World's Largest Library of Inspection Narratives

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We’re pleased to announce the release of the InterNACHI Inspection Narratives Library.

In addition to the direct inspection experience of the author and various other inspectors, these narratives were developed from a variety of sources including the International Residential Code (IRC), technical data sheets and systems specifications from various manufacturer's associations, installation manuals for a variety of building products and various building science-related sites. Narratives are worded with safety in mind, specific code is not quoted.

In many instances, an effort has been made to include both long and short narratives describing the same condition in order to allow inspectors some choice in how they present their reports. Where appropriate, narratives are included which give the inspector a choice between recommending a structural engineer or a qualified contractor for a particular condition.

Install these editable narratives into your inspection software and let them save you time and make you money! In addition to reducing the amount of time you spend filling out reports, the quality of your reports will improve and you’ll enjoy reduced liability.

This library is the world’s largest collection of dedicated, industry-savvy General Home Inspection narratives. With just a click of your mouse, you can describe both proper and defective conditions and provide key component descriptions for all the home systems and their accessible components in homes both old and new.

Designed to comply with the Standards of Practice of all major professional Home Inspection organizations, these narratives are based on generally-accepted current building standards, actual inspection experience and research from a wide variety of sources. Authored by Certified Master Inspector/professional writer/NACHI.TV advanced education co-host Kenton Shepard, this library can save you years of writing and editing your own narratives!

"Other libraries have narratives that are way too short. Others have narratives that are way too long.
Like Goldilocks once said... this one's just right! Many thanks to Kenton for his years of work on this project."

-- Nick Gromicko, Founder of InterNACHI.

Kenton has also written books for the ICC, InterNACHI's Green Building course and the Mastering Roof Inspections Series.

Read some Sample Narratives online here.

Watch for updates on the General Home Inspection narratives and specialized libraries on subjects such as Commercial, Log Home and Green Building inspections available in the near future.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL NARRATIVES

