Home Inspection Definitions
The following list of terms are key to your home inspection. Pay close attention to terms such as "describe" and "inspect". These terms are critical. Remember, home inspectors CANNOT inspect what they cannot see. Potential defects that are hidden at the time of the inspection are referred to as "latent defects". For the most up to date definitions for home inspection, refer to the Louisiana Board of Home Inspectors web site. If you should have any additional questions, you may contact us for further clarification.
Alarm System
warning devices, wheter 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.
Automatic Safety Control
devices designed and installed to protect systems and components from unsafe conditions.
Central Air Conditioning
a system that uses ducts to distribute cooled or heated air to more than one room or uses pipes to distribute chilled water to heat exchangers in more than one room, and that is not plugged into an electrical convenience outlet.
Cross Connection
any physical connection or arrangement between potable water and any source of contamination.
Dangerous or Adverse Situation
situations that pose a threat of injury to the inspector, or those situations that require the use of special protective clothing or safety equipment.
Describe
to report, in writing, a system or component by its type, or other observed characteristics, to distinguish it from other systems or components.
Dismantle
to take apart or remove any component, device or piece of equipment that is bolted, screwed, or fastened by other means, that would not be taken apart by a homeowner in the course of normal household maintenance.
Enter
to go into an 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.
Further Evaluation
examination and analysis by a qualified professional or service technician whose services and qualifications exceed those provided by a home inspector.
Inspect
to examine readily accessible systems and components of a building in accordance with the Standards of Practice, using normal operating controls and opening readily openable access panels.
Installed
attached such that removal requires tools.
Normal Operating Controls
devices such as thermostats, switches, or valves intended to be operated by the homeowner.
Observe
the act of making a visual examination.
On-Site Water Supply Quality
water quality based on the bacterial, chemical, mineral and solids contents of the water.
On-Site Water Supply Quantity
water quantity based on the rate of flow of water.
Operate
to cause systems or equipment to function.
Readily Accessible
available for visual inspection without requiring the moving of personal property, the dismantling, disconnecting, unplugging or destroying of equipment, or any action which may involve a 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, is not sealed in place and is not blocked by stored items, furniture, or building components.
Recreational Facilities
Spas, saunas steam baths, swimming pools, tennis courts, and exercise, entertainment, athletic, playground or other equipment and associated accessories.
Representative Number
for multiple identical interior 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 Components
gutters, downspouts, leaders, splash blocks, scuppers, and similar components used to carry water off a roof and away from a building.
Shut Down
a state in which a system or component cannot be operated by normal user controls.
Significantly Deficient
unsafe or not functioning.
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 that supports non-variable forces or weights (dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live loads).
Technically Exhaustive
an inspection involving the extensive use of measurements, instruments, testing, calculations, or other means used to develop scientific or engineering findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Under Floor Crawl Space
the area within the confines of the foundation between the ground and the underside of the lowest floor structural component.
Unsafe
a condition of a readily accessible, installed system or component which, in the opinion of the inspector, is judged to be a significant risk of personal injury or property damage during normal use or under the circumstances.
Wiring Methods
manner or general type of electrical conductors or wires installed in the structure such as non metallic sheath cable, armored cable, knob and tube, etc.
