Exterior Inspection Standards of Practice

I inspect the exterior of homes and buildings.

According to the InterNACHI® Home Inspection Standards of Practice, the home inspector shall inspect the following:

• the exterior wall-covering materials;

• the eaves, soffits, and fascia;

• a representative number of windows;

• all exterior doors;

• flashing and trim;

• adjacent walkways and driveways;

• stairs, steps, stoops, stairways and ramps;

• porches, patios, decks, balconies, and carports;

• railings, guards, and handrails; and

• vegetation, surface drainage, retaining walls, and grading of the property, where they may adversely affect the structure due to moisture intrusion.

The inspector shall describe the type of exterior wall-covering materials. The inspector shall report as in need of correction any improper spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles, and rails.