Introduction, 2

Moisture Intrusion, 2

Timely Evaluation, 2

Home Age, 2

Winterized Property, 3

General Maintenance, 4

HOA Disclaimer, 5

Unique Non-compliant Home, 6

Old or Historic Home, 6

Notice to Absent Clients, 7

No Certificate of Occupancy, 7

EXTERIOR

EXTERIOR 1

General Observations, 2

Address Identification, 2

Home Views, 2

Slope of Building Site, 2

Expansive Soil, 3

Snow, 5

Building Permits, 5

Natural Hazards, 6

Flood, 6

Hurricane, 7

Earthquake, 8

Wildfire, 8

Hazardous Wildlife, 9

Hillside Excavation, 9

Tree Problems, 9

Play Apparatus, 11

Sauna, 11

Grading and drainage, 11

Driveway, 14

Driveway materials, 14

Driveway Condition, 14

Walkways, 17

Materials, 18

Condition, 18

Bridge, 20

Bridge Condition, 20

Attachment to home, 20

Planking material, 21

Planking Condition, 21

Guardrail Material, 22

Planking Condition, 21

Guardrail Material, 22

Guardrail Condition, 22

Retaining Walls, 25

Retaining Wall Materials, 25

Retaining Wall Condition, 26

Vegetation at Exterior walls, 27

Radon Riser, 28

Exterior Faucets, 28

Exterior outlets, 30

General Outlet Condition, 30

GFCI Outlets, 30

GFCI-protected Outlets, 31

Non-GFCI Outlets, 32

Window & Door Exteriors, 35

Window Conditions, 35

Window Screens, 37

Door Conditions, 38

Door & Window Conditions, 41

Exterior Lighting, 43

Window Wells, 44

Exterior Trim, 45

Exterior Trim Material, 45

Exterior Trim Condition, 45

Fascia Material, 47

Fascia Condition, 47

Soffit Material, 48

Soffit Condition, 48

Wood-destroying Insects, 50

EXTERIOR 2

Decks, 2

General Condition, 2

Locations, 3

Structure Material, 3

Structure Condition, 4

Foundation, 4

Structural Framing, 5

Hardware, 6

Attachment to Home, 7

Finish Coating Condition, 8

Planking material, 9

Planking Condition, 9

Guardrail Material, 10

Guardrail Condition, 10

Exterior Stairway, 13

Foundation & Structure, 13

Handrail, 14

Width, 17

Risers, 17

Treads, 18

Balcony, 18

General Condition, 18

Attachment to the Home, 19

Structural Integrity, 20

Finish Coating, 20

Planking material, 21

Planking Condition, 21

Guardrails, 22

Patio, 25

Location, 25

Description, 25

General Condition, 26

Surface Deterioration & Damage, 27

Patio Cover or Roof, 28

Porch, 28

Locations, 29

General Conditions, 29

Foundation, 30

Structural Condition, 30

Stairway Condition, 31

Fence & Gate, 33

General Condition, 33

Posts, 34

Barriers, 36

Gates, 38

Irrigation Systems, 38

Water Features (ponds, streams, fountains, etc.), 39

EXTERIOR WALL COVERINGS

Exterior wall Membrane, 2

EIFS, 3

Stucco, 3

Terminations, 4

Cracking, 4

Damage, 5

Brick, 6

Type of Construction, 6

Brick Condition, 7

Cracking, 7

Deterioration, 8

Damage, 9

Air Space Ventilation, 10

Lintels, 11

Miscellaneous Brick, 12

Wood Siding, 12

Type, 12

Condition, 13

Damage, 14

Deterioration, 14

Installation, 14

Finish Coatings, 15

Composite Siding, 16

General Condition, 16

Installation, 16

Cementicious Lapped Siding, 19

Vinyl Siding, 20

Wood Shingles, 22

Log Veneer, 24

Aluminum siding, 25

Artificial Stone, 27

Stucco-Cement, 27

Asbestos Shingle, 31

STRUCTURE

GENERAL FOUNDATION

Combination Foundation, 2

Visible Footings, 2

Cone of Compression, 2

Bowed Foundation Wall, 3

Concrete Cracks, 3

Damp-proofing, 3

Anchor Bolts, 4

Foundation Holes, 5

FOUNDATION WALLS

Cone of Compression, 2

Concrete Foundation Walls

General Foundation Wall Condition, 2

Cracked Foundation Wall, 3

Recommending a Foundation Repair Contractor, 3

Recommending a Structural Engineer, 5

Out of Flat or Level, 7

Grade Beam, 7

Caisson Construction, 8

Surface Condition, 8

General Condition, 9

Concrete Masonry Units (CMU), 10

Foundation Cracks, 10

Cracks in Mortar, 11

Cracks in Block, 12

Surface Condition, 12

Cell Contents, 12

Brick Foundation walls, 12

Basement, 12

Crawlspace, 13

