ARIZONA STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL
PRACTICE FOR ARIZONA HOME INSPECTORS
Adopted in January 1, 2002.
The Arizona Standards of Practice are adopted from the American
Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) 1992 Standards of Practice,
through the Arizona Chapter of the American Society of Home
Inspectors, with Arizona made modifications and amendments. The
Arizona Board of Technical Registration gratefully acknowledges the
assistance and permission of the American Society of Home
Inspectors, and the assistance of the Arizona Chapter of ASHI.
1. SYSTEM: INTRODUCTION
1.1 These Standards define the practice of Home Inspection in the State of
Arizona.
1.2 These Standards of Practice
A. Provide inspection guidelines.
B. Make public the services provided by private fee-paid inspectors.
2. SYSTEM: PURPOSE AND SCOPE
2.1 Inspections performed to these standards shall provide the client with a better
understanding of the property conditions, as observed at the time of the
inspection.
2.2 Inspectors shall:
A. Before the inspection report is delivered, enter into a written agreement
with the client or their authorized agent that includes:
1. The purpose of the inspection.
2. The date of the inspection.
3. The name address and certification number of the inspector
4. The fee for services.
5. A statement that the inspection is performed in accordance with
these Standards.
6. Limitations or exclusions of Systems or components inspected.
B. Observe readily accessible installed systems and components listed in
these Standards.
C. Submit a written report to the client which shall:
1. Describe systems and components identified in sections 4-12 of
these Standards.
2. State which systems and components designated for inspection in
these Standards have been inspected and any systems and
components designated for inspection in these Standards which
were present at the time of the inspection and were not inspected
and a reason why they were not inspected.
3. State any systems and components so inspected which were found
to be in need of immediate major repair and any recommendations
to correct, monitor or evaluate by appropriate persons.
2.3 These Standards are not intended to limit inspectors from:
A. Reporting observations and conditions in addition to those required in
Section 2.2.
B. Excluding systems and components from the inspection if requested by
the client.
3. SYSTEM: GENERAL UMITATIONS & EXCLUSIONS
3.1 General limitations:
A. Inspections done in accordance with these Standards are visual, oat
technically exhaustive and will not identify concealed conditions or latent
defects.
B. These Standards are applicable to buildings with four or less dwelling
units and their garages or carports.
3.2 General exclusions:
A. Inspectors are NOT required to report on:
1. Life expectancy of any component or system.
2. The causes of the need for a major repair.
3. The method” materials and costs of corrections.
4. The suitability of the property for any specialized use.
5. Compliance or non-compliance with applicable regulatory
requirements
6. The market value of the property or its marketability.
7. The advisability or inadvisability of purchase of the property.
8. Any component or system which was not observed.
9. The presence or absence of pests such as wood damaging
organisms, rodents, or insects.
10. Cosmetic items, underground items, or items not permanently
installed.
B. Inspectors are NOT required to:
1. Offer warranties or guarantees of any kind.
2. Calculate the strength, adequacy, or efficiency of any system or
component.
3. Enter any area or perform any procedure which may damage the
property or its components or be dangerous to the inspector or
other persons.
4. Operate any S)’stem or component which is shut down or otherwise
inoperable.
5. Operate any system or component which does not respond to
normal operating controls.
6. Disturb insulation, move personal items, furniture, equipment, plant
life, soil, snow, ice, or debris which obstructs access or visibility.
7. Determine the presence or absence of any suspected hazardous
substance including but not limited to toxins, fungus, molds, mold
spores, carcinogens, noise, contaminants in soil, water, and air.
8. Determine the effectiveness of any ‘system installed to control or
remove suspected hazardous substances.
9. Predict future conditions, including but not limited to failure of
components.
10. Project operating costs of components.
11. Evaluate acoustical characteristics of any system or component.
3.3 Limitations and exclusions specific to individual systems are listed in
following sections.
4. SYSTEM: STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
4.1 The inspector shall observe: A. structural components including:
1. Foundation.
2. Floors.
3. Walls.
4. Columns.
5. Ceilings.
6. Roofs.
4.2 The inspector shall:
A. Describe the type of:
1. Foundation.
2. Floor structure.
3. Wall structure.
4. Columns.
5. Ceiling structure.
6. Roof structure.
B. Probe structural components where deterioration is suspected. However,
probing is NOT required when probing would damage any finished
surface.
C. Enter under floor crawl spaces and attic spaces except when access is
obstructed, when entry could damage the property or when dangerous or
adverse situations are suspected.
D. Report the methods used to inspect under floor crawl spaces and attics.
E. Report signs of water penetration into the building or signs of abnormal or
harmful condensation on building components.
5. SYSTEM: EXTERIOR
5.1 The inspector shall observe:
A. Wall cladding, flashings and trim.
B. Entryway doors and representative number of windows.
C. Garage door operators.
D. Decks, balconies, stoops, steps, areaways, and porches including
railings.
