12. FIREPLACES AND SOLID FUEL BURNING APPLIANCES
12.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the system components.
2. the vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
B. describe:
1. the fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances.
2. the chimneys.
12.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. the interiors of flues or chimneys.
2. the firescreens and doors.
3. the seals and gaskets.
4. the automatic fuel feed devices.
5. the mantles and fireplace surrounds.
6. the combustion make-up air devices.
7. the heat distribution assists whether gravity controlled or fan
assisted.
B. ignite or extinguish fires.
C. determine draft characteristics.
D. move fireplace inserts or stoves or firebox contents.
Showing posts with label Home Inspection Associations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home Inspection Associations. Show all posts
Tuesday
Standards of Practice - Section 11
11. INSULATION AND VENTILATION
11.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces.
2. the ventilation of attics and foundation areas.
3. the mechanical ventilation systems.
B. describe:
1. the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces.
2. the absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at conditioned surfaces.
11.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. disturb insulation or vapor retarders.
B. determine indoor air quality.
11.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces.
2. the ventilation of attics and foundation areas.
3. the mechanical ventilation systems.
B. describe:
1. the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces.
2. the absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at conditioned surfaces.
11.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. disturb insulation or vapor retarders.
B. determine indoor air quality.
Saturday
Standards of Practice - Section 10
10. INTERIOR
10.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the walls, ceilings, and floors.
2. the steps, stairways, and railings.
3. the counter tops and a representative number of installed cabinets.
4. a representative number of doors and windows.
5. garage doors and garage door operators.
10.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. the paint, wallpaper, and other finish treatments.
2. the carpeting.
3. the window treatments.
4. the central vacuum systems.
5. the household appliances.
6. recreational facilities.
Source: National Certificate Authority Website
10.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the walls, ceilings, and floors.
2. the steps, stairways, and railings.
3. the counter tops and a representative number of installed cabinets.
4. a representative number of doors and windows.
5. garage doors and garage door operators.
10.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. the paint, wallpaper, and other finish treatments.
2. the carpeting.
3. the window treatments.
4. the central vacuum systems.
5. the household appliances.
6. recreational facilities.
Source: National Certificate Authority Website
Standards of Practice - Section 9
9. AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS
9.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect the installed central and through-wall cooling equipment.
B. describe:
1. the energy source
2. the cooling method by its distinguishing characteristics.
9.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect electronic air filters.
B. determine cooling supply adequacy or distribution balance.
Sources: National Certificate Authority Website
9.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect the installed central and through-wall cooling equipment.
B. describe:
1. the energy source
2. the cooling method by its distinguishing characteristics.
9.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect electronic air filters.
B. determine cooling supply adequacy or distribution balance.
Sources: National Certificate Authority Website
Standards of Practice - Section 8
8. HEATING SYSTEM
8.1The inspector shall:
A. inspect
1. the installed heating equipment.
2. the vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
B. describe:
1. the energy source.
2. the heating method by its distinguishing characteristics.
8.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. the interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily accessible.
2. the heat exchanger.
3. the humidifier or dehumidifier.
4. the electronic air filter.
5. the solar space heating system.
B. determine heat supply adequacy or distribution balance.
Source: The National Certificate Authority Website
8.1The inspector shall:
A. inspect
1. the installed heating equipment.
2. the vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
B. describe:
1. the energy source.
2. the heating method by its distinguishing characteristics.
8.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. the interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily accessible.
2. the heat exchanger.
3. the humidifier or dehumidifier.
4. the electronic air filter.
5. the solar space heating system.
B. determine heat supply adequacy or distribution balance.
Source: The National Certificate Authority Website
Standards of Practice - Section 7
7. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
7.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the service drop.
2. the service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways.
3. the service equipment and main disconnects.
4. the service grounding.
5. the interior components of service panels and sub panels.
6. the conductors.
7. the overcurrent protection devices.
8. a representative number of installed lighting fixtures,
switches, and receptacles.
9. the ground fault circuit interrupters.
B. describe:
1. the amperage and voltage rating of the service.
2. the location of main disconnect(s) and sub panels.
3. the wiring methods.
C. report:
1. on the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring.
2. on the absence of smoke detectors.
7.2The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. the remote control devices unless the device is the only control device.
2. the alarm systems and components.
