Resources
Inspection Standards of Practice
What we inspect, what we report, and the professional standards that guide every Vaughn Home Inspection — based on the ASHI Standard of Practice (effective March 1, 2014).
A home inspection is a visual examination of readily accessible systems and components. It gives you a snapshot of the property’s condition at the time of inspection — not a guarantee of future performance, a code-compliance audit, or an engineering evaluation.
Vaughn Home Inspection follows the ASHI Standard of Practice for Home Inspections. The summaries below describe what a professional inspection covers, what is reported, and common limitations.
Standard of practice — summary by section
Plain-language overview of each inspection area. This is a summary, not the full legal text.
1. Purpose and scope
Sets the minimum standard for a home inspection and what must appear in the written report.
What is inspected / reported
- Inspect readily accessible, visually observable systems and components listed in the standard.
- Report items that are not functioning properly, significantly deficient, unsafe, or near end of service life.
- Recommend correction or further evaluation where appropriate, with explanation when not self-evident.
- Note systems present but not inspected, and why.
- Follow the ASHI Code of Ethics.
2. Structural components
Foundation and framing — how the house is supported and built.
What is inspected / reported
- Inspect the foundation and framing.
- Describe inspection methods for crawlspaces and attics.
- Describe the foundation, floor, wall, ceiling, and roof structure.
Common exclusions
- Engineering or architectural analysis.
- Opinions on adequacy of structural systems.
- Crawlspaces with less than 24 inches clearance or access smaller than 16×24 inches.
- Attic load-bearing components concealed by insulation or other materials.
3. Exterior
Outside surfaces, entries, and site conditions that can affect the building.
What is inspected / reported
- Wall coverings, flashing, trim, and exterior doors.
- Attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and railings.
- Eaves, soffits, and fascias where accessible from ground level.
- Grading, drainage, retaining walls, and vegetation likely to affect the building.
- Adjacent walkways, patios, and driveways.
Common exclusions
- Screening, shutters, awnings, fences, recreational facilities, and most outbuildings.
- Geological or soil conditions, seawalls, and erosion controls.
4. Roofing
Roof covering and components that keep water out.
What is inspected / reported
- Roofing materials, drainage systems, flashing, skylights, chimneys, and penetrations.
- Describe roofing materials and inspection methods used.
Common exclusions
- Antennas, non-accessible vent/flue interiors, and other installed accessories.
5. Plumbing
Water supply, waste lines, and related equipment inside the home.
What is inspected / reported
- Interior water supply and distribution, fixtures, and faucets.
- Drain, waste, and vent systems.
- Water heating equipment, vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
- Fuel storage and distribution, sewage ejectors, and sump pumps.
- Describe piping materials, water heater energy source, and main shut-off locations.
Common exclusions
- Wells, septic systems, water conditioning, irrigation, and fire sprinkler systems.
- Water quality, flow/pressure testing, and shower pan leak tests.
6. Electrical
Service entrance through branch circuits and safety devices.
What is inspected / reported
- Service drop, entrance conductors, equipment, grounding, and main disconnects.
- Panel and subpanel interiors, conductors, and overcurrent protection.
- A representative number of fixtures, switches, receptacles, GFCIs, and AFCIs.
- Describe service amperage, disconnect locations, wiring method, and smoke/CO alarm presence.
Common exclusions
- Low-voltage, security, remote control, and renewable energy systems.
- Testing alarms or measuring amperage, voltage, and impedance.
7. Heating
Installed equipment that heats the home and distributes warmth.
What is inspected / reported
- Open readily accessible access panels.
- Inspect heating equipment, vent systems, flues, chimneys, and distribution.
- Describe energy source(s) and heating system type.
Common exclusions
- Heat exchangers, humidifiers, non-accessible flues, and renewable-energy heating.
- Determining heat supply adequacy or combustion air adequacy.
8. Air conditioning
Permanently installed cooling equipment and distribution.
What is inspected / reported
- Open readily accessible access panels.
- Inspect central and permanently installed cooling equipment and distribution.
- Describe energy source(s) and cooling system type.
Common exclusions
- Window units, air cleaning/sanitizing devices, and renewable-energy cooling.
- Determining cooling supply adequacy or distribution balance.
9. Interiors
Finished surfaces, passages, and selected built-in appliances.
What is inspected / reported
- Walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, and railings.
- Countertops and a representative number of cabinets, doors, and windows.
- Garage doors and operators.
- Built-in ovens, ranges, cooktops, microwaves, dishwashers, and disposals using normal controls.
Common exclusions
- Paint, wallpaper, floor coverings, window treatments, and coatings between glass panes.
- Most free-standing appliances and exhaustive testing of every control.
10. Insulation and ventilation
Thermal barriers and air movement in unfinished and exhaust areas.
What is inspected / reported
- Insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces.
- Attic and foundation ventilation.
- Kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and clothes dryer exhaust systems.
- Describe insulation present and note absence at conditioned surfaces in unfinished areas.
Common exclusions
- Disturbing insulation to inspect behind it.
11. Fireplaces and fuel-burning appliances
Fireplaces, inserts, accessories, and chimneys where accessible.
What is inspected / reported
- Fuel-burning fireplaces, stoves, inserts, and accessories.
- Chimneys and vent systems.
Common exclusions
- Non-accessible flue interiors, fire screens, seals, automatic fuel feeds, and mantles.
- Draft testing, moving inserts, or exterior fuel-burning appliances.
12. General limitations and exclusions
Important boundaries on what any home inspection can and cannot do.
What is inspected / reported
- Applies to buildings with four or fewer dwelling units plus attached/detached garages and carports.
- Inspections are visual and not technically exhaustive.
Common exclusions
- Concealed conditions, latent defects, remaining life expectancy, and repair cost estimates.
- Code compliance, environmental hazards, mold, pests, and market value opinions.
- Areas that are unsafe, inaccessible, or require dismantling beyond normal access.
- Moving personal property, furniture, snow, ice, or debris to gain access.
Code of ethics — summary
ASHI members commit to integrity, honesty, and objectivity when performing inspections and reporting results.
- Avoid conflicts of interest — including financial interest in the property or contingent fees tied to the sale.
- Do not accept referral fees from agents or parties with a stake in the closing.
- Report findings fairly and objectively, based on training and experience.
- Do not repair inspected systems for compensation within one year of the inspection.
- Protect client confidentiality while reporting immediate safety hazards when appropriate.
Official document
The complete ASHI Standard of Practice for Home Inspections and Code of Ethics for the Home Inspection Profession is maintained by the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Summaries on this page are based on the ASHI Standard of Practice for Home Inspections and Code of Ethics (© American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.®). For the complete official document, visit ASHI. View on ASHI