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Standards of Practice
The Professional Home and Property Inspectors of Canada
Standards of Practice.© Copyright 2000 American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduce with Permission.

inspection in these Standards of Practice which were present
The Standards of Practice are a set of guidelines for home
at the time of the Home Inspection but were not inspected
inspectors to follow in the performance of their inspections.
and a reason they were not inspected.
They are the most widely accepted home inspection
guidelines in use, and include all the home’s major systems
a. These Standards of Practice are not intended to limit
and components. The Standards of Practice and Code of
inspectors from:
Ethics are recognized by many related professionals as the
A. including other inspection services, systems or
definitive standard for professional performance in the
components in addition to those required by these Standards
industry. (PHPIC) acknowledges The American Society of
of Practice.
Home Inspectors®, Inc. (ASHI®) for the use of their
B. specifying repairs, provided the inspector is
Standards of Practice (version January 1, 2000).
appropriately
qualified and willing to do so.
Index
C. excluding systems and components from the
1. Introduction
inspection if requested by the client.
2. Purpose & Scope
3. Structural System
4. Exterior 3. STRUCTURAL SYSTEM
5. Roof System 3.1 The inspector shall:
6. Plumbing System A. inspect:
7. Electrical System 1. the structural components including foundation and
8. Heating System framing.
9. Air Conditioning System 2. by probing a representative number of structural
10. Interior components where deterioration is suspected or where clear
11. Insulation & Ventilation indications of possible deterioration exist. Probing is NOT
12. Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances required when probing would damage any finished surface
13. General Limitations and Exclusions or where no deterioration is visible.
B. describe:
Glossary: Note: Italicized words are defined in the Glossary. 1. the foundation and report the methods used to inspect the
under-floor crawl space.
1. INTRODUCTION 2. the floor structure.
1.1 The Professional Home and Property Inspectors of 3. the wall structure.
Canada (PHPIC) is a not-for-profit association whose 4. the ceiling structure.
member’s objectives include the promotion of excellence 5. the roof structure and report the methods used to inspect
within the profession and continual improvement of the attic.
inspection services to the public. 3.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. provide any engineering service or architectural
2. PURPOSE AND SCOPE service.
2.1 The purpose of these Standards of Practice is to B. offer an opinion as to the adequacy of any
establish a minimum and uniform standard for private, fee- structural system or component
paid home inspectors who are members of PHPIC. Home
Inspections performed to these Standards of Practice are 4. EXTERIOR
intended to provide the client with information regarding the 4.1The inspector shall:
condition of the systems and components of the home as A. inspect:
inspected at the time of the Home Inspection. 1. the exterior wall covering, flashing and trim.
2. all exterior doors.
2.2The Inspector shall: 3. attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and
A. inspect: their associated railings.
1. readily accessible systems and components of homes 4. the eaves, soffits, and fascias where accessible from the
listed in these Standards of Practice. ground level.
2. installed systems and components of homes listed in 5. the vegetation, grading, surface drainage, and retaining
these Standards of Practice. walls on the property when any of these are likely to
B. report: adversely affect the building.
1. on those systems and components inspected which, in the 6. walkways, patios, and driveways leading to dwelling
professional opinion of the inspector, are significantly entrances.
deficient or are near the end of their service lives. B. describe the exterior wall covering.
2. a reason why, if not self-evident, the system or component
is significantly deficient or near the end of its service life. 4.2The inspector is NOT required to:
3. the inspector’s recommendations to correct or monitor the A. inspect:
reported deficiency. 1. screening, shutters, awnings, and similar seasonal
4. on any systems and components designated for accessories.

