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1.1 The Ontario
Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) is a not-for-profit
association established in 1987. In 1994, it became a
self-regulating professional body when the OAHI Act received
royal assent (passage of Bill Pr158). Membership in OAHI is
voluntary and its members include private, fee-paid home
inspectors. OAHI's objectives include promotion of
excellence within the profession and continual improvement
of its members' inspection services to the public.
(The OAHI acknowledges The American Society of Home
Inspectors ®, Inc. (ASHI ® for the use of their Standards of
Practice - version January 1, 2000.)
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2.1 The purpose of these
Standards of Practice is to establish a minimum and uniform
standard for private, fee-paid home inspectors who are
members of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors. Home
Inspections performed to these Standards of Practice are
intended to provide the client with information regarding
the condition of the systems and components of the home as
inspected at the time of the Home Inspection.
2.2 Inspectors shall:
A. inspect :
1. readily accessible
systems and components of homes listed in these
Standards of Practice.
2. installed systems and components of homes listed in
these Standards of Practice.
B. report :
1. on those systems and components inspected which, in
the professional opinion of the inspector, are
significantly deficient or are near the end of their
service lives.
2. a reason why, if not self-evident, the system or
component is significantly deficient or near the end of
its service life.
3. the inspector's recommendations to correct or monitor
the reported deficiency.
4. on any systems and components designated for
inspection in these Standards of Practice which were
present at the time of the Home Inspection but were not
inspected and a reason they were not inspected.
2.3 These Standards of
Practice are not intended to limit inspectors from:
A. including other
inspection services, systems or components in addition
to those required by these Standards of Practice.
B. specifying repairs, provided the inspector is
appropriately qualified and willing to do so.
C. excluding systems and components from the
inspection if requested by the client.
3.1 The inspector shall
A. inspect
1. the structural components including foundation and
framing.
2. by probing a representative number of structural
components where deterioration is suspected or where
clear indications of possible deterioration exist.
Probing is NOT required when probing would damage any
finished surface or where no deterioration is visible.
B. describe
1. the foundation and report the methods used to inspect
the under-floor crawl space
2. the floor structure
3. the wall structure
4, the ceiling structure
5. the roof structure and report the methods used to
inspect the attic.
3.2 The inspector is NOT required to
A. provide any
engineering service or architectural service
B. offer an opinion as to the adequacy of any
structural system or component
4.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect :
1. the exterior wall covering, flashing and trim.
2. all exterior doors.
3. attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches,
and their associated railings.
4. the eaves, soffits, and fascias where accessible from
the ground level.
5. the vegetation, grading, surface drainage, and
retaining walls on the property when any of these are
likely to adversely affect the building.
6. walkways, patios, and driveways leading to dwelling
entrances.
describe the exterior wall covering.
4.2 The inspector is NOT
required to:
A. inspect :
1. screening, shutters, awnings, and similar seasonal
accessories.
fences.
2. geological, geotechnical or hydrological conditions.
3. recreational facilities.
4. outbuildings.
5. seawalls, break-walls, and docks.
6. erosion control and earth stabilization measures.
5.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect :
1. the roof covering.
2. the roof drainage systems.
3. the flashings.
4. the skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations.
5. describe the roof covering and report the methods
used to inspect the roof.
5.2 The inspector is NOT
required to:
A. inspect :
1. antennae.
2. interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily
accessible.
3. other installed accessories.
6.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect :
1. the interior water supply and distribution systems
including all fixtures and faucets.
2. the drain, waste and vent systems including all
fixtures.
3. the water heating equipment.
4. the vent systems , flues, and chimneys.
5. the fuel storage and fuel distribution systems.
6. the drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related piping.
B. describe :
1. the water supply, drain, waste, and vent piping
materials.
2. the water heating equipment including the energy
source.
3. the location of main water and main fuel shut-off
valves.
6.2 The inspector is NOT
required to:
A. inspect :
1. the clothes washing machine connections.
2. the interiors of flues or chimneys which are not
readily accessible.
3. wells, well pumps, or water storage related
equipment.
4. water conditioning systems.
5. solar water heating systems.
6. fire and lawn sprinklersystems.
7. private waste disposal systems.
B. determine:
1. whether water supply and waste disposal systems are
public or private.
2. the quantity or quality of the water supply.
3. operate safety valves or shut-off valves.
4. operate safety valves or shut-off valves.
7.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect :
1. the service drop.
2. the service entrance conductors, cables, and
raceways.
3. the service equipment and main disconnects.
4. the service grounding.
