Interior
The Interior domain tests visible conditions in walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, stairs, railings, fire separation, and garage doors. The focus is on safety, water damage, and functional defects that a visual inspection can reasonably identify.
Surfaces and components
Observe cracks, stains, separation, uneven floors, damaged trim, and inoperable windows or doors. Check stair rise and run for consistency, handrails for graspability, and guardrails for safe spacing. Test garage door auto-reverse with a normal control or object. Look for safety glass at tubs, showers, and hazardous locations, and confirm egress windows where required.
Worked example
Stair risers vary by about 3/8 inch. The inspector reports a trip hazard and recommends repair. Reasoning: inconsistent rise is a safety concern; the SOP requires reporting unsafe conditions, not citing a specific code section.
Traps
Missing safety glass at a tub or shower; not testing garage door auto-reverse; treating a stained ceiling as only cosmetic; failing to report a loose handrail or uneven stair.