B. the low voltage wiring, systems and components.
C. the ancillary wiring, systems and components not a part of the primary electrical power distribution system.
B. measure amperage, voltage, or impedance.
Source: The National Certificate Authority Website
7.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the service drop.
2. the service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways.
3. the service equipment and main disconnects.
4. the service grounding.
5. the interior components of service panels and sub panels.
6. the conductors.
7. the overcurrent protection devices.
8. a representative number of installed lighting fixtures,
switches, and receptacles.
9. the ground fault circuit interrupters.
B. describe:
1. the amperage and voltage rating of the service.
2. the location of main disconnect(s) and sub panels.
3. the wiring methods.
C. report:
1. on the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring.
2. on the absence of smoke detectors.
7.2The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. the remote control devices unless the device is the only control device.
2. the alarm systems and components.
B. the low voltage wiring, systems and components.
C. the ancillary wiring, systems and components not a part of the primary electrical power distribution system.
B. measure amperage, voltage, or impedance.
Source: The National Certificate Authority Website
Standards of Practice - Section 6
6. PLUMBING SYSTEM
6.1The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the interior water supply and distribution systems including all fixtures and faucets
2. the drain, waste and vent systems including all fixtures.
3. the water heating equipment.
4. the vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
5. the fuel storage and fuel distribution systems.
6. the drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related piping.
B. describe:
1. the water supply, drain, waste, and vent piping materials.
2. the water heating equipment including the energy source.
3. the location of main water and main fuel shut-off valves.
6.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. the clothes washing machine connections.
2. the interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily accessible.
3. wells, well pumps, or water storage related equipment.
4. water conditioning systems.
5. solar water heating systems.
6. fire and lawn sprinkler systems.
7. private waste disposal systems
B. determine:
1. whether water supply and waste disposal systems are public or private.
2. the quantity or quality of the water supply.
C. operate safety valves or shut-off valves.
Source: The National Certificate Authority Website
6.1The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the interior water supply and distribution systems including all fixtures and faucets
2. the drain, waste and vent systems including all fixtures.
3. the water heating equipment.
4. the vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
5. the fuel storage and fuel distribution systems.
6. the drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related piping.
B. describe:
1. the water supply, drain, waste, and vent piping materials.
2. the water heating equipment including the energy source.
3. the location of main water and main fuel shut-off valves.
6.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. the clothes washing machine connections.
2. the interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily accessible.
3. wells, well pumps, or water storage related equipment.
4. water conditioning systems.
5. solar water heating systems.
6. fire and lawn sprinkler systems.
7. private waste disposal systems
B. determine:
1. whether water supply and waste disposal systems are public or private.
2. the quantity or quality of the water supply.
C. operate safety valves or shut-off valves.
Source: The National Certificate Authority Website
Standards of Practice - Section 5
5. ROOF SYSTEM
5.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the roof covering.
2. the roof drainage systems.
3. the flashings.
8. the skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations.
B. describe the roof covering and report the methods used to inspect the roof.
5.2The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. antennae.
2. interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily accessible.
3. other installed accessories.
5.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the roof covering.
2. the roof drainage systems.
3. the flashings.
8. the skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations.
B. describe the roof covering and report the methods used to inspect the roof.
5.2The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. antennae.
2. interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily accessible.
3. other installed accessories.
Standards of Practice - Section 4
4. EXTERIOR
4.1The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the exterior wall covering, flashing and trim.
2. all exterior doors.
3. attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and their associated railings.
4. the eaves, soffits, and fascias where accessible from the ground level.
5. the vegetation, grading, surface drainage, and retaining walls on the property when any of these are likely to adversely affect the building.
6. walkways, patios, and driveways leading to dwelling entrances.
B. describe the exterior wall covering.
4.2The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. screening, shutters, awnings, and similar seasonal accessories.
2. fences.
3. geological, geotechnical or hydrological conditions.
4. recreational facilities.
5. outbuildings.
6. seawalls, break-walls, and docks.
7. erosion control and earth stabilization measures.
Source: The National Certificate Authority Website
4.1The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the exterior wall covering, flashing and trim.
2. all exterior doors.
3. attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and their associated railings.
4. the eaves, soffits, and fascias where accessible from the ground level.
5. the vegetation, grading, surface drainage, and retaining walls on the property when any of these are likely to adversely affect the building.
6. walkways, patios, and driveways leading to dwelling entrances.
