Glossary of Terms

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 proper 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
Under-Floor 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 component or system 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.