Standards of Practice – con’t…
2. fences. 2. the service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways.
3. geological, geotechnical or hydrological conditions. 3. the service equipment and main disconnects.
4. recreational facilities. 4. the service grounding.
5. outbuildings.
5. the interior components of service panels and sub panels.
6. seawalls, break-walls, and docks.
7. erosion control and earth stabilization measures. 6. the conductors.
7. the overcurrent protection devices.
5. ROOF SYSTEM 8. a representative number of installed lighting fixtures,
5.1 The inspector shall: switches, and receptacles.
A. inspect: 9. the ground fault circuit interrupters.
1. the roof covering.
2. the roof drainage systems. B. describe:
3. the flashings. 1. the amperage and voltage rating of the service.
8. the skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations. 2. the location of main disconnect(s) and sub panels.
3. the wiring methods.
B. describe the roof covering and report the
methods used to inspect the roof. C. report:
5.2The inspector is NOT required to:
1. on the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch
A. inspect:
circuit wiring.
1. antennae. 2. on the absence of smoke detectors.
2. interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily
accessible. 7.2The inspector is NOT required to:
3. other installed accessories. A. inspect:
1. the remote control devices unless the device is the only
6. PLUMBING SYSTEM
control device.
6.1The inspector shall: 2. the alarm systems and components.
B. the low voltage wiring, systems and
A. inspect: components.
1. the interior water supply and distribution systems including C. the ancillary wiring, systems and components
all fixtures and faucets. not a part of the primary electrical power distribution system.
2. the drain, waste and vent systems including all fixtures. D. measure amperage, voltage, or impedance.
3. the water heating equipment.
4. the vent systems, flues, and chimneys. 8. HEATING SYSTEM
5. the fuel storage and fuel distribution systems.
6. the drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related piping. 8.1The inspector shall:
A. inspect
B. describe:
1. the installed heating equipment.
1. the water supply, drain, waste, and vent piping materials.
2. the vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
2. the water heating equipment including the energy source.
B. describe:
3. the location of main water and main fuel shut-off valves.
1. the energy source.
2. the heating method by its distinguishing characteristics.
6.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. the clothes washing machine connections. A. inspect:
2. the interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily
1. the interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily
accessible.
accessible.
3. wells, well pumps, or water storage related equipment.
2. the heat exchanger.
4. water conditioning systems.
3. the humidifier or dehumidifier.
5. solar water heating systems.
4. the electronic air filter.
6. fire and lawn sprinkler systems.
5. the solar space heating system.
7. private waste disposal systems
B. determine heat supply adequacy or distribution
balance.
B. determine:
1. whether water supply and waste disposal systems are
public or private. 9. AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS
2. the quantity or quality of the water supply.
C. operate safety valves or shut-off valves. 9.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect
7. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 1. the installed central and through-wall cooling equipment.
B. describe:
1. the energy source
7.1 The inspector shall: 2. the cooling method by its distinguishing characteristics.
A. inspect:
1. the service drop. A. inspect electronic air filters.
B. determine cooling supply adequacy or
distribution balance.
10. INTERIOR
10.1 The inspector shall:

Standards of Practice. © Copyright 2000 American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduced with Permission.

A. inspect: B. These Standards of Practice are applicable to
1. the walls, ceilings, and floors. buildings with four or fewer dwelling units and their garages
2. the steps, stairways, and railings. or carports.
3. the countertops and a representative number of installed
cabinets. 13.2 General exclusions:
4. a representative number of doors and windows. A. The inspector is not required to perform any action or
5. garage doors and garage door operators. make any determination unless specifically stated in these
Standards of Practice, except as may be required by lawful
10.2 The inspector is NOT required to: authority.
A. inspect:
1. the paint, wallpaper, and other finish treatments. B. Inspectors are NOT required to determine:
2. the carpeting. 1. the condition of systems or components which are not
3. the window treatments. readily accessible.
4. the central vacuum systems. 2. the remaining life of any system or component.
5. the household appliances. 3. the strength, adequacy, effectiveness, or efficiency of any
6. recreational facilities. system or component.
4. the causes of any condition or deficiency.
11. INSULATION AND VENTILATION 5. the methods, materials, or costs of corrections.
6. future conditions including, but not limited to, failure of
11.1 The inspector shall: systems and components.
A. inspect: 7. the suitability of the property for any specialized use.
1. the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces. 8. compliance with regulatory requirements (codes,
2. the ventilation of attics and foundation areas. regulations, laws, ordinances, etc.).
3. the mechanical ventilation systems. 9. the market value of the property or its marketability.
B. describe: 10. the advisability of the purchase of the property.
1. the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces. 11. the presence of potentially hazardous plants or animals
2. the absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at including, but not limited to wood destroying organisms or
conditioned surfaces. diseases harmful to humans.
12. the presence of any environmental hazards including, but
11.2 The inspector is NOT required to: not limited to toxins, carcinogens, noise, and contaminants in
A. disturb insulation or vapor retarders. soil, water, and air.
B. determine indoor air quality. 13. the effectiveness of any system installed or methods
utilized to control or remove suspected hazardous
substances.
12. FIREPLACES AND SOLID FUEL BURNING
14. the operating costs of systems or components.
APPLIANCES
15. the acoustical properties of any system or component.
12.1 The inspector shall:
C. Inspectors are NOT required to offer:
A. inspect:
1. or perform any act or service contrary to law
1. the system components.
2. or perform engineering services.
2. the vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
3. or perform work in any trade or any professional service
B. describe:
other than home inspection.
1. the fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances.
4. warranties or guarantees of any kind.
2. the chimneys.
D. Inspectors are NOT required to operate:
1. any system or component which is shut down or otherwise
A. inspect:
inoperable.
1. the interiors of flues or chimneys.
2. any system or component which does not respond to
2. the firescreens and doors.
normal operating controls.
3. the seals and gaskets.
3. shut-off valves.
4. the automatic fuel feed devices
5. the mantles and fireplace surrounds.
E. Inspectors are NOT required to enter:
6. the combustion make-up air devices.
1. any area which will, in the opinion of the inspector, likely
7. the heat distribution assists whether gravity controlled or
be dangerous to the inspector or other persons or damage
fan assisted.
the property or its systems or components.
B. ignite or extinguish fires.
2. the under-floor crawl spaces or attics which are not readily
C. determine draft characteristics.
accessible.
D. move fireplace inserts or stoves or firebox
contents.
F. Inspectors are NOT required to inspect:
1. underground items including, but not limited to
13. GENERAL LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS underground storage tanks or other underground indications
of their presence, whether abandoned or active.
13.1 General limitations: 2. systems or components which are not installed.
A. Inspections performed in accordance with these 3. decorative items.
Standards of Practice 4. systems or components located in areas that are not
1. are not technically exhaustive. entered in accordance with these Standards of Practice.
5. detached structures other than garages and carports.
6. common elements or common areas in multi-unit housing,
2. will not identify concealed conditions or latent defects. such as condominium properties or cooperative housing.
G. Inspectors are NOT required to:


1. perform any procedure or operation which will, in the building in accordance with these Standards of Practice
opinion of the inspector, likely be dangerous to the inspector Installed
or other persons or damage the property or it's systems or Attached such that removal requires tools
components. Normal Operating Controls
2. move suspended ceiling tiles, personal property, furniture, Devices such as thermostats, switches or valves intended to
equipment, plants, soil, snow, ice, or debris. be operated by the homeowner
3. dismantle any system or component, except as explicitly Readily Accessible
required by these Standards of Practice. Available for visual inspection without requiring moving of
…………………….. personal property, dismantling, destructive measures, or any
GLOSSARY: action which will likely involve risk to persons or property
Alarm Systems Readily Openable Access Panel
Warning devices, installed or free-standing, including but not A panel provided for homeowner inspection and
limited to; carbon monoxide detectors, flue gas and other maintenance that is within normal reach, can be removed by
spillage detectors, security equipment, ejector pumps and one person, and is not sealed in place
smoke alarms Recreational Facilities
Architectural Service Spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, exercise,
Any practice involving the art and science of building design entertainment, athletic, playground or other similar
for construction of any structure or grouping of structures equipment and associated accessories
and the use of space within and surrounding the structures Report
or the design for construction, including but not specifically To communicate in writing
limited to, schematic design, design development, Representative Number
preparation of construction contract documents, and One component per room for multiple similar interior
administration of the construction contract components such as windows and electric outlets; one
Automatic Safety Controls component on each side of the building for multiple similar
Devices designed and installed to protect systems and exterior components
components from unsafe conditions Roof Drainage Systems
Component Components used to carry water off a roof and away from a
A part of a system building
Decorative Significantly Deficient
Ornamental; not required for the operation of the essential Unsafe or not functioning
systems and components of a home Shut Down
Describe A state in which a system or component cannot be operated
To report a system or component by its type or other by normal operating controls
observed, significant characteristics to distinguish it from Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
other systems or components A hearth and fire chamber or similar prepared place in which
Dismantle a fire may be built and which is built in conjunction with a
To take apart or remove any component, device or piece of chimney; or a listed assembly of a fire chamber, its chimney
equipment that would not be taken apart or removed by a and related factory-made parts designed for unit assembly
homeowner in the course of normal and routine home owner without requiring field construction
maintenance Structural Component
Engineering Service A component that supports non-variable forces or weights
Any professional service or creative work requiring (dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live loads)
engineering education, training, and experience and the System
application of special knowledge of the mathematical, A combination of interacting or interdependent components,
physical and engineering sciences to such professional assembled to carry out one or more functions
service or creative work as consultation, investigation, Technically Exhaustive
evaluation, planning, design and supervision of construction An investigation that involves dismantling, the extensive use
for the purpose of assuring compliance with the of advanced techniques, measurements, instruments,
specifications and design, in conjunction with structures, testing, calculations, or other means
buildings, machines, equipment, works or processes Under-floor Crawl Space
Further Evaluation The area within the confines of the foundation and between
Examination and analysis by a qualified professional, the ground and the underside of the floor
tradesman or service technician beyond that provided by the Unsafe
home inspection A condition in a readily accessible, installed system or
Home Inspection component which is judged to be a significant risk of
The process by which an inspector visually examines the personal injury during normal, day-to-day use. The risk may
readily accessible systems and components of a home and be due to damage, deterioration, improper installation or a
which describes those systems and components in change in accepted residential construction standards
accordance with these Standards of Practice Wiring Methods
Household Appliances Identification of electrical conductors or wires by their
Kitchen, laundry, and similar appliances, whether installed or general type, such as "non-metallic sheathed cable"
freestanding ("Romex"), "armored cable" (“bx") or "knob and tube", etc.
Inspect
To examine readily accessible systems and components of a * Note: In these Standards of Practice, redundancy in the
building in accordance with these Standards of Practice, description of the requirements, limitations and
using normal operating controls and opening readily exclusions regarding the scope of the Home Inspection
openable access panels is provided for clarity not emphasis.
Inspector
A person hired to examine any
system or component of a


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