B. describe the exterior wall covering.
4.2The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. screening, shutters, awnings, and similar seasonal accessories.
2. fences.
3. geological, geotechnical or hydrological conditions.
4. recreational facilities.
5. outbuildings.
6. seawalls, break-walls, and docks.
7. erosion control and earth stabilization measures.
Source: The National Certificate Authority Website
Standards of Practice - Section 3
3. STRUCTURAL SYSTEM
3.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the structural components including foundation and framing.
2. by probing a representative number of structural components where deterioration is suspected or where clear indications of possible deterioration exist. Probing is NOT required when probing would damage any finished surface or where no deterioration is visible.
B. describe:
1. the foundation and report the methods used to inspect the under-floor crawl space.
2. the floor structure.
3. the wall structure.
4. the ceiling structure.
5. the roof structure and report the methods used to inspect the attic.
3.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. provide any engineering service or architectural service.
B. offer an opinion as to the adequacy of any structural system or component.
Source: National Certificate Authority Website
3.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the structural components including foundation and framing.
2. by probing a representative number of structural components where deterioration is suspected or where clear indications of possible deterioration exist. Probing is NOT required when probing would damage any finished surface or where no deterioration is visible.
B. describe:
1. the foundation and report the methods used to inspect the under-floor crawl space.
2. the floor structure.
3. the wall structure.
4. the ceiling structure.
5. the roof structure and report the methods used to inspect the attic.
3.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. provide any engineering service or architectural service.
B. offer an opinion as to the adequacy of any structural system or component.
Source: National Certificate Authority Website
Friday
Standards of Practice - Section 2
2. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
2.1 The purpose of these Standards of Practice is to establish a minimum and uniform standard for private, fee-paid home inspectors who are members of one of the provincial/regional organizations of CAHPI. Home Inspections performed to these Standards of Practice are intended to provide the client with information regarding the condition of the systems and components of the home as inspected at the time of the Home Inspection.
2.2 The Inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. readily accessible systems and components of homes listed in these Standards of Practice.
2. installed systems and components of homes listed in these Standards of Practice.
B. report:
1. on those systems and components inspected which, in the professional opinion of the inspector, are significantly deficient or are near the end of their service lives.
2. a reason why, if not self-evident, the system or component is significantly deficient or near the end of its service life.
3. the inspector’s recommendations to correct or monitor the reported deficiency.
4. on any systems and components designated for inspection in these Standards of Practice which were present at the time of the Home Inspection but were not inspected and a reason they were not inspected.
These Standards of Practice are not intended to limit inspectors from:
A. including other inspection services, systems or components in addition to those required by these Standards of Practice.
B. specifying repairs, provided the inspector is appropriately qualified and willing to do so.
C. excluding systems and components from the inspection if requested by the client.
Source: The National Certificate Authority Website
2.1 The purpose of these Standards of Practice is to establish a minimum and uniform standard for private, fee-paid home inspectors who are members of one of the provincial/regional organizations of CAHPI. Home Inspections performed to these Standards of Practice are intended to provide the client with information regarding the condition of the systems and components of the home as inspected at the time of the Home Inspection.
2.2 The Inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. readily accessible systems and components of homes listed in these Standards of Practice.
2. installed systems and components of homes listed in these Standards of Practice.
B. report:
1. on those systems and components inspected which, in the professional opinion of the inspector, are significantly deficient or are near the end of their service lives.
2. a reason why, if not self-evident, the system or component is significantly deficient or near the end of its service life.
3. the inspector’s recommendations to correct or monitor the reported deficiency.
4. on any systems and components designated for inspection in these Standards of Practice which were present at the time of the Home Inspection but were not inspected and a reason they were not inspected.
These Standards of Practice are not intended to limit inspectors from:
A. including other inspection services, systems or components in addition to those required by these Standards of Practice.
B. specifying repairs, provided the inspector is appropriately qualified and willing to do so.
C. excluding systems and components from the inspection if requested by the client.
Source: The National Certificate Authority Website
Standards of Practice - Section 1
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Canadian Association of Home Inspectors (CAHPI) is a not for profit association whose members include the following seven provincial/regional organizations: CAHPI-B.C., CAHPI-Alberta,CAHPI-Sask., CAHPI-Manitoba, OAHI (Ontario), AIBQ (Quebec), and CAHPI-Atlantic. CAHPI’s objectives include promotion of excellence within the profession and continual improvement of inspection services to the public.
