The objective of the walk-through survey is to allow the inspector to visually observe the subject property, gather information, and note items of interest

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Access Responsibility

It is the client’s responsibility to arrange for the inspector to receive timely access to the subject property for the walk-through survey portion of the inspection, as well as access to all documents and interviewees needed for the research portion of the inspection. This includes access to all documents, information and previously generated reports in the client’s possession. The inspector is not responsible for obtaining, reviewing or providing information, should the source withhold, impede or delay access. Anything that hinders the inspector’s access should be noted in the report.

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Revisits

It is expected that the inspector will perform only one walk-through survey per inspection report. However, it may be necessary for the inspector to revisit certain areas of the subject building after performing the research portion of the inspection.

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Inspector Safety

It is the responsibility of the inspector to perform the walk-through survey safely.

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Roof

The inspector should inspect from ground level, eaves or rooftop (if a rooftop access door exists):

A. the roof covering;
B. for the presence of exposed membrane;
C. slopes;
D. for evidence of significant ponding;
E. the gutters;
F. the downspouts;
G. the vents, flashings, skylights, chimney and other roof penetrations;
H. the general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs; and
I. for the need for repairs.

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The inspector is not required to:

A. walk on any pitched roof surface.
B. predict service-life expectancy.
C. inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
D. remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation of the roof surfaces.
E. move insulation.
F. inspect antennae, lightning arresters, de-icing equipment or similar attachments.
G. walk on any roof areas that appear, in the opinion of the inspector, to be unsafe.
H. walk on any roof areas if it might, in the opinion of the inspector, cause damage.
I. perform a water test.
J. warrant or certify the roof.
K. walk on any roofs that lack rooftop access doors.

 

Exterior

The inspector should inspect:

A. the siding, flashing and trim;
B. all exterior doors, decks, stoops, steps, stairs, porches, railings, eaves, soffits and fasciae;
C. and report as in need of repair any safety issues regarding intermediate balusters, spindles or rails for steps, stairways, balconies and railings;
D. a representative number of windows;
E. the vegetation, surface drainage, and retaining walls when these are likely to adversely affect the structure;
F. the exterior for accessibility barriers;
G. the storm water drainage system;
H. the general topography;
I. the parking areas;
J. the sidewalks;
K. exterior lighting;
L. the landscaping;
M. and determine that a 3-foot clear space exists around the circumference of fire hydrants;
N. and describe the exterior wall covering.

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The inspector is not required to:

A. inspect or operate screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings, fences, outbuildings or exterior accent lighting.
B. inspect items, including window and door flashings, that are not visible or readily accessible from the ground.
C. inspect geological, geotechnical, hydrological or soil conditions.
D. inspect recreational facilities.
E. inspect seawalls, breakwalls or docks.
F. inspect erosion-control or earth-stabilization measures.
G. inspect for proof of safety-type glass.
H. determine the integrity of thermal window seals or damaged glass.
I. inspect underground utilities.
J. inspect underground items.
K. inspect wells or springs.
L. inspect solar systems.
M. inspect swimming pools or spas.
N. inspect septic systems or cesspools.
O. inspect playground equipment.
P. inspect sprinkler systems.
Q. inspect drainfields or dry wells.
R. inspect manhole covers.
S. operate or evaluate remote-control devices, or test door or gate operators.