Advancing the Home Inspection ProfessionMy Account Apply for Membership My Account Apply for Membership North American Association of Home Inspectors 16192 Coastal Highway, Lewes, Delaware 19958 AHI Standards of Practice 1. Purpose The North American Association of Home Inspectors (AHI) Standards of Practice establish a minimum and uniform standard for conducting a visual, non-invasive inspection of one- to four-family residential dwellings. These Standards define the scope, limitations, procedures, and reporting requirements for an AHI home inspection and provide consistent expectations for inspectors and clients. 2. Key Terms Client - A person who engages the inspector for a home inspection. Component - A part of a system. Describe - To identify a system or component by its type, materials, or observed characteristics. Deficiency - A condition that, in the inspector's judgment, requires repair, correction, or further evaluation. Dismantle - To remove components not normally removed during homeowner maintenance. Further Evaluation - Examination by a qualified professional beyond the scope of the home inspection. Functional Drainage - Drainage that empties in a reasonable time without overflow or backup. Home Inspection - A visual examination of readily accessible systems and components of residential real property. Home Inspection Report - A written evaluation prepared after the inspection. Inspect - To visually examine readily accessible systems and components using normal operating controls. Installed - Attached in a manner requiring tools for removal. Limitations - Conditions that restrict the inspector's ability to inspect a system or component. Normal Operating Controls - Devices intended to be operated by the homeowner, such as switches, thermostats, and faucets. Pre-Inspection Agreement - A written agreement defining the scope, limitations, and fee for the inspection. Readily Accessible — Capable of being inspected without moving personal property, dismantling components, or risking safety. Readily Openable Panel - A panel or cover that can be opened without tools. Representative Number - One component per room for interior components and one per side for exterior components when multiples are present. Shut Down - A system or component that cannot be operated by normal controls. Significantly Deficient - Unsafe or not functioning as intended. Structural Component - A component that supports loads. System - A combination of interacting components performing a function. Technically Exhaustive — An investigation requiring dismantling, testing, measurement, or specialized evaluation. Unsafe Condition - A condition that poses a significant risk of injury or property damage. 3. Visual Examination The inspector shall visually examine readily accessible, installed systems and components included in the inspection scope unless excluded by written agreement. The inspection is non-invasive, not technically exhaustive, and reflects conditions at the time of the inspection. The inspector shall: Describe systems and components inspected. Report defects, deficiencies, unsafe conditions, and limitations. Operate normal operating controls where applicable. Provide a written report. 4. Exclusions The inspector is not required to: Move furniture, appliances, or personal property. Dismantle systems or perform destructive testing. Inspect environmental hazards (asbestos, lead, radon, mold). Inspect water or air quality. Inspect wells, septic systems, or underground drainage. Inspect security systems, intercoms, audio/video systems, central vacuums, solar systems, pools, spas, playground equipment, or cosmetic items. Determine code compliance, zoning compliance, system adequacy, or design suitability. Identify latent defects or report on concealed or obstructed items. 5. Warranties and Guarantees The inspection report is not a warranty or guarantee of future performance. Systems may fail without visible indicators. These Standards define minimum guidelines and do not limit optional additional services. 6. Inspector Qualifications AHI members must demonstrate competency through: Required education and experience. Passing AHI's national exam or an approved state/national exam. Meeting applicable state licensing requirements. Completing continuing education to maintain membership. 7. Scope of the Inspection The inspection includes readily accessible and visible areas of: Site / Grounds Structural System / Foundation Exterior Roof Plumbing Electrical Heating Cooling Interior Insulation & Ventilation Fireplaces / Solid Fuel Appliances Additional services or exclusions may be agreed upon in writing. 8. Written Agreement Before the inspection, the inspector and client shall sign a written agreement specifying: Inspection date and property address Inspector identification and license number (if applicable) Inspection fee Scope and limitations Systems and components to be inspected or excluded Signatures of both parties 9. Report Requirements The written report shall: Describe systems and components inspected. Report defects, deficiencies, unsafe conditions, and limitations. Provide factual, objective observations without warranties or guarantees. 