Source: National Certificate Authority Website
1.1 The Canadian Association of Home Inspectors (CAHPI) is a not for profit association whose members include the following seven provincial/regional organizations: CAHPI-B.C., CAHPI-Alberta,CAHPI-Sask., CAHPI-Manitoba, OAHI (Ontario), AIBQ (Quebec), and CAHPI-Atlantic. CAHPI’s objectives include promotion of excellence within the profession and continual improvement of inspection services to the public.
Source: National Certificate Authority Website
Standards of Practice - Overview
Canadian Home Inspectors who are National Certificate Holders and/or members of CAPHI adhere to the January 1st, 2000 version of The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice.
These standard consists of 13 sections: Introduction, Purpose & Scope, Structural System, Exterior, Roof System, Plumbing System, Electrical System, Heating System, Air Conditioning System, Interior, Insulation & Ventilation, Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances, and General Limitations and Exclusions.
These standard consists of 13 sections: Introduction, Purpose & Scope, Structural System, Exterior, Roof System, Plumbing System, Electrical System, Heating System, Air Conditioning System, Interior, Insulation & Ventilation, Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances, and General Limitations and Exclusions.
Tuesday
Choosing a Home Inspector in Calgary
The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers consumers some good advice on how to choose a Home Inspector. Their final note is interesting,
"CMHC does not recommend or endorse any individual home inspector or association. CMHC supports (bold added by author) national uniform standards of competency for home inspectors".
There is only one national uniform standards of competency for home inspectors in Canada and that is the National Certification Program. Which is mentioned in the next sentence,
"For more information on the inspection industry’s National Certification Program, please refer to the National Certification Authority’s website http://www.nca-anc.com/.
CMHC does not endorse any association but they do "support" the National Certificate Program. I checked an online thesaurus and the meaning of "support" and "endorse" are synonymous.
It is safe to say that the CMHC endorses the National Certificate Program.
Source: CMHC Hiring a Home Inspector
"CMHC does not recommend or endorse any individual home inspector or association. CMHC supports (bold added by author) national uniform standards of competency for home inspectors".
There is only one national uniform standards of competency for home inspectors in Canada and that is the National Certification Program. Which is mentioned in the next sentence,
"For more information on the inspection industry’s National Certification Program, please refer to the National Certification Authority’s website http://www.nca-anc.com/.
CMHC does not endorse any association but they do "support" the National Certificate Program. I checked an online thesaurus and the meaning of "support" and "endorse" are synonymous.
It is safe to say that the CMHC endorses the National Certificate Program.
Source: CMHC Hiring a Home Inspector
Monday
Home Inspection Certification
Calgary Home Inspectors are certified by a number of different organizations. It does get confusing. I recently asked Mr. Claude Lawrenson a few questions on his blog. Among them,
With the plethora of Home Inspection associations and certifications in Canada where can the consumer turn to for "grounding"?
Mr. Lawrenson was kind enough to post a thoughtful and informative reply at Claude's Blog over at Active Rain. To see his reply, scroll down to the bottom of the page.
I appreciate the average consumer won't be interested but it might be useful information for Realtors, Lenders, Insurance Brokers or Underwriters.
With the plethora of Home Inspection associations and certifications in Canada where can the consumer turn to for "grounding"?
Mr. Lawrenson was kind enough to post a thoughtful and informative reply at Claude's Blog over at Active Rain. To see his reply, scroll down to the bottom of the page.
I appreciate the average consumer won't be interested but it might be useful information for Realtors, Lenders, Insurance Brokers or Underwriters.
Friday
National Certificate Accreditation
Some Calgary Home Inspectors have met all the requirements of the national certificate program and are designated as a National Certificate Holder.
This program is the result of a collaborative effort between CMHC, Human Resources and Social Development Canada, Construction Sector Council and CAPHI.
The program was set up to ensure competency and professionalism of all Home and Property Inspectors on a national level.
Certification by the National Certification Authority is one of many Home Inspector Certifications available in Canada. ASHI, CAPHI and InterNachi are three other associations that offer certification to their members.
CMHC suggests consumers choose a Home Inspector who is a member, in good standing, of an association.
This program is the result of a collaborative effort between CMHC, Human Resources and Social Development Canada, Construction Sector Council and CAPHI.
The program was set up to ensure competency and professionalism of all Home and Property Inspectors on a national level.
