InterNACHI CPI flashcards

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

Standard of Practice

The published minimum baseline defining which systems a CPI inspects, how they are observed, and what must be reported; it sets scope but is not a technical standard for adequacy of construction.

Material defect

A condition that significantly affects value, desirability, or safety of the property, or that would impair normal use; it is reported, unlike cosmetic or routine maintenance items.

Readily accessible

A component that can be observed without moving personal property, dismantling, or using destructive measures; concealed or obstructed items are excluded from the visual inspection.

Inspection agreement

The signed contract stating scope, limitations, exclusions, fee, and dispute-resolution terms; it must be in place before or at the start of the inspection.

Report description requirement

The report must identify the type and material of each inspected system, not only list defects, so the client understands what was examined and its general condition.

Ancillary services

Additional offerings such as radon, mold, septic, well, or pool inspection that fall outside the standard scope and require separate agreement, fee, and often separate credentials.

Not inspected vs absent

Distinct report categories: an item not inspected was inaccessible or excluded, while an absent item does not exist; conflating them misstates the inspection scope.

Negative grading

Soil that slopes toward the foundation, directing surface water against the structure; a reportable water-management defect that can cause basement or crawlspace moisture problems.

Roof access limitation

When the roof is not walked, the report must state the observation method used and the reason for limited access, such as pitch, weather, or fragile covering.

Double-tapped breaker

Two conductors terminated under a breaker lug designed for one; a reportable panel defect unless the breaker is listed for two conductors.

TPR discharge rule

The temperature-pressure relief valve discharge pipe must terminate within about 6 inches of the floor, be full size, not capped, and not reduced; violations are safety hazards.

Service amperage

The rated capacity of the electrical service, determined from the main disconnect or service conductors; it is described in the report along with the service type.

Combustion air

Air supplied to a fuel-burning appliance for complete combustion; inadequate supply causes backdrafting, carbon monoxide, and flame roll-out risks that are reported as safety concerns.

Guardrail 4-inch rule

Guardrail balusters should be spaced so a 4-inch sphere cannot pass, and guards are typically at least 36 inches high; failure is a fall-hazard finding.

Flashing function

Metal or membrane that directs water at roof penetrations, valleys, and wall intersections; deteriorated or missing flashing is a leading cause of roof leakage.

Deck ledger attachment

The connection of a deck to the house structure, including fasteners and flashing; improper attachment or missing flashing is a common collapse and rot hazard.

Load path

The continuous route by which building loads transfer from roof to foundation; visible interruptions, notches, or cut framing members are structural observations reported for evaluation.

Air leakage vs diffusion

Air movement through gaps transports far more moisture than vapor diffusion through materials; sealing attic and rim-joist air paths is a primary moisture-control measure.

Grounding versus bonding

Bonding creates a low-impedance fault path to clear overcurrent devices; grounding references the system to earth. Both are required and serve different functions.

Backdrafting test

Checking for reverse draft at a naturally drafting appliance using a flame, smoke, or draft gauge at the draft hood; reverse flow indicates a combustion-safety hazard.

Moisture meter reading

A pin meter reports wood moisture percentage; readings around 20 percent or higher indicate conditions favorable to decay and warrant further investigation.

Non-contact voltage tester

A screening tool that indicates the presence of an electric field; it cannot confirm absence of voltage, so a solenoid tester or multimeter is used for verification.

Ladder 4-to-1 rule

For every 4 feet of working height, the ladder base sits 1 foot from the wall; combined with 3-point contact, it reduces fall risk during exterior inspection.

Heat exchanger limitation

Internal heat exchanger cracks are usually not visible without disassembly; inspectors report visible flame distortion, rust, or CO evidence and recommend specialist evaluation.

Low-slope roof threshold

Roofs below roughly 4:12 slope require different underlayment and flashing methods than steep-slope coverings; identifying slope guides the description of the roof system.

Cross-system correlation

Matching findings across systems, such as staining below a roof penetration or corrosion at a flue, before concluding a cause; improves diagnostic accuracy in the report.

Plain-language finding format

A report entry stating location, observed condition, implication, and recommended action, typically referral to a qualified licensed specialist for further evaluation.

Conflict of interest

Performing or arranging repair work on a property inspected for compensation within the prohibited period; the code of ethics bars this to preserve impartiality.

Continuing education requirement

Annual credit hours a CPI must complete to maintain certification; inspectors track credits against the current requirement and retain documentation.

Pre-1978 disclosure

Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint; inspectors avoid disturbing painted surfaces and note the potential presence for client awareness.

Report as snapshot

The report reflects conditions observed at the time of inspection only; it is not a warranty of future performance or a prediction of component life expectancy.

Scope referral judgment

Recognizing when a condition, such as suspected structural movement or mold, exceeds the standard visual inspection and requires referral to a licensed specialist.