1.1 The Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI) is a not-for-profit association. CAHPI strives to promote excellence within the profession and continual improvement of inspection services to the public.

2.1 The purpose of these National Standards of Practice is to establish professional and uniform Standards for home and property inspectors who are members of CAHPI. Home and Property Inspections performed to these National Standards of Practice are intended to provide information regarding the condition of the systems and components of the building as observed at the time of the Inspection.

These National Standards of Practice apply to inspections of part or all of a building for the following building types:

• single-family dwelling, detached, semi-detached or row house
• multi-unit residential building
• residential building held in divided or undivided co-ownership
• residential building occupied in part for a residential occupancy and in part for a commercial occupancy, as long as the latter use does not exceed 40% of the building's total area, excluding the basement.

2.2 THE INSPECTOR SHALL:

A. inspect:

1. readily-accessible, visually-observable installed systems, and components of buildings listed in these National Standards of Practice.

B. report:

1. on those installed systems and components that, in the professional opinion or judgement of the inspector, have a significant deficiency, or are near the end of their service lives.
2. the implication for the system or component that has a significant deficiency or is near the end of its service life.
3. the inspector's recommendations to correct, repair, or refer for further evaluation of the reported deficiency by a qualified specialist.
4. on any systems and components designated for inspection in these National Standards of Practice which were known to be present at the time of the Home or Property Inspection but were not inspected and a reason they were not inspected.

2.3 These National Standards of Practice are not intended to limit inspectors from:

A. including other inspection services in addition to those required by these National Standards of Practice provided the inspector is appropriately qualified to do so.

B. excluding systems and components from the inspection if requested by the client or as dictated by circumstances at the time of the inspection.

3.1 GENERAL LIMITATIONS:

A. Inspections performed in accordance with these National Standards of Practice

1. are not technically exhaustive.
2. will not identify concealed conditions or latent defects.

3.2 GENERAL EXCLUSIONS:

A. The inspector is not required to perform any action or make any determination unless specifically stated in these National Standards of Practice, except as may be required by lawful authority.

B. Inspectors are NOT required to determine:

1. condition of systems or components which are not readily accessible.
2. remaining service life of any system or component.
3. strength, adequacy, effectiveness, or efficiency of any system or component.
4. causes of any condition or deficiency.
5. methods, materials, or costs of corrections.
6. future conditions including, but not limited to, failure of systems and components.
7. suitability of the property for any use.
8. compliance with regulatory requirements (codes, regulations, laws, ordinances, etc.).
9. market value of the property or its marketability.
10. advisability of the purchase of the property.
11. presence of potentially hazardous plants, animals or insects including, but not limited to wood destroying organisms, diseases or organisms harmful to humans.
12. presence of any environmental hazards including, but not limited to toxins, carcinogens, noise, and contaminants in soil, water, and air.
13. effectiveness of any system installed or methods utilized to control or remove suspected hazardous substances.
14. operating costs of systems or components.
15. acoustical properties of any system or component.
16. design adequacy with regards to location of the home or property, or the elements to which it is exposed.

C. Inspectors are NOT required to offer or perform:

1. any act or service contrary to law, statute or regulation.
2. engineering, architectural and technical services.
3. work in any trade or any professional service other than home or property inspection.
4. warranties or guarantees of any kind.

D. Inspectors are NOT required to operate:

1. any system or component which is shut down or otherwise inoperable.
2. any system or component which does not respond to normal operating controls.
3. shut-off valves.

E. Inspectors are NOT required to enter:

1. any area which will, in the opinion of the inspector, likely be hazardous to the inspector or other persons or damage the property or its systems or components.
2. spaces which are not readily accessible.

F. Inspectors are NOT required to inspect:

1. underground items including, but not limited to, storage tanks or other indications of their presence, whether abandoned or active.
2. systems or components which are not installed.
3. decorative items.
4. systems or components located in areas that are not readily accessible in accordance with these National Standards of Practice.
5. detached buildings.
6. common elements or common areas in multi-unit housing, such as condominium/strata properties, or cooperative housing when inspecting individual units, including the roof and building envelope.
7. test and/or operate any fire alarm system, burglar alarm system, automatic sprinkler system or other fire protection equipment, electronic or automated installations, telephone, intercom, cable/ internet systems and any lifting equipment, elevator, freight elevator, wheelchair lift, climbing chair, escalator or others;
8. pools, spas and their associated safety devices.

G. Inspectors are NOT required to:

1. perform any procedure or operation which will, in the opinion of the inspector, likely be hazardous to the inspector or other persons or damage the property or its systems or components.
2. move suspended ceiling tiles, personal property, furniture, equipment, plants, soil, snow, ice, or debris.
3. dismantle any system or component.

4.1 THE INSPECTOR SHALL:

A. inspect:

1. structural components including visible foundation and framing.

