Home Inspection Services Industry Terminology

AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter)

A device that detects arcing faults and shuts off power to reduce fire risk in branch circuits.

Recommend installing AFCI protection on bedroom and living room circuits; The panel lacks AFCI breakers per current standards; Nuisance tripping reported on the AFCI-protected circuit during vacuum use.

Ancillary Services

Add-on inspections or tests sold in addition to the general home inspection.

We upsold a sewer scope and radon test with today’s inspection; Termite (WDO) inspection is our most popular ancillary; Thermal imaging is offered as an ancillary when moisture issues are suspected.

Anti-Tip Bracket

A safety device that secures a range to prevent tipping when weight is placed on the open oven door.

The range lacks an anti-tip bracket and should be corrected; Verified the anti-tip bracket engaged by lifting the front corner; Builder will install missing anti-tip brackets before closing.

Attic Ventilation

The movement of air through intake and exhaust openings to control heat and moisture in the attic.

Inadequate attic ventilation observed; Add soffit intake to balance the ridge vent; Bath fan exhaust terminates in the attic and can overload ventilation.

Bonding (Electrical)

Connecting metal parts to reduce voltage differences and ensure safe fault paths.

Gas piping lacks bonding near the equipment; Pool equipment bonding is incomplete; Bond the CSST per manufacturer’s instructions.

Building Envelope

The physical barrier between conditioned interior and exterior environments (roof, walls, windows, doors, foundation).

Air leakage noted at the building envelope around can lights; Damaged WRB compromises the envelope; Recommend sealing penetrations at the envelope.

CAC (Client Acquisition Cost)

The average marketing and sales cost to obtain a new paying client.

Our CAC dropped after optimizing Google Ads; Track CAC by channel to allocate spend; High CAC on realtor events suggests targeting needs refinement.

Crawlspace Vapor Barrier

A plastic membrane covering soil to limit ground moisture migration into the crawlspace.

Vapor barrier is torn and incomplete; Recommend 6-mil poly sealed at seams; Consider full crawlspace encapsulation for better control.

CRM (Customer Relationship Management)

Software and processes for managing leads, clients, agents, follow-ups, and campaigns.

Our CRM automates reminder emails before the inspection; Track agent referrals in your CRM; CRM tags help segment clients for seasonal marketing.

Deck Ledger Flashing

Waterproof flashing that protects the connection where a deck ledger attaches to the house.

Missing ledger flashing increases rot risk; Reverse-lapped ledger flashing observed; Recommend qualified contractor evaluate deck-to-house connection.

Deferred Maintenance

Repairs or upkeep that were delayed, often leading to compounded damage and higher costs.

The roof shows signs of deferred maintenance; Deferred maintenance noted on exterior paint and caulk; Budget for catching up on deferred items post-closing.

Delta-T (Temperature Differential)

The difference between two temperatures, often supply vs. return air in HVAC to gauge performance.

HVAC delta-T measured at 11°F, below typical; Monitor delta-T after filter replacement; IR scan confirmed low delta-T at several vents.

Differential Settlement

Uneven foundation movement causing cracks, distortions, or out-of-level conditions.

Stair-step cracks suggest differential settlement; Monitor slab elevations over time; Recommend structural engineer evaluate settlement indicators.

Double-Tapped Breaker

Two conductors terminated on a breaker designed for one, which can lead to loose connections or overheating.

Several double-tapped breakers noted in the panel; Install a listed breaker rated for two conductors or add a tandem; Electrician should correct double lugs at the main.

E&O Insurance (Errors and Omissions)

Professional liability coverage for claims alleging mistakes or omissions in inspection services.

Our E&O limits are $1M per claim; The franchise requires proof of E&O; E&O does not cover bodily injury—that’s general liability.

Egress Requirements

Code-driven minimums for emergency escape and rescue openings (size, sill height, operation).

Basement bedroom lacks compliant egress; Window well ladder required for depth greater than 44 inches; Bars on windows impede egress.