E. Eaves, soffits and fascias.
F. Vegetation, grading, drainage, driveways, patios, walkways and retaining
walls with respect to their effect on the condition of the building.
5.2 The inspector shall:
A. Describe wall-cladding materials.
B. Operate all entryway doors and representative number of windows
including garage doors, manually or by using permanently installed
controls of any garage door operator.
C. Report whether or not any garage door operator will automatically reverse
or stop when meeting reasonable resistance during closing.
5.3 The inspector is NOT required to observe:
A. Storm windows, storm doors, screening, shutters, awnings and similar
seasonal accessories.
B. Fences.
C. Safety glazing.
D. Garage door operator remote control transmitters.
E. Geological conditions.
F. Soil conditions.
F. Recreational facilities.
H. Outbuildings other than garages and carports.
6. SYSTEM: ROOFING
6.1 The inspector shall observe:
A. Roof coverings.
B. Roof drainage systems.
C. Flashings.
D. Skylights, chimneys and roof penetrations.
E. Signs of leaks or abnormal condensation on building components.
6.2 The inspector shall:
A. Describe the type of roof covering materials.
B. Report the methods used to inspect roofing.
6.3 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. Walk on the roofing.
B. Observe attached accessories including but not limited to solar systems,
antennae, and lightning arresters.
C.
7. SYSTEM: PLUMBING
7.1 The inspector shall observe:
A. Interior water supply and distribution system including:
1. Piping materials, including supports and insulation.
2. Fixtures and faucets.
3. Functional flow.
4. Leaks.
4. Cross connections.
B. Interior drain, waste and vent system, including:
1. Traps; drain, waste, and vent piping; piping supports and pipe
insulation.
2. Leaks.
3. Functional drainage.
C. Hot water systems including:
1. Water heating equipment.
2. Normal operating controls.
3. Automatic safety controls.
4. Chimneys, flues and vents.
D. Fuel storage and distribution systems including:
1. Interior fuel storage equipment, supply piping, venting and
supports.
2. Leaks.
E. Sump pumps.
F.
7.2 The inspector shall:
A. Describe:
1. Water supply and distribution piping materials.
2. Drain, waste and vent piping materials.
3. Water heating equipment.
B. Operate all plumbing fixtures, including their faucets and all exterior faucets
attached to the house.
7.3 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. State the effectiveness of anti-siphon devices.
B. Determine whether water supply and waste disposal systems are public
or private.
C. Operate automatic safety controls.
D. Operate any valve except water closet flush valves, fixture faucets and
hose faucets.
E. Observe:
1. Water conditioning systems.
2. Fire and lawn sprinkler systems.
3. On-site water supply quantity and quality.
4. On-site waste disposal systems.
5. Foundation irrigation systems.
6. Spas, except as to functional flow and functional drainage.
8. SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL
8.1 The inspector shall observe:
A. Service entrance conductors.
B. Service equipment, grounding equipment, main over current device, main
and distribution panels.
C. Amperage and voltage ratings of the service.
D. Branch circuit conductors, their over current devices, and the
compatibility of their ampacities and voltages.
E. The operation of a representative number of installed lighting fixtures,
switches and receptacles located inside the house, garage, and on its
exterior walls.
F. The polarity and grounding of all receptacles within six feet of interior
plumbing fixtures and all receptacles in the garage or carport, and on the
exterior of inspected structures.
G. The operation of ground fault circuit interrupters.
8.2 The inspector shall:
A. Describe:
1. Service amperage and voltage.
2. Service entry conductor materials.
3. Service type as being overhead or underground.
4. Location of main and distribution panels.
B. Report any observed aluminum branch circuit wiring.
8.3 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. Insert any tool, probe or testing device inside the panels.
B. Test or operate any over current device except ground fault interrupters.
C. Dismantle any electrical device or control other than to remove covers of
the main and auxiliary distribution panels.
D. Observe
1. Low voltage systems.
2. Smoke detectors.
3. Telephone, security, cable TV, intercoms or other ancillary wiring
that is not a part of the primary electrical distribution system.
9. SYSTEM: HEATING
9.1 The inspector shall observe:
A. Permanently installed heating systems including:
1. Heating equipment.
2. Normal operating controls.
3. Automatic safety controls.
4. Chimneys, flues and vents.
5. Solid fuel beating devices.
6. Heat distribution systems including fans, pumps, ducts and piping,
with supports, dampers, insulation, air filters, registers, radiators,
fan coil units, convectors.
7. The presence of an installed heat source in each room.
9.2 The inspector shall:
A. Describe:
1. Energy source.
2. Heating equipment and distribution type.
B. Operate the systems using normal operating controls.
C. Open readily operable access panels provided by the manufacturer or
installer for routine homeowner maintenance.
9.3 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. Operate heating systems when weather conditions or other
circumstances may cause equipment damage.
