The Inspector IS required to observe and report on the systems and components herein.
- Roof covering materials.
- Roof penetrations and flashings.
- Chimneys
- Skylights
- Roof drainage components including gutters and downspouts.
- Observe and report evidence of water penetration.
- General structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs or hatch
The Inspector IS required to observe and report on the systems and components herein.
- Exterior wall covering/surfaces, eaves and trim.
- Doors, windows, and flashings.
- Garages and carports that are attached to the main building.
- All exterior doors, decks, stoops, steps, stairs, porches, railings, eaves, soffits and fascia.
- Balconies including stairs, guards and railings.
- Observe and report impact of lot grading and vegetation.
- Retaining walls when these are likely to adversely affect the structure.
- Walkways and driveways on the building.
- Test the operation of power operated garage door openers, including the stop and automatic reverse functions. roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs or hatch
The Inspector IS required to observe and report on the systems and components herein.
- Visible foundation walls.
- Floors, columns, walls, roofs, attics.
- Report any general indications of foundation movement observed by the inspector, such as but not limited to drywall cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames or floor slopes and concrete wall cracks.
- Report on any cutting, notching and boring of framing members which may present a structural or safety concern.
- Chimneys.
- Wood in contact or near soil.
- Crawl spaces, basements.
- Observe and report any evidence of water penetration and condensation.
- Observe and report any evidence of deterioration from insects, rot, or fire.
The Inspector IS required to observe and report on the systems and components herein.
- Insulation and vapour barriers in accessible attics, crawl spaces and unfinished basements.
- Ventilation of attics and unheated crawl spaces.
- Report on the general absence or lack of insulation.
- Operate exhaust fan ventilation systems.
The Inspector IS required to observe and report on the systems and components herein.
- Insulation and vapour barriers in accessible attics, crawl spaces and unfinished basements.
- Ventilation of attics and unheated crawl spaces.
- Report on the general absence or lack of insulation.
- Operate exhaust fan ventilation systems.
The Inspector IS required to observe and report on the systems and components herein.
- Service entrance cable and location and integrity of the insulation, drip loop, or separation of conductors at weatherheads and clearances from grade or rooftops.
- Main service panel, auxiliary panels and location.
- The means for disconnecting the service main.
- Panel overcurrent protection and system grounding.
- Branch circuit wiring and related over current protection.
- Report on any unused circuit breaker panel openings that are not filled.
- Amperage and voltage ratings of the main service panel.
- A representative number of switches, receptacles, lighting fixtures, AFCI receptacles.
- Test all Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCI's during the inspection using a GFCI tester.
- Outlets noted above are to be checked for polarity and grounding.
- All exterior outlets and those within 1 meter of plumbing fixtures will be checked for polarity, grounding and ground fault circuit protection.
- Report the absence of smoke detectors.
- Report the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring if readily visible.
The Inspector IS required to observe and report on the systems and components herein.
- The heating systems using normal operating controls and describe the energy source and heating method.
- Furnace and distribution system, including fans, ducts, dampers, supports, filters, insulation, registers and humidifiers.
- Boilers and distribution system including pumps, piping, valves, supports, insulation, radiators and convectors.
- Flue piping, vents, and chimneys.
- Heat recovery ventilator.
- Interior fuel storage equipment supply piping, venting, supports, and evidence of leakage.
- Cooling equipment and distribution system including fans, ducts, dampers, supports, filters, insulation, registers and piping.
- The presence of manufacturer's build-in safety controls.
- The presence of a heat source in each room.
- Test system using the thermostat or other similar standard operating controls.
- Readily accessible and removable panel covers designed for homeowner access may be removed for inspection purposes.
The Inspector IS required to observe and report on the systems and components herein.
- Verify the presence of and identify the location of the main water shutoff valve.
- Water supply piping into house and within house, pipe supports and insulation.
- Drain, waste, and vent piping, pipe supports and insulation.
- Inspect the water heating equipment, including combustion air, venting, connections, energy sources, seismic bracing, and verify the presence or absence of temperature-pressure relief valves and/or Watts 210 valves.
