- Readily Accessible
- A component that can be reached, entered, or viewed safely and without difficulty, without moving obstructions or using tools beyond normal operation. Inspectors are generally only required to evaluate readily accessible components.
- Standards of Practice (SOP)
- The written guidelines that define the minimum scope of a home inspection—what systems and components must be inspected and what may be excluded. Inspectors follow an SOP (such as those from ASHI, InterNACHI, or a state) to establish consistent, defensible boundaries for their work.
- Code of Ethics
- A set of professional conduct rules governing an inspector's duties to the client, including honesty, confidentiality, and avoidance of conflicts of interest. It complements the Standards of Practice by addressing behavior rather than technical scope.
- Material Defect
- A condition or problem with a system or component that significantly affects the value, habitability, or safety of the home, or poses an unreasonable risk to people. Reporting material defects is a central purpose of the inspection.
- Reversed Polarity
- An electrical wiring error in which the hot and neutral conductors are connected to the wrong terminals of a receptacle, creating a shock hazard. It is a commonly reported electrical defect found with a receptacle tester.
- GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter)
- A protective device that quickly shuts off power when it detects a current imbalance (ground fault), reducing the risk of electric shock. GFCI protection is typically expected in wet or damp locations such as bathrooms, kitchens, and exteriors.
- AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter)
- A device that detects dangerous electrical arcing—such as from damaged wiring—and interrupts the circuit to help prevent fires. It differs from a GFCI, which primarily guards against shock rather than arcing.
- Flashing
- Thin, weather-resistant material installed at roof joints, valleys, chimneys, and wall intersections to direct water away and prevent leaks. Missing or damaged flashing is a common source of moisture intrusion.
- Grading (Site Grading)
- The slope of the soil around a building's foundation, which should fall away from the structure to carry surface water away. Negative or improper grading can direct water toward the foundation and cause moisture problems.
- Efflorescence
- A white, powdery mineral deposit left on masonry or concrete when water evaporates from the surface. It signals that moisture has been moving through the material, which can indicate a water-intrusion concern.
- TPR Valve (Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve)
- A safety valve on a water heater that releases water if temperature or pressure rises to unsafe levels, preventing a tank rupture or explosion. Its discharge pipe must be routed properly to safely direct hot water away.
- Draft (Backdrafting)
- The movement of combustion gases through a flue or chimney; backdrafting occurs when those gases spill back into living space instead of venting outside. This is a safety concern because it can allow carbon monoxide into the home.