B. report:

1. methods used to inspect the crawl space.
2. methods used to inspect the attics.

5.1 THE INSPECTOR SHALL:

A. inspect:

1. exterior wall coverings, flashing and trim.
2. all exterior doors.
3. decks, balconies, stairs, porches, and their associated guards and handrails.
4. eaves, soffits, and fascia where visible from the ground level.
5. grading, and surface drainage.
6. walkways, patios, and driveways.
7. retaining walls and fences.
8. attached garages or carports including garage doors and garage door operators.

B. report:

1. the methods used to inspect the exterior walls and their related components.

5.2 THE INSPECTOR IS NOT REQUIRED TO:

A. inspect:

1. screening, shutters, awnings, and similar accessories.
2. geological, geotechnical, or hydrological conditions.
3. recreational facilities.
4. detached garages and outbuildings except as required by local authority with jurisdiction.
5. mechanical lifts.
6. seawalls, breakwaters, dikes, and docks.
7. erosion control and earth stabilization measures.

6.1 THE INSPECTOR SHALL:

A. inspect:

1. roof coverings.
2. roof drainage systems.
3. flashings.
4. skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations.

B. describe:

1. roof coverings.

C. report:

1. methods used to inspect the roofs.

6.2 THE INSPECTOR IS NOT REQUIRED TO:

A. inspect:

1. antennae and satellite dishes.
2. interiors of flues or chimneys.
3. other installed items attached to but not related to the roof systems.

7.1 THE INSPECTOR SHALL:

A. inspect:

1. interior water supply and distribution systems including all fixtures and faucets.
2. drain, waste and vent systems including all fixtures.
3. water-heating equipment and associated venting systems.
4. fuel storage and distribution systems.
5. drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related piping.
6. backflow preventers on supply piping.

B. describe:

1. water supply, distribution, drain, waste, and vent piping materials.
2. water heating equipment including the energy source.
3. location of main water and fuel shut-off valves.

7.2 THE INSPECTOR IS NOT REQUIRED TO:

A. inspect:

1. clothes washing machine connections.
2. wells, well pumps, cisterns, or water storage related equipment.
3. water conditioning systems.
4. solar water heating systems.
5. fire sprinkler systems.
6. private waste disposal systems.
7. irrigation systems.

B. determine:

1. whether water supply and waste disposal systems are public or private.
2. the quantity or quality of the water supply.

C. operate:

1. safety valves or shut-off valves.

8.1 THE INSPECTOR SHALL:

A. inspect:

1. service drop.
2. service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways.
3. service equipment and main disconnects.
4. service grounding.
5. interior components of service panels and sub panels.
6. distribution conductors.
7. overcurrent protection devices.
8. a representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles.
9. ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI).
10. arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI).
11. smoke alarms.
12. carbon monoxide alarms.

8.2 THE INSPECTOR IS NOT REQUIRED TO:

A. inspect:

1. remote control devices unless the device is the only control device.
2. alarm systems and components.
3. low voltage wiring, systems and components.
4. ancillary wiring, systems and components not a part of the primary electrical power distribution system.
5. telecommunication equipment.

B. measure:

1. amperage, voltage, or impedance.

C. operate or test:

1. smoke alarms.
2. carbon monoxide alarms.

9.1 THE INSPECTOR SHALL:

A. inspect:

1. installed heating equipment.
2. vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
3. fuel storage and distribution systems.

9.2 THE INSPECTOR IS NOT REQUIRED TO:

A. inspect:

1. interiors of flues or chimneys.
2. heat exchangers.
3. auxiliary equipment.
4. solar heating systems.

B. determine:

1. system adequacy or distribution balance.

10.1 THE INSPECTOR SHALL:

A. inspect:

1. fireplace and solid fuel burning system components.
2. vent systems and chimneys.

B. describe:

1. fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances.

10.2 THE INSPECTOR IS NOT REQUIRED TO:

A. inspect:

1. interior of flues or chimneys.
2. screens, doors and dampers.
3. seals and gaskets.
4. automatic fuel feed devices.
5. heat distribution systems whether fan-assisted or convection.

B. ignite or extinguish fires or pilot lights.

C. determine draft characteristics.

D. move fireplace inserts, stoves, or firebox contents.

11.1 THE INSPECTOR SHALL:

A. inspect:

1. permanently installed air conditioning equipment.

11.2 THE INSPECTOR IS NOT REQUIRED TO:

A. inspect:

1. portable air conditioners.

B. determine:

1. system adequacy or distribution balance.

12.1 THE INSPECTOR SHALL:

A. inspect:

1. walls, ceilings, and floors.
2. stairs, guards and handrails.
3. a representative number of countertops and installed cabinets.
4. a representative number of doors and windows.
5. gas proofing of walls, doors and ceilings separating the habitable spaces and the garage.
6. fire separations.

