Home inspection terminology also defines the limits and scope of a home inspection
Definitions of home inspection terms.
Our site offers impartial, unbiased advice without conflicts of interest.
We will block advertisements which we discover or readers inform us are associated with bad business practices,
false-advertising, or junk science. Our contact info is at
InspectAPedia.com/appointment.htm.
This is a public, consumer information document containing a glossary
defining some key terms regarding home inspectors in the United States
and Canada. Questions should be addressed to ASHI
headquarters. (Also see terms and definitions suffixed to the latest copy of the ASHI Standards
of Practice - available on line or from ASHI HQ.)
A system which uses ducts to distribute cooling 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 which is not plugged into an
electrical convenience outlet.
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 component.
A plumbing system cross connection is any physical connection or arrangement between potable water and any
source of contamination. A cross connection risks contamination of building water piping or municipal water supply with bacteria. Common examples of cross connections in buildings include water softeners (see HEALTH RISKS & WATER SOFTENERS) and dishwashers connected to a building drain without an air gap and water powered backup sump pump systems that use municipal water pressure and a venturi to evacuate water from a building or its sump pit (see Sump Pump Types). Leaving a garden hose outlet end in an unsanitary water source such as a garden pond is also a cross connection that may be unsanitary.
Dangerous or Adverse Situations
Situations which pose a threat of injury to the inspector, and those
situations which require the use of special protective clothing or safety
equipment.
Describe
Report in writing a system or component by its type, or other observed
characteristics, to distinguish it from other components used for the same
purposes.
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 dismantled by the homeowner in the course of normal household maintenance.
Engineering
Analysis or design work requiring extensive preparation and experience
in the use of mathematics, chemistry, physics, and the engineering sciences. See STRUCTURAL INSPECTIONS & DEFECTS for examples of non-engineering inspection of buildings and structures for visual evidence of defects or unsafe conditions.
Enter
To go into an area to observe all visible components.
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.
Household Appliances
Kitchen and laundry appliances, room air conditioners, and similar
appliances.
Inspector
Any person who examines any component of a building, through visual
means and through normal user controls, without the use of mathematical
sciences.
Installed
Attached or connected such that the installed item requires tools for
removal.
Normal Operating Controls
Homeowner operated devices such as thermostat, wall switch, or safety
switch.
Observe
The act of making a visual examination.
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.
Operate
To cause systems or equipment to function.
Primary Windows and Doors
Windows and/or exterior doors which are designed to remain in their
respective openings year round and not left open for the entire summer.
Readily Openable Access Panel
A panel provided for homeowner inspection and maintenance which 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 which are 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
-- one such component per room. For multiple identical exterior components
- one such component on each side of the building.
Roof Drainage Systems
Gutters, downspouts, leaders, splash blocks, and similar components
used to carry water off of a roof and away from a building.
Safety Glazing
Tempered glass, laminated glass, or rigid plastic.
Shut Down
A piece of equipment or a system is shut down when it cannot be operated
by the device or control which a home owner should normally use to operate
it. If its safety switch or circuit breaker is in the "off" position,
or its fuse is missing or blown, the inspector is not required to reestablish
the circuit for the purpose of operating the equipment or system.
Solid Fuel Heating Device
Any wood, coal, or other similar organic fuel burning 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. See Wood Burning Heaters Fireplaces Stoves for details.
Structural Component
A component which supports non-variable forces or weights (dead loads)
and variable forces or weights (live loads).
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 extensive
use of measurements, instruments, testing, calculators, and other means
to develop scientific or engineering findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
ASHI Inspections are focused on in-service conditions and do not certify
compliance with building codes. But to be accurately informed and to be
able to recognize important defects in the field, ASHI inspectors may refer
to various building codes and also to other standards for purposes of training
or explanation.
In-service building component failures
ASHI inspectors operate in that zone of discovery between new constructing
code-compliance inspections and post-failure investigations and repair
work. Using essentially visual methods home inspectors examine both major
building components and small details which offer clues suggesting areas
where major repairs may be needed.
ASHI's Contribution to other fields Because ASHI has building
experts examining residential structures in every U.S. State and Canadian
Province, ASHI members present an opportunity to contribute to and share
data and field experience with other construction-related professional
groups and with trade associations.
Critique, contributions wanted: Contact Us to suggest corrections or additions to articles at this website, and if you wish, to receive online listing and credit as a contributor. Particular thanks are due to the many experts and also consumers who read and critique technical articles at InspectAPedia.com.
Additional technical contributors & reference sources for this article are listed below.
Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
Our recommended books about building design, inspection, and repair, and about indoor environment testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore.
"The Home Reference Book - the encyclopedia of Homes", Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 2010, $69.00 U.S., is available from Carson Dunlop, or at Amazon.com and from the InspectAPedia bookstore. The 2010 edition of the Home Reference Book is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. InspectAPedia.com ® author/editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume.
InspectAPedia® Home & Site Map - Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair, & Problem Prevention Advice: In-depth research & advice on diagnosing, testing, correcting, & preventing building defects & indoor environmental hazards. Unbiased information, no conflicts of interest.
The Mold Information Center: What to Do About Mold in Buildings, When and How to Inspect for Mold, Clean Up Mold, or Avoid Mold Problems
Environmental Inspection, Testing, & Diagnosis On-Site IAQ, Gas, Air Testing, Mold Investigation, Sick Building Diagnosis, Lab Services, & Remediation Plan Preparation - indoor air quality testing, problem source determination, supporting lab work, written remediation plan addressing removal of environmental and other hazards and prevention of their recurrence.
Mobile View 
InspectAPedia ® Home & Site Map 
InspectAPedia® Home & Site Map