Mortared Stone Foundation Walls, 14

Stone Rubble Foundation Wall, 14

Stone Rubble Foundation Condition, 15

Stone Wall Condition, 15

ICF Foundation Walls, 16

ICF Wall Condition, 16

Terra Cotta Foundation Walls, 17

Condition, 17

Wood Frame Foundation, 17

Condition, 17

CRAWLSPACE

Crawlspace Access, 2

General Condition, 3

Crawlspace Floor, 4

Moisture Intrusion, 4

Efflorescence, 4

Stains, 5

Visible Moisture, 6

Undermining, 7

Odor, 8

Floor Framing, 9

Floor Structure Configuration, 9

Joist Condition, 11

Fasteners & Hardware, 13

Decay, 14

Microbial Growth, 15

Structural Supports, 16

Grade Beam, 17

Connections and Fasteners, 17

Sloped Floor, 18

Floor Sheathing Condition, 19

Moisture Intrusion, 20

Evidence of Fire, 21

Plumbing, 22

Water Supply Pipes, 23

Drain, Waste and Vent Pipes, 23

Traps, 24

Gas, 24

Electrical, 25

Ducts, 26

Insulation, 27

Floor Structure Insulation, 28

Insulation Conditions, 28

Wall Insulation, 29

Crawlspace Venting, 30

Debris Accumulation, 30

Pest, 30

BASEMENT

Basement Configuration, 2

General Condition, 2

Egress, 4

Floating Walls, 5

Insulation, 6

Floor Insulation, 7

Wall Insulation, 7

Ducts, 8

Floor Framing, 9

Floor Structure Configuration, 8

Floor Framing Condition, 9

Support Posts, 11

Joists, 11

Fire, 13

Fasteners, 14

Misc., 14

Floor Sheathing, 15

Plumbing, 16

Water Supply Pipes, 16

Drain, Waste and Vent Pipes, 17

Traps, 18

Gas, 18

Sump Pump, 19

Electrical, 20

Moisture Intrusion, 21

Cone of Compression, 25

Building Permits, 25

Debris accumulation, 26

Odor, 26

Basement Floor, 26

Floor Material, 26

Floor Condition, 27

Pest, 28

SLAB-on-GRADE

Description

Slab Condition

Moisture Intrusion

ROOF

ROOF 1

General Comments, 2

Method of Evaluation, 3

Roof Structure, 3

Roof Structure Description, 3

Roof Configuration, 4

Roof Components OK, 5

Sagging Ridge, 5

Sagging Rafters, 6

Sheathing Condition, 7

Roof Membrane, 8

Underlayment Material, 8

Underlayment Condition, 9

Underlayment Installation, 10

Roof Drainage System, 10

Drainage System OK, 10

Gutters System Configuration, 11

Gutter Condition, 11

Downspouts, 13

Roof Flashings, 15

Kick-Out Flashing, 17

Chimney Flashing, 18

Skylight Flashing, 19

Vent Flashing, 20

Roof-To-Wall Flashing, 21

Valley Flashing, 22

Roof-Edge Flashing, 23

Combustion Exhaust Flue, 24

Plumbing Vents, 25

Ridge/Roof Vents, 26

Crickets, 26

Miscellaneous Roof Problems, 27

Overhanging Tree Limbs, 27

Skylights, 28

Ice Dams, 28

Debris Accumulation, 30

Poor Pitch Transition, 28

Wildlife Damage, 28

General Comments on Roofs, 30

Home Inspectors Do Not Certify Roofs As Leak-Proof, 30

Roof Leakage, 231

Roof Pitch, 31

Roof Lifespan, 31

ROOF-COVERING MATERIALS

General Roof Comments, 2

Composition Asphalt Shingle, 3

Description, 3

Warranty, 3

Number of Layers, 3

General Condition, 5

Deterioration, 5

Damage,

Wind & Hail, 7

Mechanical, 8

Cracking/splitting, 8

Granule loss, 9

Installation,

Fasteners, 11

Flashing, 11

Low Slope, 12

Discoloration, 13

Rolled Roofing, 13

Description, 14

General Condition, 15

Damage, 15

Deterioration, 15

Low Slope, 16

Metal Roof Panels, 16

Description, 16

Fasteners, 17

General Condition, 17

Low Slope, 18

Avalanche Preventers, 18

Built-up Roof, 19

Description, 19

General Condition, 19

Built-up Roof Drainage, 20

Parapet Wall, 22

Description, 22

Parapet Wall Condition, 22

Wood Shakes, 23

Description, 23

General Condition, 24

Damage/Deterioration, 24

Roof Membrane (shake roof), 25

Installation, 25

Low Slope, 26

Wood Shingles, 26

Description, 26

General Condition, 27

Damage/Deterioration, 27

Roof Membrane (wood shingle), 28

Installation, 28

Low Slope, 29

Concrete Tile, 29

Description, 29

General Condition, 30

Low Slope, 30

Clay Tile, 31

Description, 31

General Condition, 31

Low Slope, 32

Slate, 32

Description, 33

