asbestos.
P. The existence of environmental hazards.
Q. The existence of electro-magnetic fields.
R. The presence of hazardous materials including, but not limited to, the
presence of lead in paint.
S. Any hazardous waste conditions.
T. Any manufacturer recalls or conformance with manufacturer installation or any
information included in the consumer protection bulletin.
U. Operating costs of systems.
V. Replacement or repair cost estimates.
W. The acoustical properties of any systems.
X. Estimates of how much it will cost to run any given system.
II. The
inspectors are not required to operate:
A. Any system
that is shut down.
B. Any system that does not function properly.
C. Or evaluate low voltage electrical systems such as, but not limited to:
1. Phone lines.
2. Cable lines.
3. Antennae.
4. Lights.
5. Remote controls.
D. Any system that does not turn on with the use of normal operating controls.
E. Any shut off valves or manual stop valves.
F. Any electrical disconnect or over current protection devices.
G. Any alarm systems.
H. Moisture meters, gas detectors or similar equipment.
III. The
inspectors are not required to:
A. Move any
personal items or other obstructions, such as, but not limited to:
1. Throw rugs.
2. Furniture.
3. Floor or wall coverings.
4. Ceiling tiles
5. Window coverings.
6. Equipment.
7. Plants.
8. Ice.
9. Debris.
10. Snow.
11. Water.
12. Dirt.
13. Foliage.
14. Pets
B. Dismantle,
open, or uncover any system or component.
C. Enter or access any area which may, in the opinion of the inspector, to be
unsafe or risk personal safety.
D. Enter crawlspaces or other areas that are unsafe or not readily accessible.
E. Inspect underground items such as, but not limited to, underground storage
tanks or other indications of their presence, whether abandoned or actively
used.
F. Do anything which, in the inspector's opinion, is likely to be unsafe or
dangerous to the inspector or others or damage property, such as, but not
limited to, walking on roof surfaces, climbing ladders, entering attic spaces or
negotiating with dogs.
G. Inspect decorative items.
H. Inspect common elements or areas in multi-unit housing.
I. Inspect intercoms, speaker systems, radio-controlled, security devices or
lawn irrigation systems.
J. Offer guarantees or warranties.
K. Offer or perform any engineering services.
L. Offer or perform any trade or professional service other than home
inspection.
M. Research the history of the property, report on its potential for alteration,
modification, extendibility, or its suitability for a specific or proposed use
for occupancy.
N. Determine the age of construction or installation of any system structure, or
component of a building, or differentiate between original construction or
subsequent additions, improvements, renovations or replacements thereto.
O. Determine the insurability of a property.
P. Perform or
offer Phase 1 environmental audits.
Q. Inspect on
any system or component which is not included in these standards.
4. Glossary of Terms
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4.1. Accessible:
Can be approached or entered by the inspector safely, without difficulty, fear
or danger.
4.2. Activate:
To turn on, supply power, or enable systems, equipment, or devices to become
active by normal operating controls. Examples include turning on the gas or
water supply valves to the fixtures and appliances and activating electrical
breakers or fuses.
4.3. Adversely
Affect: Constitute, or potentially constitute, a negative or destructive impact.
4.4. Alarm
System: Warning devices, installed or free-standing, including but not limited
to: Carbon monoxide detectors, flue gas and other spillage detectors, security
equipment, ejector pumps and smoke alarms.
4.5. Appliance:
A household device operated by use of electricity or gas. Not included in this
definition are components covered under central heating, central cooling or
plumbing.
4.6.
Architectural Service: Any practice involving the art and science of building
design for construction of any structure or grouping of structures and the use
of space within and surrounding the structures or the design, design
development, preparation of construction contract documents, and administration
of the construction contract.
4.7. Component:
A permanently installed or attached fixture, element or part of a system.
4.8. Condition:
The visible and conspicuous state of being of an object.
4.9. Crawlspace:
The area within the confines of the foundation and between the ground and the
underside of the lowest floor structural component.
4.10.
Decorative: Ornamental; not required for the operation of essential systems and
components of a home.
4.11. Describe:
Report in writing a system or component by its type, or other observed
characteristics, to distinguish it from other components used for the same
purpose.
4.12. Determine:
To arrive at an opinion or conclusion pursuant to examination.
4.13. Dismantle:
To open, take apart or remove any component, device or piece that would not
typically be opened, taken apart or removed by an ordinary occupant.
4.14.
Engineering Service: Any professional service or creative work requiring
engineering education, training, and experience and the application of special
knowledge of the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences to such
professional service or creative work as consultation, investigation,
evaluation, planning, design and supervision of construction for the purpose of
assuring compliance with the specifications and design, in conjunction with
structures, buildings, machines, equipment, works or processes.
4.15. Enter: To
go into an area to observe visible components.
4.16. Evaluate:
To assess the systems, structures or components of a dwelling.
4.17. Examine:
To visually look. See Inspect.
4.18.
Foundation: The base upon which the structure or wall rests; usually masonry,
concrete, or stone, and generally partially underground.
4.19. Function:
The action for which an item, component, or system is specially fitted or used
or for which an item, component or system exists; to be in action or perform a
task.
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 in
accordance with these Standards of Practice.
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.
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