INSPECT Home Inspection Service

ALABAMA STANDARDS by which Alabama Home Inspections are to be completed:

ASHI STANDARD OF PRACTICE FOR HOME INSPECTIONS

Effective March 1, 2014

2. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
2.1 The purpose of this document is to establish a minimum standard (Standard) for home inspections
performed by home inspectors who subscribe to this Standard. Home inspections performed using this
Standard are intended to provide the client with information about the condition of inspected systems and
components at the time of the home inspection.
2.2 The inspector shall:
A. inspect readily accessible, visually observable, installed systems and components listed in this Standard.
B. provide the client with a written report, using a format and medium selected by the inspector, that
states:
1. those systems and components inspected that, in the professional judgment of the inspector, are
not functioning properly, significantly deficient, unsafe, or are near the end of their service lives,
2. recommendations to correct, or monitor for future correction, the deficiencies reported in 2.2.B.1,
or items needing further evaluation (Per Exclusion 13.2.A.5 the inspector is NOT required to
determine methods, materials, or costs of corrections.),
3. reasoning or explanation as to the nature of the deficiencies reported in 2.2.B.1, that are not self-evident,
4. those systems and components designated for inspection in this Standard that were present at the
time of the home inspection but were not inspected and the reason(s) they were not inspected.
C. adhere to the ASHI® Code of Ethics for the Home Inspection Profession.
2.3 This Standard is not intended to limit the inspector from:
A. including other services or systems and components in addition to those required in Section 2.2.A.
B. designing or specifying repairs, provided the inspector is appropriately qualified and willing to do
so.
C. excluding systems and components from the inspection if requested or agreed to by the client.

3. STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
3.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect structural components including the foundation and framing.
B. describe:
1. the methods used to inspect under‐floor crawlspaces and attics.
2. the foundation.
3. the floor structure.
4. the wall structure.
5. the ceiling structure.
6. the roof structure.
3.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. provide engineering or architectural services or analysis.
B. offer an opinion about the adequacy of structural systems and components.
C. enter under‐floor crawlspace areas that have less than 24 inches of vertical clearance between
components and the ground or that have an access opening smaller than 16 inches by 24 inches.
D. traverse attic load‐bearing components that are concealed by insulation or by other materials.

4. EXTERIOR
4.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. wall coverings, flashing, and trim.
2. exterior doors.
3. attached and adjacent decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and their associated railings.
4. eaves, soffits, and fascias where accessible from the ground level.
5. vegetation, grading, surface drainage, and retaining walls that are likely to adversely affect the
building.
6. adjacent and entryway walkways, patios, and driveways.

B. describe wall coverings.
4.2 The inspector is NOT required to inspect:
A. screening, shutters, awnings, and similar seasonal accessories.
B. fences, boundary walls, and similar structures.
C. geological and soil conditions.
D. recreational facilities.
E. outbuildings other than garages and carports.
F. seawalls, break‐walls, and docks.
G. erosion control and earth stabilization measures.

5. ROOFING
5.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. roofing materials.
2. roof drainage systems.
3. flashing.
4. skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations.
B. describe:
1. roofing materials.
2. methods used to inspect the roofing.
5.2 The inspector is NOT required to inspect:
A. antennae.
B. interiors of vent systems, flues, and chimneys that are not readily accessible.
C. other installed accessories.

6. PLUMBING
6.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. interior water supply and distribution systems including fixtures and faucets.
2. interior drain, waste, and vent systems including fixtures.
3. water heating equipment and hot water supply systems.
4. vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
5. fuel storage and fuel distribution systems.
6. sewage ejectors, sump pumps, and related piping.
B. describe:
1. interior water supply, drain, waste, and vent piping materials.
2. water heating equipment including energy source(s).
3. location of main water and fuel shut‐off valves.
6.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. clothes washing machine connections.
2. interiors of vent systems, flues, and chimneys that are not readily accessible.
3. wells, well pumps, and water storage related equipment.
4. water conditioning systems.
5. solar, geothermal, and other renewable energy water heating systems.
6. manual and automatic fire extinguishing and sprinkler systems and landscape irrigation systems.
7. septic and other sewage disposal systems.