General Condition, 33

Vinyl Roof Description, 34

Thermoplastic Roofing (TPO), 34

Green Roof, 35

PLUMBING

PLUMBING 1

General Water Supply, 2

Water Source, 2

Potable Water Condition, 2

Water Pressure, 2

Main Water Supply Pipe, 3

Main Supply Pipe Material, 3

Main Supply Pipe Condition, 4

Main Shut-Off Location, 4

Main Shut-Off Condition, 5

Distribution Pipe Material, 5

Distribution Pipe Condition, 7

Distribution Pipe Bonding, 10

Pressure Regulator, 10

Leak Detection System, 11

DWV Pipes, 11

DWV Pipe Material, 11

DWV Pipe Condition, 12

Damaged/Leaking Waste Pipes, 12

1Open Sewer, 12

Improper Conditions, 13

Traps, 13

Clean-Out Locations

Vent Pipes

Clean-Out Locations, 14

Vent Pipes, 15

Water Filter Types, 17

General Gas Components, 19

Type of Gas Used For Fuel, 19

Propane Tank Condition, 19

Main Gas Shut-off Location, 20

Gas Pipe Material, 21

Gas Pipe Condition, 22

Gas System Observations, 23

Gas Water Heater, 24

Description, 24

Location, 25

Label Information, 26

Capacity, 28

General Condition, 28

Leakage, 30

Exterior Condition, 31

Gas & Water Shut-Offs, 31

Fuel Supply, 32

Response to Controls, 32

Burn Chamber, 33

Exhaust Flue, 34

Draft Diverter, 35

3Combustion Air Supply, 37

Pressure Relief Valve, 37

TPR Discharge Pipe, 38

Drip Pan, 39

4Water Pipe Connections, 40

Drain Valve, 40

Expansion Tank, 41

Dormant Water Heater, 41

PLUMBING 2

Electric Water Heater, 2

Description, 2
Electrical Connections, 2
Description, 3

Tankless Water Heater, 3

Description, 3
Tankless Water Heater Condition, 4
Tankless Problems, 6

On-Demand Water Heater, 7

Description, 7
Response to Controls, 7

Sewage Disposal System, 8

Sewage System Type, 8
Description, 8
Leach Field, 10

Private Well, 11

Description, 11
General Condition, 11
Well House, 12
Well Head, 12
Pressure Tank, 13
Main Water Shut-Off, 14
Pressure Control Switch, 14
Well Sub-Panel, 15
Pump, 16

Sump Pump, 16

Description, 16
Pump Location, 17
Condition, 17

Sewage Ejector Pump, 18

Description, 18
Location, 18
Condition, 18

Fire Suppression System, 19
Solar-Powered Systems, 19

General Plumbing Comments, 20

ELECTRICAL

ELECTRICAL 1

Older Electrical System, 2
Overhead Service Drop

Service Conductor Condition, 2
Service Conductor Clearances, 3
Drip Loop, 5
Point of Attachment, 6

Service Entrance, 6

Weatherhead, 7
Mast, 7

Underground Service, 8
Electric Meter, 8

Electric Meter Location, 8
Electric Meter Installation, 9
Electric Meter Condition, 9

Main Electrical Service Panel, 10
Main Panel General Condition, 11

Main Panel Location, 12
Main Panel Access, 13
Main Panel Manufacturer, 14
Main Panel Type, 16
Main Panel Amperage Rating, 17

Main Disconnect, 18

Main Disconnect Location, 18
Main Disconnect Type, 18
Main Disconnect Amperage rating, 18
Main Disconnect Conditions, 19

Main Panel Exterior Condition, 20
Main Panel Interior Condition, 21
Dead Front Cover Condition, 22
Main Panel Labels, 23

Circuit Label, 23
Manufacturer’s Label, 23

Service Entrance Conductor, 24

Conductor Ratings, 24
Service Entrance Conductor Size & Material, 25

Main Panel Rating Defects, 26
Main Panel Wiring, 26

Type of Wiring, 26
Wiring Defects, 28

Service Grounding, 30

General Grounding Conditions, 29
Driven Rod, 30
Water Pipe, 31
Ufer Ground, 31

Equipment Grounding & Bonding, 31

General Grounding & Bonding Conditions, 32

Circuit Breakers, 33

Circuit Breaker General Conditions, 33
Bad Brands, 33
Circuit Breaker Defects, 34

Main Panel Observations, 35
Fused Service Panel, 36
Branch Wiring, 36
Switches, 38
Outlets, 38

GFCI & AFCI, 39
Conventional Outlets, 40
Ungrounded System, 41

Demand Control System, 42

Section Introduction, 42

ELECTRICAL 2

Sub-panel, 2

Description, 2
General Condition, 2
Location, 3
Access, 4
Manufacturer, 5
Amperage Rating, 6
Exterior Condition, 7
Interior Condition, 8
Dead Front Cover, 9
Labels, 10