B. Operate automatic safety controls.
C. Ignite or extinguish solid fuel fires.
D. Observe:
1. The interior of flues.
2. Fireplace insert flue connections.
3. Humidifiers.
4. Electronic air filters.
5. The uniformity or adequacy of heat supply to the various rooms.
10. SYSTEM: CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING
10.1 The inspector shall observe:
A. Central air conditioning including:
1. Cooling and air handling equipment.
2. Normal operating controls.
B. Distribution systems including:
1. Fans, pumps, duct and piping, with supports, dampers, insulation,
air filters, registers, fan-coil units.
2. The presence of an installed cooling source in each room.
3.
10.2 The inspector shall:
A. Describe:
1. Energy sources.
2. Cooling equipment type.
B. Operate the systems using normal operating controls.
C. Open readily open able access panels provided by the manufacturer or
installer for routine homeowner maintenance.
10.3 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. Operate cooling systems when weather conditions or other
circumstances may cause equipment damage.
B. Observe non-central air conditioners.
C. Observe the uniformity or adequacy of cool-air supply to the various
rooms.
11. SYSTEM: INTERIORS
11.1 The inspector shall observe:
A. Walls, ceiling and floors.
B. Steps, stairways, balconies and railings.
C. Counters and a representative number of cabinets.
D. A representative number of doors and windows.
E. Separation walls, ceilings, and doors between a dwelling unit and an
attached garage or another dwelling unit.
F. Sumps.
11.2 The inspector shall:
A. Operate a representative number of primary windows and interior doors.
B. Report signs of water penetration into the building or signs of abnormal or
harmful condensation on building components.
11.3 The inspector is NOT required to observe:
A. Paint, wallpaper and other finish treatments on the interior walls, ceilings,
and floors.
B. Carpeting.
C. Draperies, blinds or other window treatments.
D. Household appliances.
E. Recreational facilities or another dwelling unit.
12. SYSTEM: INSULATION & VENTILATION
12.1 The inspector shall observe:
A. Insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces.
B. Ventilation of attics and foundation areas.
C. Kitchen, bathroom, and laundry venting systems.
12.2 The inspector shall describe:
A. Insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces.
B. Absence of same in unfinished space at conditioned surfaces.
12.3 The inspector is NOT required to report on:
A. Concealed insulation and vapor retarders.
B. Venting equipment which is integral with household appliances.
Glossary
AUTOMATIC SAFETY CONTROLS: Devices designated and installed to protect
systems and components from high or low pressures and temperatures,
electrical current, loss of water, loss of ignition, fuel leaks, fire, freezing, or other
unsafe conditions.
CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING: A system which uses ducts to redistribute
cooled and/or dehumidified air to more than one room or uses pipes to distribute
chilled water to heat exchangers in more than one room, and that is not plugged
into an electrical convenience outlet.
CLIENT: A customer who contracts with a home inspector for a home inspection.
COMPONENT: A readily accessible and observable aspect of a system, such as
a floor, or wall, but not individual pieces such as boards or nails where many
similar pieces make up the system.
CROSS CONNECTION: Any physical connection or arrangement between
potable water and any source of contamination.
DANGEROUS OR ADVERSE SITUATIONS: Situations which pose a threat of
injury to the inspector, and those situations that require the use of special
protective clothing or safety equipment.
DESCRIBE: Report in writing a system or component by it~ type, or other
observed characteristics, to distinguish it from other components used for the
same purpose.
DISMANTLE: To take apart or remove any component, device or piece of
equipment that is bolted, screwed, or fastened by other means and that would
not be taken apart or removed by a homeowner in the course of normal
household maintenance.
ENGINEERING: Any professional service or creative work requiring education,
training, and experience and the application of special knowledge of the
mathematical, physical and engineering sciences
EVALUATION BY APPROPRIATE PERSONS: Examination and analysis by a
qualified professional, tradesman, or service technician beyond that provided by
the home inspector.
FUNCTIONAL DRAINAGE: A drain is functional when it empties in a reasonable
amount of time and does not overflow when another fixture is drained
simultaneously.
FUNCTIONAL FLOW: A reasonable flow at the highest fixture in a dwelling when
another fixture is operated simultaneously. IMMEDIATE MAJOR REPAIR: A
major defect, which if not quickly addressed, will be likely to do any of the
following:
1. Worsen appreciably
2. Cause further damage
3. Be a serious hazard to health and/or personal safety INSPECTOR:
A person certified as a home inspector by the Arizona Board of Technical
Registration
INSTALLED: Attached or connected such that the installed item requires tools for
removal.
MAJOR DEFECT: A system or component that is unsafe or not functioning
NORMAL OPERATING CONTROLS: Homeowner operated devices such as a
thermostat, wall switch or safety switch.
OBSERVE: The act of making a visual examination of a system or component
and reporting on its condition.
