| (III) determine the presence of, or extent or
type of, insulation or vapor barriers in exterior walls; or (IV) check for the presence of safety glass. (D) Fireplace and chimney. (i) Inspection guidelines. The inspector shall do the following: (I) inspect the visible components and structure of the chimney and fireplace; (II) inspect the interior of the firebox and the visible flue area, excepting the adequacy of the draft or performance of a chimney smoke test; (III) inspect the operation of the damper; (IV) observe for presence of non-combustible hearth extension; (V) observe the condition of lintel, hearth, and material surrounding the fireplace; (VI) observe attic penetration of chimney flue, where accessible, for firestopping; (VII) inspect gas log lighter valves for function and for gas leaks; (VIII) inspect operation
of circulating fan, if present; (IX) observe for deficiencies in combustion air vent, if present; and (X) observe chimney coping or crown, caps or spark arrestor (from ground level at a minimum). (ii) Specific limitations. There are no specific limitations for fireplace and chimney. (E) Roof, roof structure and attic. (i) Inspection guidelines. The inspector shall do the following: (I) identify the type of roof covering and inspect its visible components and their condition (excepting the life expectancy of the roof covering); (II) inspect the general condition of flashing, skylights, and other roof penetrations; (III) observe for presence of attic space ventilation; (IV) inspect condition of roof structure and sheathing (including evidence of moisture penetration) where accessible; (V) enter
attic space(s) except when there is inadequate access or hazardous conditions exist as reasonably determined by the inspector (observation from attic access opening only must be reported as such); (VI) report the method used to inspect roofing if the inspection is performed from other than roof level (if the inspector reasonably determines that conditions are unsafe or that damage to the roof or roof covering material may result from walking on the roof, the inspector shall report the method used to inspect the roof); (VII) observe the presence and approximate depth of insulation where visible; and (VIII) observe the general condition of visible installed gutter and downspout systems. (ii) Specific limitations. There are no specific limitations for roof, roof structure and attic. (F) Porches and Decks. (i) Inspection guidelines. The inspector shall inspect porches, decks,
steps, balconies and carports for structural performance as to visible footings, joists, deckings, railings and attachment points, where applicable. (ii) Specific limitations. The inspector is not required to inspect detached structures or waterfront structures and equipment, such as docks or piers. (f) Mechanical systems. (1) Scope. (2) Components for inspection. (A) Inspection guidelines for appliances. (i) Dishwasher. The inspector shall do the following: (I) inspect the condition of the door gasket, control knobs, and interior parts, including the dish tray, rollers, spray arms, and the soap dispenser; (II) observe the interior for signs of rust; (III) inspect the door spring operation; (IV) observe the discharge hose or piping for condition and presence of back flow prevention;
(V) inspect the unit for secure mounting; (VI) observe for presence of water leaks; (VII) operate the unit in normal mode with the soap dispenser closed; and (VIII) inspect operation, noting that the spray arms turn, the soap dispenser opens and the drying element operates. (ii) Food waste disposer. The inspector shall do the following: (I) inspect the condition of the splash guard, grinding components, and exterior; (II) inspect the unit for secure mounting; and (III) operate the unit, observing noise and vibration level and signs of water leaks. (iii) Range exhaust vent. The inspector shall do the following: (I) inspect the condition of the filter, vent pipe, and switches; (II) operate the blower, observing sound, speed, and vibration level; (III) inspect
operation of the light and switches; and (IV) observe the termination of the vent pipe to outside the structure when not of recirculating type or configuration. (iv) Electric or gas ranges. The inspector shall do the following: (I) inspect for broken or missing knobs, elements, drip pans or other parts; (II) inspect for operation of the signal lights and elements or burners at low and high settings; (III) observe and report materials used for the gas branch line and the connection to the appliance; and (IV) inspect for presence, location and accessibility of gas shut-off valve and for leaks at the valve. (v) Electric or gas ovens. The inspector shall do the following: (I) inspect for broken or missing knobs, handles, glass panels, lights or light covers or other parts; (II) inspect the door for gasket condition,
tightness of closure and operation of the latch; (III) inspect the oven for secure mounting; (IV) inspect the heating elements and thermostat sensing element for proper support; (V) observe the operation of the heating elements or the lighting, operation and condition of the flame; (VI) inspect the operation of the clock and timer, thermostat and door springs; and (VII) observe the accuracy of the thermostat with a thermometer for a 25 degree range plus or minus of a 350 degree setting. (vi) Microwave oven. The inspector shall do the following: (I) inspect for broken or missing knobs, handles, glass panels, or other parts; (II) inspect the condition of the door and seal; (III) observe the oven operation by heating a container of water or with other test equipment, as reasonably determined by the inspector; and
(IV) observe the operation of the light. (vii) Trash compactor. The inspector shall do the following: (I) inspect the overall condition of the unit; (II) operate the unit, observing noise and vibration level; and (III) check the unit for secure mounting in place. (viii) Other built-in appliances. The inspector shall inspect overall condition, operate the appliance as practicable or note otherwise in the report. (ix) Bathroom exhaust vents and electric heaters. The inspector shall operate the unit, observing sound, speed and vibration level. (x) Whole house vacuum system. The inspector shall do the following: (I) inspect the condition of the main unit; (II) operate the unit if possible; and (III) inspect the systems from all accessible outlets throughout the house.
(xi) Water heaters. The inspector shall do the following: (I) identify the energy source; (II) inspect the tank and fittings for leaks and corrosion; (III) observe temperature and pressure relief valve piping for gravity drainage, size of drain pipe (no smaller than the outlet fittings), material, and termination (which conditions are recognized hazards); (IV) operate the temperature and pressure relief valve when of an operable type and operation will not cause damage to persons or property as reasonably determined by the inspector (for example, it would be reasonable not to operate the valve if there is improper or undetermined termination of the drain pipe, a corroded or damaged valve, improper installation of valve or drain pipe, the drain pipe is of inappropriate material or there is no water supply cut-off valve at the unit); (V) inspect for broken or missing parts,
covers or controls; (VI) observe the condition of burner, flame and burner compartment or the operation of heating elements and the condition of wiring; (VII) observe and report materials used for the gas branch line and the connection to the appliance, and inspect presence, location and accessibility of gas shut-off valve and for leaks at the valve; (VIII) if applicable, inspect the type of vent pipe and its condition, draft, proximity to combustibles and its termination point, observing for adequate combustion and draft air; (IX) observe for presence of safety pan and drain when applicable; (X) observe for safe location and installation; and (XI) inspect garage units or units which are located in rooms opening into a garage for the following: (-a-) protection for physical damage to the unit; and Cont'd... |