Feeder Conductors, 11

Amperage Rating, 11

Disconnect, 12

Type, 13
Amperage Rating, 13
Disconnect Conditions 13

Rating Defects, 14
Sub-panel Wiring, 14

Type of wiring, 14
Wiring Defects, 16

Sub-panel Grounding, 17

General Conditions, 17
Driven Rod, 18
Water Pipe, 19
Ufer, 19

Equipment Grounding & Bonding, 19

General Conditions, 19

Circuit Breakers, 21

General Conditions, 21
Bad Brands, 21
Circuit Breaker Defects, 21

Sub-panel Observations
Fused sub-panel

HEAT

HEAT 1

Forced-air Furnace Fuel, 2

Gas-Fired, 2
Oil-Fired, 2

Forced-air Furnace Thermostats, 3

Thermostat, 3

Forced-air Furnace, 4

Multiple Furnaces, 4
Furnace Location, 4
Furnace Accessibility, 4
Attic Furnace Defects, 5
Furnace General Condition, 5
Furnace Operation, 7
Furnace Shut-Offs, 7
Furnace Label, 8
Air Filter Location, 9
Air Filter Condition, 10
Electronic Air Filter, 11
Furnace Exterior Condition, 12
Furnace Interior Condition, 13
Exhaust Flue, 13
Draft Diverter, 16
Fuel Pipe Condition, 17
Condensate Drain, 17
Combustion Chamber Condition, 19
Combustion Air, 19
Blower, 20
Humidifier, 21
Duct Condition, 22
Return Air Condition, 23
Oil-Fired Furnace Defects, 24

Boiler, 25

System Description, 25
Response to Controls, 26
Boiler General Condition, 26
Oil-Fired Boiler Defects, 28
Boiler Location, 29
Shut-Offs, 29
Label Information, 29
Boiler Manufacturer, 30
System Temperature and Pressure, 30
System Temperature, 31
System Pressure, 31
Exhaust Flue, 32
Draft Diverter, 34
Boiler Exterior, 34
Pressure Relief Valve, 34
Discharge Pipe, 35
Air Vent, 37
Fuel Pipe Condition, 37
Circulation Pump, 38
Boiler Interior, 38
Combustion Chamber, 39
Combustion Air Supply, 39
Expansion Tank, 40
Radiant In-Floor Distribution, 41
Hot Water Baseboard Distribution, 41
Hot Water Re-Circulation System, 42
General Observations, 42
Carbon Monoxide, 43
Heating system efficiency, 43

HEAT 2

Electric Baseboard, 2
Electric Wall Heater, 2
Electric Stand-Alone Room Heater, 3
Radiant Electric Heating, 3
Floor Heater, 4

Description, 4
Floor Heater Condition, 4
Exhaust Flue, 5

Gas-Fired Wall Heater, 6

Description, 6
Wall Heater Condition, 6
Wall Heater Exhaust Flue, 7

Pellet Stove Description, 8
Gas Fireplace Condition, 8
Wood Stove Description, 9
Wood Stove Condition, 10
Wood-Burning Fireplace Description, 12
Wood-Burning Fireplace Condition, 12
Masonry Heater, 14
Wood-Burning Insert Condition, 15

COOLING

AC System, 2

Description, 2
Label Information, 2

AC Temperature Gradient, 3
AC General Condition, 4
AC System Response, 5

Air Temperatures, 6

AC Electrical Disconnect, 7
AC Refrigerant Lines, 8
AC Efficiency Rating, 8
AC Compressor, 9

Operation, 9

Compressor Housing, 9

Cabinet Location, 9
Pad & Enclosure, 10
Exterior Condition, 10

AC Evaporator Coils, 11
Air Filter, 11

Location, 12
Condition, 12

Condensate Disposal, 13
Whole-House Fan, 14

Description, 14
Location, 15
Operation, 15
Winterization, 16

Evaporative Cooler, 16

Description, 16
Condition, 18
Operation, 19
Evaporative Cooler Ducts, 19

Wall-Mounted AC, 20
Window-Mounted AC, 20

INTERIOR

GENERAL INTERIOR

General Interior, 2

Interior Condition, 2

Rodent Infestation, 3
General Wear And Deterioration, 4
Odor, 4
Doorbell, 4
Signs Of Interior Flooding, 5
Environmental Hazards, 5

Asbestos, 5
Lead Paint, 7
Radon, 7

Indoor Air Quality, 8
Fire & Co Protection, 8

Smoke Detectors, 9
Carbon Monoxide Detectors, 10
Fire Suppression System, 11

Wall Insulation, 11

Type, 11
Thickness, 12

Ceiling Fan, 12
Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV), 13
Interior Lighting, 13
Interior Trim, 14
Interior Doors, 16

Condition, 16
Hardware, 17

Exterior Doors, 18

Condition, 18
Hardware, 19
Sliding Glass Doors, 19

Windows, 22

General Condition, 22
Wood, 23
Vinyl, 24
Aluminum, 25
Fiberglass, 26
Steel-Frame, 26
Various Types & Materials, 27
Storm Windows, 28
Window Sill/ Jamb Condition, 28
Window Trim, 29