ON-SITE WATER SUPPLY QUALITY: Water quality is based on the bacterial,
chemical, mineral and solids content of the water.
ON-SITE WATER SUPPLY QUANTITY: Water quantity is the rate of flow of
water.
PRIMARY WINDOWS AND DOORS: Windows and/or exterior doors which are
designed to remain in their respective openings year round.
READILY ACCESSIBLE: Available for visual inspection without requiring moving
of personal property, dismantling, destructive measures, or any action which will
likely involve risk to persons or property.
READILY OPENABLE ACCESS PANEL: A panel provided for homeowner
inspection and maintenance that has removable or operable fasteners or latch
devices in order to be lifted off, swung open, or otherwise removed by one
person, and its edges and fasteners are not painted in place. Limited to those
panels within normal reach or from a 4-foot stepladder, and which are not
blocked by stored items, furniture, or building components.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES: Spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools,
tennis courts, playground equipment, and other exercise, entertainment, or
athletic facilities.
REPRESENTATIVE NUMBER: For multiple identical components such as
windows and electrical outlets, the inspection of one such component per room.
For multiple identical exterior components, the inspection of one such component
on each side of the building.
ROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS: Gutters, downspouts, leaders, splash blocks, and
similar component used to carry water off a roof and away from a building.
SAFETY GLAZING: Tempered glass, laminated glass, or rigid plastic.
SHUT DOWN: A piece of equipment whose safety switch or circuit breaker is in
the “off” position, or its fuse is missing or blown, or a system that cannot be
operated by the device or control that a home owner should normally use to
operate it.
SOLID FUEL HEATING DEVICE: Any wood, coal, or other similar organic fuelburning
device, including but not limited to fireplaces whether masonry or factory
built, fireplace inserts and stoves, woodstoves (room heaters), central furnaces,
and combinations of these devices.
STRUCTURAL COMPONENT: A component that supports non-variable forces or
weights (dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live loads). For purposes of
this definition, a dead load is the fixed weight of a structure or piece of
equipment, such as a roof structure on bearing walls, and a live load is a moving
variable weight added to the dead load or intrinsic weight of a structure.
SYSTEM: A combination of interacting or interdependent components,
assembled to carry out one or more functions.
TECHNICALLY EXHAUSTIVE: An inspection is technically exhaustive when it
involves the use of measurement, instruments, testing, calculations, and other
means to develop scientific or engineering findings, conclusions, and
recommendations.
UNDERFLOOR CRAWL SPACE: The area within the confines of the foundation
and between the ground and the underside of the lowest floor structural
component.
UNSAFE: A condition in a readily accessible, installed system or component
which is judged to be a significant risk of personal injury during normal, day to
day use. The risk may be due to damage, deterioration, improper installation or a
change in adopted residential construction standards.
Code of Professional Conduct for Arizona Home Inspectors
Arizona Home Inspectors shall:
1. Not engage in fraud, deceit, misrepresentation or concealment of material
facts in advertising, soliciting or providing professional services to members of
the public.
2. Comply with state, municipal, and county laws, codes, ordinances, and
regulations pertaining to practice.
3. Not violate any state or federal criminal statute involving dishonesty, fraud,
misrepresentation, embezzlement, theft, forgery, perjury, bribery, or breach of
fiduciary duty, if the violation is reasonably related to practice.
4. Apply the technical knowledge and skill which would be applied by other
qualified inspectors who practice the same profession in the same area and at
the same time.
5. Not accept an assignment if the duty to a client or the public would conflict with
the inspector’s personal interest or the interest of another client without full
disclosure of all material facts of the conflict to each person who might be related
to or affected by the inspection in question.
6. Not accept compensation for services related to the same inspection from
more than one party without making full disclosure to all such parties and
obtaining the express written consent of all parties involved.
7. Make full disclosure to all parties concerning: a. Any transaction involving
payments to any person for the purpose of securing a contract, assignment, or
engagement, except for actual and substantial technical assistance. b. Any
monetary, financial, or beneficial interest the inspector may hold in a contracting
firm or other entity providing goods or services, other than the inspector’s
professional services, to an inspection.
8. Not solicit, receive, or accept compensation from material, equipment, or other
product or services suppliers for specifying or endorsing their products, goods or
services to any client or other person without full written disclosure to all parties.
9. Conduct home inspections in accordance with the “Standards of Professional
Practice” adopted by the Arizona Chapter of the American Society of Home
Inspectors, Inc., on September 30, 2001″ the provisions of which are
incorporated herein by reference and are on file with the Office of the Secretary
of State.
10. Not pay or receive, directly or indirectly, in full or in part, a commission or
compensation as a referral or finder’s fee
11. Not perform, or offer to perform, for an additional fee, any repairs to a
structure having been inspected by that inspector or the inspector’s firm for a
period of twenty-four months following the inspection.
Note: This Code of Professional Conduct is extracted from the “Rules of
Professional Conduct R4-30-30J” of the Arizona Board of Technical Registration.
