"The home buying public has long been under the false assumption that inspectors are negligent if every defect in a home isn't revealed," said Nick Gromicko, Executive Director of InterNACHI.  "Though we may be far from correcting this public misconception, we  are committed to providing our membership an iron-clad document to point to, should a claim arise."

"InterNACHI's position as the nation's elite inspection association required us to consider the welfare of consumers as well.  We can now provide home buyers with a clearer understanding of what to expect from a home inspection," said Gromicko.  "Like our Code of Ethics, InterNACHI's Standards of Practice are a win-win for inspectors and consumers alike in that they succeed at protecting both." 

Standards of Practice (Printable Version)

1.1. A Home Inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of a residential dwelling, performed for a fee, which is designed to identify observed material defects within specific components of said dwelling.  Components may include any combination of mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems or portions of the home, as identified and agreed to by the Client and Inspector, prior to the inspection process.

I. A home inspection is intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of the inspection, and not the prediction of future conditions.

II. A home inspection will not reveal every concern that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the day of the inspection.

 

III. A home inspection can include a survey and/or analysis of energy flows and usage in a residential property if the client requests it.

1.2. A Material Defect is a condition of a residential real property, or any portion of it, that would have a significant, adverse impact on the value of the real property, or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural element, system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of the normal useful life of such a structural element, system or subsystem is not by itself a material defect.

1.3. An Inspection Report shall describe and identify, in written format, the inspected systems, structures, and components of the dwelling, and shall identify material defects observed. Inspection reports may contain recommendations regarding conditions reported or recommendations for correction, monitoring or further evaluation by professionals, but this is not required.