CPI (NCCT) key terms

The published minimum requirements describing what a home inspector must inspect, report, and exclude during an inspection. They define the scope of the service and the limits of the inspector's responsibility to the client.

The specific systems, components, and conditions an inspector agrees to examine under the contract and applicable standards. Anything outside this boundary is not inspected and should be stated clearly in the report.

A system, component, condition, or hazard that the standards or contract specifically remove from the inspection. Exclusions must be disclosed so the client understands what was not evaluated.

A factor that restricts the inspector's ability to fully examine a system, such as stored goods, snow cover, or an inaccessible crawlspace. Limitations are reported along with the affected component.

A condition where a component can be examined without moving personal property, dismantling finished surfaces, or using specialized tools. Inspectors are generally only required to inspect readily accessible items.

A condition that significantly reduces the value, safety, or usefulness of a system or component, or that poses an unreasonable risk to people. Inspectors must report material defects they observe within the scope.

A condition likely to cause injury or death if left uncorrected, such as a missing guardrail, exposed wiring, or a backdrafting flue. These are reported prominently and often flagged for immediate attention.

The inspector's written advice about further action, such as evaluation by a licensed specialist or a repair before closing. Recommendations should be specific and tied to an observed condition.

The written contract signed before the inspection that defines scope, fees, limitations, and liability terms. It protects both parties by documenting what was agreed before work begins.

The level of skill and diligence a reasonably competent inspector would exercise under similar circumstances. Courts and regulators use it to judge whether an inspection met professional expectations.

Professional liability coverage that protects an inspector against claims of negligence, missed defects, or inaccurate reports. It differs from general liability, which covers property damage and bodily injury.

A situation where an inspector's other financial interest, such as performing repairs on a home they inspected, could bias the report. Many standards and laws prohibit inspectors from repairing properties they inspect.

The professional conduct rules requiring honesty, confidentiality, impartiality, and avoidance of undisclosed conflicts. Violations can lead to discipline, loss of certification, or legal exposure.

A roofing product made of a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and mineral granules. Inspectors check for granule loss, curling, cracking, nail pops, and improper flashing at penetrations and valleys.

Metal or membrane material installed to direct water away from roof joints, walls, chimneys, and penetrations. Missing or improperly lapped flashing is a common source of leaks.

L-shaped pieces of metal woven into masonry or siding at a sidewall-to-roof intersection. Each piece laps the one below so water sheds over the roofing rather than behind it.

Flashing embedded in a wall or chimney that folds down over the base flashing to shed water. It is often a metal reglet set into masonry and is checked for separation and corrosion.

The internal angle where two roof planes meet, concentrating water flow. Valleys may be open metal, woven, or closed-cut, and inspectors check for correct installation and debris accumulation.

The steepness of a roof expressed as vertical rise over horizontal run, often as a ratio like 4:12. Pitch determines which roofing materials and underlayment methods are acceptable.

A water-resistant layer installed beneath roof covering to protect the deck. Its type and overlap requirements depend on roof pitch, climate, and the covering material used.

A ridge of ice at the roof edge that traps melting snow and forces water under shingles. It is caused by uneven roof temperatures and often indicates attic heat loss or poor ventilation.

The intentional movement of air through an attic to remove heat and moisture. Inadequate ventilation can cause condensation, ice dams, and premature roof deterioration.

An intake opening in the soffit that allows outside air to enter the attic. It must be paired with exhaust vents and kept clear of insulation blockage.

A continuous exhaust vent installed along the roof ridge to release hot, moist attic air. It works best with balanced intake at the soffits and must not be obstructed.

The load-bearing wall below the first floor that transfers building weight to footings. Inspectors look for cracks, bowing, water staining, and deterioration from soil or moisture.

The widened concrete base that spreads building loads over a larger soil area. Footings are usually below grade and are inspected where visible for settlement, erosion, and undermining.

A white powdery deposit left on masonry when water carries salts to the surface and evaporates. It signals moisture movement and is often an early clue to water intrusion.