Certified Members of the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. (ASHI) and
Candidates for Membership in the Society are also required to adhere to the
provisions of the “Code of Ethics” of the Society and others may at their option
choose to follow ASHl’s Code of Ethics.
ARIZONA STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICEFOR ARIZONA HOME INSPECTORSAdopted in January 1, 2002.The Arizona Standards of Practice are adopted from the AmericanSociety of Home Inspectors (ASHI) 1992 Standards of Practice,through the Arizona Chapter of the American Society of HomeInspectors, with Arizona made modifications and amendments. TheArizona Board of Technical Registration gratefully acknowledges theassistance and permission of the American Society of HomeInspectors, and the assistance of the Arizona Chapter of ASHI.1. SYSTEM: INTRODUCTION1.1 These Standards define the practice of Home Inspection in the State ofArizona.1.2 These Standards of PracticeA. Provide inspection guidelines.B. Make public the services provided by private fee-paid inspectors.2. SYSTEM: PURPOSE AND SCOPE2.1 Inspections performed to these standards shall provide the client with a betterunderstanding of the property conditions, as observed at the time of theinspection.2.2 Inspectors shall:A. Before the inspection report is delivered, enter into a written agreementwith the client or their authorized agent that includes:1. The purpose of the inspection.2. The date of the inspection.3. The name address and certification number of the inspector4. The fee for services.5. A statement that the inspection is performed in accordance withthese Standards.6. Limitations or exclusions of Systems or components inspected.B. Observe readily accessible installed systems and components listed inthese Standards.C. Submit a written report to the client which shall:1. Describe systems and components identified in sections 4-12 ofthese Standards.2. State which systems and components designated for inspection inthese Standards have been inspected and any systems andcomponents designated for inspection in these Standards whichwere present at the time of the inspection and were not inspectedand a reason why they were not inspected.3. State any systems and components so inspected which were foundto be in need of immediate major repair and any recommendationsto correct, monitor or evaluate by appropriate persons.2.3 These Standards are not intended to limit inspectors from:A. Reporting observations and conditions in addition to those required inSection 2.2.B. Excluding systems and components from the inspection if requested bythe client.3. SYSTEM: GENERAL UMITATIONS & EXCLUSIONS3.1 General limitations:A. Inspections done in accordance with these Standards are visual, oattechnically exhaustive and will not identify concealed conditions or latentdefects.B. These Standards are applicable to buildings with four or less dwellingunits and their garages or carports.3.2 General exclusions:A. Inspectors are NOT required to report on:1. Life expectancy of any component or system.2. The causes of the need for a major repair.3. The method” materials and costs of corrections.4. The suitability of the property for any specialized use.5. Compliance or non-compliance with applicable regulatoryrequirements6. The market value of the property or its marketability.7. The advisability or inadvisability of purchase of the property.8. Any component or system which was not observed.9. The presence or absence of pests such as wood damagingorganisms, rodents, or insects.10. Cosmetic items, underground items, or items not permanentlyinstalled.B. Inspectors are NOT required to:1. Offer warranties or guarantees of any kind.2. Calculate the strength, adequacy, or efficiency of any system orcomponent.3. Enter any area or perform any procedure which may damage theproperty or its components or be dangerous to the inspector orother persons.4. Operate any S)’stem or component which is shut down or otherwiseinoperable.5. Operate any system or component which does not respond tonormal operating controls.6. Disturb insulation, move personal items, furniture, equipment, plantlife, soil, snow, ice, or debris which obstructs access or visibility.7. Determine the presence or absence of any suspected hazardoussubstance including but not limited to toxins, fungus, molds, moldspores, carcinogens, noise, contaminants in soil, water, and air.8. Determine the effectiveness of any ‘system installed to control orremove suspected hazardous substances.9. Predict future conditions, including but not limited to failure ofcomponents.10. Project operating costs of components.11. Evaluate acoustical characteristics of any system or component.3.3 Limitations and exclusions specific to individual systems are listed infollowing sections.4. SYSTEM: STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS4.1 The inspector shall observe: A. structural components including:1. Foundation.2. Floors.3. Walls.4. Columns.5. Ceilings.6. Roofs.4.2 The inspector shall:A. Describe the type of:1. Foundation.2. Floor structure.3. Wall structure.4. Columns.5. Ceiling structure.6. Roof structure.B. Probe structural components where deterioration is suspected. However,probing is NOT required when probing would damage any finishedsurface.C. Enter under floor crawl spaces and attic spaces except when access isobstructed, when entry could damage the property or when dangerous oradverse situations are suspected.D. Report the methods used to inspect under floor crawl spaces and attics.E. Report signs of water penetration into the building or signs of abnormal orharmful condensation on building components.5. SYSTEM: EXTERIOR5.1 The