InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards & Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the InterNACHI standard regarding the inspection of gas fireplaces?
- Gas fireplaces must be fully disassembled and inspected
- Inspectors must ignite the pilot and operate the fireplace during inspection
- Inspectors inspect the visible and accessible portions of the gas fireplace (Correct answer)
- Gas appliances are excluded from the home inspection scope
Correct answer: Inspectors inspect the visible and accessible portions of the gas fireplace
Inspectors are required to inspect the visible and accessible components of gas fireplaces but are not required to disassemble or perform invasive procedures.
Question 2: According to InterNACHI, when should an inspector recommend further evaluation by a specialist?
- Only when a deficiency poses an immediate safety hazard
- Whenever a system or component cannot be fully evaluated within the inspection scope (Correct answer)
- Only for electrical systems and structural components
- Only when deficiencies are confirmed, not suspected
Correct answer: Whenever a system or component cannot be fully evaluated within the inspection scope
Inspectors should recommend further evaluation by a specialist whenever they encounter conditions that cannot be fully evaluated within the inspection's scope.
Question 3: Which of the following is NOT a required component of the InterNACHI inspection report?
- A description of the systems and components inspected
- Identification of deficiencies found
- Photographs of every inspected component (Correct answer)
- The inspector's name and signature
Correct answer: Photographs of every inspected component
InterNACHI standards do not require photographs of every inspected component, though photographs of deficiencies are recommended best practice.
Question 4: An inspector discovers a sealed attic hatch that has never been opened. Under InterNACHI standards, what is the correct action?
- Force the hatch open as required by the standards
- Skip the attic inspection entirely
- Note the limitation and inspect as much of the attic as is accessible (Correct answer)
- Recommend the client hire a contractor to unseal the hatch before closing
Correct answer: Note the limitation and inspect as much of the attic as is accessible
Inspectors should note limitations to access and inspect whatever portions of the attic are accessible without causing damage.
Question 5: Under InterNACHI standards, which heating system component is the inspector REQUIRED to inspect?
- Heat exchanger integrity via combustion analysis
- Visible portions of the heating system including the thermostat (Correct answer)
- Burner and igniter assemblies by disassembling the unit
- Annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating
Correct answer: Visible portions of the heating system including the thermostat
Inspectors are required to inspect visible portions of the heating system, including operating the thermostat, but are not required to disassemble equipment.
Question 6: According to InterNACHI's Standards of Practice, what must an inspector do before operating a system or component?
- Obtain written permission from the seller
- Verify the system is in a condition that would not be damaged by operation (Correct answer)
- Test the system using a licensed contractor's supervision
- Disconnect the system from utilities before testing
Correct answer: Verify the system is in a condition that would not be damaged by operation
Inspectors must determine that operating a system or component will not damage it or create unsafe conditions before activating it.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes the InterNACHI standard for inspecting exterior walls?
- All exterior wall cladding must be probed for moisture content
- Inspectors must inspect visible and accessible portions of the exterior wall covering (Correct answer)
- Inspectors must remove sections of siding to inspect sheathing beneath
- Exterior walls only need inspection if a deficiency is visible from the street
Correct answer: Inspectors must inspect visible and accessible portions of the exterior wall covering
Inspectors are required to inspect the visible and accessible portions of exterior wall coverings, not to probe, remove, or perform invasive procedures.
InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards & Procedures 3
What is the InterNACHI standard regarding the inspection of gas fireplaces?