Every full home inspection is performed in accordance with the InterNACHI® Home Inspection Standards of Practice (SOP), which define the minimum systems and components that must be inspected in a professional, residential home inspection.
How an InterNACHI® Standard Home Inspection Works
A standard home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the readily accessible areas of the home, performed for a fee, and designed to identify material defects in specific systems and components defined by the InterNACHI® Standards of Practice.
In practical terms, this means that during your inspection we will:
- Visually inspect the accessible, safely reachable areas of the home.
- Operate normal homeowner controls (thermostats, light switches, basic appliances) where possible.
- Describe the major systems and components in the written report.
- Identify defects that are observed and considered material at the time of the inspection.
The inspection is not a code-compliance inspection, engineering evaluation, or warranty. It’s a snapshot of the home’s condition on the day of the inspection, based on what is visible and accessible.
Major Systems Included in a Standard Home Inspection
The InterNACHI® Standards of Practice require that, at a minimum, the following systems be inspected and reported on: roof, exterior, foundation and structure, heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, fireplace, attic/insulation/ventilation, and doors/windows/interior.
Roof System
We visually inspect and report on:
- Roof-covering materials (such as shingles, tiles, or membranes).
- Visible flashings, roof penetrations, and skylights.
- Gutters, downspouts, and drainage at the roof edge.
- Signs of active leaks or significant damage, where visible.
Exterior & Site
- Siding, trim, and exterior wall coverings.
- Exterior doors, decks, balconies, porches, and steps.
- Driveways, walkways, and grading immediately adjacent to the home.
- Attached garages and carports (structure and fire separation surfaces).
Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure
- Visible portions of the foundation and structural framing.
- Accessible crawlspaces and basements, including support posts and beams.
- Signs of moisture intrusion, water entry, or structural movement where visible.
- Indicators of wood-destroying organisms, where observed (not a pest inspection).
Heating System
- Primary heating equipment (furnace, boiler, heat pump, etc.) that is accessible.
- Normal operating controls and thermostat(s).
- Visible fuel supply and venting where safely accessible.
- Distribution (ductwork or radiators) as visible and accessible.
Cooling System
- Central air-conditioning or heat pump cooling components, if installed.
- Normal operating controls and thermostat(s).
- Visible refrigerant lines, condensate drainage, and outdoor units.
- Distribution as visible (supply and return registers, ductwork where accessible).
Plumbing System
- Main water supply shutoff (location, if found) and visible supply piping.
- Drain, waste, and vent piping where visible.
- Fixtures and faucets (sinks, tubs, showers, toilets) operated for basic function.
- Water heater(s): visible fuel/energy source, venting, and general condition.
Electrical System
- Service drop or lateral (where visible) and service disconnect.
- Main and sub-panels: type of overcurrent protection, visible wiring, and labeling.
- Representative number of lights, switches, and receptacles.
- Presence of GFCI/AFCI protection in required areas, where installed.
Fireplace & Fuel-Burning Appliances
- Readily accessible fireplaces, inserts, and stoves (visual inspection).
- Visible portions of chimneys and venting systems.
- Basic operation of accessible fireplace components (dampers, doors) where safe.
Attic, Insulation & Ventilation
- Attic access, framing, and visible roof sheathing from inside the attic.
- Type and approximate depth of insulation where visible.
- Attic and roof ventilation (vents, fans, baffles) where accessible.
- Signs of prior leaks, condensation, or moisture staining where visible.
Doors, Windows & Interior
- Interior walls, ceilings, and floors for major visible defects.
- Steps, stairways, handrails, and guardrails.
- Interior doors and a representative number of windows for operation.
- Built-in cabinets and countertops.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, where present, are noted.
What’s Outside the Scope of a Standard Home Inspection?
The InterNACHI® Standards of Practice also explain what is not included. A standard home inspection does not cover every possible condition or specialty evaluation. Examples of services that are typically outside the SOP include:
- Code-compliance inspections or verification of permits.
- Engineering analysis or structural design services.
- Environmental testing (radon, mold, asbestos, lead, air quality, EMF, etc.), unless specifically added.
- Pest inspections (termites and other wood-destroying organisms) requiring a separate license in many areas.
- Specialty systems such as wells, septic systems, water softeners, or irrigation systems, unless contracted as add-ons.
- Inspection of pools, spas, and tree health (these require separate standards and often separate specialists).
- Thermal imaging, sewer-scope inspections, or other advanced diagnostics unless specifically included as ancillary services.
- Predicting future performance or remaining life of systems, or guaranteeing that no hidden defects exist.
When needed, these items can often be addressed by additional, specialized inspections that complement the standard home inspection.
Going Beyond the Minimum Standards
The InterNACHI® Standards of Practice are a baseline. Like some other experienced inspectors, we often go beyond those minimum requirements, spending more time on site, documenting more detail, and providing clearer explanations and photos, while still staying within the limits of a visual, non-invasive inspection. For a list of the additional cervices that can be added to our standard (but very through) home inspection, CLICK HERE.
Your written report will:
- Identify the major systems and components in the home.
- Describe observed material defects and safety concerns in plain language.
- Include recommendations for repair, further evaluation, or monitoring as appropriate.
- Serve as a practical roadmap for negotiating repairs and planning future maintenance.
If you have questions about a specific system, potential add-on services, or how the InterNACHI® SOP applies to a particular property, just ask, we’re happy to clarify what is (and is not) included for your inspection. We also offer several additional inspection services that can be added to your standard inspection for an additional fee. CLICK HERE for details.
Ready to Schedule Your Inspection?
If you’re buying or selling a home, an inspection performed to the InterNACHI® Standards of Practice gives you a clear, professional snapshot of the property’s condition at the time of the inspection. For the full InterNACHI® Home Inspection Standards of Practice, you can also visit the official InterNACHI® website: InterNACHI® Home Inspection SOP .