| ASHI New England Standards |
| ASHI
New England members adhere to the Standards of Practice prescribed
by the national organization. Excerpts from the "The
Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society
of Home Inspectors®" of the national organization
are presented (with permission) below.
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"The ASHI Standards
of Practice guide home inspectors in the performance of their
inspections. Subject to regular review, the Standards of Practice
reflect information gained through surveys of conditions in
the field and of the consumers’ interests and concerns.
Vigilance has elevated ASHI’s Standards of Practice so
that today they are the most widely-accepted home inspection
guidelines in use and are recognized by many government and
professional groups as the definitive standard for professional
performance."
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| 1.
Introduction |
1.1 The American
Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is a not-for-profit professional
society established in 1976. Membership in ASHI is voluntary
and its members include private, fee-paid home inspectors.
ASHI’s objectives include promotion of excellence within
the profession and continual improvement of its members’
inspection services to the public.
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| 2.
Purpose and Scope |
2.1 The purpose of these
Standards of Practice is to establish a minimum and uniform
standard for private, fee-paid home inspectors who are members
of the American Society of Home Inspectors. Home Inspections
performed to these Standards of Practice are intended to provide
the client with
information regarding the condition of the systems
and components of the home as inspected at
the time of the Home Inspection.
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| 2.2 The
inspector shall: |
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A.
inspect: |
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1. readily accessible
systems and components of homes listed in these
Standards of Practice.
2. installed systems and components of homes
listed in these Standards of Practice. |
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B.
report: |
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1. on those systems
and components inspected which, in the professional
opinion of the inspector, are significantly deficient
or are near the end of their service lives.
2. a reason why, if not self-evident, the system or
component is significantly deficient or near
the end of its service life.
3. the inspector’s recommendations to correct
or monitor the reported deficiency.
4. on any systems and components designated
for inspection in these Standards of Practice which were present
at the time of the Home Inspection but were not inspected
and a reason they were not inspected. |
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| 2.3 These
Standards of Practice are not intended to limit inspectors
from: |
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A. including other inspection
services, systems or components in addition
to those required by these Standards of Practice.
B. specifying repairs, provided the inspector is appropriately
qualified and willing to do so.
C. excluding systems and components from the
inspection if requested by the client. |
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| 3.
Structual System |
| 3.1 The
inspector shall: |
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A.
inspect: |
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1. the structural
components including foundation and framing.
2. by probing a representative number of structural
components where deterioration is suspected or where
clear indications of possible deterioration exist. Probing
is NOT required when probing would damage any finished surface
or where no deterioration is visible. |
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B.
describe: |
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1. the foundation and
report the methods used to inspect the
under-floor crawl space.
2. the floor structure.
3. the wall structure.
4. the ceiling structure.
5. the roof structure and report the methods used to
inspect the attic. |
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| 3.2 The
inspector is NOT required to: |
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A. provide
any engineering service or architectural service.
B. offer an opinion as to the adequacy of any structural
system or component. |
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| 4.
Exterior |
| 4.1
The inspector shall: |
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A.
inspect: |
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1. the exterior wall
covering, flashing and trim.
2. all exterior doors.
3. attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and
their associated railings.
4. the eaves, soffits, and fascias where accessible from the
ground level.
5. the vegetation, grading, surface drainage, and retaining
walls on the property when any of these are likely to adversely
affect the building.
6. walkways, patios, and driveways leading to dwelling entrances.
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B.
describe the exterior wall covering. |
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| 4.2 The
inspector is NOT required to: |
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A.
inspect: |
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1. screening, shutters,
awnings, and similar seasonal accessories.
2. fences.
3. geological, geotechnical or hydrological conditions.
4. recreational facilities.
5. outbuildings.
6. seawalls, break-walls, and docks.
7. erosion control and earth stabilization measures. |
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| 5.
Roof System |
| 5.1 The
inspector shall: |
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A.
inspect: |
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1. the roof covering.
2. the roof drainage systems.
3. the flashings.
4. the skylights, chimneys, and roof
penetrations. |
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B.
describe the roof covering and report the
methods used to inspect the roof. |
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| 5.2 The
inspector is NOT required to: |
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A.
inspect: |
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1. antennae.
2. interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily
accessible.
3. other installed accessories. |
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| 6.
Plumbing System |
| 6.1
The inspector shall: |
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A.
inspect: |
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1. the interior water
supply and distribution systems including all fixtures
and faucets.
2. the drain, waste and vent systems including all
fixtures.
3. the water heating equipment.
4. the vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
5. the fuel storage and fuel distribution systems.
6. the drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related piping. |
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B.
describe: |
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1. the water supply,
drain, waste, and vent piping materials.
2. the water heating equipment including the energy source.
3. the location of main water and main fuel shutoff valves. |
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| 6.2 The
inspector is NOT required to: |
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A.
inspect: |
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1. the clothes washing
machine connections.
2. the interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily
accessible.
3. wells, well pumps, or water storage related equipment.
4. water conditioning systems.
5. solar water heating systems.
6. fire and lawn sprinkler systems.
