1. Inspector Role, Scope, SOP and Safety
A residential home inspection is principally visual and non-invasive. Inspect readily accessible installed systems and components using normal operating controls where appropriate. Do not create a hazardous condition, dismantle beyond the applicable SOP, or alter the property simply to determine why something is not operating. (cid:127) If a water or fuel shutoff valve is closed, leave it closed unless your SOP, contract, owner authorization, and safe procedure specifically support operation. You do not know why it was shut off. (cid:127) Do not energize an off breaker merely to see what happens. Document the condition and limitation. (cid:127) Do not move beds, large furniture, stored goods, appliances, ceiling tiles, insulation, or finishes merely to expose concealed components unless the inspection agreement explicitly includes that action and it is safe. (cid:127) Use normal controls: switches, thermostats, faucets, fixture controls and appliance controls when safe and within scope. (cid:127) Stop when conditions create an unreasonable risk: suspected significant gas leak, unsafe electrical exposure, unstable structure, unsafe roof access, aggressive animals, biological hazards, fire, flooding, or other immediate hazards. Recommendation Language Avoid Prefer This is illegal. A safety concern/defect was observed; correction is recommended. This is not up to code. The observed installation differs from commonly accepted/current practice; evaluation/correction is recommended. This is mold. Fungal/microbial-like growth or staining was observed; composition was not laboratory confirmed. This contains asbestos. The material is of a type/era that may contain asbestos; laboratory testing is required for confirmation. The foundation is failing. Cracking/displacement/movement indicators were observed; structural evaluation is recommended when warranted. Residential Home Inspection Course - Master Binder Page 4