InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards & Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to InterNACHI standards, which of the following is the inspector REQUIRED to report on regarding the roof?
- The estimated remaining life of the roof covering
- The general condition of the roof covering materials (Correct answer)
- The exact number of layers of roofing material
- The manufacturer and model of roofing shingles
Correct answer: The general condition of the roof covering materials
InterNACHI standards require inspectors to report on the general condition of roof covering materials, not exact lifespan estimates or manufacturer details.
Question 2: When inspecting a crawl space, what is the InterNACHI standard for entering the space?
- Inspectors must always enter every crawl space regardless of conditions
- Inspectors must enter if the space is at least 24 inches in height and 18 inches wide
- Inspectors are required to enter unless entry would damage the space or be unsafe (Correct answer)
- Inspectors may skip crawl space inspection if a vapor barrier is visible
Correct answer: Inspectors are required to enter unless entry would damage the space or be unsafe
InterNACHI standards require inspectors to enter crawl spaces unless doing so would be unsafe or cause damage to the property.
Question 3: Which condition would make it acceptable for an InterNACHI inspector to NOT walk on a roof during inspection?
- The roof pitch exceeds 4:12
- Walking the roof could damage roofing materials or cause injury (Correct answer)
- The home is more than 10 years old
- Snow is present on less than 25% of the roof surface
Correct answer: Walking the roof could damage roofing materials or cause injury
Inspectors are not required to walk on a roof if doing so could damage the roofing materials or pose a safety hazard.
Question 4: Under InterNACHI standards, what does 'readily accessible' mean in the context of a home inspection?
- Accessible only with special tools or equipment
- Available for inspection without requiring destructive testing
- Exposed and able to be observed without moving obstacles (Correct answer)
- Accessible after removing up to two items blocking access
Correct answer: Exposed and able to be observed without moving obstacles
Readily accessible means exposed and able to be observed without moving obstacles, personal property, or requiring disassembly.
Question 5: An InterNACHI inspector finds the main electrical panel cover is secured with stripped screws. What should the inspector do?
- Skip the panel inspection and note it is inaccessible
- Remove the cover using whatever means necessary to complete the inspection
- Note the condition and report whether or not the panel was inspected (Correct answer)
- Recommend the client hire an electrician to open the panel
Correct answer: Note the condition and report whether or not the panel was inspected
The inspector should report the condition and clearly state whether the panel was inspected or not, since obstruction limits the inspection scope.
Question 6: Which of the following statements about InterNACHI's Standards of Practice regarding older homes is CORRECT?
- Older homes require a more detailed inspection report than newer homes
- Inspectors must note all code violations regardless of when the home was built
- Inspectors compare the home to current standards only when safety is a concern
- The standards apply equally regardless of the age of the home (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The standards apply equally regardless of the age of the home
InterNACHI's Standards of Practice apply equally to all homes regardless of age, and inspectors are not required to identify all code violations.
Question 7: During an InterNACHI inspection, the inspector notices the home has a swimming pool. What is the inspector's obligation?
- The inspector must inspect the pool as part of the standard inspection
- Pool inspection is excluded from the standard inspection unless agreed upon in writing (Correct answer)
- The inspector must note the pool's existence but is not required to operate it
- Pool equipment must always be inspected as part of the plumbing system
Correct answer: Pool inspection is excluded from the standard inspection unless agreed upon in writing
Pools, spas, and hot tubs are excluded from the InterNACHI standard inspection unless a written agreement is made with the client to include them.
InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards & Procedures 2
According to InterNACHI standards, which of the following is the inspector REQUIRED to report on regarding the roof?