A crack that affects load capacity or indicates movement, such as diagonal cracks near corners or horizontal cracks in a foundation wall. It differs from cosmetic shrinkage cracking.

Downward movement of a structure as soil compresses or consolidates under load. Differential settlement causes uneven floors, wall cracks, and sticking doors or windows.

The entry of water into a building through gaps, cracks, or failed flashings. Inspectors trace staining, rot, and efflorescence to identify likely entry points and recommend correction.

A protective rail at stairs, decks, and elevated surfaces that prevents falls. Inspectors check height, spacing of balusters, and attachment, since gaps can let a child pass through.

The graspable rail along a stairway that provides support and fall protection. It must be continuous, securely attached, and sized so a hand can grip it comfortably.

The horizontal board attached to the house that supports the deck's floor framing. Proper flashing and bolting at the ledger are critical because failure can cause partial deck collapse.

A U-shaped pipe that holds water to seal out sewer gas while allowing wastewater to drain. Inspectors check for leaks, proper slope, and traps missing or double-installed.

The pipe that carries pressurized potable water from the meter or well to fixtures. Inspectors note material, visible leaks, corrosion, and inadequate water pressure.

A link between potable water and a potentially contaminated source, such as a hose in a sink or an irrigation line. Backflow prevention devices are required to protect drinking water.

An appliance that heats and stores domestic hot water, typically gas or electric. Inspectors check the relief valve, venting, combustion air, and signs of leakage or corrosion.

The temperature and pressure relief valve on a water heater that opens to prevent tank rupture. A discharge pipe must extend downward to a safe location and must not be capped.

The reverse flow of combustion gases into a building instead of up the flue. It can occur with poor draft, blocked flues, or exhaust fans and presents a serious carbon monoxide risk.

The air supplied to a fuel-burning appliance for safe burning and venting. Inadequate combustion air causes incomplete burning, soot, and carbon monoxide production.

The enclosure holding circuit breakers or fuses that distribute power through a home. Inspectors check labeling, breaker sizing, double-tapped breakers, and signs of overheating or moisture.

A breaker with two conductors connected to a terminal designed for one. It can overload the terminal and is usually reported as a defect needing correction by an electrician.

A device that trips when current leaks to ground, protecting people from shock. It is required in wet locations like kitchens, baths, garages, and exteriors, and inspectors test it.

A breaker or fuse that opens a circuit when current exceeds its rating, preventing overheating and fire. Inspectors check that conductor and breaker sizes are properly matched.

The intentional connection of metal parts to ensure they stay at the same electrical potential. Proper bonding prevents shock and sparks, especially around gas piping and service equipment.

The combined heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment that controls indoor temperature and air quality. Inspectors operate it from normal controls and report visible condition and function.

The metal component that separates combustion gases from the air supplied to the home. Cracks or rust in a heat exchanger can release carbon monoxide and require prompt evaluation.

The insulated tubing that carries refrigerant between an outdoor condenser and indoor coil. Inspectors look for damaged insulation, oil stains, and improper routing or support.

The drain that removes water produced by an air-conditioning coil or furnace. Blocked or improperly sloped lines can cause overflow, water damage, and mold growth.

A material that limits moisture vapor movement through a building assembly. Its correct placement depends on climate, and improper installation can trap moisture and cause rot.

Material that slows heat flow through walls, ceilings, and floors. Inspectors report visible type, approximate depth or thickness, and areas that are missing or disturbed.

A measure of a material's resistance to heat flow; higher values mean better insulation. Inspectors often estimate it from visible depth and material type rather than measuring it.

Fungal growth that appears where moisture persists on building materials. Inspectors report visible growth and likely moisture sources but generally do not test or identify species.

A removable cover that allows inspection of concealed equipment, such as a furnace or whirlpool pump. Inspectors report panels that are missing, sealed shut, or blocked by stored items.

A repair or replacement expense the buyer will likely face soon after purchase. Inspectors flag these items so buyers can budget or negotiate rather than being surprised later.

The process of documenting observations, limitations, and recommendations in a clear, organized, and timely manner. A well-written report is the inspector's primary deliverable and legal record.