InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards & Procedures 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to InterNACHI standards, when inspecting a home with multiple HVAC systems, what is required?
- Only the primary HVAC system serving the main living area needs to be inspected
- All permanently installed heating and cooling systems must be inspected (Correct answer)
- Each system must be tested for at least 30 minutes of continuous operation
- HVAC systems installed within the last 5 years are exempt from inspection
Correct answer: All permanently installed heating and cooling systems must be inspected
All permanently installed heating and cooling systems are within the scope of inspection and must be evaluated.
Question 2: What is the InterNACHI standard regarding inspecting electrical outlets throughout the home?
- Every outlet in the home must be tested with a receptacle tester
- A representative number of outlets in each room should be tested (Correct answer)
- Only outlets in kitchens and bathrooms require testing
- Outlet testing is not included in the standard inspection scope
Correct answer: A representative number of outlets in each room should be tested
InterNACHI requires testing a representative number of outlets in each room, not every single outlet in the home.
Question 3: Under InterNACHI standards, what is required when an inspector identifies a condition that may affect the health or safety of the occupants?
- The inspector must call the local health department immediately
- The inspector must clearly communicate the condition in the written report (Correct answer)
- The inspector must refuse to complete the inspection until the hazard is corrected
- The inspector must verbally notify the client but does not need to write it in the report
Correct answer: The inspector must clearly communicate the condition in the written report
Health and safety conditions must be clearly communicated in the written inspection report to ensure the client is properly informed.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the InterNACHI standard for inspecting sump pumps?
- Sump pumps are excluded from the standard inspection
- Inspectors must inspect and test the sump pump if one is present and accessible (Correct answer)
- Only the discharge line of the sump pump needs to be inspected
- Sump pumps are only inspected when the pit contains water at the time of inspection
Correct answer: Inspectors must inspect and test the sump pump if one is present and accessible
If a sump pump is present and accessible, the inspector is required to inspect and, where possible, test its operation.
Question 5: An inspector arrives at a property in winter and the heating system was not operating at the time of inspection. What should the inspector do?
- Turn on the heating system and immediately test all components
- Note that the system was not operating and could not be fully evaluated (Correct answer)
- Reschedule the inspection for a warmer day
- Report the home as uninhabitable until heating is confirmed operational
Correct answer: Note that the system was not operating and could not be fully evaluated
If a system is not operating during inspection, the inspector should document this limitation and note that a full evaluation was not possible.
Question 6: According to InterNACHI standards, which of the following is required when the inspector identifies a major structural deficiency?
- The inspector must immediately notify the listing agent
- The inspector must recommend the client consult a licensed structural engineer (Correct answer)
- The inspector must complete a full structural engineering analysis
- The inspector must refuse to certify the property
Correct answer: The inspector must recommend the client consult a licensed structural engineer
When major structural concerns are identified, InterNACHI standards require the inspector to recommend evaluation by a qualified structural engineer.
Question 7: Under InterNACHI's Standards of Practice, which of the following is true about inspecting detached structures on the property?
- Detached garages and outbuildings are always included in the standard inspection
- Detached structures are excluded from the standard inspection unless agreed upon (Correct answer)
- Only detached garages are included; all other outbuildings are excluded
- Detached structures are inspected only if they are connected to the main home's utilities
Correct answer: Detached structures are excluded from the standard inspection unless agreed upon
Detached structures such as sheds and outbuildings are not included in the standard inspection scope unless a written agreement is made to include them.
InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards & Procedures 5
According to InterNACHI standards, when inspecting a home with multiple HVAC systems, what is required?