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Home Inspection Terms & Definitions
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This is a public, consumer information document containing a glossary defining some key terms regarding home inspectors in the United States and Canada. Questions should be addressed to ASHI headquarters. (Also see terms and definitions suffixed to the latest copy of the ASHI Standards of Practice - available on line or from ASHI HQ.)

Automatic Safety Controls

Devices designed and installed to protect systems and components from excessively high or low pressure and temperatures, excessive electrical current, loss of water, loss of ignition, fuel leaks, fire, freezing, or other unsafe conditions.

Central Air Conditioning

A system which uses ducts to distribute cooling and/or dehumidified air to more than one room or uses pipes to distribute chilled water to heat exchangers in more than one room, and which is not plugged into an electrical convenience outlet.

Component

A readily accessible and observable aspect of a system, such as a floor, or wall, but not individual pieces such as boards or nails where many similar pieces make up the component.

Cross Connection

Any physical connection or arrangement between potable water and any source of contamination.

Dangerous or Adverse Situations

Situations which pose a threat of injury to the inspector, and those situations which require the use of special protective clothing or safety equipment.

Describe

Report in writing a system or component by its type, or other observed characteristics, to distinguish it from other components used for the same purposes.

Dismantle

To take apart or remove any component, device, or piece of equipment that is bolted, screwed, or fastened by other means and that would not be dismantled by the homeowner in the course of normal household maintenance.

Engineering

Analysis or design work requiring extensive preparation and experience in the use of mathematics, chemistry, physics, and the engineering sciences.

Enter

To go into an area to observe all visible components.

Functional Drainage

A drain is functional when it empties in a reasonable amount of time and does not overflow when another fixture is drained simultaneously.

Functional Flow

A reasonable flow at the highest fixture in a dwelling when another fixture is operated simultaneously.

Household Appliances

Kitchen and laundry appliances, room air conditioners, and similar appliances.

Inspector

Any person who examines any component of a building, through visual means and through normal user controls, without the use of mathematical sciences.

Installed

Attached or connected such that the installed item requires tools for removal.

Normal Operating Controls

Homeowner operated devices such as thermostat, wall switch, or safety switch.

Observe

The act of making a visual examination.

On-site Water Supply Quality

Water quality is based on the bacterial, chemical, mineral, and solids content of the water.

On-site Water Supply Quantity

Water quantity is the rate of flow of water.

Operate

To cause systems or equipment to function.

Primary Windows and Doors

Windows and/or exterior doors which are designed to remain in their respective openings year round and not left open for the entire summer.

Readily Openable Access Panel

A panel provided for homeowner inspection and maintenance which has removable or operable fasteners or latch devices in order to be lifted off, swung open, or otherwise removed by one person, and its edges and fasteners are not painted in place. Limited to those panels which are within normal reach or from a 4-foot stepladder, and which are not blocked by stored items, furniture, or building components.

Recreational Facilities

Spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, tennis courts, playground equipment, and other exercise, entertainment, or athletic facilities.

Representative Number

For multiple identical components such as windows and electrical outlets -- one such component per room. For multiple identical exterior components - one such component on each side of the building.

Roof Drainage Systems

Gutters, downspouts, leaders, splash blocks, and similar components used to carry water off of a roof and away from a building.

Safety Glazing

Tempered glass, laminated glass, or rigid plastic.

Shut Down

A piece of equipment or a system is shut down when it cannot be operated by the device or control which a home owner should normally use to operate it. If its safety switch or circuit breaker is in the "off" position, or its fuse is missing or blown, the inspector is not required to reestablish the circuit for the purpose of operating the equipment or system.

Solid Fuel Heating Device

Any wood, coal, or other similar organic fuel burning device, including but not limited to fireplaces whether masonry or factory-built, fireplace inserts and stoves, woodstoves (room heaters), central furnaces, and combinations of these devices.

Structural Component

A component which supports non-variable forces or weights (dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live loads).

System

A combination of interacting or interdependent components, assembled to carry out one or more functions.

Technically Exhaustive

An inspection is technically exhaustive when it involves the extensive use of measurements, instruments, testing, calculators, and other means to develop scientific or engineering findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Underfloor Crawl Space

The area within the confines of the foundation and between the ground and the underside of the lowest floor structural component.

Other Definitions and Notes

Building Code compliance:

ASHI Inspections are focused on in-service conditions and do not certify compliance with building codes. But to be accurately informed and to be able to recognize important defects in the field, ASHI inspectors may refer to various building codes and also to other standards for purposes of training or explanation.

In-service building component failures

ASHI inspectors operate in that zone of discovery between new constructing code-compliance inspections and post-failure investigations and repair work. Using essentially visual methods home inspectors examine both major building components and small details which offer clues suggesting areas where major repairs may be needed.

ASHI's Contribution to other fields Because ASHI has building experts examining residential structures in every U.S. State and Canadian Province, ASHI members present an opportunity to contribute to and share data and field experience with other construction-related professional groups and with trade associations.

More Information on Building Diagnostic Inspections and Repairs

[Information about ASHI] -- [ASHI's Association Info] -- [ASHI Headquarters Website]

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