- Inspect the drainage sump pumps and test pumps with accessible floats.
- Presence of cross-connections that could contaminate the potable water.
- Water volume and pressure should be tested by opening the faucets to obtain a reasonable flow of one or more fixtures simultaneously, and at various locations in the house.
- Water drainage should be tested by draining one or more fixtures simultaneously, and at various locations in the house.
- Test the water supply by operating valves and faucets.
- Observe and report any leaks in the piping systems.
- Determine if the water supply is public or private.
- Inspect and report as in need of repair toilets that have cracks in the ceramic material, are improperly mounted on the floor, leak, or have inoperable tank components.
- Determine the presence and location of accessible clean-outs for the drain/waste/vent piping.
The Inspector IS required to observe and report on the systems and components herein.
- Floors, walls, ceilings and trim.
- Fire separating walls and party walls.
- Stairs, guards and railings.
- Observe condition of permanently installed counters and cabinets.
- Observe and report on any evidence of water penetration and condensation.
- The presence of smoke detectors.
- Randomly select and operate where reasonably accessible a representative number of doors and windows.
Roofing - Inspector IS NOT required to inspect
The Inspector IS NOT required to observe and report on the systems and components herein.
- Accessories that do not make up part of the roofing such as lightning arrestor systems, antennae, solar heating systems, de-icing equipment.
- Predict the service life expectancy of the roof.
- Inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
- Move or disturb insulation.
- Perform a water test.
- Warrant or certify or guarantee the roof.
- Walk on roofing where in judgement of the inspector could be dangerous or cause damage.
Exterior - Inspector IS NOT required to inspect
The Inspector IS NOT required to observe and report on the systems and components herein.
- Geological, hydrological and/or ground and soil conditions.
- Yard fencing
- Seasonal accessories such as removable storm windows, Storm doors, screens and shutters.
- Storage sheds and other structures not part of the building.
- Any items or facilities not directly related to the building structure, such as swimming pools, saunas, hot tubs, tennis courts, etc.
- Seawalls, break-walls and docks.
- Playground equipment or recreation facilities
- Erosion control and earth stabilization measures.
- Drain fields or dry-wells, septic systems or cesspools.
- Water wells or springs.
- Determine the integrity of the thermal window seals or damaged glass.
- Verify or certify safe operation of any auto reverse or related safety function of a garage doors.
Structure - Inspector IS NOT required to inspect
The Inspector IS NOT required to observe and report on the systems and components herein.
- Inspect areas that are not reasonably accessible or visible.
- Enter any crawlspaces that are not readily accessible or where entry could cause damage or pose a hazard to the inspector.
- Move stored items or debris.
- Identify size, spacing, span, location or determine adequacy of foundation bolting, bracing, joists, joist spans or support systems.
- Provide any engineering or architectural service.
- Report on the adequacy of any structural system or component.
Insulation- Inspector IS NOT required to inspect
The Inspector IS NOT required to observe and report on the systems and components herein.
- Concealed insulation and vapour barrier systems.
- Inspect areas that are not reasonably accessible or visible.
- Move, touch, or disturb insulation or vapour barriers.
- Identify the composition or exact R-value of insulation material.
- Determine the types of materials used in insulation or wrapping of pipes, ducts, jackets, boilers, and wiring.
- Determine the adequacy of ventilation
Ventilation - Inspector IS NOT required to inspect
The Inspector IS NOT required to observe and report on the systems and components herein.
- Concealed insulation and vapour barrier systems.
- Inspect areas that are not reasonably accessible or visible.
- Move, touch, or disturb insulation or vapour barriers.
- Identify the composition or exact R-value of insulation material.
- Determine the types of materials used in insulation or wrapping of pipes, ducts, jackets, boilers, and wiring.
Electrical - Inspector IS NOT required to inspect
The Inspector IS NOT required to observe and report on the systems and components herein.
- Insert any tool, probe or device into the main panel board sub-panels, distribution panel boards, or electrical fixtures.
