InterNACHI CPI cheat sheet

Standard inspection scope covers readily accessible visual systems: structure, exterior, roof, plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling, insulation/ventilation, interior, and fireplaces.

Inspection is visual and non-invasive; concealed components, dismantling, and destructive testing are outside the task scope unless separately agreed in writing.

Report must describe inspected systems, note material defects, and state items not inspected and why (e.g., inaccessible, unsafe, not present).

Inspector must identify the type of each system (e.g., roof covering material, heating fuel and distribution, service amperage) as part of the description task.

Life-safety observations-missing GFCI protection, absent smoke/CO alarms, blocked combustion vents, exposed conductors-are reported as such, not as code compliance.

Defect classification: safety hazard, material defect, cosmetic issue, or deferred-maintenance item; only the first two are standard reportable findings.

Inspection agreement must be signed before or at the start of the inspection and state scope, limitations, fee, and dispute-resolution terms.

Photographs and written narrative support findings; verbal statements alone do not satisfy the reporting task.

Inspector does not pass or fail a home and does not warrant future performance or predict life expectancy of components.

Knowledge: building science fundamentals-load paths, water management, combustion air, electrical grounding/bonding, and heat transfer through the envelope.

Knowledge: typical failure modes per system (e.g., flashing leaks, aluminum branch-circuit connections, cracked heat exchangers, failed TPR discharge piping).

Skill: systematic inspection routine (e.g., roof to foundation, or exterior-to-interior) to reduce missed items and ensure repeatable coverage.

Skill: clear technical writing-plain-language findings with location, condition observed, implication, and recommended action (further evaluation by a qualified specialist).

Skill: safe operation of tools-ladders, moisture meters, GFCI/testers, combustion analyzers-and recognition of unsafe conditions that require stopping.

Ability: distinguish material defects from cosmetic or maintenance items and calibrate language to avoid alarmism and avoid minimizing hazards.

Ability: apply standards of practice and code-of-ethics limits-no repair work on inspected properties within the conflict-of-interest period, no undisclosed referral fees.

Ability: communicate scope limits and manage client expectations, including referral to licensed specialists for systems beyond visual inspection.

Roof task: report covering material, approximate age if determinable, number of layers where visible, flashing condition, and evidence of active or past leakage.

Roof task: walking the roof is not required; if not walked, state the method used (e.g., binoculars, drone, ladder at eaves) and access limitations.

Exterior task: inspect wall cladding, trim, grading, drainage, driveways, decks, and guardrails for defect, deterioration, or unsafe attachment.

Grading rule: soil should slope away from the foundation; negative grade or downspouts discharging at the foundation is a reportable water-management defect.

Structure task: observe foundation, floor, wall, and roof framing where accessible for cracks, settlement, rot, insect damage, and improper alterations.

Deck safety: ledger attachment, flashing, post-to-footing connection, diagonal bracing, and stair/guardrail geometry are standard observation points.

Chimney task: report visible flue lining condition, cap, crown, and clearance from combustibles; recommend Level II evaluation when the flue cannot be seen.

Plumbing task: identify supply piping material and drain/waste/vent material; report active leaks, corrosion, improper slope, and unsupported or missing traps.

Water heater task: report energy source, capacity, TPR valve and discharge pipe routing, seismic strapping where required, and combustion venting for gas units.

Electrical task: report service type and amperage, main disconnect, panel labeling, double-tapped or improperly sized breakers, and presence of GFCI/AFCI protection.

Electrical safety rule: any panel with signs of overheating, arcing, water intrusion, or a compromised service conductor is reported and referred to a licensed electrician; no cover removal beyond safe visual access.

HVAC task: describe heating and cooling equipment type, energy source, and distribution; operate with normal controls and report response, not measured capacity.

HVAC limitation: heat exchanger internal condition is not visually verifiable in most units; report visible flame distortion, rust, or CO evidence and recommend evaluation.

Interior task: report water intrusion evidence, ceiling/wall cracks, stair and handrail defects, and windows/doors that are inoperable or unsafe.