B. determine:
1. whether water supply and sewage disposal are public or private.
2. water quality.
3. the adequacy of combustion air components.
C. measure water supply flow and pressure, and well water quantity.
D. fill shower pans and fixtures to test for leaks.

7. ELECTRICAL
7.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. service drop.
2. service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways.
3. service equipment and main disconnects.
4. service grounding.
5. interior components of service panels and sub-panels.
6. conductors.
7. overcurrent protection devices.
8. a representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles.
9. ground fault circuit interrupters and arc fault circuit interrupters.
B. describe:
1. amperage rating of the service.
2. location of main disconnect(s) and sub-panels.
3. presence or absence of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
4. the predominant branch circuit wiring method.

7.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. remote control devices.
2. or test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, security systems, and other signaling and warning
devices.
3. low voltage wiring systems and components.
4. ancillary wiring systems and components not a part of the primary electrical power distribution
system.
5. solar, geothermal, wind, and other renewable energy systems.
B. measure amperage, voltage, and impedance.
C. determine the age and type of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

8. HEATING
8.1 The inspector shall:
A. open readily openable access panels.
B. inspect:
1. installed heating equipment.
2. vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
3. distribution systems.
C. describe:
1. energy source(s).
2. heating systems.
8.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. interiors of vent systems, flues, and chimneys that are not readily accessible.
2. heat exchangers.
3. humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
4. electric air cleaning and sanitizing devices.
5. heating systems using ground-source, water-source,solar and renewable energy technologies.
6. heat‐recovery and similar whole‐house mechanical ventilation systems.
B. determine:
1. heat supply adequacy and distribution balance.
2. the adequacy of combustion air components.

9. AIR CONDITIONING
9.1 The inspector shall:
A. open readily openable access panels.
B. inspect:
1. central and permanently installed cooling equipment.
2. distribution systems.
C. describe:
1. energy source(s).
2. cooling systems.
9.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect electric air cleaning and sanitizing devices.
B. determine cooling supply adequacy and distribution balance.
C. inspect cooling units that are not permanently installed or that are installed in windows.

D. inspect cooling systems using ground-source, water-source, solar, and renewable energy technologies.
10. INTERIORS
10.1 The inspector shall inspect:
A. walls, ceilings, and floors.
B. steps, stairways, and railings.
C. countertops and a representative number of installed cabinets.
D. a representative number of doors and windows.
E. garage vehicle doors and garage vehicle door operators.
F. installed ovens, ranges, surface cooking appliances, microwave ovens, dishwashing machines, and
food waste grinders by using normal operating controls to activate the primary function.
10.2 The inspector is NOT required to inspect:
A. paint, wallpaper, and other finish treatments.
B. floor coverings.
C. window treatments.
D. coatings on and the hermetic seals between panes of window glass.
E. central vacuum systems.
F. recreational facilities.
G. installed and free‐standing kitchen and laundry appliances not listed in Section 10.1.F.
H. appliance thermostats including their calibration, adequacy of heating elements, self cleaning
oven cycles, indicator lights, door seals, timers, clocks, timed features, and other specialized features
of the appliance.
I. operate, or confirm the operation of every control and feature of an inspected appliance.

11. INSULATION AND VENTILATION
11.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces.
2. ventilation of attics and foundation areas.
3. kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and similar exhaust systems.
4. clothes dryer exhaust systems.
B. describe:
1. insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces.
2. absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at conditioned surfaces.

11.2 The inspector is NOT required to disturb insulation.

12. FIREPLACES AND FUEL‐BURNING APPLIANCES
12.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. fuel‐burning fireplaces, stoves, and fireplace inserts.
2. fuel‐burning accessories installed in fireplaces.
3. chimneys and vent systems.
B. describe systems and components listed in 12.1.A 1 and 2.
12.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. interiors of vent systems, flues, and chimneys that are not readily accessible.
2. fire screens and doors.
3. seals and gaskets.
4. automatic fuel feed devices.
5. mantles and fireplace surrounds.
6. combustion air components and to determine their adequacy.
7. heat distribution assists (gravity fed and fan assisted).
8. fuel‐burning fireplaces and appliances located outside the inspected structures.
B. determine draft characteristics.
C. move fireplace inserts and stoves or firebox contents.