5. the interior components of service panels and sub
panels.
6. the conductors.
7. the overcurrent protection devices.
8. a representative number of installed lighting
fixtures, switches, and receptacles.
9. the ground fault circuit interrupters.
B. describe:
1. the amperage and voltage rating of the service.
2. the location of main disconnect(s) and sub panels.
3. the wiring methods.
C. report:
1. on the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch
circuit wiring.
2. on the absence of smoke detectors.
7.2 The inspector is NOT
required to:
A. inspect :
1. the remote control devices unless the device is the
only control device.
2. the alarm systems and components.
3. the low voltage wiring, systems and components.
4. the ancillary wiring, systems and components not a
part of the primary electrical power distribution
system.
5. measure amperage, voltage, or impedance
8.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect :
1. the installed heating equipment.
2. the vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
B. describe:
1. the energy source.
2. the heating method by its distinguishing
characteristics.
8.2 The inspector is NOT
required to:
A. inspect :
1. the interiors of flues or chimneys which are not
readily accessible.
2. the heat exchanger.
3. the humidifier or dehumidifier.
4. the electronic air filter.
5. the solar space heating system.
6. determine heat supply adequacy or distribution
balance.
9.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect the
installed central and through-wall cooling equipment.
B. describe:
1. the energy source
2. the cooling method by its distinguishing
characteristics.
9.2 The inspector is NOT
required to:
A. inspect electronic
air filters.
B. determine cooling supply adequacy or
distribution balance.
10.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the walls, ceilings, and floors.
2. the steps, stairways, and railings.
3. the countertops and a representative number of
installed cabinets.
4. a representative number of doors and windows.
5. garage doors and garage door operators.
10.2 The inspector is NOT
required to:
A. inspect:
1. the paint, wallpaper, and other finish treatments.
2. the carpeting.
3. the window treatments.
4. the central vacuum systems.
5. the household appliances.
6. recreational facilities.
11.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished
spaces.
2. the ventilation of attics and foundation areas.
3. the mechanical ventilation systems.
B. describe:
1. the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished
spaces.
2. the absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at
conditioned surfaces.
11.2 The inspector is NOT
required to:
A. disturb insulation
or vapor retarders.
B. determine indoor air quality.
12.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the system components.
2. the vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
B. describe:
1. the fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances.
2. the chimneys.
12.2 The Inspector is NOT
required to:
A. inspect:
1. the interiors of flues or chimneys.
2. the firescreens and doors.
3. the seals and gaskets.
4. the automatic fuel feed devices.
5. the mantles and fireplace surrounds.
6. the combustion make-up air devices.
7. the heat distribution assists whether gravity
controlled or fan assisted.
B. ignite or extinguish fires.
C. determine draft characteristics.
D. move fireplace inserts or stoves or firebox
contents.
13.1 General limitations:
A. Inspections
performed in accordance with these Standards of
Practice:
1. are not technically exhaustive.
2. will not identify concealed conditions or latent
defects.
B. These Standards of
Practice are applicable to buildings with four or fewer
dwelling units and their garages or carports.
13.2 General exclusions:
A. The inspector is
not required to perform any action or make any
determination unless specifically stated in these
Standards of Practice, except as may be required by
lawful authority.
B. Inspectors are NOT
required to determine:
1. the condition of systems or components which are not
readily accessible.
2. the remaining life of any system or component.
3. the strength, adequacy, effectiveness, or efficiency
of any system or component.
4. the causes of any condition or deficiency.
5. the methods, materials, or costs of corrections.
6. uture conditions including, but not limited to,
failure of systems and components.
7. the suitability of the property for any specialized
use.
compliance with regulatory requirements (codes,
regulations, laws, ordinances, etc.).
8. the market value of the property or its
marketability.
9. the advisability of the purchase of the property.
10. the presence of potentially hazardous plants or
animals including, but not limited to wood destroying
organisms or diseases harmful to humans.
11. the presence of any environmental hazards including,
but not limited to toxins, carcinogens, noise, and
contaminants in soil, water, and air.
12. the effectiveness of any system installed or methods
utilized to control or remove suspected hazardous
substances.
13. the operating costs of systems or components.
14. the acoustical properties of any system or
component.
C. Inspectors are NOT
required to offer:
1. or perform any act or service contrary to law.
2. or perform engineering services.
3. or perform work in any trade or any professional
service other than home inspection.
4. warranties or guarantees of any kind.
D. Inspectors are NOT
required to operate:
1. any system or component which is shut down or
otherwise inoperable.
