The Foundation of Everything We Do

InterNACHI Standards of Practice.

The published, industry-recognized minimum scope of a residential inspection. ProSight Inspections meets or exceeds every provision below. This page summarizes each section, in our own words, with a direct link to the authoritative InterNACHI source for verbatim language.

View Official InterNACHI SOP → Back to Homepage
About this page: The complete, authoritative text of the Residential Standards of Practice is published and maintained by InterNACHI (the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors). For the verbatim document, please visit nachi.org/sop.htm. The summaries below are in ProSight's own words and provided for plain-language reference only.
Official SOP →

Sections covered

Click any section to jump to it. The full document is also available in printable form at the InterNACHI link above.

1Definitions & Scope→ 2Limitations & Exclusions→ 3.1Roof→ 3.2Exterior→ 3.3Foundation & Structure→ 3.4Heating→ 3.5Cooling→ 3.6Plumbing→ 3.7Electrical→ 3.8Fireplace→ 3.9Attic, Insulation & Ventilation→ 3.10Doors, Windows & Interior→ 4Glossary & Key Terms→
Section 1

Definitions & Scope

A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the readily accessible areas of a residential building, performed for a fee, that is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components on the date of the inspection.

What the Inspection Is
  • A visual, non-invasive examination of accessible systems
  • Designed to identify material defects observed on inspection day
  • Performed for a fee by a trained inspector
  • Limited to readily accessible areas
  • Documented in a written report delivered after
What the Inspection Is Not
  • Not technically exhaustive
  • Not a code compliance inspection
  • Not a warranty or guarantee
  • Not an environmental hazard assessment
  • Not a prediction of future performance
Material defect is the key term throughout. The SOP defines it as a specific issue with a system or component that may have a significant adverse impact on the property's value, or that poses an unreasonable risk to people. Cosmetic conditions are not, by themselves, material defects.
Section 2

Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions

The SOP is explicit about what a home inspection does not cover. This protects both the buyer (who knows the boundaries of the engagement) and the inspector (who has a defensible scope).

Inspections Do Not Include
  • Aesthetic concerns or conditions that do not pose a material defect
  • Concealed defects (inside walls, beneath floor coverings, etc.)
  • Items below grade, underground, or otherwise inaccessible
  • Mold, asbestos, lead, radon, formaldehyde, or other environmental hazards
  • Code compliance with municipal building codes
  • Engineering analysis, soils analysis, or structural calculations
  • The cost of repair, replacement, or remediation
  • Future life expectancy of any system or component
  • The cause of any condition or defect
  • Recalls of installed products or equipment
Specialty add-ons close the gap. Most of the items above can be inspected as add-on services — radon, mold, 4-Point, wind mitigation, infrared thermal imaging, drone roof, pool & spa, and air quality. See Pricing for the full add-on menu.
Section 3.1

Roof

The roof is inspected from ground level, from a ladder where safe, or from the roof surface where conditions permit. Drone imaging is available on request for steep, fragile, or otherwise inaccessible roofs.

The Inspector Shall Inspect
  • Roof covering materials
  • Gutters and downspouts
  • Vents, flashings, skylights, chimney exteriors, and other roof penetrations
  • General structure of the roof from readily accessible vantage points
The Inspector Is Not Required To
  • Walk on roofs that are unsafe or could be damaged by inspector traffic
  • Predict remaining service life of roof coverings
  • Inspect antennas, satellite dishes, or interiors of vent or flue systems
  • Move snow, ice, or debris to expose roof surfaces
Section 3.2

Exterior

Wall coverings, trim, exterior doors and windows, attached porches and decks, walkways and driveways adjacent to the structure, and exterior drainage. Note: extensive landscaping, irrigation, and outbuildings are excluded.

The Inspector Shall Inspect
  • Exterior wall coverings, flashings, and trim
  • Exterior doors, decks, balconies, and porches
  • Stairs, steps, stoops, stairways, and ramps
  • Eaves, soffits, and fascias
  • Adjacent walkways, patios, and driveways
  • Vegetation, surface drainage, retaining walls adjacent to the building
The Inspector Is Not Required To
  • Inspect erosion control or earth stabilization measures
  • Inspect geological or hydrological conditions
  • Inspect recreational facilities (pools, spas, sport courts)
  • Inspect outbuildings other than garages and carports
  • Inspect seawalls, breakwalls, or docks
  • Inspect fences or boundary walls
Section 3.3

Foundation, Basement, Crawlspace & Structure

The structural integrity of a residence, examined visually from accessible interior and exterior viewpoints. The SOP draws an important line between visual inspection and structural engineering analysis.

The Inspector Shall Inspect
  • Foundation walls and floor
  • Basement, crawlspace, and structural components
  • Sub-floor system, sills, beams, columns, and posts
  • Wall framing visible in unfinished areas
  • Floor structure visible from basement/crawlspace
  • Roof framing visible from attic
The Inspector Is Not Required To
  • Enter crawlspaces unsafe due to access, low clearance, or contamination
  • Provide structural calculations or engineering analysis
  • Determine the cause of conditions noted
  • Determine the adequacy of structural systems
  • Disturb insulation, vapor barriers, or stored items
Section 3.4

Heating

Permanently installed heating systems are operated using normal controls. Combustion appliances are inspected for visible defects; combustion analysis itself is not part of the standard scope.

The Inspector Shall Inspect
  • Permanently installed heating equipment
  • Venting systems, flues, and chimneys
  • Distribution systems including fans, pumps, ducts, and piping
  • Filters and supports
  • Operating controls visible during the inspection
The Inspector Is Not Required To
  • Inspect interior of flues or chimneys not readily accessible
  • Test heat exchangers or determine heat supply adequacy
  • Inspect humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters, or solar systems
  • Activate heating systems in weather conditions that may damage them
  • Light or ignite pilot flames
Section 3.5

Cooling

Central air conditioning systems are operated by the inspector using normal controls when conditions permit. As with heating, the SOP draws a line at refrigerant charge analysis and other technical tasks.

