ALARM SYSTEMS
Warning devices installed or free-standing including but not limited to smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, flue gas, and other spillage detectors, and security equipment
ARCHITECTURAL SERVICE
Any practice involving the art and science of building design for construction
of any structure or grouping of structures and the use of space within
and surrounding the structures or the design for construction, including
but not specifically limited to, schematic design, design development,
preparation of construction contract documents, and administration of
the construction contract.
AUTOMATIC SAFETY CONTROLS:
Devices designed and installed to protect systems and components from unsafe conditions
COMPONENT:
A part of a system.
DECORATIVE
Ornamental; not required for the operation of the essential systems and
components of a home
DESCRIBE:
To identify (in writing) a system or component by its type or other distinguishing characteristics
DISMANTLE:
To take apart or remove any component, device or piece of equipment that
would not be taken apart or removed by a homeowner in the course of normal
and routine home owner maintenance
ENGINEERING:
The application of scientific knowledge for the design, control, or use of building structures, equipment, or apparatus building structures, equipment, or apparatus
FURTHER EVALUATION:
Examination and analysis by a qualified professional, tradesman, or service
technician beyond that provided by the home inspection.
HOME INSPECTION:
The process by which an inspector visually examines the readily accessible
systems and components of a home and which describes those systems and
components in accordance with these Standards of Practice
HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES:
Kitchen, laundry, and similar appliances, whether installed or free-standing
INSPECT:
To examine any system or component of a building in accordance with these Standards of Practice, using normal operating controls and opening readily openable access panels
INSPECTOR:
A person hired to examine any system or component of a building in accordance
with these Standards of Practice
INSTALLED:
Attached such that removal requires tools
NORMAL OPERATING CONTROLS:
Devices such as thermostats, switches or valves intended to be operated
by the homeowner
READILY ACCESSIBLE:
Available for visual inspection without requiring moving of personal property,
dismantling, destructive measures, or any action which will likely involve
risk to persons or property
READILY OPENABLE ACCESS PANEL:
A panel provided for homeowner inspection and maintenance that is readily accessible, within
normal reach, can be removed by one person, and is not sealed in place
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:
Spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, exercise, entertainment, athletic,
playground or other similar equipment, and associated accessories
REPORT:
Communicate in writing
REPRESENTATIVE NUMBER:
One component per room for multiple similar interior components such as
windows, and electric receptacles; one component on each side of the building
for multiple similar exterior components
ROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS:
Components used to carry water off a roof and away from a building
SIDING:
Exterior wall covering and cladding; such as: aluminum, asphalt, brick, cement/asbestos, EIFS, stone, stucco, veneer, vinyl, wood, etc.
SHUT DOWN:
A state in which a system or component cannot be operated by normal operating
controls
SOLID FUEL BURNING APPLIANCES:
A hearth and fire chamber or similar prepared place in which a fire may
be built and that is built in conjunction with a chimney; or a listed
assembly of a fire chamber, its chimney, and related factory-made parts
designed for unit assembly without requiring field construction
STRUCTURAL COMPONENT:
A component that supports non-variable forces or weights (dead loads)
and variable forces or weights (live loads)
SYSTEM:
A combination of interacting or interdependent components, assembled to
carry out one or more functions
TECHNICALLY EXHAUSTIVE:
An investigation that involves dismantling, the extensive use of advanced
techniques, measurements, instruments, testing, calculations, or other
means
UNDERFLOOR CRAWL SPACE:
The area within the confines of the foundation and between the ground
and the underside of the floor
UNSAFE:
A condition in a readily accessible, installed system or component that
is judged to be a significant risk of bodily injury during normal, day-to-day
use; the risk may be due to damage, deterioration, improper installation,
or a change in accepted residential construction standards
WIRING METHODS:
Identification of electrical conductors or wires by their general type, such as non-metallic sheathed cable, armored cable,or knob and tube, etc.