Tennessee Home Inspection Standards

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Our home inspections are conducted in accordance with the Tennessee home inspection standards, as well as the InterNACHI® Standards of Practice. Coupled with our extensive construction experience and ongoing professional education, these standards ensure that we provide a thorough, consistent, and professional inspection every time, including essential radon testing when required.

1. Definitions and Scope

1.1. A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a residential property (as delineated below), performed for a fee, designed to identify defects within specific systems and components defined by these home inspection standards that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector. The scope of work may be modified by the Client and Inspector prior to the inspection process.

The home inspection is based on the observations made on the date of the inspection and not a prediction of future conditions. The home inspection will not reveal every issue that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the date of the inspection.

1.2. A material defect is a specific issue with a system or component of a residential property that may significantly impact the value of the property or pose an unreasonable risk to people. The fact that a system or component is near, at, or beyond the end of its normal, useful life is not, in itself, a material defect.

1.3. A home inspection report shall identify, in written format, defects within specific systems and components defined by these home inspection standards that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector. Inspection reports may include additional comments and recommendations.

2. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions

2.1. Limitations:

An inspection is not technically exhaustive. An inspection will not identify concealed or latent defects. An inspection will not deal with aesthetic concerns or any matters of taste, cosmetic defects, etc. An inspection will not determine the suitability of the property for any use or its market value or marketability. An inspection does not determine the insurability of the property or the advisability of the purchase of the inspected property. An inspection does not determine the life expectancy of the property or any components or systems therein. This Standards of Practice applies to properties with four or fewer residential units and their attached garages and carports.

2.2. Exclusions:

I. The inspector is not required to determine property boundary lines or encroachments, the condition of any component or system that is not readily accessible, the service life expectancy of any component or system, the size, capacity, BTU, performance, or efficiency of any component or system. They also do not determine the cause or reason for any condition, including the need for correction, repair, or replacement of any system or component, nor future conditions, compliance with codes or regulations, or the presence of evidence of rodents, birds, bats, animals, insects, or other pests. The presence of mold, mildew, or fungus, airborne hazards including radon, air quality, environmental hazards including lead paint, asbestos or toxic drywall, electromagnetic fields, hazardous waste conditions, any manufacturers’ recalls, acoustical properties, correction, replacement or repair cost estimates, and estimates of operational costs for any given system are also outside the inspector's purview. 

II. The inspector is not required to operate any system that is shut down, does not function properly, or evaluate low-voltage electrical systems such as phone lines or cable lines. Additionally, the inspector is not required to inspect systems that do not activate via normal operating controls or any shut-off valves, electrical disconnects, or alarms. Equipment such as moisture meters, gas detectors, or similar devices may also not be operated.

III. The inspector is not required to move personal items or obstructions that restrict visual inspections, dismantle or access unsafe areas, enter crawlspaces or unsafe spaces, inspect underground items, or undertake any actions deemed dangerous.

3. Standards of Practice 

3.1. Roof 

I. The inspector shall inspect from ground level or the eaves:

the roof-covering materials;

the gutters;

the downspouts;

the vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, and other roof penetrations; and 

the general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.

II. The inspector shall describe:

A. the type of roof-covering materials.

III. The inspector shall report as needing correction:

   A. observed indications of active roof leaks.

IV. The inspector is not required to:

walk on any roof surface, predict the service life expectancy, inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes, or remove snow, ice, or debris that prohibits observation of roof surfaces. They may also refrain from inspecting antennae, satellite dishes, de-icing equipment, or any roof areas deemed unsafe.

3.2. Exterior 

I. The inspector shall inspect:

the exterior wall-covering materials;

the eaves, soffits, and fascia;

a representative number of windows;

all exterior doors;

flashing and trim;

adjacent walkways and driveways;

stairs, steps, stoops, stairways, and ramps;

porches, patios, decks, balconies, and carports;

railings, guards, and handrails; and 

vegetation, surface drainage, retaining walls, and grading of the property where moisture intrusion may adversely affect the structure.

II. The inspector shall describe:

the type of exterior wall-covering materials.

III. The inspector shall report as needing correction:

any improper spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles, and rails.

IV. The inspector is not required to inspect or operate screens, exterior accent lighting, or to inspect items not visible from the ground including window and door flashing.

3.3. Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure 

I. The inspector shall inspect:

the foundation;

the basement;

the crawlspace; and

structural components.

II. The inspector shall describe:

the type of foundation;

and the access location to the under-floor space.

III. The inspector shall report as needing correction:

observed indications of wood in contact with or near soil; active water penetration; indications of possible foundation movement; and any observed cutting or notching of framing members presenting a safety concern.

IV. The inspector is not required to enter any inaccessible crawlspaces or to move debris or operate sump pumps with inaccessible floats.

3.4. Heating 

I. The inspector shall inspect:

the heating system using normal operating controls.

II. The inspector shall describe:

the location of the thermostat;

the energy source; and

the heating method.

III. The inspector shall report as needing correction:

any heating system that did not operate or was deemed inaccessible.

IV. The inspector is not required to inspect or evaluate concealed components of heating systems, including fuel tanks or underground supply systems.

3.5. Cooling 

I. The inspector shall inspect:

the cooling system using normal operating controls.

II. The inspector shall describe:

the location of the thermostat for the cooling system; and

the cooling method.

III. The inspector shall report as needing correction:

any cooling system that did not operate or was deemed inaccessible.

IV. The inspector is not required to determine the adequacy or inspect portable or through-wall cooling units.

3.6. Plumbing 

I. The inspector shall inspect:

the main water supply shut-off valve;

the main fuel supply shut-off valve;

the water heating equipment, and;

the interior water supply, including all fixtures and faucets.

II. The inspector shall describe:

the water supply source and location of main shut-off valves.

III. The inspector shall report as needing correction:

deficiencies in water supply flow, leaks, and toilet operation.

IV. The inspector is not required to inspect interior plumbing not readily accessible or perform water quality tests.

3.7. Electrical 

I. The inspector shall inspect:

the service drop;

the overhead service conductors;

the electric meter; and

control panels. 

II. The inspector shall describe:

the main service disconnect’s amperage rating;

and the type of wiring observed.

III. The inspector shall report as needing correction:

deficiencies in insulation, connections, and receptacles including the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

IV. The inspector is not required to operate electrical systems that are shut down or inspect low-voltage systems.

3.8. Fireplace 

I. The inspector shall inspect:

the visible portions of fireplaces and chimneys;

dampers; and cleanout doors.

II. The inspector shall describe:

the type of fireplace.

III. The inspector shall report as needing correction:

any evidence of joint separation or fire safety deficiencies.

IV. The inspector is not required to inspect flues or recommend chimney sweeps.

3.9. Attic, Insulation & Ventilation 

I. The inspector shall inspect:

the insulation and ventilation in unfinished spaces.

II. The inspector shall describe:

the type of insulation and its average depth.

III. The inspector shall report as needing correction:

the absence of insulation or ventilation.

IV. The inspector is not required to enter inaccessible areas that pose a safety hazard.

3.10. Doors, Windows & Interior 

I. The inspector shall inspect:

a representative number of doors and windows;

floors, walls, and ceilings; and stairways.

II. The inspector shall describe:

a garage vehicle door's operation.

III. The inspector shall report as needing correction:

improper spacing in stairways and guards; non-functioning safety sensors; and fogged windows.

IV. The inspector is not required to inspect items not permanently installed, security systems, or appliances.