13. GENERAL LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
13.1 General limitations
A. The inspector is NOT required to perform actions, or to make determinations, or to make
recommendations not specifically stated in this Standard.
B. Inspections performed using this Standard:
1. are not technically exhaustive.
2. are not required to identify and to report:
a. concealed conditions, latent defects, consequential damages, and
b. cosmetic imperfections that do not significantly affect a component’s performance of its
intended function.
C. This Standard applies to buildings with four or fewer dwelling units and their attached and
detached garages and carports.
D. This Standard shall not limit or prevent the inspector from meeting state statutes which license
professional home inspection and home inspectors.
E. Redundancy in the description of the requirements, limitations, and exclusions regarding the
scope of the home inspection is provided for emphasis only.
13.2 General exclusions
A. The inspector is NOT required to determine:
1. the condition of systems and components that are not readily accessible.
2. the remaining life expectancy of systems and components.
3. the strength, adequacy, effectiveness, and efficiency of systems and components.
4. the causes of conditions and deficiencies.
5. methods, materials, and costs of corrections.
6. future conditions including but not limited to failure of systems and components.
7. the suitability of the property for specialized uses.
8. compliance of systems and components with past and present requirements and guidelines
(codes, regulations, laws, ordinances, specifications, installation and maintenance instructions, use
and care guides, etc.).

9. the market value of the property and its marketability.
10. the advisability of purchasing the property.
11. the presence of plants, animals, and other life forms and substances that may be hazardous or
harmful to humans including, but not limited to, wood destroying organisms, molds and mold-like
substances.
12. the presence of environmental hazards including, but not limited to, allergens, toxins,
carcinogens, electromagnetic radiation, noise, radioactive substances, and contaminants in
building materials, soil, water, and air.
13. the effectiveness of systems installed and methods used to control or remove suspected
hazardous plants, animals, and environmental hazards.
14. operating costs of systems and components.
15. acoustical properties of systems and components.
16. soil conditions relating to geotechnical or hydrologic specialties.
17. whether items, materials, conditions and components are subject to recall, controversy,
litigation, product liability, and other adverse claims and conditions.
B. The inspector is NOT required to offer:
1. or to perform acts or services contrary to law or to government regulations.
2. or to perform architectural, engineering, contracting, or surveying services or to confirm or to
evaluate such services performed by others.
3. or to perform trades or professional services other than home inspection.
4. warranties or guarantees.
C. The inspector is NOT required to operate:
1. systems and components that are shut down or otherwise inoperable.
2. systems and components that do not respond to normal operating controls.
3. shut‐off valves and manual stop valves.
4. automatic safety controls.
D. The inspector is NOT required to enter:
1. areas that will, in the professional judgment of the inspector, likely be dangerous to the inspector
or to other persons, or to damage the property or its systems and components.

2. under‐floor crawlspaces and attics that are not readily accessible.
E. The inspector is NOT required to inspect:
1. underground items including, but not limited to, underground storage tanks and other
underground indications of their presence, whether abandoned or active.
2. items that are not installed.
3. installed decorative items.
4. items in areas that are not entered in accordance with 13.2.D.
5. detached structures other than garages and carports.
6. common elements and common areas in multi‐unit housing, such as condominium properties
and cooperative housing.
7. every occurrence of multiple similar components.
8. outdoor cooking appliances.
F. The inspector is NOT required to:
1. perform procedures or operations that will, in the professional judgment of the inspector, likely
be dangerous to the inspector or to other persons, or to damage the property or its systems or
components.
2. describe or report on systems and components that are not included in this Standard and that were
not inspected.
3. move personal property, furniture, equipment, plants, soil, snow, ice, and debris.
4. dismantle systems and components, except as explicitly required by this Standard.
5. reset, reprogram, or otherwise adjust devices, systems, and components affected by inspection
required by this Standard.
6. ignite or extinguish fires, pilot lights, burners, and other open flames that require manual
ignition.
7. probe surfaces that would be damaged or where no deterioration is visible or presumed to
exist.

