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The InterNACHI Standard Accessibility Inspection Report for Existing Commercial Buildings.
Revised January 9, 2008
Standard Accessibility Inspection Report
for Existing Commercial Buildings
International Symbol of Access
About this accessibility inspection report
Various laws around the world require public accommodations to provide goods
and services to people with disabilities on an equal basis with the rest of the
general public. Businesses benefit from the patronage of all people. Those
who own, lease, lease out, or operate places of public accommodation should have
as a goal the identification and reduction of physical barriers to this patronage.
This inspection report will help identify possible accessibility deficiencies
in existing facilities.
Most laws regarding accessibility only regulate new construction and remodeling
and do not oblige existing building owners to reduce barriers if such reduction
is not readily achievable. This report does not cover all of the possible local,
state, provincial and federal requirements regarding accessibility or barrier
reduction. The information presented within this report was derived from a visual-only
inspection of the property and is intended solely as informal guidance, and is
not a determination of legal rights or responsibilities.
This report may be offered in conjunction with a complete commercial building
inspection or offered as a separate, stand-alone inspection service.
Accessibility Inspection Agreement between Inspector and Client
The address of the property is: ____________________________________________________.
Fee for the commercial inspection is $____________________. INSPECTOR acknowledges
receiving a deposit of $_________________ from CLIENT.
THIS AGREEMENT made this _____________ day of _______________________________________________________,
200__, by and between
__________________________________________________________ (Hereinafter “INSPECTOR”)
and the undersigned (hereinafter “CLIENT”), collectively referred to herein as
“the parties.” The Parties Understand and Voluntarily Agree as follows:
1. INSPECTOR agrees to perform a visual accessibility inspection of the commercial
building and to provide CLIENT with a written checklist inspection report identifying
the possible accessibility issues that INSPECTOR observed. INSPECTOR will not
test or otherwise analyze elements of the commercial building where destruction
or dismantling of the particular element is required. The primary purpose of
the inspection is to enhance the CLIENT’S information and knowledge about the
commercial building to improve decision making for buying, selling or improving
the property. As it may relate to this inspection, INSPECTOR may offer comments
as a courtesy, but these comments will not comprise the bargained-for report.
The report is only supplementary to the seller’s disclosures.
2. CLIENT understands that InterNACHI is merely a trade association, is not a
party to this Agreement and that InterNACHI has no control over INSPECTOR or representations
made by INSPECTOR and does not supervise INSPECTOR.
3. The inspection and report are performed and prepared for the use of CLIENT,
who gives INSPECTOR permission to discuss observations with real estate agents,
owners, repairpersons, and other interested parties. INSPECTOR accepts no responsibility
for use or misinterpretation by third parties. INSPECTOR’S inspection of the
property and the accompanying report are in no way intended to be a guarantee
or warranty, express or implied, regarding the future use, operability, habitability,
accessibility or suitability of the commercial building or its components. Any
and all warranties, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose, are expressly excluded by this Agreement
to the fullest extent allowed by law.
4. INSPECTOR assumes no liability for the cost of repair or replacement of unreported
defects or deficiencies either current or arising in the future. CLIENT acknowledges
that the liability of INSPECTOR, its agents, employees, for claims or damages,
costs of defense or suit, attorney’s fees and expenses and payments arising out
of or related to the INSPECTOR’S negligence or breach of any obligation under
this Agreement, including errors and omissions in the inspection or the report,
shall be limited to liquidated damages in an amount equal to the fee paid to the
INSPECTOR, and this liability shall be exclusive. CLIENT waives any claim for
consequential, exemplary, special or incidental damages or for the loss of the
use of the commercial building even if the CLIENT has been advised of the possibility
of such damages. The parties acknowledge that the liquidated damages are not intended
as a penalty but are intended (i) to reflect the fact that actual damages may
be difficult and impractical to ascertain; (ii) to allocate risk among the INSPECTOR
and CLIENT; and (iii) to enable the INSPECTOR to perform the inspection at the
stated fee.
