NHIE Report Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When describing a deficiency in an inspection report, which approach best meets NHIE standards?
- Use technical jargon to demonstrate expertise
- Describe the condition, its location, and recommend corrective action (Correct answer)
- List only the repair cost estimate
- Assign a severity score from 1 to 10
Correct answer: Describe the condition, its location, and recommend corrective action
NHIE standards require the report to describe the observed condition, its location, and a recommendation for correction or evaluation.
Question 2: Which statement about photo documentation in home inspection reports is most accurate?
- Photos are required by all state licensing boards
- Photos replace written descriptions and narrative
- Photos support and clarify written findings but do not replace them (Correct answer)
- Photos must be taken only of major deficiencies
Correct answer: Photos support and clarify written findings but do not replace them
Photographs supplement written findings by providing visual evidence, but the written narrative remains the primary documentation.
Question 3: A home inspector discovers a condition outside the scope of the inspection. The most appropriate report action is to:
- Ignore it since it falls outside the scope
- Document it and recommend evaluation by a qualified specialist (Correct answer)
- Repair it and note the action taken
- Include a cost estimate for correction
Correct answer: Document it and recommend evaluation by a qualified specialist
Conditions outside scope should still be noted in the report with a referral to an appropriate specialist for further evaluation.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of including a 'limitations and exceptions' section in an inspection report?
- To reduce the inspector's liability by listing every possible exclusion
- To inform the client of conditions or areas that could not be inspected and why (Correct answer)
- To comply with marketing standards for inspection companies
- To describe the weather conditions during the inspection
Correct answer: To inform the client of conditions or areas that could not be inspected and why
The limitations section communicates to the client what was not inspected and the reason, ensuring informed expectations.
Question 5: Which of the following is the LEAST appropriate term to use in a home inspection report?
- Recommend further evaluation
- Deficiency noted
- Appears to be functioning as intended
- This house is a money pit (Correct answer)
Correct answer: This house is a money pit
Subjective, inflammatory, or opinion-based language like 'money pit' is unprofessional and inappropriate in inspection reports.
Question 6: An inspector finds a roof deficiency but cannot access the attic due to a locked door. How should this be handled in the report?
- Only describe the exterior roof findings and omit any mention of attic access
- Note the roof deficiency and separately document that the attic was inaccessible and why (Correct answer)
- Cancel the inspection until access is provided
- Assume the attic condition matches the exterior findings
Correct answer: Note the roof deficiency and separately document that the attic was inaccessible and why
Each inaccessible area must be documented separately with the reason for the limitation alongside any related observations made from accessible areas.
Question 7: When an inspector observes a condition that poses an immediate safety hazard, the report should:
- Place this finding in alphabetical order with all other deficiencies
- Clearly flag it as a safety concern and recommend immediate corrective action (Correct answer)
- Wait until the full report is compiled before noting it
- Estimate the cost to repair before including it
Correct answer: Clearly flag it as a safety concern and recommend immediate corrective action
Immediate safety hazards must be prominently identified in the report with urgent corrective action recommended.
NHIE Report Writing 2
When describing a deficiency in an inspection report, which approach best meets NHIE standards?