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The following Standards provide guidelines for the NAMRI Inspector and outline what the Inspector should inspect, identify, and report on. The guidelines provide the minimum contents of a written report and are not intended to limit the Inspector from performing additional inspection services, or from excluding systems or components by mutual agreement with the client.

GROUNDS:

The Inspector shall:

·          Inspect the grading, surface drainage, landscaping, and water features on the property where any of these could likely contribute to water damage or microbial growth on the inspected structure.

·          Report the presence of suspected microbial growth or water damage directly related to these components.

The Inspector is not required to:

·          Inspect any underground drainage systems, any detached structures, or any other components that do not directly impact the main structure.

·          Inspect areas not visible or readily accessible.

EXTERIOR:

The Inspector shall:

·          Inspect the exterior wall covering and trim, exterior doors and windows, attached decks, steps, porches, patios, window wells, eaves and soffits, gutters and downspouts, and chimney where any of these could likely contribute to water damage or microbial growth on the inspected structure.

·          Report the presence of suspected microbial growth or water damage directly observed.

The Inspector is not required to:

·          Inspect components not accessible from ground level.

·          Report on the adequacy or functionality of any component.

·          Use any invasive tests other than visual observation.

STRUCTURE:

The Inspector shall:

·          Inspect the foundation, roof covering, attic, basement, crawlspace, and attached garage or carport where any of these could likely contribute to water damage or microbial growth on the inspected structure.

·          Describe the methods used to inspect the roof covering and attic.

·          Report the presence of suspected microbial growth or water damage directly observed.

The Inspector is not required to:

·          Determine the adequacy of any structural system or component.

·          Evaluate buildings detached from the main inspected structure.

·          Walk on the roof or perform any tasks that could be dangerous.

·          Determine that any component is defect free.

·          Determine or estimate the remaining life of any component.

·          Enter crawl spaces with headroom less than two feet.

·          Enter attic spaces where the headroom is less than 3 feet.

·          Enter any spaces where hazardous conditions exist.

·          Evaluate ventilation adequacy by any means other than visually.

·          Evaluate the insulation by any means other than visually.

·          Operate sump pumps.

PLUMBING:

The Inspector shall:

·          Inspect the sinks, drains, showers, tubs, toilets, water main, supply pipes, waste pipes, and water heater where any of these could likely contribute to water damage or microbial growth on the inspected structure.

·          Report the presence of suspected microbial growth or water damage directly observed.

The Inspector is not required to:

·          Operate components that have been shut down or winterized.

·          Operate or test any main shut-off valves.

·          Fill any component with water.

INTERIOR:

The Inspector shall:

·          Inspect kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, laundry, closets, and other interior spaces along with their associated windows, walls, ceilings, and floors where any of these could likely contribute to water damage or microbial growth on the inspected structure.

·          Report the presence of suspected microbial growth or water damage directly observed.

The Inspector is not required to:

·          Move furniture or owner possessions.

·          Identify defects unrelated to microbial growth or water damage.

·          Examine interior surfaces concealed by any type of covering.

HVAC:

The Inspector shall:

·          Inspect the filter, return air box, condensate drain and pump lines, humidifier, ducts and vents where any of these could likely contribute to water damage or microbial growth on the inspected structure.

·          Report the presence of suspected microbial growth or water damage directly observed.

The Inspector is not required to:

·          Certify proper operation of any HVAC system.

·          Activate equipment that has been shut down or will not respond to thermostat controls.

·          Use tools to disassemble system components.

·          Perform tests other than can be determined visually.

·          Report on the efficiency or adequacy of the system or distribution method.