10. System-by-System Requirements 10.1 Site / Grounds The inspector shall inspect and describe: Ground cover and vegetation affecting the structure Grading and surface drainage Retaining walls, walkways, patios contiguous to the foundation, and driveways Unsafe site conditions The inspector shall report: Deficiencies in grading, drainage, retaining walls, walkways, patios, and driveways Vegetation damaging or likely to damage the structure Improper or inadequate drainage patterns The inspector is not required to inspect vegetation or fences that do not affect the building. 10.2 Structural System / Foundation The inspector shall inspect and describe: Foundation type and materials Floor, wall, ceiling, and roof structure Methods used to inspect crawlspaces, basements, and attics The inspector shall report: Structural deficiencies, deterioration, or damage Movement, settlement, or instability Unsafe structural conditions The inspector is not required to determine structural adequacy or provide engineering analysis. 10.3 Exterior The inspector shall inspect and describe: Exterior wall covering materials Flashing, trim, exterior doors, attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and railings Eaves, soffits, and fascias The inspector shall report: Deficiencies in exterior components Unsafe exterior conditions The inspector is not required to inspect free-standing structures or evaluate storm windows or doors. 10.4 Roof The inspector shall inspect and describe: Roof covering materials Gutters, downspouts, flashings, skylights, chimneys, and penetrations Method used to inspect the roof The inspector shall report: Deficiencies in roof coverings and related components Evidence of active or prior leaks Roof areas not inspected The inspector is not required to walk on the roof or certify it as leak-free. 10.5 Plumbing System The inspector shall inspect and describe: Main water and fuel shut-off valves Pipe materials and sizes Water heating equipment, including energy source and capacity Vents, flues, chimneys, fuel distribution, drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related piping The inspector shall report: Deficiencies in plumbing fixtures and components Active leaks Visible cross-connections Inoperative or significantly deficient components The inspector is not required to operate shut-off valves or systems that are shut down. 10.6 Electrical System The inspector shall inspect and describe: Service drop, entrance conductors, cables, raceways, service equipment, disconnects, and grounding Interior components of service panels and subpanels Conductors and over-current protection devices Service amperage, voltage rating, and disconnect locations Wiring methods The inspector shall report: Deficiencies in electrical components Improper bonding or grounding Failed GFCI tests Presence or absence of AFCIs where required Solid conductor aluminum branch wiring (if visible) Absence of smoke detectors The inspector is not required to activate unenergized systems or test every device. 10.7 Heating System The inspector shall inspect and describe: Installed heating equipment, including energy source and distribution method Vent systems, flues, and chimneys Capacity and approximate age when available Thermostat operation Representative supply and return openings The inspector shall report: Heating system deficiencies Unsafe conditions Inoperative or significantly deficient components The inspector is not required to operate systems that may be damaged or are shut down. 10.8 Cooling System The inspector shall inspect and describe: Installed central and through-wall cooling equipment Energy source and cooling method Equipment type, size, and approximate age The inspector shall report: Cooling system deficiencies Unsafe conditions Inoperative or significantly deficient components The inspector is not required to operate cooling systems when ambient temperature has been below 65°F in the previous 24 hours. 10.9 Interior Systems The inspector shall inspect and describe: Walls, ceilings, floors, steps, stairways, railings, countertops, cabinets, doors, and windows Attached garage type, size, and location The inspector shall report: Deficiencies in interior components Evidence of water penetration or moisture intrusion Missing or nonfunctional smoke alarms Window safety issues, including egress concerns Deficiencies in garage doors and operators The inspector is not required to move furniture or operate disconnected garage door openers. 10.10 Insulation and Ventilation The inspector shall inspect and describe: Insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces Absence of insulation in required areas Attic and foundation ventilation Mechanical ventilation and exhaust systems The inspector shall report: Deficiencies in insulation or ventilation Blocked, inadequate, or unsafe ventilation conditions The inspector is not required to enter unsafe or low-clearance spaces. 10.11 Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances The inspector shall inspect and describe: Fireplaces, solid-fuel appliances, vent systems, flues, and chimneys Fireplace type, fuel type, and venting method The inspector shall report: Deficiencies in firebox, hearth, damper, flue, chimney, and related components Inoperative dampers Unsafe conditions, including clearance issues or damaged components The inspector is not required to light fires, ignite pilot lights, or inspect interiors of flues or gaskets.

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