14. GLOSSARY OF ITALICIZED TERMS
Automatic Safety Controls; Devices designed and installed to protect systems and components from unsafe
conditions

Component; A part of a system

Decorative; Ornamental not required for the proper operation of the essential systems and components of
a home

Describe: To identify (in writing) a system and component by its type or other distinguishing
characteristics

Dismantle:To take apart or remove components, devices, or pieces of equipment that would not be taken
apart or removed by a homeowner in the course of normal maintenance

Engineering; The application of scientific knowledge for the design, control, or use of building
structures, equipment, or apparatus

Further Evaluation; Examination and analysis by a qualified professional, tradesman, or service
technician beyond that provided by a home inspection

Home Inspection; The process by which an inspector visually examines the readily accessible systems and
components of a home and describes those systems and components using this Standard

Inspect; The process of examining readily accessible systems and components by (1) applying this Standard,
and (2) operating normal operating controls, and (3) opening readily openable access panels

Inspector; A person hired to examine systems and components of a building using this Standard

Installed; Attached such that removal requires tools

Normal Operating Controls; Devices such as thermostats, switches, and valves intended to be operated
by the homeowner

Readily Accessible; Available for visual inspection without requiring moving of personal property,
dismantling, destructive measures, or actions that will likely involve risk to persons  or property

Readily Openable Access Panel; A panel provided for homeowner inspection and maintenance that is
readily accessible, within normal reach, can be opened by one person, and is not sealed in place

Recreational Facilities; Spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, exercise, entertainment, athletic,
playground and other similar equipment, and associated accessories

Representative Number; One component per room for multiple similar interior components such as
windows and electric receptacles; one component on each side of the building for multiple similar exterior
components

Roof Drainage Systems; Components used to carry water off a roof and away from a building

Shut down; A state in which a system or component can not be operated by normal operation controls

Structural component; A component that supports non-variable  forces or weights (dead loads) a variable forces and weights (live loads)

System; A combination of interacting or interdependent components, assembled to carry out one or more functions

Technically exhaustive; An investigation that involves dismantling, the extensive use of advanced techniques, measurements, instruments, testing, calculations, or other means

Under-floor crawl space; The area within the confines of the foundation and between the ground and the underside of the floor

Unsafe; A condition in a readily accessible, installed system or component that is judged by the inspector to be a  significant risk of serious bodily injury during normal, day-to-day use; the risk may be due to damage, deterioration, improper installation, or a change in accepted residential construction practices

Wall covering; A protective or insulating layer fixed to the outside or a building such as; aluminum, brick, EIFS, stone, stucco, vinyl, and wood

Wiring method; Identification of electrical conductors or wires by there general type, such as non-metallic sheathed cable, armored cable, and knob and tube, Etc.

