Hot water is defined as water of a temperature of 110° F (43° C) or hotter. Tempered water ranges from 85° F to 110° F (29° C to 43° C), and the device supplying the tempered water must limit the temperature to 110° F (43° C).

Crawlspaces

Access openings must be a minimum of 18 inches high by 24 inches wide. Access to all under-floor spaces must be provided with access openings through the floor not smaller than 18 inches by 24 inches (457 mm by 610 mm).

Collar Ties

Collar ties span between and connect opposing rafters, and they are typically placed in the top third of the attic spaces. Collar ties hold the rafters down against the ridge board and, to an extent, help prevent rafter spread. Home inspectors should take note of attics without collar ties, especially where the rafters run perpendicular to the joists. Collar ties must be at least 1x4 (nominal) and spaced not more than 4 feet on center. A lack of collar ties may allow roof rafters to separate and cause sagging of the roof's ridge and structure.www.nachi.org

A crack that forms a V-shape may indicate heaving. The illustration above shows a V-shape open crack in a foundation wall indicating heaving from the ground under the foundation footing. The ground in the illustration is expanding and pushing upward on the footing and foundation, causing a crack. This observation by a home inspector would be reported as a major structural concern and defect with correction and further evaluation & repair by a licensed foundation contractor or structural engineer

A brick wall is not necessarily considered to be waterproof. Water can penetrate through a masonry crack that is hairline or as small as 1/100th of an inch (0.3 mm). And masonry exterior-covering materials (siding) is porous and can absorb moisture during a weather event.

nearby vegetation

The inspector is required to report vegetation growing near the home according to the Home Inspection Standards of Practice. The home inspector should note the existence of any trees near the home, because the roots may affect the foundation or underground drainage pipes. Plants growing next to a house could raise the soil level too high against the foundation.

Common Structural Terms

In this section of the course, let's learn about some common terms or phrases that are used in the construction and building industry, particularly related to a residential building. Understanding construction terminology and knowing the purposes of building components and framing members (for example, studs, plates, load-bearing walls) will help a home inspector to do a better home inspection. Even though most building components are not readily accessible and are not readily visible to a home inspector performing a home inspection on an existing (already built house), it's important to know how buildings and homes are built. Sometimes defects can be seen by a home inspector, because the hidden, covered, or inaccessible system or component has a problem.

Many people use the name Romex® when referring to type-NM cable. Romex® is a trademarked name that has come into common usage for referring to plastic-covered wires, but type-NM just means "non-metallic" and also applies to other cable styles.

Moisture

A crucial point to always bear in mind is that water can be a very good conductor of electricity. Any panel that is damp or wet should NOT be touched or opened by an inspector.

How to on gutters what to look for