5. INSPECTOR does not perform engineering, architectural, plumbing, or any other
job function requiring an occupational license in the jurisdiction where the inspection
is taking place, unless the inspector holds a valid occupational license, in which
case he/she may inform the CLIENT that he/she is so licensed, and is therefore
qualified to go beyond this basic commercial building inspection, and for additional
fee, perform additional inspections beyond those within the scope of the basic
commercial building inspection. Any agreement for such additional inspections
shall be in a separate writing or noted here: ______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
6. In the event of a claim against INSPECTOR, CLIENT agrees to supply INSPECTOR
with the following: (1) Written notification of adverse conditions within 14 days
of discovery, and (2) Access to the premises. Failure to comply with the above
conditions will release INSPECTOR and its agents from any and all obligations
or liability of any kind.
7. The parties agree that any litigation arising out of this Agreement shall
be filed only in the Court having jurisdiction in the County in which the INSPECTOR
has its principal place of business. In the event that CLIENT fails to prove
any adverse claims against INSPECTOR in a court of law, CLIENT agrees to pay all
legal costs, expenses and fees of INSPECTOR in defending said claims. CLIENT
further understands that any legal action against InterNACHI itself allegedly
arising out of this Agreement or INSPECTOR’s relationship with InterNACHI must
be brought only in the District Court of Boulder County, Colorado.
8. If any court declares any provision of this Agreement invalid or unenforceable,
the remaining provisions will remain in effect. This Agreement represents the
entire agreement between the parties. All prior communications are merged into
this Agreement, and there are no terms or conditions other than those set forth
herein. No statement or promise of INSPECTOR or its agents shall be binding unless
reduced to writing and signed by INSPECTOR. No change or modification shall be
enforceable against any party unless such change or modification is in writing
and signed by the parties. This Agreement shall be binding upon and enforceable
by the parties and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assignees.
CLIENT shall have no cause of action against INSPECTOR after one year from the
date of the inspection.
9. Payment of the fee to INSPECTOR (less any deposit noted above) is due upon
completion of the on-site inspection. The CLIENT agrees to pay all legal and
time expenses incurred in collecting due payments, including attorney’s fees,
if any. If CLIENT is a corporation, LLC, or similar entity, the person signing
this Agreement on behalf of such entity does personally guaranty payment of the
fee by the entity.
CLIENT HAS CAREFULLY READ THE FOREGOING, AGREES TO IT, AND ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT
OF A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT.
_______________________________________________
FOR INSPECTOR
_______________________________________________________________
CLIENT OR REPRESENTATIVE
Accessibility Inspection Report
Key:
Y = Yes. The statement is true and accessibility appears to be fine.
N = No. The statement is false and accessibility appears to be deficient.
U = Unknown. Inspector did not determine accessibility.
N/A = Not applicable.
N/A = Not applicable.
1. Parking
1.1___There are enough accessible parking spaces (8 feet wide plus 5 foot access isle).
1.3___The accessible parking spaces are the closest spaces to the accessible entrance of the building.1.4___The accessible parking spaces have access aisles that are part of the accessible route to the accessible entrance of the building.
2. Route of Travel
2.1___There is a route of travel from the accessible parking spaces to the accessible entrance that does not require the use of stairs.2.2___The route of travel is at least 36 inches wide.2.3___The slopes on the route of travel are not greater than 5% (1” rise/20” run).2.4___The route of travel is stable, firm and slip resistant.2.5___The curbs on the route of travel include ramped curb cuts with a width of at least 36 inches.
3. Ramps
3.1___Ramps longer than 6 feet have railings on both sides.3.2___Railings are sturdy and between 34 and 38 inches high.3.3___Ramps are stable, firm and slip resistant.3.4___There is a 5 foot long level landing at the top and bottom of every 30 foot horizontal length of ramp and at every ramp switchback.
