THE CalNACHI STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

SECTION ONE: GRADING & DRAINAGE

The inspector will report on:
1.   The overall gradient of the lot, such as being graded toward the street, etc.

2.   The visible condition of hard surfaces, drainage channels, area drains, and related components. [Gutters are referenced under Roof: Section Four].

3.   Areas where moisture might adversely affect a primary structure.

The inspector cannot report on:
1.    Geological conditions, the type of soil, or its ability to percolate.
2.    Concealed or subterranean drainage components.
3.    The functionality of a drainage system and its components, including sump pumps, which often confirm existing or anticipated drainage problems.
4.    Grading and drainage on condominium or planned urban development communities (PUD’s).

SECTION TWO: FOUNDATION

The inspector will report on:
1.  The generic foundation type, such as slab-on-grade or raised.
2.  The visible condition of crawlspaces with built-in [engineered] access.
3.  The generic type of crawlspace ventilation.
4.  The generic type of insulation and vapor retarders.
5.  Cracks in hard surfaces, sloping floors, or unsquare openings.
The inspector cannot report on:
1.   Any crawlspace area deemed inaccessible or unsafe by the inspector.
2.   The structural adequacy of foundation hardware (bolts and anchors), or the appropriate size and span of framing members [an engineering analysis].
3.   The absence of insulation and vapor retarders [a variable standard]. 

SECTION THREE: EXTERIOR

The inspector will report on:
1.  The condition of building walls, or disclaim with explanation.
2.  The condition of wood trim, and/or other building material.
3.  The generic type and condition of windows.
4.  The condition of exterior doors and sliders.
5.  Impact-glazing [tempered glass], when the identifying mark is clearly visible.
6.  The condition of attached structures, including but not limited to: porches and stoops, decks, steps, handrails, balconies, guardrails, carports, and patio covers, unless disclaimed in the standards or a report.
7.  The condition of the yard walls, fences, and gates. 8.  Any vegetation that encroaches on a primary structure.
The inspector cannot report on:
1.  Automatic or remotely controlled gates and their safety mechanisms.
2.  Easements or boundaries, rear and side yard set-backs, or encroachments.
3.  Auxillary structures, including but not limited to: stables, barns, and storage sheds.
4.   Wood destroying organisms, unless licensed and authorized to do so.
5.   Tree houses, play structures, and recreational apparatus.
6.   Handicapped access compliance: ADA (American Disabilities Act).
7.   Funiculars or similar mechanical contrivances and modes of transport.
8.   Window shutters, storm shutters, security shutters, awnings and screens.
9.   Engineered [retaining] walls.
10. Engineered barriers, seawalls, or docks.
11. The hermetic seal of dual-glazed windows.
12. Flashings and moisture barriers, concealed beneath building walls.
13. Decorative lights and low-voltage lighting.
14. Landscaping, including but not limited to trees, bushes, and plants.
15. Landscape accessories, including but not limited to fountains, ponds, bird-baths, statuary, pots, concrete benches, and decorative arbors.
16. Environmental contaminants, including but not limited to asbestos, lead and lead-based paint, radon, electromagnetic radiation, and elevated decibel levels, or noise pollution.

SECTION FOUR: ROOF & ATTIC

1.   The method used to evaluate the roof.
2.   The generic type of roofing material, such as fiberglass shingle, etc.
3.   The visible condition of the roof.
4.   The visible condition of gutters and other drainage components.
5.   Areas where drainage is indirect: design-flaw.
6.   The seal of roof penetrations (flashings).
7.   The attic access point, and the method used to evaluate the attic.
8.   The visible condition of the attic and related components.
9. The generic type and approximate thickness of the attic insulation.
10. The generic type and provision for ventilation.
11. Any evidence of bird, rodent, or animal activity within the attic.

The inspector cannot report on:
1.    The fact that a roof may or may not leak.
2.    The remaining life-expectancy of any roofing material.
3.    The cause or causes of defects.
4.    Any component that is not roof-related, including solar panels, weather-vanes, satellite dishes, antennae, lightning rods, etc.
5.    Insulating material, other than in a generic sense: cellulose, bat, etc.

SECTION FIVE: CHIMNEYS

The inspector will report on:

1.   The specific chimney type when discernible, such as masonry, prefabricated, etc.

2.   The chimney’s compliance with the 3-2-10 drafting rule.

3.   The condition of the walls, termination cap, crown, and visible areas of the flue.

4.   The type and condition of the seals (flashings).

5.   The condition of the firebox, hearth, and surround.

6.   The condition of the damper and its components.

7.   The condition of the log-starter, ornamental fire, etc.

The inspector cannot report on:
1.    Any part of a chimney that cannot be viewed or safely accessed.
2.    The ability of any chimney to draft well.
3.    The cause or causes of defects and deficiencies.
4.    The future performance of any chimney.