Ventilation task: report bath and kitchen exhaust termination, dryer vent material and routing, and attic/under-floor ventilation adequacy as observed.

Report standard: each finding includes location, observation, implication, and recommendation; ambiguous single-word entries are inadequate.

Recommendation language rule: use 'recommend evaluation/repair by a qualified licensed contractor' rather than specifying a repair method the inspector will not verify.

Ethics rule: inspector may not accept compensation from more than one party for the same inspection without full disclosure and consent.

Confidentiality: report contents are provided to the client; release to third parties (agents, lenders) requires client authorization.

Continuing education: CPI credential requires meeting annual CE hours and renewing membership; track credits against the current requirement.

Liability management: document conditions observed, limitations, and client-requested exclusions; contemporaneous notes and photos support the report.

Client communication skill: explain the difference between a material defect and a maintenance item, and clarify that the report is a snapshot of conditions at the time of inspection.

Scope boundary skill: recognize when a condition exceeds the standard of practice (e.g., suspected mold, structural engineering questions) and refer appropriately.

Water management principle: bulk water control (roof, flashing, drainage) precedes vapor control; most moisture damage traces to a bulk-water entry path.

Vapor/air rule: air leakage transports far more moisture than diffusion; attic and rim-joist air sealing matters more than vapor retarder selection in most climates.

Combustion safety: a naturally drafting appliance needs adequate combustion air and a proper vent; backdrafting is tested with a flame or smoke at the draft hood.

Electrical principle: grounding and bonding are distinct-bonding provides a fault path, grounding references the system to earth; both are needed for overcurrent clearing.

Temperature/pressure relief: TPR valve opens near 150 psi or 210°F; discharge must terminate within 6 inches of the floor and not be capped or reduced.

Deck/guardrail rule: guardrails typically at 36 inches minimum with balusters spaced so a 4-inch sphere cannot pass; stair rails 34–38 inches.

Roof slope rule: low-slope roofs (below about 4:12) require different underlayment and flashing details than steep-slope coverings.

Diagnostic skill: correlate findings across systems-staining below a roof penetration, high moisture readings near a downspout, or corrosion at a flue-before concluding cause.

Pre-inspection task: confirm scope, access, occupancy, utilities on, and any known conditions (recent repairs, permits, disclosures) before arriving.

Pre-inspection task: verify the client understands exclusions (e.g., septic, well, pool, detached structures) and that ancillary services require separate agreement.

On-site task: verify utilities are energized and pilot lights lit before testing; if not, document and reschedule or exclude affected systems.

On-site task: maintain a safe working environment-secure ladders, avoid disturbing occupants' belongings, and stop inspection in unsafe conditions.

Post-inspection task: deliver the written report within the timeframe stated in the agreement and be available for follow-up questions.

Post-inspection task: correct or clarify report errors promptly and in writing; do not alter findings after the fact without documenting the reason.

Record-keeping task: retain agreements, reports, and supporting photos for the period required by the agreement and applicable law.

Tool knowledge: moisture meters read percent wood moisture or relative scale on other materials; readings above roughly 20% wood moisture indicate conditions favorable to decay.

Tool knowledge: a non-contact voltage tester is a screening device only; confirm with a solenoid tester or multimeter before concluding a circuit is de-energized.

Tool knowledge: GFCI testers verify trip function at the receptacle; test at the device and note downstream protection where applicable.

Safety skill: ladder use-3-point contact, 4:1 base-to-height ratio, secure footing, and never on a roof in high wind, rain, or frost.

Safety skill: recognize asbestos-containing materials, lead paint in pre-1978 homes, and mold-like growth; do not disturb, and refer for specialist evaluation.

Judgment skill: distinguish 'not inspected' from 'not present' in the report; conflating the two misrepresents the scope.

Judgment skill: when a defect's cause is unclear, describe the observation and recommend further evaluation rather than asserting a diagnosis.

Professional skill: maintain impartiality-findings and recommendations are not influenced by agents, sellers, or the prospect of future work.