Floors, 30

Wood, 30
Carpet, 33
Tile, 34
Vinyl, 34
Registers, 34

Walls, 35

Cracking, 35
Damage & Deterioration, 36

GENERAL ROOM TEMPLATE

Room General Condition, 2
Floors, 3

Floor General Condition, 2
Carpet, 3
Tile, 4
Vinyl, 4
Wood, 5
Poor Workmanship, 6
Floor Registers, 7

Wall Condition, 7

Cracking, 7
Damage & Deterioration
Nail Pops, 9
Poor Workmanship, 9

Ceilings, 9

Damage, 9
Moisture Damage, 10
Poor Workmanship, 11

Interior Trim Components, 11
Room Interior Doors, 12

Door Condition, 12
Door Operation, 12
Hardware, 13

Exterior Door, 14

Door Condition, 14
Door Operation, 15
Hardware, 15

Sliding Glass Door, 18
Windows, 20

General Condition, 20
Tempered Glass Requirements, 22
Window Operation (By Type), 22
Window Trim, 23
Sill Condition, 23
Jamb Condition, 24

Skylight Condition, 25
Electrical Outlets, 26
Switches, 28
Light Fixtures, 29
Ceiling Fans, 30
Smoke Detectors, 31
Carbon Monoxide Detectors, 32
Thermostat, 33
Baseboard Heaters, 33

Hot Water Baseboard, 33
Electric Baseboard Heater, 34

Wall Heaters, 34

Electric Wall Heater, 35
Gas Wall Heater, 35

Gas Fireplace, 36
Wood-Burning Fireplace, 37
Wood-Burning Insert, 40
Wood-Burning Stove, 40

Description, 40
Condition, 41

Pellet Stove, 43
Gas-Fired Floor Heater, 44

Description, 44
Exhaust Flue, 44

Wood-destroying insect, 45

KITCHEN

Kitchen Inspection, 2
General Condition, 2
Gas Range, 2

Burners/Igniters, 3
Fuel, 3

Electric Range, 4

Gas/Electric Combination Range, 4
Range Defects, 5
Damage, 5
Oven, 5
Inoperable Components, 6

Exhaust Hood, 6
Downdraft, 7
Cooktop, 8

Gas Cooktop, 8
Electric Cooktop, 8

Built-In Oven, 9
Lighting, 10
Electrical Outlets, 11

GFCI Outlets, 11
Conventional Outlets, 12

Switches, 14
Sink, 15

General Condition, 15
Faucet, 15

Under-Sink Plumbing, 17

Plumbing General Condition, 17
Supply Pipes, 17
Traps, 18
Air Admittance Valve, 19

Garbage Disposal, 19
Dishwasher, 20
Salamander Broiler, 22
Counters, 22
Cabinets, 23
Floors, 25

General Condition, 25
Tile Floors, 25
Wood Floors, 26
Vinyl Floors, 28

Wall Condition, 28

Cracking, 28
Damage & Deterioration, 29

Ceilings, 30
Damage, 30

Moisture Damage, 30
Poor Workmanship, 31

Windows, 31

General Condition, 31
Tempered Glass Requirements, 33
Window Operation (By Type), 34
Window Trim, 35
Sill Condition, 35
Jamb Condition, 36

Skylight Condition, 37
Interior Trim, 39
Kitchen Interior Doors, 39

Door Condition, 39
Door Operation, 40
Hardware, 41
Kitchen Door To Exterior, 41
Door Condition, 41
Door Operation, 42
Hardware, 42
Sliding Glass Doors, 44

Ceiling Fans, 46
Baseboard Heaters, 47

Hot Water Baseboard, 47
Electric Baseboard Heaters, 47

Wall Heaters, 47
Electric Wall Heater, 47
Gas Wall Heater, 48
Electric Radiant Heating, 49
Gas Fireplace, 49
Wood-Burning Fireplace, 50

Description, 50
Fireplace Defects, 51
Wood-Burning Insert, 52
Wood Stove, 53
Description, 53
Condition, 54

BATHROOMS

Section Introduction, 2
Bathroom Configuration, 3
Bathroom General Condition, 3
Electrical Outlets, 4