 SECTION SIX: PLUMBING

The inspector will report on:

1.  The location of emergency shut-off valves: gas, water, electricity, oil, etc.

2.  The type and condition of the exposed supply and drain pipes.

3.  The functional flow of the water pipes, and the draw at drains.

4.  The approximate age, capacity, and condition of water heating devices, and confirm the presence of pressure temperature relief valves, similar safety devices, and seismic constraints.

The inspector cannot report on:

1.   Any deactivated fuel supply (water, gas, or oil), or dysfunctional igniters.

2.   The temperature settings on water heaters, or regulate to prevent scalding.

3.   Wells or storage tanks, unless licensed and authorized to do so.

4.   Whether a sewage system is public or private.

5.   Sewage ejection systems.

6.   The presence or location of cleanouts, main sewer pipe or otherwise.

7.   Private sewage systems, unless licensed and authorized.

8.   Water circulating devices and/or their timers.

9.   Water softeners or water purification devices.

10. Washers and dryers, their supply pipes, valves, and drain pipes.

11. Shut-off valves that are not in daily use.

13. The purity of the potable water supply.

14. Lawn sprinkler systems.

15. Fire-sprinkler systems.

16. The life-expectancy of any system, component, or appliance.

SECTION SEVEN: ELECTRICAL

The inspector will report on:

1.  The type and condition of the service entrance.

2.  The size of the main service: voltage and amperage.

3.  The emergency accessibility of the panel.

4.  The visible condition of the circuit breakers.

5.  The visible condition of the wiring and connections.

6.  The presence of single-strand aluminum wiring within a panel.

7.  The way in which the panel is grounded.

8.  The condition of sub-panels, in the manner enumerated, 1 through 7, above.

9.   A representative sample of lights, switches, and outlets.

The inspector cannot report on:

1.     Any system or component that has been deactivated.

2.     The GFCI or AFCI function of breakers and outlets.

3.   Any component that poses either a perceived danger to the inspector or a potential for property damage.

4.   Perform a load-calculation, or guarantee that the supply meets the demand.

5.   Confirm compliance with current codes. (The NEC is not retroactive).

6.   Evaluate security systems.

7.   Evaluate hardwired smoke detectors. (See 10.4).

8.   Evaluate computerized or low voltage equipment.

9.   Evaluate electrical emergency back-up equipment.

 SECTION EIGHT: HEATING & COOLING

The inspector will report on:

1. The type and fuel-use of the system.

2. The functionality of the system, using the thermostat or conventional controls.

3. The functionality, and not the quality, of a system and its components.

4. The presence of combustion-air and vents of fossil-fueled appliances.

5. The visible portions of the distribution system, including ducts and pipes.

6. The generic type of insulation on the ducts, plenum, etc.

7. The point at which condensation is discharged.

The inspector cannot report on:

1.  Any system that has been shut-down.

2.  The adequacy of amperage, tonnage, or compliance with California Environmental Resources Evaluation System (CERES).

3.   The cause or causes of defects or deficiencies.

6.   Any component that requires dismantling, other than removing inspection cover panels.

7.   The calibration, or programming, of thermostats.

8.   The uniformity of the air-flow or distribution.

9.   Thru-wall or thru-window heating and cooling units.

10. Fuel storage tanks and their components, unless licensed and authorized.

11. Solar, radiant heat, or geothermal heat-pump systems.

12. The condition of in-slab or concealed ducts.

13. Humidity control devices, and electronic, or electrostatic filters.

14. The life-expectancy of a system or its components.

SECTION NINE: LIVING QUARTERS

The inspector will report on:

1.     The visible condition of doors, floors, walls, ceilings, windows, closets, and attached cabinetry.
2.     The condition of stairs, handrails, and guardrails.
3.     A representative sampling of windows and doors.

The inspector cannot report on:
1.      Cosmetic imperfections or the wear-and-tear associated with time and use.
2.      Any area concealed by rugs, carpets, furniture, or similar items.
3.      Curtains, window treatments, or wall hangings.
4.      Computerized systems or controls.
5.      Intercoms, audio or media systems.
6.      Elevators, dumb-waiters, or other means of mechanical transport.
7.      Low-voltage systems.
8.      Security systems.
9.      The possibility of moisture intrusion.
10.   Indoor air quality, unless licensed and authorized to do so.
11.   Systems that are designed to mitigate environmental contaminants. 