12.2 THE INSPECTOR IS NOT REQUIRED TO:

A. inspect:

1. decorative finishes.
2. window treatments.
3. central vacuum systems.
4. household appliances.
5. recreational facilities.

13.1 THE INSPECTOR SHALL:

A. inspect:

1. insulation and vapour retarders.

B. describe:

1. type of insulation materials and vapour retarders in unfinished spaces.

13.2 THE INSPECTOR IS NOT REQUIRED TO:

A. disturb:

1. insulation.
2. vapour retarders.

14.1 THE INSPECTOR SHALL:

A. inspect:

1. ventilation of attics and foundation areas.
2. mechanical ventilation systems.
3. the ventilation systems in areas where moisture is generated such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms.

14.2 THE INSPECTOR IS NOT REQUIRED TO:

B. determine:

1. indoor air quality.
2. system adequacy or distribution balance.

Adjacent
Nearest in space or position; immediately adjoining without intervening space.

Alarm Systems
Warning devices, installed or free-standing, including but not limited to; carbon monoxide alarms, flue gas and other spillage alarms, security equipment, ejector pumps and smoke alarms.

Architectural Service
Any practice involving the art and science of building design for construction of any structure or grouping of structures and the use of space within and surrounding the structures or the design for construction, including but not specifically limited to, schematic design, design development, preparation of construction contract documents, and administration of the construction contract, adequacy of design for the location and exposure to the elements.

Automatic Safety Controls
Devices designed and installed to protect systems and components from unsafe conditions.

Component
A part of a system.

Crawl Space
The area within the confines of the foundation and between the ground and the underside of the floor.

Decorative
Ornamental; not required for the operation of systems and components of a building.

Describe
To report a system or component by its type or other observed, significant characteristics to distinguish it from other systems or components.

Determine
To find out, or come to a conclusion by investigation.

Dismantle
To take apart or remove any component, device, or piece of equipment that would not be taken apart or removed by a homeowner in the course of normal and routine homeowner maintenance.

Engineering Service
Any professional service or creative work requiring engineering education, training, and experience and the application of special knowledge of the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences to such professional service or creative work as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design and supervision of construction for the purpose of assuring compliance with the specifications and design, in conjunction with structures, buildings, machines, equipment, works or processes.

Functionality
The purpose that something is designed or expected to fulfill.

Further Evaluation
Examination and analysis by a qualified professional, trades-person or service technician beyond that provided by the home inspection.

Home and Property Inspection
The process by which an inspector visually examines the readily accessible systems and components of a building in accordance with these National Standards of Practice.

Household Appliances
Kitchen, laundry, and similar appliances, whether installed or freestanding.

Inspect
To examine readily accessible systems and components of a building in accordance with these National Standards of Practice, where applicable using normal operating controls and opening readily openable access panels.

Inspector
A person hired to examine any system or component of a building in accordance with these National Standards of Practice.

Installed
Set up or fixed in position for current use or service.

Mechanical Ventilation Systems
An active or powered air exhaust and/or intake system installed to remove moisture or contaminants from, or introduce fresh air into, the living space.

Normal Operating Controls
Devices such as thermostats, switches or valves intended to be operated by the homeowner.

Operate
To cause to function, turn on, to control the function of a machine, process, or system.

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 is within normal reach, can be removed by one person, and is not sealed in place.

Recreational Facilities
Spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, exercise, entertainment, athletic, playground or other similar equipment and associated accessories.

Report
To communicate in writing.

Representative Number
One component per room for multiple similar interior components such as windows and electric outlets; one component on each side of the building for multiple similar exterior components.

Roof Drainage Systems
Components used to carry water off a roof and away from a building.

Sample
A representative portion selected for inspection.

Service Life/Lives
The period during which something continues to function fully as intended.

Shut Down
A state in which a system or component cannot be operated by normal operating controls.

Significant Deficiency
A clearly definable hazard or a clearly definable potential for failure or is unsafe or not functioning.

Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
A hearth and fire chamber or similar prepared place in which a fire may be built, and which is built in conjunction with a chimney; or a listed assembly of a fire chamber, its chimney and related factory-made parts designed for unit assembly without requiring field construction.

Spa
Residential recreational or therapeutic device.

Structural Component
A component that 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 is done by a specialist who may make extensive use of measurements, instruments, testing, calculations, and other means to develop scientific or engineering findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Technical Services
Services that involve dismantling, the extensive use of advanced techniques, measurements, instruments, tools, testing, calculations, or other similar methods.

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, missing or improper installation or a change in accepted residential construction Standards.

Vapour Retarder
Material used in the building envelope to retard the passage of water vapour.

Visually Accessible
Able to be viewed by reaching or entering.