Efflorescence

White crystalline deposits from evaporated water carrying salts through masonry surfaces.

Efflorescence on the foundation suggests moisture migration; Clean deposits and address exterior drainage; Monitor basement walls after improvements.

Flashing (General)

Thin materials that direct water away from penetrations and transitions in roofs and walls.

Step flashing is missing at the sidewall; Counterflashing not embedded; Kick-out flashing recommended to prevent wall saturation.

Foundation Types (Slab, Crawlspace, Basement)

Common residential foundation configurations with different risk profiles and maintenance needs.

Slab-on-grade limits access to plumbing; Crawlspace shows elevated humidity; Basement has signs of previous water intrusion.

GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter)

Protection device that trips when current imbalance indicates a ground fault, reducing shock risk.

GFCI protection missing at garage and exterior outlets; The bathroom GFCI failed to trip at 6 mA; Recommend installing GFCI receptacles where required.

Grading (Site Drainage)

The slope of soil away from the structure to direct water away from the foundation.

Insufficient slope toward the house noted; Recommend adding soil to achieve 6 inches drop in the first 10 feet; Downspout extensions will improve grading performance.

Gross Margin

Revenue minus direct inspection delivery costs, expressed in dollars or percentage.

Adding sewer scopes increased gross margin per job; Track inspector labor to protect gross margin; Software subscriptions belong in overhead, not COGS, when computing gross margin.

Home Inspection Report Software

Digital tools used to capture findings, photos, videos, and produce the final report.

We switched to software with online scheduling; Templates and narratives speed up report writing; Clients view reports through a secure web portal.

HVAC System

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment that conditions indoor air.

The heat pump is near end of life; No combustion air in the furnace closet; Dirty filter restricts airflow and should be replaced.

ICC (International Code Council)

Organization that develops model building codes often referenced by SOPs and contractors.

Local jurisdiction adopts the IRC from ICC; Inspector cited ICC guidance on stair safety; Verify with ICC-ES reports for product approval.

Infrared Thermography (IR)

Use of thermal imaging cameras to visualize surface temperature patterns for moisture, insulation, or electrical issues.

IR indicated potential moisture behind the shower wall; IR scan showed missing attic insulation; Elevated temps at a breaker observed via IR.

Inspection Contingency

A clause in purchase agreements allowing buyers to inspect and renegotiate or withdraw based on findings.

The client exercised the inspection contingency due to roof defects; Contingency period ends Friday; Seller agreed to credit repairs after inspection.

InterNACHI

International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, a major professional organization with SOP and education.

Inspector holds InterNACHI CPI credential; Report references InterNACHI SOP; Continuing education completed via InterNACHI.

Insulation R-Value

A measure of thermal resistance; higher R-values indicate better insulating performance.

Attic insulation roughly R-19, below local recommendations; Compressed batts reduce effective R-value; Recommend adding insulation to meet energy guidelines.

Kick-Out Flashing

A diverter flashing at roof-to-wall intersections that channels water into gutters and away from siding.

Missing kick-out flashing caused wall staining; Install kick-out at the end of step flashing; Moisture meter elevated below missing kick-out.

Knob-and-Tube Wiring

Early electrical wiring method using porcelain knobs and tubes, typically ungrounded and with capacity limitations.

Active knob-and-tube present in attic; Advise evaluation by a licensed electrician; Insurance coverage may be affected by knob-and-tube.

Lead-Based Paint

Paint containing significant lead, common in homes built before 1978 and hazardous if deteriorated.

Peeling paint on 1950s windows may contain lead; Recommend EPA RRP-compliant contractor; Provide clients with EPA lead pamphlet.

Limitations and Disclaimers

Statements in the agreement and report that define scope, non-invasive methods, and items not inspected.

Our limitation notes hidden defects may exist; Drone use is weather-limited per disclaimer; Client initialed the sewer scope disclaimer.