SECTION TEN: SLEEPING QUARTERS

The inspector will report on:

1.      The visible condition of doors, floors, walls, ceilings, windows, and closets.
2.      The adequacy of light and ventilation.
3.      The adequacy for an emergency exit and egress.
4.      The adequate separation from a garage.
5.      The presence or absence of smoke detectors.
6.      The condition of doors, floors, walls, ceilings, and windows.

The inspector cannot report on:

1.     Cosmetic imperfections or the wear-and-tear associated with time and use.
2.     Sleeping quarters that fail to meet conditions 1 through 4, above.
3.     The functionality of smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
4.     Cosmetic imperfections or the wear-and-tear associated with time and usage.

SECTION ELEVEN: KITCHENS

The inspector will report on:

1.    The condition of the floor, walls, ceiling, windows, and doors.

2.    The functionality of built-in appliances, unless disclaimed.

3.    Faucets and drains and report on their functional flow and draw.

5.    The ground fault capacity of countertop outlets.

6.    Confirm that island countertops are secure.

The inspector cannot report on:

1.    Cosmetic imperfections or the wear-and-tear associated with time and use.
2.    Curtains, window treatments, or wall hangings.
3.    Free-standing appliances.
4.    Countertop or cabinetry lights, which are not built-in.
5.    Dumb-waiters or similar mechanical devices.
6.    The future performance of any appliance.

 SECTION TWELVE: BATHROOMS

The inspector will report on:

1.    The condition of the floor, walls, ceiling, windows, and doors.

2.    Faucets and the drains in sinks, tubs, hydro-spas and showers.

3.    Toilets and bidets, but not their shut-off valves.

4.    The ground fault protection of countertop outlets.

5.    The ground fault protection of hydro-spas.

6.    The presence of impact glazing where appropriate.

The inspector cannot report on:

1.    Flood-test showers or guarantee the integrity of shower pans.

2.    Cosmetic deficiencies, mineral stains on enclosures, fixtures, etc.

3.    Temperature regulating devices.

4.    Steam showers and their components.

5.    Saunas and their components. 

SECTION THIRTEEN: LAUNDRY FACILITIES

The inspector will report on:

1.   The condition of the floor, walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and cabinets.

2.   The provision for hot and cold water, fuel for a dryer, and a gas dryer’s capacity to vent to the exterior or to an approved location.

The inspector cannot report on:

1.     Cosmetic imperfections or the wear-and-tear associated with time and use.
2.     The functionality of free-standing appliances: washers and dryers.

 SECTION FOURTEEN: GARAGES

and to keep storage items raised above the slab floor.

The inspector will report on:

1.    The condition of the slab, walls, windows, etc.

2.    The generic type of garage door(s).

3.    A garage door that is heavy and, therefore, potentially dangerous.

4.    Hardware, and confirm that springs have safety cables.

5.    Garage door openers and confirm their auto-reversing capacity.

6.    The presence of a plaster firewalls in attached garages.

7.    House entry doors and their fire-rating and self-closing capacity.

9.    Confirm that wall outlets are ground fault protected.  

The inspector cannot report on:

1.    Areas that are obstructed, by vehicles, or storage items, etc.

2.    The adequate accommodation for all vehicles.

3.    Storage facilities added after the initial construction.

4.    Common curing cracks in slabs, or salt-crystal formations [efflorescence]. 

SECTION FIFTEEN: POOLS & SPAS [AN OPTIONAL SERVICE]

            The inspector will report on:

1.  The generic type of pool/spa being evaluated.

2.  The pool/spa enclosure, including gates and doors that give pool/spa access.

4.  The pool/spa deck and its drainage system.

5.  The visible condition of the shell and tiles.

6.  The condition of the visible portions of skimmers, pipes, valves, filters, heaters, motors, and blowers.

7.   The ground fault protection of pool and spa lights.

8.   The appropriate bonding of metal equipment or adjacent metal objects.

9.   The presence of a service disconnect switch.

10. The ground fault protection of service outlets.

The inspector cannot report on:

1.      The structural integrity of a pool or spa.
2.      Cosmetic deficiencies such as chemical and/or mineral stains.
3.      The condition of surfaces that are obscured by wind action or chemically imbalanced water.
4.      The life expectancy or future performance of the equipment.
5.      Pool and spa covers: mechanized, solar, or otherwise.
6.      Solar heat systems.
7.      The calibration of timer controls.
8.      Equipment dispensing bromide or chlorine.
9.      Low-voltage or remote-control systems
10.   The adequacy of water volume or turbulence at the spa jets.
11.   The backwash function of filters.
12.   Ancillary components, such as waterfalls, fountains, or water spouts.
13.   Diving boards or water slides, other than to recommend removing them.