Standards of Practice: Scope, Limitations and Reporting Duties
This domain tests whether you can apply the scope, limitations and reporting duties of a home inspection, not whether you can recite a checklist. Most items are scenario-based: a condition is visible, partly visible or concealed, and you must decide what the standard requires you to observe, what you may exclude, and how to report it.
The standard is a minimum, not a maximum
- The CAHPI Standards of Practice or CSA A770 sets a minimum inspection. You may exceed it only if the added service is disclosed and agreed in writing.
- The inspection is visual, non-invasive and not technically exhaustive. You observe systems and components that are readily accessible and safe to inspect.
- Readily accessible means observable without moving stored goods, dismantling equipment, damaging finishes or entering unsafe spaces.
- You must describe the system or component type and report deficiencies that materially affect performance or safety.
- Limitations must be recorded: why an item was not inspected, and what method you used.
Common exclusions
You are not required to determine code compliance, remaining service life, future performance, concealed conditions, or the presence of asbestos, mould or radon unless specifically contracted. Roof walking, wells, septic systems, pools and underground items are commonly excluded or separately scoped. Removing a panel dead front is normal; removing receptacles, opening walls or excavating is not.
Worked example
At a 1978 split-level, the panel cover is removed and you see several branch circuits with aluminum conductors. The standard does not require removing receptacles to trace every aluminum circuit. It does require reporting the visible aluminum branch wiring as a deficiency and recommending evaluation by a licensed electrician. The panel interior is readily accessible once the cover is off, but dismantling devices is invasive and outside the minimum.
Traps that cost marks
Treating CAHPI and CSA A770 as identical; know which standard governs your agreement and province. Using pass/fail or code-compliant language. Reporting cosmetic items as deficiencies while missing safety items. Omitting the limitation that explains why something was not inspected. Forgetting that a recommendation for further evaluation is not the same as a diagnosis.
Key points
- The inspection is visual, non-invasive, not technically exhaustive and limited to readily accessible items.
- The SoP is a minimum; extra services require written disclosure and client agreement.
- Report deficiencies and material safety concerns; do not certify code compliance or future performance.
- Record limitations and inspection methods for anything not inspected.
- Use neutral language such as observed, not observed and not inspected.