Load-Bearing Wall

A wall that supports structural loads from floors, roof, or other elements above.

Do not remove this wall without engineering; Header undersized in a load-bearing wall; Attic inspection suggests this partition is non-load-bearing.

Material Defect

A condition that has a significant adverse impact on value or involves unreasonable risk to people.

Active roof leak labeled as a material defect; Material defects are highlighted in the summary; Safety-related material defects should be addressed promptly.

Microbial Growth (Suspected Mold)

Visible organic growth associated with moisture; inspectors typically avoid labelling as mold without testing.

Suspected microbial growth on basement drywall; Recommend indoor air quality testing; Correct moisture source and remediate.

Moisture Meter

Instrument that measures moisture content in building materials by pin or pinless methods.

Elevated moisture at baseboard measured 20%; Use the meter to verify IR anomalies; Readings normalized after drying and ventilation.

NEC (National Electrical Code)

Model code that sets minimum standards for electrical installations and safety.

GFCI requirements per NEC 210.8; Bonding CSST per manufacturer and NEC; Local amendments may modify NEC provisions.

Neutral-Ground Isolation (Subpanel)

In subpanels, neutrals and equipment grounds must be separated to prevent parallel paths and stray current.

Neutrals and grounds are bonded together in the subpanel—correct; Remove bonding screw in the subpanel; Add an equipment grounding conductor to isolate neutrals.

P-Trap

A U-shaped plumbing trap that holds water to block sewer gases from entering the home.

S-trap observed—update to a P-trap; Dry trap under seldom-used sink emitting odors; Loose P-trap connection leaking at tailpiece.

Polybutylene Piping

Plastic water supply piping used in the 1970s–1990s associated with leak and failure issues.

Polybutylene supply lines present—recommend evaluation; Insurance may exclude coverage for polybutylene; Consider repiping due to age and risk.

PRV (Pressure-Reducing Valve)

A valve that lowers incoming municipal water pressure to a safer, consistent level.

PRV leaking at adjustment screw; Static pressure 95 psi—recommend PRV adjustment; No PRV observed where pressure is excessive.

Pre-Listing Inspection

An inspection ordered by a seller before listing to identify and address issues proactively.

The seller used a pre-listing report to plan repairs; Pre-listing inspections can reduce renegotiations; We offer a summary report tailored for pre-listing.

Radon Testing

Measuring indoor radon gas levels to assess lung cancer risk and determine mitigation needs.

48-hour CRM test averaged 5.2 pCi/L—mitigation advised; Retest after mitigation to confirm results; Basement-only test followed protocols.

Reverse Polarity

Hot and neutral conductors reversed at a receptacle, creating shock hazards for some devices.

Outlet tester indicated reverse polarity at kitchen; Electrician to correct reversed conductors; Multiple polarity issues suggest panel wiring review.

Scope of Work

The agreed list of systems, components, and limitations for a specific inspection or ancillary service.

Sewer lines added to the scope per client request; Scope excludes mold testing unless authorized; Confirm scope changes in writing before starting.

Sewer Scope Inspection

Camera inspection of the building sewer lateral to identify defects, materials, and blockages.

Sewer scope found a root intrusion at 42 feet; Recommend cleaning and re-scope; Orangeburg piping identified during the scope.

SOP (Standards of Practice)

A published baseline defining what inspectors will and will not inspect and how they report findings.

Our inspection follows the InterNACHI SOP; Cosmetic items are excluded per SOP; The SOP requires describing the foundation type.

Sump Pump

A pump installed in a pit to remove collected groundwater from basements or crawlspaces.

Sump pump discharged next to the foundation—extend it; Test pump operation and check valve; No backup system present for the sump pit.

TPR Valve (Temperature/Pressure Relief)

A safety valve on water heaters that opens to relieve excessive temperature or pressure.

TPR discharge piping improper—terminates too high; No TPR discharge line observed—safety hazard; Test TPR only per manufacturer instructions.