GFCI Outlets, 4
Conventional Outlets, 5

Switches, 7
Light Fixtures, 8
Cabinets, 9

General Condition, 9
Hardware Condition, 9
Cabinet Damage, 9

Counters, 11
Sink, 12

Faucet, 13
Water Volume, 14

Under-Sink Plumbing, 15,

Plumbing General Condition, 16
Supply Pipes, 16
Traps, 16
Air Admittance Valve, 18
Hot Water Recirculation Device, 17

Toilet, 17

Type, 17
Condition, 19
Damage, 20
Operation, 21
Leaks, 22

Bidet, 23
Tub, 23

General Condition, 23
Whirlpool Tub, 25

Bathroom Shower, 25
Heat Source, 27
Ventilation, 28
Bathroom Windows, 29

Condition, 31
Operation (By Type), 31
Trim, 33
Sill Condition, 33
Jamb Condition, 34

Skylight Condition, 35
Floor Condition, 37

General Floor Condition, 37
Floor Condition By Type, 37

Wall Condition, 41

Cracking, 42
Damage & Deterioration, 42

Ceiling Condition, 43

Damage, 43
Moisture Damage, 43
Poor Workmanship, 44

Interior Trim Components, 45
Interior Doors, 45

General Condition, 45
Hardware, 46

BEDROOMS

Bedroom General Condition, 2
Floor Condition, 2

Carpet, 3
Tile, 4
Vinyl, 4
Wood, 4
Poor Workmanship, 6

Register Condition, 6
Wall Condition, 7

Cracking, 7
Damage & Deterioration, 8
Poor Workmanship, 9

Ceiling Condition, 9

Damage, 9
Moisture Damage, 9
Poor Workmanship, 10
Nail Pops, 11

Bedroom Trim Components, 11
Bedroom Interior Doors, 12

Door Condition, 12
Door Operation, 12
Hardware, 13

Exterior Door, 14

Door Condition, 14
Door Operation, 14
Hardware, 15

Sliding Glass Door, 16
Windows, 18

General Condition, 18
Tempered Glass Requirements, 20
Operation (by type), 21
Window Trim, 22
Sill Condition, 22
Jamb Condition, 23

Skylight Condition, 24
Electrical Outlets, 25
Switches, 27
Light Fixtures, 28
Ceiling Fans, 29
Smoke Detectors, 30
Carbon Monoxide Detectors, 31
Baseboard Heaters, 31

Hot Water Baseboard, 31
Electric Baseboard Heater, 32

Wall Heaters, 33

Electric Wall Heater, 33
Gas Wall Heater, 33

Gas Fireplace, 34
Wood-Burning Fireplace, 35
Wood-Burning Insert, 37
Wood-Burning Stove, 37

Description, 37
Condition, 38

Pellet Stove, 40

STAIRWAYS

General Stair Condition, 2

General Defects, 2
Sloped Handrail Assembly, 3
Horizontal Guardrail Assembly (Stairs), 6
Horizontal Guardrail Assembly (Interior Balcony), 7
Stairway Width, 8
Projections, 9
Risers, 9
Treads, 10
Headroom, 12
Landings, 12
Stairway Lighting, 13
Exterior Lighting, 14

LAUNDRY ROOM

Laundry Room General Condition, 2
Dryer Venting, 3

Vent Condition, 3
Material Type, 4
Termination, 4
Dryer Gas Shut-Off, 6

Electrical Outlets, 6

240-Volt Dryer Outlet, 6
120-Volt Outlets, 7

Switches, 9

Light Fixtures, 10

Sink, 11

General Sink Condition, 11
Undersink Plumbing, 12
Supply pipes, 12
Traps, 13
Air Admittance Valve, 14

Room Ventilation, 15
Window Condition, 15

Tempered Glass Requirements, 18
Operation Defects by Type, 18
Window Trim, 19
Sill Condition, 19
Jamb Condition, 20

Skylight Condition, 21
Interior Doors, 22

Condition, 22
Operation, 23
Hardware, 24

Exterior Doors, 25

Condition, 25
Operation, 25
Hardware, 26

Sliding Glass Door, 27
Floor Condition (by type), 29
Register Condition, 33
Wall Condition, 33