7. private waste disposal systems. |
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B.
determine: |
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1. whether water supply
and waste disposal systems are public or private.
2. the quantity or quality of the water supply. |
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C.
operate safety valves or shut-off valves. |
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| 7.
Electrical System |
| 7.1
The inspector shall: |
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A.
inspect: |
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1. the service drop.
2. the service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways.
3. the service equipment and main disconnects.
4. the service grounding.
5. the interior components of service panels and sub
panels.
6. the conductors.
7. the overcurrent protection devices.
8. a representative number of installed lighting
fixtures, switches, and receptacles.
9. the ground fault circuit interrupters. |
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B.
describe: |
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1. the amperage and
voltage rating of the service.
2. the location of main disconnect(s) and sub panels.
3. the wiring methods. |
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C.
report: |
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1. on the presence of
solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring.
2. on the absence of smoke detectors. |
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| 7.2 The
inspector is NOT required to: |
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A.
inspect: |
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1. the remote control
devices unless the device is the only control device.
2. the alarm systems and components.
3. the low voltage wiring, systems and components.
4. the ancillary wiring, systems and components
not a part of the primary electrical power distribution system. |
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B.
measure amperage, voltage, or impedance. |
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| 8.
Heating System |
| 8.1
The inspector shall |
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A.
inspect: |
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1. the installed
heating equipment.
2. the vent systems, flues, and chimneys. |
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B.
describe: |
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1. the energy source.
2. the heating method by its distinguishing characteristics. |
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| 8.2
The inspector is NOT required to: |
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A.
inspect: |
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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. |
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B.
determine heat supply adequacy or distribution balance. |
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| 9.
Air Conditioning System |
| 9.1
The inspector shall: |
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A.
inspect the installed central and through-wall
cooling equipment. |
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B.
describe: |
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1. the energy source
2. the cooling method by its distinguishing characteristics. |
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| 9.2
The inspector is NOT required to: |
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A.
inspect electronic air filters. |
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B.
determine cooling supply adequacy or distribution balance. |
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| 10.
Interior |
| 10.1
The inspector shall: |
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A.
inspect: |
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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. |
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| 10.2
The inspector is NOT required to: |
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A.
inspect: |
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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. |
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| 11.
Insulation and Ventilation |
| 11.1
The inspector shall: |
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A.
inspect: |
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1. the insulation and
vapor retarders in unfinished spaces.
2. the ventilation of attics and foundation areas.
3. the mechanical ventilation systems. |
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B.
describe: |
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1. the insulation and
vapor retarders in unfinished spaces.
2. the absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at conditioned
surfaces. |
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| 11.2
The inspector is NOT required to: |
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A.
disturb insulation or vapor retarders. |
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B.
determine indoor air quality. |
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| 12.
Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances |
| 12.1
The inspector shall: |
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A.
inspect: |
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1. the system components.
2. the vent systems, flues, and chimneys. |
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B.
describe: |
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1. the fireplaces and
solid fuel burning appliances.
2. the chimneys. |
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| 12.2
The inspector is NOT required to: |
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A.
inspect: |
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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 mantels and fireplace surrounds.
6. the combustion make-up air devices.
7. the heat distribution assists whether gravity controlled
or fan assisted. |
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B.
ignite or extinguish fires. |
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C.
determine draft characteristics. |
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D.
move fireplace inserts or stoves or firebox contents. |
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| 13.
General Limitations and Exclusions |
| 13.1
General limitations: |
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A.
Inspections performed in accordance with these Standards of
Practice |
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1. are not technically
exhaustive.
2. will not identify concealed conditions or latent defects. |
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B.
These Standards of Practice are applicable to buildings with
four or fewer dwelling units and their garages or carports. |
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| 13.2
General exclusions: |
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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. |
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B.
Inspectors are NOT required to determine: |
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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. future conditions including, but not limited to, failure
of systems and components.
7. the suitability of the property for any specialized use.
8. compliance with regulatory requirements (codes, regulations,
laws, ordinances, etc.).
9. the market value of the property or its marketability.
10. the advisability of the purchase of the property.
11. the presence of potentially hazardous plants or animals
including, but not limited to wood destroying organisms or diseases
harmful to humans.
12. the presence of any environmental hazards including, but
not limited to toxins, carcinogens, noise, and contaminants
in soil, water, and air.
13. the effectiveness of any system installed or methods
utilized to control or remove suspected hazardous substances.
14. the operating costs of systems or components.
15. the acoustical properties of any system or component. |
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C.
Inspectors are NOT required to offer: |
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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. |
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D.
Inspectors are NOT required to operate: |
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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. |
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E. Inspectors are NOT required to enter: |
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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 its systems or components.
2. the under-floor crawl spaces or attics which are
not readily accessible. |
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F.
Inspectors are NOT required to inspect: |
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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 multiunit housing, such
as condominium properties or cooperative housing. |
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G.
Inspectors are NOT required to: |
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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 its 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 o fPractice. |
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| © Copyright 2000
American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.® All rights reserved. |
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