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Inspection Standards of
Practice
Table of Contents
1. Definitions and Scope.
2. Standards of Practice
2.1. Roof
2.2. Exterior
2.3. Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure
2.4. Heating
2.5. Cooling
2.6. Plumbing
2.7. Electrical
2.8. Fireplace
2.9. Attic & Insulation
2.10. Doors, Windows & Interior
3. Limitations, Exceptions
& Exclusions
4. Glossary of Terms
1. Definitions and Scope
1.1. A Home Inspection is a
non-invasive visual examination of a residential dwelling, performed for a fee,
which is designed to identify observed material defects within specific
components of said dwelling. Components may include any combination of
mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems or
portions of the home, as identified and agreed to by the Client and Inspector,
prior to the inspection process.
I. A Home Inspection is
intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling. The
inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the
structure and its components on the date of the inspection and not
the prediction of future conditions.
II. A home inspection will
not reveal every concern that exists or ever could exist, but only those
material defects observed on the day of the inspection.
1.2. A Material Defect is
a condition of a residential real property or any portion of it that would have
a significant adverse impact on the value of the real property or that involves
an unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural
element, system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of the normal useful
life of such a structural element, system or subsystem is not by itself a
material defect.
1.3. An Inspection report
shall describe and identify in written format the inspected systems, structures,
and components of the dwelling and shall identify material defects observed.
Inspection reports may contain recommendations regarding conditions reported or
recommendations for correction, monitoring or further evaluation by
professionals, but this is not required.
2. Standards of Practice
2.1. Roof
I. The inspector shall
inspect from ground level or eaves:
A. The roof covering.
B. The gutters.
C. The downspouts.
D. The vents, flashings, skylights, chimney and other roof penetrations.
E. The general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors
or stairs.
II. The inspector is not
required to:
A. Walk on any pitched roof
surface.
B. Predict the service life expectancy.
C. Inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
D. Remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation of
the roof surfaces.
E. Move insulation.
F. Inspect antennae, lightning arresters, de-icing equipment, or similar
attachments.
G. Walk on any roof areas
that appear, in the opinion of the inspector, to be unsafe.
H. Walk on any roof areas
if it might, in the opinion of the inspector, cause damage.
I. Perform a water test.
J. Warrant or certify the
roof.
2.2. Exterior
I. The inspector shall
inspect:
A. The siding, flashing and
trim.
B. All exterior doors, decks, stoops, steps, stairs, porches, railings, eaves,
soffits and fascias.
C. And report as in need of
repair any spacings between intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails for
steps, stairways, balconies, and railings that permit the passage of an object
greater than four inches in diameter.
D. A representative number
of windows.
E. The vegetation, surface drainage and retaining walls when these are likely to
adversely affect the structure.
F. And describe the exterior wall covering.
II. The inspector is not
required to:
A. Inspect or operate
screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings, fences, outbuildings, or exterior
accent lighting.
B. Inspect items, including window and door flashings, which are not visible or
readily accessible from the ground.
C. Inspect geological, geotechnical, hydrological and/or soil conditions.
D. Inspect recreational facilities.
E. Inspect seawalls, break-walls and docks.
F. Inspect erosion control and earth stabilization measures.
G. Inspect for safety type glass.
H. Inspect underground utilities.
I. Inspect underground items.
J. Inspect wells or springs.
K. Inspect solar systems.
L. Inspect swimming pools or spas.
M. Inspect septic systems or cesspools.
N. Inspect playground equipment.
O. Inspect sprinkler systems.
P. Inspect drain fields or drywells.
Q. Determine the integrity of the thermal window seals or damaged glass.
2.3. Basement, Foundation &
Crawlspace
I. The inspector shall
inspect:
A. The basement.
B. The foundation
C. The crawlspace.
D. The visible structural components.
E. And report on the
location of under-floor access openings.
F. And report any present conditions or clear indications of active water
penetration observed by the inspector.
G. For wood in contact or
near soil.
H. And report any general
indications of foundation movement that are observed by the inspector, such as
but not limited to sheetrock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames or
floor slopes.
