Glossary of Home Inspection Terms
Accessible
Refers to areas or systems that, in the inspector’s judgment, can be safely approached or entered without obstacles, fear, or danger. Accessibility ensures the inspector can evaluate the area thoroughly without undue risk.
Activate
The process of turning on or enabling systems, equipment, or devices using normal operating controls. For example, activating a thermostat to test heating or cooling systems, or turning on water supply valves to check plumbing.
Adversely Affect
Indicates a condition or issue that has a negative or potentially destructive impact on a system, component, or the property overall.
Alarm System
Includes warning devices such as smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, flue gas detectors, and security systems. These devices play a crucial role in home safety.
Appliance
Household devices powered by electricity or gas, such as ovens, dishwashers, or washing machines. This term excludes components of central systems like heating or plumbing.
Architectural Service
Services involving the design and planning of buildings, including the creation of construction documents and oversight to ensure compliance with design specifications.
Component
A part of a system that is permanently installed or attached, such as a circuit breaker in an electrical system or a faucet in a plumbing system.
Condition
The visible and observable state of a system, structure, or component at the time of inspection.
Correction
A proposed remedy to address an issue identified during the inspection, such as fixing a leaking pipe or repairing a damaged roof section.
Cosmetic Defect
An imperfection that does not affect the functionality or safety of a system or component, such as chipped paint or a minor scratch on a surface.
Crawlspace
The area beneath the lowest floor of a building, typically between the foundation and the ground. This space may be inspected for structural, insulation, and moisture-related issues.
Decorative
Elements that serve an ornamental purpose but are not required for the essential operation of systems or components, such as crown molding or fireplace mantels.
Describe
To provide a written account of a system or component’s type and observable characteristics, distinguishing it from other components.
Determine
To reach a conclusion or form an opinion based on visual examination during the inspection.
Dismantle
The act of removing, taking apart, or opening a component that would not typically be accessed or altered by an occupant.
Engineering Service
Professional services requiring specialized engineering knowledge, such as planning, designing, or supervising construction projects to ensure compliance with technical specifications.
Enter
To physically access an area to observe and inspect its components, such as entering an attic to evaluate insulation.
Evaluate
The process of assessing the condition, functionality, and safety of systems, structures, or components.
Evidence
Proof or indications that point to the existence of a condition, such as water stains on a ceiling suggesting a roof leak.
Examine
To visually inspect systems and components in accordance with home inspection standards.
Foundation
The structural base that supports a building, typically made of concrete, masonry, or stone.
Function
The intended purpose or operation of a system, component, or structure.
Functional
Indicating that a system or component is performing its intended task without significant issues.
Functional Defect
An issue that prevents a system or component from functioning as intended and requires correction.
General Home Inspection
A visual examination of readily accessible systems and components of a home, following established standards of practice.
Home Inspection
The process by which an inspector evaluates the condition of a home’s systems and components, including roofing, plumbing, electrical, and more.
Household Appliances
Devices such as refrigerators, stoves, and laundry machines that are evaluated for basic operation during an inspection.
Identify
To notice and document the presence of a condition, system, or component during the inspection.
Indication
Signs or clues that reveal the current state of a system or component, such as cracks in a wall indicating possible foundation movement.
Inspect
The act of visually examining and testing systems or components to determine their condition and functionality.
Inspected Property
The parts of a building and its site included in the scope of the home inspection.
Inspection Report
A written summary of findings from a home inspection, including observations, material defects, and recommendations.
Inspector
A certified professional who conducts home inspections according to established standards of practice.
Installed
Components or fixtures that are securely attached or connected and typically require tools for removal.
Material Defect
A significant issue that negatively affects the value of a property or poses a risk to safety, such as a failing roof or faulty electrical wiring.
Normal Operating Controls
Everyday mechanisms, such as light switches or thermostats, used to operate systems or components.
Observe
The act of visually noticing a condition or detail during an inspection.
Operate
To engage systems or components using normal operating controls to assess their functionality.
Readily Accessible
Systems or components that can be inspected without removing obstacles or engaging in unsafe procedures.
Recreational Facilities
Optional amenities like pools, spas, and playground equipment that are typically excluded from standard home inspections.
Report (Verb)
To document and communicate findings in writing, as in the inspection report.
Representative Number
A sufficient sample size of items inspected to provide an overall assessment, such as testing a representative number of windows.
Residential Property
A property containing four or fewer dwelling units.
Residential Unit
A single living space that includes provisions for sleeping, eating, and sanitation.
Safety Glazing
Specialized glass, such as tempered or laminated glass, designed to reduce injury risks.
Shut Down
Describes systems or components that are turned off, inactive, or not operational.
Structural Component
Elements like beams or columns that support a building’s weight and maintain its stability.
System
A group of interconnected components working together, such as a heating or electrical system.
Technically Exhaustive
A detailed and in-depth examination that goes beyond the scope of a standard home inspection.
Unsafe
A condition that poses a significant risk of injury under normal use, as determined by the inspector.
Verify
To confirm or substantiate findings through observation or basic testing.