inspector shall observe:A. Wall cladding, flashings and trim.B. Entryway doors and representative number of windows.C. Garage door operators.D. Decks, balconies, stoops, steps, areaways, and porches includingrailings.E. Eaves, soffits and fascias.F. Vegetation, grading, drainage, driveways, patios, walkways and retainingwalls with respect to their effect on the condition of the building.5.2 The inspector shall:A. Describe wall-cladding materials.B. Operate all entryway doors and representative number of windowsincluding garage doors, manually or by using permanently installedcontrols of any garage door operator.C. Report whether or not any garage door operator will automatically reverseor stop when meeting reasonable resistance during closing.5.3 The inspector is NOT required to observe:A. Storm windows, storm doors, screening, shutters, awnings and similarseasonal accessories.B. Fences.C. Safety glazing.D. Garage door operator remote control transmitters.E. Geological conditions.F. Soil conditions.F. Recreational facilities.H. Outbuildings other than garages and carports.6. SYSTEM: ROOFING6.1 The inspector shall observe:A. Roof coverings.B. Roof drainage systems.C. Flashings.D. Skylights, chimneys and roof penetrations.E. Signs of leaks or abnormal condensation on building components.6.2 The inspector shall:A. Describe the type of roof covering materials.B. Report the methods used to inspect roofing.6.3 The inspector is NOT required to:A. Walk on the roofing.B. Observe attached accessories including but not limited to solar systems,antennae, and lightning arresters.C.7. SYSTEM: PLUMBING7.1 The inspector shall observe:A. Interior water supply and distribution system including:1. Piping materials, including supports and insulation.2. Fixtures and faucets.3. Functional flow.4. Leaks.4. Cross connections.B. Interior drain, waste and vent system, including:1. Traps; drain, waste, and vent piping; piping supports and pipeinsulation.2. Leaks.3. Functional drainage.C. Hot water systems including:1. Water heating equipment.2. Normal operating controls.3. Automatic safety controls.4. Chimneys, flues and vents.D. Fuel storage and distribution systems including:1. Interior fuel storage equipment, supply piping, venting andsupports.2. Leaks.E. Sump pumps.F.7.2 The inspector shall:A. Describe:1. Water supply and distribution piping materials.2. Drain, waste and vent piping materials.3. Water heating equipment.B. Operate all plumbing fixtures, including their faucets and all exterior faucetsattached to the house.7.3 The inspector is NOT required to:A. State the effectiveness of anti-siphon devices.B. Determine whether water supply and waste disposal systems are publicor private.C. Operate automatic safety controls.D. Operate any valve except water closet flush valves, fixture faucets andhose faucets.E. Observe:1. Water conditioning systems.2. Fire and lawn sprinkler systems.3. On-site water supply quantity and quality.4. On-site waste disposal systems.5. Foundation irrigation systems.6. Spas, except as to functional flow and functional drainage.8. SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL8.1 The inspector shall observe:A. Service entrance conductors.B. Service equipment, grounding equipment, main over current device, mainand distribution panels.C. Amperage and voltage ratings of the service.D. Branch circuit conductors, their over current devices, and thecompatibility of their ampacities and voltages.E. The operation of a representative number of installed lighting fixtures,switches and receptacles located inside the house, garage, and on itsexterior walls.F. The polarity and grounding of all receptacles within six feet of interiorplumbing fixtures and all receptacles in the garage or carport, and on theexterior of inspected structures.G. The operation of ground fault circuit interrupters.8.2 The inspector shall:A. Describe:1. Service amperage and voltage.2. Service entry conductor materials.3. Service type as being overhead or underground.4. Location of main and distribution panels.B. Report any observed aluminum branch circuit wiring.8.3 The inspector is NOT required to:A. Insert any tool, probe or testing device inside the panels.B. Test or operate any over current device except ground fault interrupters.C. Dismantle any electrical device or control other than to remove covers ofthe main and auxiliary distribution panels.D. Observe1. Low voltage systems.2. Smoke detectors.3. Telephone, security, cable TV, intercoms or other ancillary wiringthat is not a part of the primary electrical distribution system.9. SYSTEM: HEATING9.1 The inspector shall observe:A. Permanently installed heating systems including:1. Heating equipment.2. Normal operating controls.3. Automatic safety controls.4. Chimneys, flues and vents.5. Solid fuel beating devices.6. Heat distribution systems including fans, pumps, ducts and piping,with supports, dampers, insulation, air filters, registers, radiators,fan coil units, convectors.7. The presence of an installed heat source in each room.9.2 The inspector shall:A. Describe:1. Energy source.2. Heating equipment and distribution type.B. Operate the systems using normal operating controls.C. Open readily operable access panels provided by the manufacturer orinstaller for routine homeowner maintenance.9.3 The inspector is NOT required to:A. Operate heating systems when weather conditions or othercircumstances may cause equipment damage.B. Operate automatic safety controls.C. Ignite or extinguish solid fuel fires.D. Observe:1. The interior of flues.2. Fireplace insert flue connections.3. Humidifiers.4. Electronic air filters.5. The uniformity or adequacy of heat supply to the various