Canadian Home Inspector (RHI) Exam cheat sheet

A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive, non-exhaustive assessment of readily accessible systems and components on the date of inspection; it is not a code-compliance audit, warranty, or technically exhaustive investigation.

Core inspected systems under the Standards: structure, exterior, roofing, plumbing, heating, electrical, air conditioning/heat pumps, interior, insulation and ventilation, and fireplaces/solid-fuel burning appliances.

Readily accessible means observable without moving stored goods, dismantling, or damaging finishes; inspectors are not required to move furniture, insulation, or personal belongings to gain access.

Report conditions as Inspected, Not Inspected (with reason), Not Present, or Deficient/Repair-recommended; every limitation and exclusion must be documented in the report.

Roof inspection may be performed from the ground, eaves, or a window when safe access is not possible; state the method used and any areas not observed.

The inspector is not required to: operate shut-off valves, test low-voltage or security systems, enter crawlspaces with inadequate clearance, or predict future conditions or life expectancy.

Deficiencies are reported as observed conditions, not as instructions to a specific contractor; recommendations to obtain further evaluation by a qualified specialist are permitted and encouraged.

The Standards define a minimum; the inspector may exceed the minimum with client consent, but must not reduce the scope below the Standard in the agreement.

A suspected safety hazard (e.g., exposed wiring, gas odor, blocked vent) must be reported as such even if outside the minimum scope, because public safety overrides scope limits.

Primary duty is to the client; disclose in writing any conflict of interest, referral relationship, or financial interest in the property before accepting the engagement.

Do not accept compensation from more than one party for the same inspection without full written disclosure and consent of all parties.

Do not perform repairs or improvements on a property inspected by the inspector for a period defined by the association (commonly 12 months), to avoid a conflict of interest.

Do not offer or accept any undisclosed commission, rebate, or referral fee; compensation must be for services actually rendered and disclosed.

Maintain confidentiality of client information and report contents except where required by law, court order, or the client's written consent.

Report findings honestly and objectively; do not soften, omit, or exaggerate conditions to please a client, agent, or seller.

Practice only within your competence and licensing; decline or refer work requiring expertise (e.g., structural engineering, environmental testing) you do not hold.

Do not knowingly damage the property; if damage occurs during inspection, disclose it to the client and owner promptly and document it.

Structure: check foundation walls for cracks, bowing, and efflorescence; note floor/ceiling deflection, out-of-plumb walls, and evidence of past movement or repair.

Roofing: identify covering type, estimate age, and report lifted, missing, or damaged shingles, flashing defects, and evidence of active or past leaks in the attic.

Plumbing: verify water pressure and flow, check for active leaks, corroded or polybutylene supply piping, improper trap arms, and missing cleanouts.

Heating: identify fuel type and equipment; check for backdrafting, cracked heat exchangers (visual), proper venting, and clearances to combustibles.

Electrical: report double-tapped breakers, missing AFCI/GFCI protection where required, reversed polarity, open grounds, and improper bonding of panels and gas piping.

Air conditioning: check for refrigerant line insulation damage, condensate drainage, filter condition, and temperature differential; do not open refrigerant circuits.

Insulation and ventilation: report insufficient or disturbed insulation, missing vapor barriers, blocked soffit vents, and bathroom/kitchen exhaust venting into the attic.

Fireplaces and solid-fuel appliances: verify hearth clearance, damper operation, firebox cracks, and chimney/flue condition; recommend a Level II inspection for wood stoves.

Moisture and safety: look for water staining, mold-like growth, CO/smoke alarm presence, and handrail/guardrail deficiencies on stairs and decks.

Use a written pre-inspection agreement signed before the inspection that states scope, limitations, exclusions, fee, and the Standards being followed.

Maintain a current license/registration, carry errors and omissions (E&O) and general liability insurance, and comply with continuing-education requirements.

Document inspection conditions with dated photographs and notes; retain records for the period required by the association or statute (often 5+ years).

Explain findings to the client in plain language and distinguish safety issues, major defects, and maintenance items in the report.

Do not provide a warranty or guarantee of future performance; state that conditions can change and recommend specialist evaluations where warranted.

Follow a consistent inspection sequence (exterior, roof, attic, interior, basement, systems) to reduce missed items and support defensible reports.

Maintain professional boundaries: avoid diagnosing structural or environmental conditions beyond your competence; refer to qualified professionals.

Handle complaints and claims promptly, in writing, and per the association's dispute-resolution process; preserve all inspection records and correspondence.

A compliant report identifies the client, property address, date, inspector, and the Standard used, and includes all inspected/not-inspected items and limitations.

Use clear condition ratings (Inspected, Not Inspected, Not Present, Deficient) and separate safety concerns from maintenance recommendations.

Include photographs and location descriptions so findings are verifiable and reproducible by another inspector.

State the scope explicitly: what was not inspected (e.g., concealed areas, inaccessible roofs) and why, to limit liability.

Maintain a written contract with fee, payment terms, cancellation policy, and limitation-of-liability language permitted by local law.

Keep business records: signed agreements, reports, photos, and correspondence, retained per statutory and insurance requirements.

Use a consistent report template that maps to the Standards of Practice so no required system is omitted.

Disclose any referral relationships (e.g., to contractors) in the report and avoid steering clients to businesses with which you have a financial interest.