Canadian Home Inspector (RHI) Exam flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Readily accessible

A condition where a system or component can be observed without moving stored goods, dismantling, or damaging finishes, and without risk of injury to the inspector.

Non-invasive inspection

An inspection performed by visual observation only, without opening walls, disassembling equipment, or using tools that could damage the property or its systems.

Deficient condition

An observed condition that is not functioning as intended or presents a safety concern, reported as repair-recommended or requiring further evaluation by a qualified specialist.

Not Inspected designation

A report status used when a system or component could not be observed, with the reason (e.g., inaccessible, unsafe, or concealed) documented in the report.

Scope limitation

A written statement in the agreement or report describing what was excluded from the inspection and why, to define the boundaries of the inspector's responsibility.

Visual-only roof inspection

Observation of the roof covering from the ground, eaves, or a window when safe access is not possible, with the method and unobserved areas stated in the report.

Conflict of interest

A situation where the inspector has a financial or personal interest that could bias the inspection, which must be disclosed in writing before the engagement.

Referral fee prohibition

A rule that the inspector may not offer or accept undisclosed commissions, rebates, or fees for referring clients to contractors or other service providers.

Repair restriction period

A defined period, commonly twelve months, during which the inspector may not perform repairs on a property they inspected, to avoid a conflict of interest.

Client confidentiality

The obligation to keep client information and report contents private except when disclosure is required by law, court order, or the client's written consent.

Competence limit

The ethical requirement to practice only within the inspector's training and licensing, and to refer work requiring specialized expertise to qualified professionals.

Dual compensation disclosure

Accepting payment from more than one party for the same inspection only after full written disclosure and consent from all parties involved.

Foundation crack assessment

Observation of foundation walls for cracks, bowing, and efflorescence, noting evidence of past movement or repair and recommending structural evaluation when warranted.

Roof flashing defect

Improper or deteriorated flashing at valleys, chimneys, or penetrations that allows water entry, often indicated by staining or deterioration in the attic or ceiling below.

Double-tapped breaker

Two conductors connected to a single circuit breaker terminal not designed for it, a potential overheating and fire hazard that should be reported.

Backdrafting

A condition where combustion gases spill into the living space instead of venting outdoors, often caused by depressurization or blocked flues, and a serious safety concern.

GFCI protection

Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection required in wet or damp locations such as kitchens, bathrooms, and exteriors, tested and reported during the inspection.

Polybutylene piping

A gray plastic supply piping material associated with failures at fittings, which should be identified and reported as a potential concern requiring evaluation.

Condensate drainage

The removal of water produced by air conditioning or high-efficiency furnaces; improper drainage can cause water damage and should be checked during inspection.

Soffit vent blockage

Obstruction of intake ventilation at the roof eaves, which reduces attic airflow and can contribute to moisture buildup and premature roof deterioration.

Hearth clearance

The required noncombustible distance between a fireplace opening or stove and combustible materials, checked for safety during inspection of solid-fuel appliances.

Pre-inspection agreement

A written contract signed before the inspection that states the scope, limitations, exclusions, fee, and the Standards of Practice being followed.

Errors and omissions insurance

Professional liability coverage that protects the inspector against claims of negligence or missed defects arising from inspection services.

Continuing education requirement

Mandatory ongoing training hours required to maintain licensure or association membership and stay current with building practices and standards.

Record retention

The practice of keeping signed agreements, reports, photographs, and correspondence for the period required by statute, association rules, or insurance policy.

Consistent inspection sequence

A repeatable order of inspecting exterior, roof, attic, interior, basement, and systems to reduce missed items and produce defensible reports.

Specialist referral

A written recommendation that the client obtain further evaluation of a condition by a qualified professional such as a structural engineer or electrician.

Report condition ratings

Standardized categories such as Inspected, Not Inspected, Not Present, and Deficient used to classify each system and component in the report.

Report identification elements

The client name, property address, inspection date, inspector identification, and the Standard of Practice used, all required for a compliant report.

Photographic documentation

Dated photographs with location descriptions included in the report so findings are verifiable and reproducible by another inspector.

Limitation of liability clause

Contract language that defines or limits the inspector's financial responsibility for claims, enforceable only to the extent permitted by local law.

Referral relationship disclosure

A statement in the report disclosing any financial interest in or referral relationship with contractors or service providers recommended to the client.