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HOME INSPECTION GLOSSARY
AUTOMATIC
SAFETY CONTROLS
Devices designed and installed to protect systems and components from
excessively high or low pressures and temperatures, excessive electrical
current, loss of water, loss of ignition, fuel leaks, fire, freezing, or unsafe
conditions.
CENTRAL AIR
CONDITIONING
A system which uses ducts to distribute cooled and/or dehumidified air to more
than one room or uses pipes to distribute chilled water to heat exchangers in
more than one room, and which is not plugged into an electrical convenience
outlet
COMPONENT
Airedale accessible and observable aspect of a system, such as a floor, or a
wall, but not individual pieces such as boards or nails where many similar
pieces make up the component
CROSS CONNECTION
Any physical connection or arrangement between potable water and any source of
contamination
DANGEROUS OR ADVERSE SITUATIONS
Situations which pose a threat of injury to the inspector, or those situations
which require the use of special protective clothing or safety equipment
DESCRIBE
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
DISMANTLE
To take apart or remove any component, devise or pieces of equipment that is
bolted. screwed, or fastened by other means and that would not be dismantled by
a homeowner in the course of normal household maintenance
ENTER
To go into a area to observe all visible components
FUNCTIONAL DRAINAGE
A drain is functional when it empties in a reasonable amount of time and does
not overflow when another fixture is drained simultaneously
FUNCTIONAL FLOW
A reasonable flow at the highest fixture in a dwelling when another fixture is
operated simultaneously
INSTALLED
Attached or connected such that the installed item requires tools for removal
NORMAL
OPERATING CONTROLS
Homeowner operated devices such as a thermostat, wall switch, or safety switch.
OBSERVE
The act of making a visual examination.
ON-SITE
WATER SUPPLY QUALITY
Water quality is based on the bacterial, chemical, mineral, and solids content
of the water.
ON-SITE
WATER SUPPLY QUANITY
Water quantity is the rate of flow of water.
OPERATE
To cause systems or equipment to function.
READILY
OPENABLE ACCESS PANEL
A panel provided for homeowner inspection and maintenance which has removable or
operable fasteners or latch devices in order to be lifted off, swung open, or
otherwise removed by one person, and its edges and fasteners are not painted in
place. Limited to those panels with in normal reach or from 4-foot stepladder,
and which are not blocked by stored items, furniture, or building components.
REPRESENTATIVE
NUMBER
For multiple identical components such as windows and electrical outlets - one
such component per room. For multiple identical exterior components - one such
component on each side of the building.
ROOF DRAINAGE
SYSTEMS
Gutters, downspouts, leaders, splashblocks, and similar components used to carry
water off the roof and away from the building.
SHUT DOWN
A piece of equipment or a system is shut down when it cannot be operated by the
device or control which a home owner should normally use to operate it. If its
safety switch or breaker is in the off position, or its fuse is missing or
blown, the inspector is not required to reestablish the circuit for the purpose
of operating the equipment or systems.
SOLID
FUEL HEATING DEVICE
Any wood, coal, or other similar organic fuel burning device, including but not
limited to fireplaces whether masonry or factory built, fireplace inserts and
stoves, wood stoves, room heaters, central furnaces, and combinations of these
devices.
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 inspection is technically exhaustive when it involves the extensive use of
measurements, instruments, testing, calculations, and other means to develop
scientific or engineering findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
UNDERFLOOR
CRAWLSPACE
The area within the confines of the foundation and between the ground and the
underside of the lowest floor structural component.
