Glossary of Italicized Terms

14. GLOSSARY OF ITALICIZED TERMS

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 proper operation of the essential system and components of a home.

Describe — To identify (in writing) a system and component by its type or other distinguishing characteristics.

Dismantle — To take apart or remove components, devices, or pieces of equipment that would not be taken apart or removed by a homeowner in the course of routine maintenance.

Engineering — The application of scientific knowledge for the design, control, or use of building structures, equipment, or apparatus.

Further Evaluation — Examination and analysis by a qualified professional, tradesman, or service technician beyond that provided by a home inspection.

Home Inspection — The process by which an inspector visually examines the readily accessible system and components of a home and describes those systems and elements using this Standard.

Inspect — The process of examining readily accessible systems and components by (1) applying this Standard, and (2) operating normal operating controls, and (3) opening readily openable access panels.

Inspector — A person hired to examine systems and components of a building using this Standard.

Installed — Attached such that removal requires tools.

Normal Operating Controls — Devices such as thermostats, switches, and valves intended to be operated by the homeowner.

Readily Accessible — Available for visual inspection without requiring moving of personal property, dismantling, destructive measures, or actions that 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 opened by one person, and is not sealed in place.

Recreational Facilities — Spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, exercise, entertainment, athletic, playground, and other similar equipment, and associated accessories.

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.

Shut Down — A state in which normal operating controls cannot operate a system or component.

Structural Component — A component that supports non-variable forces or weights (dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live loads).

Systems — 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.

Under-floor Crawlspace — The area within the foundation and between the ground and the underside of the floor.

Unsafe — A condition in a readily accessible, installed system or component that the inspector judges to be significant risk or serious bodily injury the inspector to be a significant during normal, day-to-day use; the risk may be due to damage, deterioration, improper installation, or a change in accepted residential construction practices.

Wall Covering — A protective or insulating layer fixed to the outside of a building such as aluminum, brick, EIFS, stone, stucco, vinyl, and wood.

Wiring Method — Identification of electrical conductors or wires by their general type, such as non-metallic sheathed cable, armored cable, knob and tube, etc.