- Secondary wiring systems such as low voltage wiring, telephone wiring, cable television wiring, etc.
- Any components not related to the primary electrical systems such as security systems, swimming pool wiring and time-control devices.
- Inspect private or emergency electrical supply sources, including but not limited to generators, windmills, solar panels, or battery or electrical storage facilities.
- Provide or remove power for equipment.
- Inspect or test de-icing equipment.
- Conduct voltage drop calculations.
- Determine the accuracy of circuit labeling.
- Verify the service ground.
- Test the operation of smoke detectors
- Dismantle, remove, adjust or perform any task on any electrical equipment that would require a qualified trades person to perform.
- Insert or remove fuses, or operate circuit breakers.
Heating & Cooling - Inspector IS NOT required to inspect
The Inspector IS NOT required to observe and report on the systems and components herein.
- Inspect or evaluate interiors of flues or chimneys, fire chambers, heat exchangers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters, solar heating systems or fuel tanks.
- Determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, adequacy, BTU, or supply adequacy of the heating system.
- Any portable heating/cooling, humidifying, dehumidifying or air cleaning equipment.
- Activate any HVAC systems when ambient temperatures or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment.
- Evaluate fuel quality.
- Verify thermostat calibration, heat anticipation or automatic setbacks, timers, programs or clocks.
- Examine electrical current, coolant fluids or gases, or coolant leakage.
- Dismantle, remove, adjust or perform any function on any heating or cooling equipment that would require a qualified tradesperson to perform.
- Light or ignite pilot flames.
- Change settings or conditions on equipment.
Plumbing - Inspector IS NOT required to inspect
The Inspector IS NOT required to observe and report on the systems and components herein.
- Ignite or extinguish fires, pilot lights, change settings or conditions on equipment.
- Determine the exact flow rate, volume, pressure, temperature, or adequacy of the water supply.
- Inspect interiors of flues or chimneys, water softening or filtering systems, well pumps, tanks, safety or shut-of valves, floor drains, lawn sprinkler systems or fire sprinkler systems.
- Operate any valves other than those used on a regular or daily basis.
- Determine the water quality or potability or the reliability of the water supply or source.
- Foundation drainage system and yard piping.
- Inspect clothes washing machines or their connections.
- Test shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for leakage.
- Evaluate the compliance with local conservation or energy standards, or the proper design or sizing of any water, waste or venting components, fixtures or piping.
- Determine the effectiveness of anti-siphon, back-flow prevention or drain-stop devices.
- Determine whether there are sufficient clean-outs for effective cleaning of drains.
- Evaluate gas, liquid propane or oil storage tanks.
- Inspect any private sewage waste disposal or septic system or component there of.
- Inspect water treatment systems or water filters.
- Inspect water storage tanks, pressure pumps or bladder tanks.
- Evaluate wait time to obtain hot water at fixtures, or perform testing of any kind to water heater elements.
- Test, operate, open or close safety controls, manual stop valves and/or temperature or pressure relief valves.
- Determine the existence or condition of polybutylene plumbing.
- Dismantle, remove, adjust or perform any function on any plumbing equipment that would require a qualified tradesperson to perform.
Interior - Inspector IS NOT required to inspect
The Inspector IS NOT required to observe and report on the systems and components herein.
- Treatments such as paint, wallpaper, carpeting, blinds, drapes, and other similar treatments.
- Kitchen, bathroom, and laundry appliances.
- Observe fireplace insert installation.
- Any items or facilities not directly related to the interior systems and components such as swimming pools, saunas, hot tubs, ponds and water falls.
- Move furniture, stored items, or any coverings like carpets or rugs in order to inspect the concealed floor structure.
- Move drop / suspended ceiling tiles.
- Operate or examine any sauna, steam-jenny, kiln, toaster, plug-in kitchen appliances, or other ancillary devices.
- Inspect elevators, remote controls, appliances, or any items not permanently installed.
- Examine or operate any above-ground, movable, freestanding, or non-permanently installed pool/spa, recreational equipment or self-contained equipment.