I. And report on any
cutting, notching and boring of framing members which may present a structural
or safety concern.
II. The inspector is not
required to:
A. Enter any crawlspaces
that are not readily accessible or where entry could cause damage or pose a
hazard to the inspector.
B. Move stored items or debris.
C. Operate sump pumps with inaccessible floats.
D. Identify size, spacing, span, location or determine adequacy of foundation
bolting, bracing, joists, joist spans or support systems.
E. Provide any engineering or architectural service.
F. Report on the adequacy of any structural system or component.
2.4. Heating
I. The inspector shall
inspect:
A. The heating
systems using normal operating controls and describe the energy source and
heating method.
B. And report as in need of repair heating systems which do not operate.
C. And report if the heating systems are deemed inaccessible
II. The inspector is not
required to:
A. Inspect or evaluate
interiors of flues or chimneys, fire chambers, heat exchangers, humidifiers,
dehumidifiers, electronic air filters, solar heating systems or fuel tanks.
B. Inspect underground fuel tanks.
C. Determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size,
capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the heating system.
D. Light or ignite pilot flames.
E. Activate heating, heat pump systems, or other heating systems when ambient
temperatures or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or
may damage the equipment.
F. Override electronic thermostats.
G. Evaluate fuel quality.
H. Verify thermostat
calibration, heat anticipation or automatic setbacks, timers, programs or
clocks.
2.5. Cooling
I. The inspector shall
inspect:
A. The central cooling
equipment using normal operating controls.
II. The inspector is not
required to:
A. Determine the
uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or
supply adequacy of the cooling system.
B. Inspect window units, through-wall units, or electronic air filters.
C. Operate equipment or systems if exterior temperature is below 60 degrees
Fahrenheit or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or
may damage the equipment.
D. Inspect or determine thermostat calibration, heat anticipation or automatic
setbacks or clocks.
E. Examine electrical current, coolant fluids or gases, or coolant leakage.
2.6. Plumbing
I. The inspector shall:
A. Verify the presence of
and identify the location of the main water shutoff valve.
B. Inspect the water heating equipment, including combustion air, venting,
connections, energy sources, seismic bracing, and verify the presence or absence
of temperature-pressure relief valves and/or Watts 210 valves.
C. Flush toilets.
D. Run water in sinks, tubs, and showers.
E. Inspect the interior water supply including all fixtures and faucets.
F. Inspect the drain, waste and vent systems, including all fixtures.
G. Describe any visible fuel storage systems.
H. Inspect the drainage sump pumps and test pumps with accessible floats.
I. Inspect and describe the water supply, drain, waste and main fuel shut-off
valves, as well as the location of the water main and main fuel shut-off valves.
J. Inspect and determine if the water supply is public or private.
K. Inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the water supply by
viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously.
L. Inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in installation and
identification of hot and cold faucets.
M. Inspect and report as in need of repair mechanical drain-stops that are
missing or do not operate if installed in sinks, lavatories and tubs.
N. Inspect and report as in need of repair commodes that have cracks in the
ceramic material, are improperly mounted on the floor, leak, or have tank
components which do not operate.
II. The inspector is not
required to:
A. Light or ignite pilot
flames.
B. Determine the size, temperature, age, life expectancy or adequacy of the
water heater.
C. Inspect interiors of flues or chimneys, water softening or filtering systems,
well pumps or tanks, safety or shut-of valves, floor drains, lawn sprinkler
systems or fire sprinkler systems.
D. Determine the exact flow rate, volume, pressure, temperature, or adequacy of
the water supply.
E. Determine the water quality or potability or the reliability of the water
supply or source.
F. Open sealed plumbing access panels.
G. Inspect clothes washing machines or their connections.
H. Operate any main, branch or fixture valve.
I. Test shower pans, tub
and shower surrounds or enclosures for leakage.
J. Evaluate the compliance with local or state conservation or energy standards,
or the proper design or sizing of any water, waste or venting components,
fixtures or piping.
K. Determine the effectiveness of anti-siphon, back-flow prevention or
drain-stop devices.
L. Determine whether there are sufficient clean-outs for effective cleaning of
drains.