STATE OF FLORIDA HOME INSPECTION STANDARDS OF PRACTICE:
61-30.801 Standards of Practice, General.
(1) Home inspections performed to these Standards of Practice are intended to provide the client with information
regarding the overall condition of installed systems and components of the home based on observation of the visible
and apparent condition of the structure and components at the time of the home inspection and to report on those
systems and components inspected that, in the professional opinion of the inspector, are significantly deficient or at
the end of their service lives. A home inspection does not include the prediction of future conditions.
(2) These standards shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the inspection process in those areas where the
inspector is qualified and/or has special knowledge.
(3) The inspector shall inspect readily accessible, installed systems and components of homes listed in these
Standards of Practice by using normal operating controls and opening readily operable access panels. Where
multiple instances of the same component exist, a representative number shall be inspected.
(4) The inspector shall inspect and report as required by Section 468.8323, F.S., when required by these standards,
systems or components by their type and/or significant characteristics.
(5) If not self-evident to the client at the time of inspection, the inspector shall give a reason why, in his or her
opinion, the system or component was reported as significantly deficient or near the end of its service life.
(6) The inspector shall make recommendations for correction and/or monitoring, or further evaluation of the
deficiencies that the inspector observed.
(7) These Standards of Practice do not limit inspectors from:
(a) Including other inspection services, in addition to those required by these Standards of Practice;
(b) Specifying repairs, provided the inspector is appropriately qualified;
(c) Excluding systems and components from the inspection if agreed upon in writing by the inspector and client.
Rulemaking Authority 468.8325 FS. Law Implemented 468.8323, 468.832(1)(j) FS. History‒New 10-22-13.
61-30.802 Standards of Practice, Structure.
(1) Structural system and components include the following:
(a) Foundation;
(b) Floor structure;
(c) Wall structure;
(d) Ceiling structure;
(e) Roof structure;
(f) Posts;
(g) Beams;
(h) Columns;
(j) Joists;
(k) Rafters;
(l) Trusses;
(m) Other framing; and
(n) Ventilation of foundation areas.
(2) The inspector shall inspect all of the visible structural systems and components by probing structural components
where deterioration is visible or suspected or where clear indications of possible deterioration exist. Probing is not
required when, in the opinion of the inspector, probing would only further damage any area already identified as
defective or where no deterioration is visible or presumed to exist.
(3) The inspector is not required to enter or traverse any under-floor crawl space or attic, if in the opinion of the
inspector:
(a) An unsafe or unsanitary condition exists;
(b) Enter areas in which inadequate clearance exists to allow the inspector safe entry or traversing;
(c) The potential exists to cause damage to insulation, ductwork, other components or stored items.
(4) The inspector is not required to provide any engineering or architectural services or offer an opinion as to the
adequacy of any structural system or component.
Rulemaking Authority 468.8325 FS. Law Implemented 468.8323, 468.832(1)(j) FS. History‒New 10-22-13.
61-30.803 Standards of Practice, Electrical Systems.
(1) Electrical systems and components include the following:
(a) Service entrance conductors, drip loop, cables, and raceways;
(b) Main service equipment and main disconnects;
(c) Service grounding;
(d) Interior components of main service panels and sub panels;
(e) Conductors;
(f) Over current protection devices;
(g) Readily accessible installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles;
(h) Ground fault circuit interrupters;
(i) Amperage and voltage rating of electrical service;
(j) Main disconnect(s);
(k) Methods or types of wiring;
(l) Smoke detectors;
(m) Carbon monoxide detectors;
(n) Arc fault circuit interrupters.
(2) The inspector shall inspect all of the visible and readily accessible electrical systems and components.
(3) The inspector is not required to inspect:
(a) Remote control devices;
(b) Security alarm systems and components;
(c) Low voltage wiring, systems and components, ancillary wiring and systems and components not a part of the
primary electrical power distribution system;
(d) Generators, photovoltaic solar collectors or battery or electrical storage devices and associated equipment.
(4) The inspector is not required to:
(a) Measure amperage, voltage or impedance;
(b) Perform a load calculation;
(c) Insert any tool, probe, or device into any electrical component;
(d) Determine the accuracy of circuit labeling.
Rulemaking Authority 468.8325 FS. Law Implemented 468.8323, 468.832(1)(j) FS. History‒New 10-22-13.
61-30.804 Standards of Practice, HVAC Systems.
(1) HVAC systems and components include heating and air conditioning systems and components and HVAC