rooms.10. SYSTEM: CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING10.1 The inspector shall observe:A. Central air conditioning including:1. Cooling and air handling equipment.2. Normal operating controls.B. Distribution systems including:1. Fans, pumps, duct and piping, with supports, dampers, insulation,air filters, registers, fan-coil units.2. The presence of an installed cooling source in each room.3.10.2 The inspector shall:A. Describe:1. Energy sources.2. Cooling equipment type.B. Operate the systems using normal operating controls.C. Open readily open able access panels provided by the manufacturer orinstaller for routine homeowner maintenance.10.3 The inspector is NOT required to:A. Operate cooling systems when weather conditions or othercircumstances may cause equipment damage.B. Observe non-central air conditioners.C. Observe the uniformity or adequacy of cool-air supply to the variousrooms.11. SYSTEM: INTERIORS11.1 The inspector shall observe:A. Walls, ceiling and floors.B. Steps, stairways, balconies and railings.C. Counters and a representative number of cabinets.D. A representative number of doors and windows.E. Separation walls, ceilings, and doors between a dwelling unit and anattached garage or another dwelling unit.F. Sumps.11.2 The inspector shall:A. Operate a representative number of primary windows and interior doors.B. Report signs of water penetration into the building or signs of abnormal orharmful condensation on building components.11.3 The inspector is NOT required to observe:A. Paint, wallpaper and other finish treatments on the interior walls, ceilings,and floors.B. Carpeting.C. Draperies, blinds or other window treatments.D. Household appliances.E. Recreational facilities or another dwelling unit.12. SYSTEM: INSULATION & VENTILATION12.1 The inspector shall observe:A. Insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces.B. Ventilation of attics and foundation areas.C. Kitchen, bathroom, and laundry venting systems.12.2 The inspector shall describe:A. Insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces.B. Absence of same in unfinished space at conditioned surfaces.12.3 The inspector is NOT required to report on:A. Concealed insulation and vapor retarders.B. Venting equipment which is integral with household appliances.GlossaryAUTOMATIC SAFETY CONTROLS: Devices designated and installed to protectsystems and components from high or low pressures and temperatures,electrical current, loss of water, loss of ignition, fuel leaks, fire, freezing, or otherunsafe conditions.CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING: A system which uses ducts to redistributecooled and/or dehumidified air to more than one room or uses pipes to distributechilled water to heat exchangers in more than one room, and that is not pluggedinto an electrical convenience outlet.CLIENT: A customer who contracts with a home inspector for a home inspection.COMPONENT: A readily accessible and observable aspect of a system, such asa floor, or wall, but not individual pieces such as boards or nails where manysimilar pieces make up the system.CROSS CONNECTION: Any physical connection or arrangement betweenpotable water and any source of contamination.DANGEROUS OR ADVERSE SITUATIONS: Situations which pose a threat ofinjury to the inspector, and those situations that require the use of specialprotective clothing or safety equipment.DESCRIBE: Report in writing a system or component by it~ type, or otherobserved characteristics, to distinguish it from other components used for thesame purpose.DISMANTLE: To take apart or remove any component, device or piece ofequipment that is bolted, screwed, or fastened by other means and that wouldnot be taken apart or removed by a homeowner in the course of normalhousehold maintenance.ENGINEERING: Any professional service or creative work requiring education,training, and experience and the application of special knowledge of themathematical, physical and engineering sciencesEVALUATION BY APPROPRIATE PERSONS: Examination and analysis by aqualified professional, tradesman, or service technician beyond that provided bythe home inspector.FUNCTIONAL DRAINAGE: A drain is functional when it empties in a reasonableamount of time and does not overflow when another fixture is drainedsimultaneously.FUNCTIONAL FLOW: A reasonable flow at the highest fixture in a dwelling whenanother fixture is operated simultaneously. IMMEDIATE MAJOR REPAIR: Amajor defect, which if not quickly addressed, will be likely to do any of thefollowing:1. Worsen appreciably2. Cause further damage3. Be a serious hazard to health and/or personal safety INSPECTOR:A person certified as a home inspector by the Arizona Board of TechnicalRegistrationINSTALLED: Attached or connected such that the installed item requires tools forremoval.MAJOR DEFECT: A system or component that is unsafe or not functioningNORMAL OPERATING CONTROLS: Homeowner operated devices such as athermostat, wall switch or safety switch.OBSERVE: The act of making a visual examination of a system or componentand reporting on its condition.ON-SITE WATER SUPPLY QUALITY: Water quality is based on the bacterial,chemical, mineral and solids content of the water.ON-SITE WATER SUPPLY QUANTITY: Water quantity is the rate of flow ofwater.PRIMARY WINDOWS AND DOORS: Windows and/or exterior doors which aredesigned to remain in their respective openings year round.READILY ACCESSIBLE: Available for visual inspection without requiring movingof personal property, dismantling, destructive measures, or any action which willlikely involve risk to persons or property.READILY OPENABLE ACCESS PANEL: A panel provided for homeownerinspection and maintenance