M. Evaluate gas, liquid propane or oil storage tanks.
N. Inspect any private sewage waste disposal system or component of.
O. Inspect water treatment systems or water filters.
P. Inspect water storage tanks, pressure pumps or bladder tanks.
Q. Evaluate wait time to
obtain hot water at fixtures, or perform testing of any kind to water heater
elements.
R. Evaluate or determine
the adequacy of combustion air.
S. Test, operate, open or
close safety controls, manual stop valves and/or temperature or pressure relief
valves.
T. Examine ancillary
systems or components, such as, but not limited to, those relating to solar
water heating, hot water circulation.
U. Determine the existence
or condition of polybutylene plumbing.
2.7. Electrical
I. The inspector shall
inspect:
A. The service
drop/lateral.
B. The meter socket enclosures.
C. The means for disconnecting the service main.
D. And determine the rating of the service amperage.
E. Panelboards and overcurrent devices (breakers and fuses).
F. And report on any unused
circuit breaker panel openings that are not filled.
G. The service grounding and bonding.
H. A representative number of switches, receptacles, lighting fixtures, AFCI
receptacles.
I. And test all Ground
Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers observed
and deemed to be GFCI's during the inspection using a GFCI tester.
J. And report the presence
of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring if readily visible.
K. And report on any tested GFCI-tested receptacles in which power was not
present, polarity is incorrect, is not secured to the wall, the cover is not in
place, the ground fault circuit interrupter devices are not properly installed
or do not operate properly, evidence of arcing or excessive heat is present, or
where the receptacle is not grounded or is not secured to the wall.
L. The service entrance conductors and the condition of the conductor
insulation.
M. And describe the amperage rating of the service.
N. And report the absence of smoke detectors.
O. Service entrance cables and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the
integrity of the insulation, drip loop, or separation of conductors at
weatherheads and clearances from grade or rooftops.
II. The inspector is not
required to:
A. Insert any tool, probe
or device into the main panelboard, sub-panels, distribution panelboards, or
electrical fixtures.
B. Operate electrical systems that are shut down.
C. Remove panelboard cabinet covers or dead front covers if they are not readily
accessible.
D. Operate overcurrent protection devices.
E. Operate non-accessible smoke detectors.
F. Measure or determine the amperage or voltage of the main service equipment if
not visibly labeled. G. Inspect the fire or alarm system and components.
H. Inspect the ancillary wiring or remote control devices.
I. Activate any electrical systems or branch circuits which are not energized.
J. Operate or reset overload devices.
K. Inspect low voltage systems, electrical de-icing tapes, swimming pool wiring
or any time-controlled devices.
L. Verify the service ground.
M. Inspect private or emergency electrical supply sources, including but not
limited to generators, windmills, photovoltaic solar collectors, or battery or
electrical storage facility.
N. Inspect spark or lightning arrestors.
O. Inspect or test de-icing
equipment.
P. Conduct voltage drop calculations.
Q. Determine the accuracy of labeling.
2.8. Fireplace
I. The inspector shall
inspect:
A. The fireplace, and open
and close the damper door if readily accessible and operable.
B. Hearth extensions and other permanently installed components.
C. And report as in need of repair deficiencies in the lintel, hearth and
material surrounding the fireplace, including clearance from combustible
materials
II. The inspector is not
required to:
A. Inspect the flue or vent
system.
B. Inspect the interior of chimneys or flues, fire doors or screens, seals or
gaskets, or mantels.
C. Determine the need for a chimney sweep.
D. Operate gas fireplace inserts.
E. Light pilot flames.
F. Determine the appropriateness of any installation.
G. Inspect automatic fuel feed devices.
H. Inspect combustion and/or make-up air devices.
I. Inspect heat distribution assists whether gravity controlled or fan assisted.
J. Ignite or extinguish fires.
K. Determine draft characteristics.
L. Move fireplace inserts, stoves, or firebox contents.
M. Determine adequacy of draft, perform a smoke test or dismantle or remove any
component.
N. Perform a National Fire
Prevention Association (NFPA) style inspection.
2.9. Attic, Ventilation &
Insulation
I. The inspector shall
inspect:
A. The insulation in
unfinished spaces.