Certification by the National Certification Authority is one of many Home Inspector Certifications available in Canada. ASHI, CAPHI and InterNachi are three other associations that offer certification to their members.
CMHC suggests consumers choose a Home Inspector who is a member, in good standing, of an association.
Monday
Washington State Adopts Home Inspection Licencing
Calgary Home Inspectors are not required to be licenced by the province. I suspect that will change. In Canada, British Columbia is the only province that requires licencing.
In America, thirty-five States require Home Inspectors to be licenced. Washington is the most recent State to add legislation. Arguably, it has the "toughest" pre-licencing requirements of any jurisdiction in North America.
This is not to say Calgary Home Inspectors are not certified. There are a number of Home and Property Inspection Associations in Alberta that offer certification. ASHI, Caphi and InterNACHI to name a few.
The Canadian National Certification Program is not an association per se. It's function is to certify Home Inspectors on the national level. The certification process is the most stringent in Canada and is recognized by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
In America, thirty-five States require Home Inspectors to be licenced. Washington is the most recent State to add legislation. Arguably, it has the "toughest" pre-licencing requirements of any jurisdiction in North America.
This is not to say Calgary Home Inspectors are not certified. There are a number of Home and Property Inspection Associations in Alberta that offer certification. ASHI, Caphi and InterNACHI to name a few.
The Canadian National Certification Program is not an association per se. It's function is to certify Home Inspectors on the national level. The certification process is the most stringent in Canada and is recognized by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Licensing Home Inspectors
From the Herald Times,
"Buyers should only work with registered Wisconsin home inspectors. It may be tempting to save the money and let "Uncle Harry" do the inspection but with one of the biggest purchases of your life you want to use the right person..."
In Calgary, Home Inspectors are not licenced. Should there be licensing? In the industry, there are two camps. The "yes" camp and the "no" camp. There is no middle camp. I suspect consumers fall into the "yes" camp.
Simply being licensed, doesn't necessarily make one a good Home Inspector. Just as being a licenced Realtor, Insurance Agent, or Stock Broker, make them good at their profession.
However, licencing does give the consumer an added level of protection and I'm for it.
But then, should Roofers and Renovators be licensed? I don't know.
"Buyers should only work with registered Wisconsin home inspectors. It may be tempting to save the money and let "Uncle Harry" do the inspection but with one of the biggest purchases of your life you want to use the right person..."
In Calgary, Home Inspectors are not licenced. Should there be licensing? In the industry, there are two camps. The "yes" camp and the "no" camp. There is no middle camp. I suspect consumers fall into the "yes" camp.
Simply being licensed, doesn't necessarily make one a good Home Inspector. Just as being a licenced Realtor, Insurance Agent, or Stock Broker, make them good at their profession.
However, licencing does give the consumer an added level of protection and I'm for it.
But then, should Roofers and Renovators be licensed? I don't know.
Saturday
Home Inspection Associations
There are a number of Home Inspection Associations in Alberta.Per their website, CAPHI - Alberta (Chapter), has 67 members.
Officially, CAPHI has been around since 2002. However, her roots date back to the early 1980 when CAHI operated as an arm of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
Per the ASHI website, Alberta has 21 members in their association.
While ASHI is the oldest and most established Home Inspection association in North America, it is no longer the biggest by membership. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) is the largest Home Inspection Association in the world, with members in 55 countries.
Per the Alberta InterNACHI website, they have 71 members in Alberta.
Reading through the various websites it becomes apparent that some home Inspectors are members of more than one association.
I believe the National Certification Program is not an actual association (more of a Certification Board), it should still be mentioned. From their website,
"The National Certification Program was established to allow home and property inspectors to be certified as competent and qualified professionals. The National Certification Program is managed and administered by the National Certification Authority... "
"...The National Certification Council will undertake certification assessments and make recommendations to the National Certification Authority as to what stage an individual fits within the National Certification process".
A few Calgary Home Inspectors are members of associations that I have not researched at this time.
The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recommends against hiring a Home Inspector that is not a member of a Provincial or National Association.
Home Inspection Associations in Canada
Canada's Commercial and Home Inspection Association (CanNACHI) is, I believe, a relatively new Home Inspection association. On their website they clearly state,
"CanNACHI has no affilitaion with the American based Inter-NACHI or NACHI Association "
Though, comparing the two association logos, one is left a little confused.
That aside, I wish CanNACHI luck in their endevors.
Link: (CanNACHI)
Link: (InterNACHI)
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