that has removable or operable fasteners or latchdevices in order to be lifted off, swung open, or otherwise removed by oneperson, and its edges and fasteners are not painted in place. Limited to thosepanels within normal reach or from a 4-foot stepladder, and which are notblocked by stored items, furniture, or building components.RECREATIONAL FACILITIES: Spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools,tennis courts, playground equipment, and other exercise, entertainment, orathletic facilities.REPRESENTATIVE NUMBER: For multiple identical components such aswindows and electrical outlets, the inspection of one such component per room.For multiple identical exterior components, the inspection of one such componenton each side of the building.ROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS: Gutters, downspouts, leaders, splash blocks, andsimilar component used to carry water off a roof and away from a building.SAFETY GLAZING: Tempered glass, laminated glass, or rigid plastic.SHUT DOWN: A piece of equipment whose safety switch or circuit breaker is inthe “off” position, or its fuse is missing or blown, or a system that cannot beoperated by the device or control that a home owner should normally use tooperate it.SOLID FUEL HEATING DEVICE: Any wood, coal, or other similar organic fuelburningdevice, including but not limited to fireplaces whether masonry or factorybuilt, fireplace inserts and stoves, woodstoves (room heaters), central furnaces,and combinations of these devices.STRUCTURAL COMPONENT: A component that supports non-variable forces orweights (dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live loads). For purposes ofthis definition, a dead load is the fixed weight of a structure or piece ofequipment, such as a roof structure on bearing walls, and a live load is a movingvariable weight added to the dead load or intrinsic weight of a structure.SYSTEM: A combination of interacting or interdependent components,assembled to carry out one or more functions.TECHNICALLY EXHAUSTIVE: An inspection is technically exhaustive when itinvolves the use of measurement, instruments, testing, calculations, and othermeans to develop scientific or engineering findings, conclusions, andrecommendations.UNDERFLOOR CRAWL SPACE: The area within the confines of the foundationand between the ground and the underside of the lowest floor structuralcomponent.UNSAFE: A condition in a readily accessible, installed system or componentwhich is judged to be a significant risk of personal injury during normal, day today use. The risk may be due to damage, deterioration, improper installation or achange in adopted residential construction standards.Code of Professional Conduct for Arizona Home InspectorsArizona Home Inspectors shall:1. Not engage in fraud, deceit, misrepresentation or concealment of materialfacts in advertising, soliciting or providing professional services to members ofthe public.2. Comply with state, municipal, and county laws, codes, ordinances, andregulations pertaining to practice.3. Not violate any state or federal criminal statute involving dishonesty, fraud,misrepresentation, embezzlement, theft, forgery, perjury, bribery, or breach offiduciary duty, if the violation is reasonably related to practice.4. Apply the technical knowledge and skill which would be applied by otherqualified inspectors who practice the same profession in the same area and atthe same time.5. Not accept an assignment if the duty to a client or the public would conflict withthe inspector’s personal interest or the interest of another client without fulldisclosure of all material facts of the conflict to each person who might be relatedto or affected by the inspection in question.6. Not accept compensation for services related to the same inspection frommore than one party without making full disclosure to all such parties andobtaining the express written consent of all parties involved.7. Make full disclosure to all parties concerning: a. Any transaction involvingpayments to any person for the purpose of securing a contract, assignment, orengagement, except for actual and substantial technical assistance. b. Anymonetary, financial, or beneficial interest the inspector may hold in a contractingfirm or other entity providing goods or services, other than the inspector’sprofessional services, to an inspection.8. Not solicit, receive, or accept compensation from material, equipment, or otherproduct or services suppliers for specifying or endorsing their products, goods orservices to any client or other person without full written disclosure to all parties.9. Conduct home inspections in accordance with the “Standards of ProfessionalPractice” adopted by the Arizona Chapter of the American Society of HomeInspectors, Inc., on September 30, 2001″ the provisions of which areincorporated herein by reference and are on file with the Office of the Secretaryof State.10. Not pay or receive, directly or indirectly, in full or in part, a commission orcompensation as a referral or finder’s fee11. Not perform, or offer to perform, for an additional fee, any repairs to astructure having been inspected by that inspector or the inspector’s firm for aperiod of twenty-four months following the inspection.Note: This Code of Professional Conduct is extracted from the “Rules ofProfessional Conduct R4-30-30J” of the Arizona Board of Technical Registration.Certified Members of the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. (ASHI) andCandidates for Membership in the Society are also required to adhere to theprovisions of the “Code of Ethics” of the Society and others may at their optionchoose to follow ASHl’s Code of Ethics.