distribution systems and components.
(2) Heating and air conditioning systems and components.
(a) The heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and components include the following:
1. Installed heating equipment;
2. Fuel storage and fuel distribution systems;
3. Vent systems, flues, and chimneys;
4. Ductwork and air distribution components;
5. Mechanical ventilation systems;
6. Heating system energy source(s);
7. Heating system capacity in BTUs or kilowatts.
(b) The inspector shall inspect all readily accessible heating and air conditioning systems and components.
(c) The inspector is not required to inspect:
1. Interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily accessible;
2. Heat exchangers;
3. Humidifiers or dehumidifiers;
4. Electronic air filters, sanitizers, or UV lights;
5. Solar space heating systems;
6. Internal components such as coils and pans.
(3) HVAC distribution systems and components.
(a) The heating and air conditioning (HVAC) distribution systems and components include the following:
1. Energy source;
2. Cooling method by its distinguishing characteristics;
3. The presence of condensate over flow warning/shutoff devices.
(b) The inspector shall inspect readily accessible HVAC distribution systems.
(c) With regards to HVAC distribution systems, the inspector is not required to inspect:
1. Electronic air filters, sanitizers, or UV lights;
2. Humidistats;
3. Automatic HVAC zoned systems, dampers, controls, that are not readily accessible;
4. Removable window air conditioning systems.
(3) The inspector is not required to:
(a) Determine heat supply adequacy or distribution balance;
(b) Operate heat pump systems when ambient temperatures pose the potential for damage to the air conditioning
system;
(c) Determine cooling supply adequacy, distribution balance or indoor air quality;
(d) Operate the air conditioning system when ambient temperatures pose the potential for damage to the air
conditioning system.
Rulemaking Authority 468.8325 FS. Law Implemented 468.8323, 468.832(1)(j) FS. History‒New 10-22-13.
61-30.805 Standards of Practice, Roof Covering.
(1) Roof covering systems and components include the following:
(a) Roofing materials;
(b) Flashings;
(c) Skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations;
(d) Roof drainage systems;
(e) Ventilation of attics; and
(f) Insulation of attics.
(2) The inspector shall inspect all of the visible and readily accessible roof covering systems and components.
(3) The inspector is not required to inspect:
(a) Components or systems that are not readily accessible;
(b) Antenna or other installed accessories;
(c) Interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily accessible.
(4) The inspector is not required to walk on the roof surface when, in the opinion of the inspector, the following
conditions exist:
(a) Roof slope is excessive to safely walk on;
(b) There is no safe access to the roof;
(c) Climatic conditions render the roof unsafe to walk on;
(d) Condition of the roofing material or roof decking renders the roof unsafe to walk on;
(e) Walking on the roof may cause damage to the roof covering materials; and
(f) Walking will place any liability or danger to the homeowner or other representatives involved in the home
inspection process.
(5) The inspector is not required to disturb insulation.
Rulemaking Authority 468.8325 FS. Law Implemented 468.8323, 468.832(1)(j) FS. History‒New 10-22-13.
61-30.806 Standards of Practice, Plumbing System.
(1) Plumbing systems and components include the following:
(a) Interior water supply piping and distribution systems including all fixtures, faucets, and components;
(b) Drain, waste and vent systems, including all plumbing fixtures;
(c) Plumbing related vent systems, flues, and chimneys;
(d) Drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related piping;
(e) Materials used for water supply, drain, waste, and vent piping;
(f) Water heating equipment including the energy source;
(g) Main water and main fuel shut-off valves.
(2) The inspector shall inspect all of the visible and readily accessible plumbing systems and components.
(3) The inspector is not required to inspect:
(a) Wells or water storage related equipment;
(b) Water conditioning systems;
(c) Solar water heating systems;
(d) Fire sprinkler systems;
(e) Private waste disposal systems;
(f) Irrigation system(s).
(4) The inspector is not required to:
(a) Test shower pans, tub and shower surround for leakage;
(b) Operate safety valves or shut-off valves;
(c) Determine whether water supply and waste disposal systems are public or private;
(d) Determine the quantity or quality of the water supply, or if the function flow at the time of the inspection or
thereafter will meet the client’s needs.
Rulemaking Authority 468.8325 FS. Law Implemented 468.8323, 468.832(1)(j) FS. History‒New 10-22-13.
61-30.807 Standards of Practice, Interior Components.
(1) The interior components that shall be inspected include the following:
(a) Interior walls, ceilings, and floors;
(b) Steps, stairways, and railings;
(c) Countertops and representative number of installed cabinets;