B. The ventilation of attic spaces.
C. Mechanical ventilation systems.
D. And report on the general absence or lack of insulation.
II. The inspector is not
required to:
A. Enter the attic or any
unfinished spaces that are not readily accessible or where entry could cause
damage or pose a safety hazard to the inspector in his or her opinion.
B. To move, touch, or disturb insulation.
C. To move, touch or disturb vapor retarders.
D. Break or otherwise damage the surface finish or weather seal on or around
access panels and covers.
E. Identify the composition or exact R-value of insulation material.
F. Activate thermostatically operated fans.
G. Determine the types of materials used in insulation or wrapping of pipes,
ducts, jackets, boilers, and wiring.
H. Determine the adequacy
of ventilation.
2.10. Doors, Windows &
Interior
I. The inspector shall:
A. Open and close a
representative number of doors and windows.
B. Inspect the walls, ceilings, steps, stairways, and railings.
C. And report as in need of
repair any spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails for steps,
stairways, and railings that permits the passage of an object greater than four
inches in diameter.
D. Inspect garage doors and garage door openers by operating first by remote (if
available) and then by the installed automatic door control.
E. And report as in need of repair any installed electronic sensors that are not
operable or not installed at proper heights above the garage door.
F. And report as in need of repair any door locks or side ropes that have not
been removed or disabled when garage door opener is in use.
G. And report as in need of repair any windows that are obviously fogged or
display other evidence of broken seals.
II. The inspector is not
required to:
A. Inspect paint,
wallpaper, window treatments or finish treatments.
B. Inspect central vacuum systems.
C. Inspect safety glazing.
D. Inspect security systems or components.
E. Evaluate the fastening of countertops, cabinets, sink tops and fixtures, or
firewall compromises.
F. Move furniture, stored items, or any coverings like carpets or rugs in order
to inspect the concealed floor structure.
G. Move drop ceiling tiles.
H. Inspect or move any household appliances..
I. Inspect or operate equipment housed in the garage except as otherwise noted.
J. Verify or certify safe operation of any auto reverse or related safety
function of a garage door.
K. Operate or evaluate any security bar release and opening mechanisms, whether
interior or exterior, including their compliance with local, state, or federal
standards.
L. Operate any system, appliance or component that requires the use of special
keys, codes, combinations, or devices.
M. Operate or evaluate self-cleaning oven cycles, tilt guards/latches or signal
lights.
N. Inspect microwave ovens or test leakage from microwave ovens.
O. Operate or examine any sauna, steam-jenny, kiln, toaster, ice-maker,
coffee-maker, can-opener, bread-warmer, blender, instant hot water dispenser, or
other small, ancillary devices.
P. Inspect elevators.
Q. Inspect remote controls.
R. Inspect appliances.
S. Inspect items not permanently installed.
T. Examine or operate any above-ground, movable, freestanding, or otherwise
non-permanently installed pool/spa, recreational equipment or self-contained
equipment.
U. Come into contact with any pool or spa water in order to determine the system
structure or components.
V. Determine the adequacy of spa jet water force or bubble effect.
W. Determine the structural integrity or leakage of a pool or spa.
3. Limitations,
Exceptions & Exclusions
3.1. Limitations:
I. An inspection is not
technically exhaustive.
II. An inspection will not identify concealed or latent defects.
III. An inspection will not deal with aesthetic concerns or what could be deemed
matters of taste, cosmetic defects, etc.
IV. An inspection will not determine the suitability of the property for any
use.
V. An inspection does not determine the market value of the property or its
marketability.
VI. An inspection does not
determine the insurability of the property.
VI. An inspection does not determine the advisability or inadvisability of the
purchase of the inspected property.
VIII. An inspection does not determine the life expectancy of the property or
any components or systems therein.
IX. An inspection does not include items not permanently installed.
X. These Standards of Practice apply only to homes with four or fewer dwelling
units.
3.2. Exclusions:
I. The inspectors are not
required to determine:
A. Property boundary lines
or encroachments.