2. any system or component which does not respond to
normal operating controls.
3. shut-off valves.
E. Inspectors are NOT
required to enter:
1. any area which will, in the opinion of the inspector,
likely be dangerous to the inspector or other persons or
damage the property or 2. its systems or components.
3. the under-floor crawl spaces or attics which are not
readily accessible.
F. Inspectors are NOT
required to inspect:
1. underground items including, but not limited to
underground storage tanks or other underground
indications of their presence, whether abandoned or
active.
2. systems or components which are not installed.
3. decorative items.
4. systems or components located in areas that are not
entered in accordance with these Standards of Practice.
5. detached structures other than garages and carports.
6.common elements or common areas in multi-unit housing,
such as condominium properties or cooperative housing.
G. Inspectors are NOT
required to:
1. perform any procedure or operation which will, in the
opinion of the inspector, likely be dangerous to the
inspector or other persons or damage the property or
it's systems or components.
2. move suspended ceiling tiles, personal property,
furniture, equipment, plants, soil, snow, ice, or
debris.
3. dismantle any system or component, except as
explicitly required by these Standards of Practice.
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ALARM SYSTEMS
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.
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 for construction, including but not
specifically limited to, schematic design, design
development, preparation of construction contract documents,
and administration of the construction contract.
AUTOMATIC SAFETY CONTROLS:
Devices designed and installed to protect systems and
components from unsafe conditions.
COMPONENT:
A part of a system.
DECORATIVE
Ornamental; not required for the operation of the essential
systems and components of a home.
DESCRIBE:
To report a system or component by its type or other
observed, significant characteristics to distinguish it from
other systems or components.
DISMANTLE:
To take apart or remove any component, device or piece of
equipment that would not be taken apart or removed by a
homeowner in the course of normal and routine home owner
maintenance.
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.
FURTHER EVALUATION:
Examination and analysis by a qualified professional,
tradesman or service technician beyond that provided by the
home inspection.
HOME INSPECTION:
The process by which an inspector visually examines the
readily accessible systems and components of a home and
which describes those systems and components in accordance
with these Standards of Practice.
HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES:
Kitchen, laundry, and similar appliances, whether installed
or free-standing.
INSPECT:
To examine readily accessible systems and components of a
building in accordance with these Standards of Practice,
using normal operating controls and opening readily openable
access panels.
INSPECTOR:
A person hired to examine any system or component of a
building in accordance with these Standards of Practice.
INSTALLED:
Attached such that removal requires tools.
NORMAL OPERATING CONTROLS:
Devices such as thermostats, switches or valves intended to
be operated by the homeowner.
READILY ACCESSIBLE:
Available for visual inspection without requiring moving of
personal property, dismantling, destructive measures, or any
action which will likely involve risk to persons or
property.
READILY OPENABLE ACCESS
PANEL:
A panel provided for homeowner inspection and maintenance
that is within normal reach, can be removed by one person,
and is not sealed in place.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:
Spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, exercise,
entertainment, athletic, playground or other similar
equipment and associated accessories.
REPORT:
To communicate in writing.
REPRESENTATIVE NUMBER:
One component per room for multiple similar interior
components such as windows and electric outlets; one
component on each side of the building for multiple similar
exterior components.
ROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS:
Components used to carry water off a roof and away from a
building.
SIGNIFICANTLY DEFICIENT:
Unsafe or not functioning.
SHUT DOWN:
A state in which a system or component cannot be operated by
normal operating controls.
SOLID FUEL BURNING
APPLIANCES:
A hearth and fire chamber or similar prepared place in which
a fire may be built and which is built in conjunction with a
chimney; or a listed assembly of a fire chamber, its chimney
and related factory-made parts designed for unit assembly
without requiring field construction.
STRUCTURAL COMPONENT:
A component which supports non-variable forces or weights
(dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live loads).
SYSTEM:
A combination of interacting or interdependent components,
assembled to carry out one or more functions.
TECHNICALLY EXHAUSTIVE:
An investigation that involves dismantling, the extensive
use of advanced techniques, measurements, instruments,
testing, calculations, or other means.
UNDERFLOOR CRAWL SPACE:
The area within the confines of the foundation and between
the ground and the underside of the floor.
UNSAFE:
A condition in a readily accessible, installed 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.
WIRING METHODS:
Identification of electrical conductors or wires by their
general type, such as "non-metallic sheathed cable" ("Romex"),
"armored cable" ("bx") or "knob and tube", etc.
"Standards of Practice. © Copyright 2000 American Society of
Home Inspectors, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduced with
Permission."
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