The Inspector Shall Inspect
  • Permanently installed central cooling equipment
  • Distribution systems shared with heating
  • Visible operating controls
  • Visible condensate drainage
  • Equipment supports and exterior condenser units
The Inspector Is Not Required To
  • Check refrigerant levels or pressures
  • Inspect window or wall air conditioners
  • Determine system adequacy or efficiency
  • Operate cooling equipment in weather conditions that may damage it
  • Examine electronic air cleaners or programmable thermostats
Section 3.6

Plumbing

Visible water supply and distribution systems, fixtures, drains, vents, and the visible portions of water heaters and fuel-storage components.

The Inspector Shall Inspect
  • Interior water supply and distribution systems
  • Fixtures and faucets — operated where readily accessible
  • Drain, waste, and vent systems
  • Water heating equipment and venting
  • Sump pumps when present and accessible
  • Functional flow and drainage at fixtures
The Inspector Is Not Required To
  • Inspect water quality, supply quantity, or well systems
  • Inspect interior of private septic systems
  • Test shower pans, tub seals, or below-floor plumbing
  • Determine the temperature of water supply
  • Examine fire-suppression sprinkler systems
  • Operate any shut-off valves
Sewer scope is a specialty add-on. Underground lateral sewer lines are not part of the visual SOP. We offer separate sewer scope as a paid add-on per the pricing page.
Section 3.7

Electrical

The electrical service drop and panel, branch circuits, devices, fixtures, and grounding/bonding. The SOP requires visible, non-destructive inspection only — we never cut into walls or move stored items to access wiring.

The Inspector Shall Inspect
  • Service drop, entrance conductors, cables, and raceways
  • Main and branch service panels (when safely accessible)
  • Overcurrent protection devices (breakers, fuses)
  • A representative number of installed switches, receptacles, and lighting fixtures
  • GFCI and AFCI devices (operation of test buttons)
  • Service grounding and bonding
The Inspector Is Not Required To
  • Insert anything into electrical receptacles
  • Operate breakers or switches if doing so could damage equipment
  • Inspect low-voltage systems (doorbells, security, intercoms)
  • Inspect alarm systems, smoke/CO detectors as functional units
  • Measure amperage or voltage
  • Test photo-voltaic (solar) or battery storage systems
Section 3.8

Fireplace & Chimney

Solid-fuel and gas-burning appliances and associated chimneys, inspected visually from accessible vantage points.

The Inspector Shall Inspect
  • System components: firebox, hearth, damper, lintel
  • Chimney exterior (where visible)
  • Cleanouts and visible flue interiors
  • Glass doors, screens, and ash dump covers
The Inspector Is Not Required To
  • Light any fires
  • Examine flue interiors not readily visible
  • Inspect the integrity of flue liners or determine adequacy of draft
  • Move stored items, mantels, or screens
Section 3.9

Attic, Insulation & Ventilation

Insulation in unfinished spaces, vapor retarders if visible, mechanical exhaust ventilation, and roof framing as seen from the attic. Insulation in concealed wall cavities is not part of the SOP.

The Inspector Shall Inspect
  • Insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces
  • Ventilation of unfinished attics and foundation areas
  • Mechanical exhaust systems in kitchens, baths, and laundry
  • Visible framing components from the attic
The Inspector Is Not Required To
  • Disturb insulation, vapor retarders, or stored items
  • Determine indoor air quality
  • Inspect insulation R-values or compliance with energy codes
  • Inspect or test radon, mold, asbestos, or other environmental hazards
Section 3.10

Doors, Windows & Interior

Interior walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, steps and stairways inside the home, and a representative number of installed cabinets and countertops.

The Inspector Shall Inspect
  • Walls, ceilings, and floors
  • Steps, stairways, and railings
  • Countertops and a representative number of cabinets
  • A representative number of doors and windows
  • Garage doors and openers (operated using normal controls)
The Inspector Is Not Required To
  • Inspect paint, wallpaper, carpeting, or other finish treatments
  • Inspect window treatments, central vacuum systems, or recreational facilities
  • Operate household appliances unless contracted as an add-on
  • Move furniture, stored items, or floor coverings
Section 4

Glossary & Key Terms

A subset of the most important defined terms. The full glossary is published on the InterNACHI source page.

Readily Accessible
Available for visual inspection without requiring moving furniture, dismantling equipment, removing access panels other than routine ones, or putting the inspector at risk.
Material Defect
A specific issue with a system or component that may have a significant adverse impact on the value of the property, or that poses an unreasonable risk to people.
Functional Defect
A condition where a system or component is not performing its intended function.
Non-Invasive
Examined without dismantling, opening, or removing components of the property in a way that would damage or alter them.
Technically Exhaustive
An inspection that goes beyond the SOP — using specialized tools, dismantling components, or doing destructive testing. Home inspections are explicitly not technically exhaustive.
Representative Number
A sample sufficient to indicate the typical condition of similar items. Used because the inspector is not required to examine every door, window, or outlet individually.
Inspect
To examine readily accessible systems and components of a building visually, in accordance with the SOP, on the date of inspection.
Operate
To cause systems or equipment to perform their normal function using normal user controls. Does not include adjusting or repairing.
Get the Authoritative Version

For the verbatim text, go to the source.

This page summarizes the structure and substance of the InterNACHI Residential Standards of Practice in our own words. For the authoritative, current, verbatim document — including any updates since this page was published — visit nachi.org directly. The official document is the binding reference for any dispute about scope.

Read the Official InterNACHI SOP → Book an Inspection
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