B. The condition of any component or system that is not readily accessible.
C. The service life expectancy of any component or system.
D. The size, capacity, BTU, performance, or efficiency of any component or
system.
E. The cause or reason of any condition.
F. The cause for the need of repair or replacement of any system or component.
G. Future conditions.
H. Compliance with codes or regulations.
I. The presence of evidence of rodents, animals or insects.
J. The presence of mold, mildew or fungus.
K. The presence of air-borne hazards.
L. The presence of birds.
M. The presence of other flora or fauna.
N. The air quality.
O. The existence of asbestos.
P. The existence of environmental hazards.
Q. The existence of electro-magnetic fields.
R. The presence of hazardous materials including, but not limited to, the
presence of lead in paint.
S. Any hazardous waste conditions.
T. Any manufacturer's recalls or conformance with manufacturer installation or
any information included for consumer protection purposes.
U. Operating costs of systems.
V. Replacement or repair cost estimates.
W. The acoustical properties of any systems.
X. Estimates of the cost to operating any given system.
II. The inspectors are not
required to operate:
A. Any system that is shut
down.
B. Any system that does not function properly.
C. Or evaluate low voltage electrical systems such as, but not limited to:
1. Phone lines.
2. Cable lines.
3. Antennae.
4. Lights.
5. Remote controls.
D. Any system that does not turn on with the use of normal operating controls.
E. Any shut off valves or manual stop valves.
F. Any electrical disconnect or over current protection devices.
G. Any alarm systems.
H. Moisture meters, gas detectors or similar equipment.
III. The inspectors are not
required to:
A. Move any personal items
or other obstructions, such as, but not limited to:
1. Throw rugs.
2. Furniture.
3. Floor or wall coverings.
4. Ceiling tiles
5. Window coverings.
6. Equipment.
7. Plants.
8. Ice.
9. Debris.
10. Snow.
11. Water.
12. Dirt.
13. Foliage.
14. Pets
B. Dismantle, open, or
uncover any system or component.
C. Enter or access any area which may, in the opinion of the inspector, be
unsafe.
D. Enter crawlspaces or other areas that are unsafe or not readily accessible.
E. Inspect underground items such as, but not limited to, underground storage
tanks or other indications of their presence, whether abandoned or actively
used.
F. Do anything which, in the inspector's opinion, is likely to be unsafe or
dangerous to the inspector or others or damage property, such as, but not
limited to, walking on roof surfaces, climbing ladders, entering attic spaces or
negotiating with pets.
G. Inspect decorative items.
H. Inspect common elements or areas in multi-unit housing.
I. Inspect intercoms, speaker systems, radio-controlled, security devices or
lawn irrigation systems.
J. Offer guarantees or warranties.
K. Offer or perform any engineering services.
L. Offer or perform any trade or professional service other than home
inspection.
M. Research the history of the property, report on its potential for alteration,
modification, extendibility, or its suitability for a specific or proposed use
for occupancy.
N. Determine the age of construction or installation of any system structure or
component of a building, or differentiate between original construction and
subsequent additions, improvements, renovations or replacements.
O. Determine the insurability of a property.
P. Perform or offer Phase 1
environmental audits.
Q. Inspect on any system or
component which is not included in these standards.
4. Glossary of Terms
4.1. Accessible: Can be
approached or entered by the inspector safely, without difficulty, fear or
danger.
4.2. Activate: To turn on,
supply power, or enable systems, equipment, or devices to become active by
normal operating controls. Examples include turning on the gas or water supply
valves to the fixtures and appliances and activating electrical breakers or
fuses.
4.3. Adversely Affect: To
constitute, or potentially constitute, a negative or destructive impact.
4.4. Alarm System: Warning
devices, installed or free-standing, including but not limited to: carbon
monoxide detectors, flue gas and other spillage detectors, security equipment,
ejector pumps and smoke alarms.
4.5. Appliance: A household
device operated by use of electricity or gas. Not included in this definition
are components covered under central heating, central cooling or plumbing.
4.6. Architectural Service:
Any practice involving the art and science of building design for construction
of any structure or grouping of structures and the use of space within and
surrounding the structures or the design, design development, preparation of
construction contract documents, and administration of the construction
contract.