(d) Garage doors;
(e) Interior and exterior doors and windows and their operating locks and latches or other opening mechanisms;
(f) Insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces;
(g) Fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances;
(h) Vent systems, flues, and chimneys;
(i) Household appliances.
(2) The inspector shall inspect all of the visible and readily accessible interior components. When inspecting doors
and windows, the inspector may inspect a representative number of doors and windows. The inspector shall inspect
household appliances for normal operation – using normal operating controls to activate a primary function.
Inspectors will not operate systems or appliances with owners’ belongings, or if there is a risk to the property being
inspected. Inspectors will first review the system to be operated and use professional judgment as to whether it is
safe to operate using normal operating controls and report accordingly.
(3) The inspector is not required to inspect:
(a) Paint, wallpaper, window treatments, and other specialty finish treatments;
(b) Carpeting;
(c) Window treatments;
(d) Central vacuum systems;
(e) Recreational facilities;
(f) Fire screens and doors, if not permanently attached;
(g) Seals and gaskets on fireplaces;
(h) Automatic fuel feed devices;
(i) Mantles and fireplace surrounds;
(j) Combustion make-up air devices;
(k) Heat distribution assists whether gravity controlled or fan assisted in fireplaces.
(4) The inspector is not required to:
(a) Open or operate any windows or doors and access covers that are permanently or temporarily secured by
mechanical means, are painted shut, or are blocked by stored items or furniture;
(b) Ignite or extinguish fires;
(c) Light gas fireplaces or heaters, or other unlit pilot light devices;
(d) Determine draft characteristics for fireplaces and chimneys;
(e) Move fireplace inserts or stoves or firebox contents;
(f) Disturb insulation;
(g) Activate any system or appliance that is shut down, disconnected, or otherwise rendered inoperable;
(h) Operate or evaluate any system, component or appliance that does not respond to normal user controls;
(i) Operate any gas appliance that requires the manual lighting of a pilot light or burner device;
(j) Operate any system, appliance or feature that requires the use of special codes, keys, combinations, or devices or
where user manual reference is required;
(k) Operate any system, component, or appliance where in the opinion of the inspector, damage may occur;
(l) Determine thermostat(s) calibration, adequacy of heating elements, operate or evaluate self cleaning cycles, door
seals, indicator lights, timers, clocks or timed features, defrost cycles or frost free features, or other specialist
features as it applies to the appliance device;
(m) Determine leakage from microwaves ovens;
(n) Determine the presence or operation of back draft damper devices in exhaust devices;
(o) Move any appliance;
(p) Confirm operation of every control or feature of a system or appliance.
Rulemaking Authority 468.8325 FS. Law Implemented 468.8323, 468.832(1)(j) FS. History‒New 10-22-13.
61-30.810 Standards of Practice, Exterior Components.
(1) Exterior systems and components include the following:
(a) Exterior wall cladding/siding, flashing and trim;
(b) All exterior doors;
(c) Attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and their associated railings;
(d) Eaves, soffits and fascias where accessible from the ground level;
(e) Walkways, patios, and driveways leading to the dwelling entrances;
(f) Garages and carports.
(2) The inspector shall inspect all of the visible and readily accessible exterior systems and components.
(3) The inspector is not required to inspect:
(a) Window and door screening, shutters, awnings, and similar seasonal or protective accessories and devices;
(b) Fences;
(c) Recreational facilities;
(d) Outbuildings, with the exception of garages and carports;
(e) Swimming pools, seawalls, break-walls, boat lifts and/or docks.
(4) The inspector is not required to move furniture, appliances, lawn and garden equipment, tools, stored items, wall
decorations, floor covering, clothing or any items that block the view and access to components or structures.
Rulemaking Authority 468.8325 FS. Law Implemented 468.8323, 468.832(1)(j) FS. History‒New 10-22-13.
61-30.811 Standards of Practice, Site Conditions that Affect the Structure.
(1) Site conditions that affect the structure include the following:
(a) Vegetation;
(b) Grading;
(c) Surface drainage; and
(d) Retaining walls on the property when any of these are likely to adversely affect the structure.
(2) The inspector shall inspect all of the visible and readily accessible site conditions that affect the structure.
(3) The inspector is not required to inspect:
(a) Geological, geotechnical or hydrological site conditions;
(b) Erosion control and earth stabilization measures.

Asbestos in Your Home | Asbestos | US EPA.

Lead Home | Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil | US EPA.

A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home | Mold and Moisture | US Environmental Protection Agency.