NAMRI STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the NAMRI Standards of Practice is to establish a minimum and uniform standard for performing a mold inspection of a single-family to a four-family dwelling. The Standards set minimum requirements for describing and reporting conditions observed that could contribute to microbial growth. The Standards define and clarify terms, procedures, scope, conditions, and limitations as they relate to an NAMRI Inspection and Report.
· Client: A person who engages the services of a mold inspector for a mold inspection assignment.
· Component: A part of a system.
· Describe: To report a system or component by its type or other observed, significant characteristics to distinguish it from other systems or components.
· Mold Inspection Report: A written evaluation prepared and issued by a residential mold inspector upon completion of a mold inspection that meets the standards of practice as established by NAMRI.
· Inspect: To visually examine readily accessible systems and components of a building in accordance with these Standards of Practice, using normal operating controls and opening readily accessible access panels.
· Mold Inspection Agreement: An agreement signed by the client prior to the start of the mold inspection that contains, at a minimum, the full name and address of the client, the address of the home to be inspected, the date and time of the mold inspection, the price of the mold inspection, and the scope and limitations of the inspection.
· Readily Accessible: Available for visual inspection without requiring moving of personal property, dismantling, destructive measures, or any action which will likely involve risk to persons or property.
· Structural Component: A component that 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.
· Unsafe: A condition in a system or component that poses a significant risk of personal injury or property damage during normal, day-to-day use.
PURPOSE
The purpose of a mold inspection is to detect the presence of suspected mold growth in the inspected areas of the subject property. The mold inspection Report communicates the information to the client through a written summary that describes the suspected microbial growth along with property conditions that could contribute to microbial growth. Additionally, the report may include the results of laboratory testing on suspected mold samples taken from the structure during the inspection.
SCOPE
The scope of the inspection is a visual observation of the readily accessible areas of the building, components, and systems that is limited to the readily accessible and visible areas and the systems identified as follows: Grounds, Exterior, Structure, Plumbing, Interior, HVAC, and Sampling protocols.
LIMITATIONS
The mold inspection is limited to the readily accessible and visible systems and components of the home. The Inspector shall not dismantle and/or move equipment, systems, furniture, appliances, floor coverings, finished or fastened surfaces or components, personal property or other items to conduct this inspection or otherwise to expose concealed or inaccessible conditions. The inspection will not include destructive testing of any kind. Certain structural areas are considered inaccessible and impractical to inspect including but not limited to the interiors of walls and inaccessible areas below; areas beneath wood floors or over concrete; and areas concealed by floor coverings.
The following conditions are NOT within the scope of this Limited Mold inspection:
· Areas to which there is no access without defacing or tearing out lumber, masonry, roofing or finished workmanship.
· Surfaces concealed by floor and wall coverings or furniture.
· Portions of the attic concealed or made inaccessible by insulation, belongings, equipment or ducting.
· Portions of the attic, roof cavity, or under floor crawl space areas concealed or made inaccessible due to construction.
· Portions of the sub area concealed or made inaccessible by ducting or insulation.
· Enclosed bay windows and enclosed boxed eaves.
· Portions of the interior made inaccessible by furnishings.
· Areas where locks prevented access.
· Areas concealed by heavy vegetation.
WARRANTIES AND GUARANTEES
The written mold inspection report is not intended to be used as a guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, that the items inspected are mold-free, or that concealed conditions conducive to mold do not or will not exist. Problems may exist even though signs of such may not be present during the inspection.
The Standards provide minimum guidelines for the Inspector, and outline what the Inspector should inspect, identify, and report on. The guidelines provide the minimum contents of a written mold report and are not intended to limit the Inspector from performing additional inspection services.
INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS
NAMRI members have demonstrated extensive knowledge of mold inspection by acquiring accredited mold inspector education and by passing the NAMRI Exam, which is a national exam sponsored by NAMRI. Members are required to obtain approved continuing education to maintain their membership.