4.7. Component: A
permanently installed or attached fixture, element or part of a system.
4.8. Condition: The visible
and conspicuous state of being of an object.
4.9. Crawlspace: The area
within the confines of the foundation and between the ground and the underside
of the lowest floor structural component.
4.10. Decorative:
Ornamental; not required for the operation of essential systems and components
of a home.
4.11. Describe: To report
in writing a system or component by its type, or other observed characteristics,
to distinguish it from other components used for the same purpose.
4.12. Determine: To arrive
at an opinion or conclusion pursuant to examination.
4.13. Dismantle: To open,
take apart or remove any component, device or piece that would not typically be
opened, taken apart or removed by an ordinary occupant.
4.14. Engineering Service:
Any professional service or creative work requiring engineering education,
training, and experience and the application of special knowledge of the
mathematical, physical and engineering sciences to such professional service or
creative work as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design and
supervision of construction for the purpose of assuring compliance with the
specifications and design, in conjunction with structures, buildings, machines,
equipment, works or processes.
4.15. Enter: To go into an
area to observe visible components.
4.16. Evaluate: To assess
the systems, structures or components of a dwelling.
4.17. Examine: To visually
look. See Inspect.
4.18. Foundation: The base
upon which the structure or wall rests; usually masonry, concrete, or stone, and
generally partially underground.
4.19. Function: The action
for which an item, component, or system is specially fitted or used or for which
an item, component or system exists; to be in action or perform a task.
4.20. Functional:
Performing, or able to perform, a function.
4.21. Home Inspection: The
process by which an inspector visually examines the readily accessible systems
and components of a home and operates those systems and components utilizing
these Standards of Practice as a guideline.
4.22. Household Appliances:
Kitchen and laundry appliances, room air conditioners, and similar appliances.
4.23. Inspect: To visually
look at readily accessible systems and components safely, using normal operating
controls and accessing readily accessible panels and areas in accordance with
these Standards of Practice.
4.24. Inspected Property: The readily accessible areas of the buildings, site,
items, components, and systems included in the inspection.
4.25. Inspector: One who
performs a real estate inspection.
4.26. Installed: Attached
or connected such that the installed item requires tool for removal.
4.27. Material
Defect: A condition of a residential real property or any portion of it that
would have a significant adverse impact on the value of the real property or
that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a
structural element, system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of the
normal useful life of such a structural element, system or subsystem is not by
itself a material defect.
4.28. Normal Operating
Controls: Devices such as thermostats that would be operated by ordinary
occupants which require no specialized skill or knowledge.
4.29. Observe: To see
through visually directed attention.
4.30. Operate: To cause
systems to function or turn on with normal operating controls.
4.31. Readily Accessible:
An item or component is readily accessible if, in the judgment of the inspector,
it is capable of being safely observed without the removal of obstacles,
detachment or disengagement of connecting or securing devices, or other unsafe
or difficult procedures to gain access.
4.32. Recreational
Facilities: Spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, tennis courts, playground
equipment, and other exercise, entertainment or athletic facilities.
4.33. Report: A written
communication (possibly including images) of any material defects seen during
the inspection.
4.34. Representative
Number: A sufficient number to serve as a typical or characteristic example of
the item(s) inspected.
4.35. Safety Glazing:
Tempered glass, laminated glass, or rigid plastic.
4.36. Shut Down: Turned
off, unplugged, inactive, not in service, not operational, etc.
4.37. Structural Component:
A component which supports non-variable forces or weights (dead loads) and
variable forces or weights (live loads).
4.38. System: An assembly
of various components which function as a whole.
4.39. Technically
Exhaustive: A comprehensive and detailed examination beyond the scope of a real
estate home inspection which would involve or include, but would not be limited
to: dismantling, specialized knowledge or training, special equipment,
measurements, calculations, testing, research, analysis or other means.
4.40. Unsafe: A condition
in a system or component which is judged to be a significant risk of personal
injury during normal, day-to-day use. The risk may be due to damage,
deterioration, improper installation or a change in accepted residential
construction standards.
4.41. Verify: To confirm or
substantiate.
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