Cracking, 33
Damage & Deterioration, 34
Poor workmanship, 35

Ceiling Condition, 36

Damage, 36
Moisture Damage, 36
Poor workmanship, 37

Smoke Detectors, 38
Baseboard Heaters, 38

Electric Baseboards Heaters, 38
Hot water Baseboard, 39

ATTIC

Attic Access, 2

Access Location, 2
Method of Evaluation, 3
Provisions for Access, 4

Attic Insulation, 4

General Insulation Information, 4
Insulation Type, 6
Insulation Thickness, 7
Attic Insulation Defects, 8

Attic Ventilation, 9

Approaches To Attic Ventilation, 9
Ventilation Condition, 10
Attic Ventilation Devices, 10

Chimney Condition, 12
Clearance to Combustibles, 12
Non-Combustion Exhaust Vents, 13

Bathroom Exhaust Vent, 13
Laundry Exhaust Vent, 14
Dryer Exhaust Vent, 14
Range Exhaust Vent, 15

Plumbing Pipes, 15
Visible Roof Framing, 15
Truss Roof, 16

Description and Disclaimer, 16
Installation Problems, 16
Improper Installation
Contact with Interior Walls, 17
Trusses out of Plumb, 17
Inadequate connections, 17
Poor Workmanship, 18

Conventional Framing Methods, 19

Framing General Condition, 19
Rafters, 19
Engineered Lumber for Rafters, 20
Engineered Rafter Condition, 20
Connections & Fasteners, 21
Ridge, 22

Roof Sheathing, 23

Sheathing Material, 23
Condition, 21

Lighting, 22
Wiring, 24

Wiring Condition, 24

Fire Damage, 26
Miscellaneous Attic Problems, 26

Pest Entry, 26
Wood-destroying Insects, 28
Debris Removal, 28

CHIMNEY

Chimney Foundation Condition, 2
Chimney General Condition, 2

Abandoned, 3
Evidence of Fire, 3
Spark Arrestor, 3
Inadequate Clearance, 3
Poor Condition, 4

Stone Chimney, 5

Stone Chimney Condition, 5

Brick Chimney, 5

Brick Chimney Condition, 5

Stucco Chimney, 6

Stucco Chimney Condition, 7

CMU Chimney, 5

CMU Chimney Condition, 8

Cricket, 8
Roof Flashing, 9
Chimney Cap, 10

Mortar Cap, 10
Sealant Needed, 10
Cracking, 10
Damage/ Deteriorated, 10
Missing, 11

Chimney Flue, 11

Flue Material, 11
Flue Tile Condition, 11
Flue Needs Cleaning, 12
Flue Not Visible, 12
Flue Obstructions, 12

Miscellaneous Problems, 13

Too Low, 13
Tall Chimney Needs Bracing, 13
Chimney Too Close to Valley, 13

GARAGE

Garage Description, 2
Garage General Condition, 2
Garage Floor Condition, 3

Cracking, 3
Settling, 4
Damage, 5
Curb 5
Water Heater, 6

Garage Walls (interior), 6

Interior Wall-covering Materials, 6
Interior Wall Condition, 7
Firewall Condition, 7
Moisture/Mold, 8

Garage Ceilings, 10

Ceiling Condition, 10
Ceiling Fire Barrier Condition, 11
Firewall Condition- Wall & Ceiling, 12

Garage Roof, 13

Truss Roof Framing, 13
Conventional Roof Framing, 14
Rafters, 14
Engineered Lumber for Rafters, 15
Engineered Rafter Condition, 16

Electrical Outlets & Switches, 16

GFCI Outlets, 16
Conventional Outlets, 17
Switches, 19

Garage Lighting, 19

Interior Lights, 20
Exterior lights, 21

Electrical Defects, 22
Vehicle Door, 23

General Condition, 23
Door Panels, 24
Door Springs, 25
Door Tracks, 25
Rollers, 25

Automatic Opener, 26

Number of Openers, 26
General Operation, 27
Door connection Bracket, 27
Automatic Opener Switch, 28
Automatic Reverse, 28
Auto-reverse Sensors, 29
Manual Disconnect, 30

Door to Home Interior, 31

Door condition, 31
Door Operation, 32
Door Hardware, 32

Conventional door to exterior, 34

Door condition, 34
Door Operation, 34
Door Hardware, 35

Stairs to Living Space36

Handrail, 36
Treads & Risers, 37

Means of Egress:
Emergency Escape and Rescue Opening

Basements, 2
Sleeping Rooms, 3
Window Well, 4

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