4. Entrance
4.1___The main entrance is accessible or there is a ramp or a lift or an alternative accessible entrance.4.2___All inaccessible entrances have signs giving directions to the nearest accessible entrance.4.3___The accessible entrance door has at least 32 inches of clear opening.4.4___The accessible entrance door has at least 24 inches of clear wall space on the pull side of the door, next to the handle.4.5___The accessible entrance door handle is no higher than 48 inches.4.6___The accessible entrance door handle is operable with a closed fist (accessible to a person with limited use of his/her hands).4.7___The accessible entrance door can be opened without too much force (less than 8.5 lbs force).4.8___The accessible entrance threshold is not a trip hazard or wheel chair barrier (less than ¼ inches high or less than ¾ inches high with bevels on both sides).4.9___The automatic door closer (if one exists) on the accessible entrance takes at least 3 seconds to close the door.
5. Interior
5.1___The interior carpeting is low-pile and tightly woven.5.2___There are no noted hindrances to a person who uses a cane.5.3___The corridors are at least 36 inches wide.5.4___The corridors have wheelchair passing spaces at reasonable intervals (less than 200 feet) or intersecting corridors that can be used as passing spaces.
6. Restrooms
6.1___Public rest rooms include at least one fully accessible rest room on an accessible route of travel.6.2___The inaccessible rest rooms have signs that give directions to accessible one.6.3___Pictograms or symbols are used to identify rest rooms.6.4___Accessible rest room door handles are no higher than 48 inches.6.5___Accessible rest room door handles are operable with a closed fist (accessible to a person with limited use of his/her hands).6.6___Accessible rest room doors can be opened without too much force (less than 5 lbs force).6.7___The accessible rest room entry configuration provides adequate maneuvering and turn around space (60 inches in diameter) for wheelchairs.6.8___The path to all fixtures in the accessible rest room is at least 36 inches wide.6.9___The accessible rest room stall door is operable with a closed fist (accessible to a person with limited use of his/her hands) inside and out.6.10___The accessible rest room has at least one wheelchair accessible stall that provides adequate maneuvering space for a wheelchair.6.11___The wheelchair accessible stall has grab bars behind and on the side wall nearest the toilet.6.12___The wheelchair accessible stall has a toilet seat that is 17 to 19 inches high.6.13___The wheelchair accessible stall has a toilet seat that does not spring back to a lifted position.6.14___The accessible rest room has at least one urinal with a rim no higher than 17 inches above the floor.6.15___The accessible rest room has at least one lavatory with a 30 inch wide by 48 inch deep clear space in front of it.6.16___The accessible rest room lavatory has a rim no higher than 34 inches.6.17___The accessible rest room lavatory has at least 29 inches of knee space between the floor and the bottom of the lavatory apron.6.18___The accessible rest room lavatory has no hot pipes or sharp surfaces underneath that could harm a person in a wheelchair.6.19___The accessible rest room lavatory faucet can be operated with one closed fist (accessible to a person with limited use of his/her hands).6.20___The accessible rest room lavatory faucet (if self closing) permits the water to flow for at least 10 seconds.6.21___The accessible rest room soap dispensers and hand dryers are within reach of a person in a wheelchair and are operable with one closed fist.6.22___The accessible rest room mirror (if provided) is mounted with the bottom edge of the reflecting surface no higher than 40 inches.
7. Elevators
7.1___The passenger elevators are located on an accessible path of travel.7.2___The passenger elevator doors have a clear opening of not less than 36 inches.7.3___The passenger elevators have wheelchair turning spaces that are at least 68 inches wide by 51 inches deep.7.4___The passenger elevators have controls that are not higher than 54 inches for side approach and not higher than 48 inches for front approach.7.5___The passenger elevators have controls that are labeled in raised Braille.7.6___The passenger elevators serve all public levels of the building.
8. Other
8.1___Notes regarding additional observed barriers are attached.8.2___Exhibits are attached.
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Copyright © 2007 InterInterInternational Association of Certified Home Inspectors,
Inc.
Members in good standing of InterNACHI, InterNACHI, IAC2 and all Certified Master Inspectors have unlimited free use of this document and can copy and reproduce it as many times as desired.
Members in good standing of InterNACHI, InterNACHI, IAC2 and all Certified Master Inspectors have unlimited free use of this document and can copy and reproduce it as many times as desired.
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