Nevada Inspection Standards
STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
Standards of Conduct
NAC 645D.450 Conduct
of inspection, partial inspection or reinspection; preparation of
inspection report. (NRS
645D.120)
1.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, a certified inspector
shall conduct each inspection and prepare a complete inspection report of
each inspection in accordance with NAC
645D.460 to 645D.580,
inclusive.
2.
A certified inspector may exceed the requirements set forth in NAC
645D.460 to 645D.580,
inclusive, when conducting an inspection.
3.
A certified inspector may conduct a partial inspection or
reinspection that does not satisfy all the requirements of NAC
645D.480 to 645D.580,
inclusive, if:
(a)
The partial inspection or reinspection satisfies all the relevant
requirements of NAC
645D.460 to 645D.580,
inclusive; and
(b)
The inspection report:
(1) States that a partial inspection or reinspection has been performed;
(2) Describes the purpose of the partial inspection or reinspection; and
(3) Clearly identifies the matters included in the partial inspection or
reinspection.
4.
The provisions of NAC
645D.480 to 645D.580,
inclusive, do not require a certified inspector to move or disturb any
item, including, without limitation, insulation, personal items, panels,
furniture, equipment, plants, soil, snow, ice or other debris, that
obstructs his access to or visibility of any item listed in NAC
645D.480 to 645D.580,
inclusive.
(Added to NAC by Real Estate Div. by R214‑97, eff.
5‑11‑98; A by R177‑01, 5‑20‑2002)
NAC 645D.460 Professional
conduct. (NRS
645D.120) A
certified inspector shall:
1.
Perform his duties with the highest standard of integrity,
professionalism and fidelity to the public and the client, with fairness
and impartiality to all.
2.
Avoid association with any person or enterprise of questionable
character or any endeavor that creates an apparent conflict of interest.
3.
Conduct his business in a manner that will assure his client of the
inspector’s independence from outside influence and interest which would
compromise his ability to render a fair and impartial inspection.
4.
Not disclose any information concerning the results of an inspection
without the approval of the client or his representative for whom the
inspection was performed.
5.
Not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one
interested party for the same service on the same property without the
consent of all interested parties.
6.
Not accept commissions or allowances from or offer commissions or
allowances to, directly or indirectly, other parties dealing with the
client in connection with work for which the inspector is responsible.
7.
Not express the estimated market value of an inspected property while
conducting an inspection.
8.
Not use the term or designation “state certified inspector”
unless he is in fact certified.
9.
Before the execution of a contract to perform an inspection, disclose
to the client any interest of the inspector in a business that may affect
an interest of the client.
10.
Not allow his interest in any business to affect the quality or
results of an inspection.
(Added to NAC by Real Estate Div. by R214‑97, eff.
5‑11‑98)
NAC 645D.470 Prohibited
acts. (NRS
645D.120) A
certified inspector shall not, while making an inspection:
1.
Offer to perform or perform any act or service that is unlawful.
2.
Offer warranties or guaranties of any kind.
3.
Offer to perform or perform any job function for which he does not
have a license, including, but not limited to, the services of an engineer,
architect, plumber or electrician.
4.
Calculate the strength, adequacy or efficiency of any system or
component.
5.
Enter any area or perform any procedure that may damage any part of
the structure being inspected or endanger any person, including, but not
limited to, the certified inspector.
6.
Operate any system or component that is shut down or otherwise
inoperable.
7.
Operate any system or component that does not respond to normal
operating controls.
8.
Determine the presence or absence of any suspected adverse
environmental condition or hazardous substance, including, but not limited
to, toxins, carcinogens, noise or contaminants, unless he is licensed or
certified to make such inspections and determinations.
9.
Determine the effectiveness of any system installed to control or
remove suspected hazardous substances.
10.
Predict the future condition of any system or component, including,
but not limited to, the failure of a component.
11.
Project the operating costs of any component.
12.
Evaluate the acoustical characteristics of any system or component.
(Added to NAC by Real Estate Div. by R214‑97, eff.
5‑11‑98; A by R177‑01, 5‑20‑2002)
Inspection of Structures
NAC 645D.480 Interior
components. (NRS
645D.120)
1.
A certified inspector shall inspect the interior components of the
structure being inspected, including, but not limited to, the following
components of the interior:
(a)
The walls, ceilings and floors;
(b)
The steps, stairways, balconies and railings;
(c)
A representative number of doors and windows; and
(d)
The counters and a representative number of cabinets.
2.
An inspection of the interior components must include, without
limitation:
(a)
The operation of a representative number of the windows and interior doors;
and
(b)
The reporting of any sign of abnormal or harmful water penetration into the
structure or any sign of abnormal or harmful condensation.
(Added to NAC by Real Estate Div. by R214‑97, eff.
5‑11‑98)
NAC 645D.490 Built-in
kitchen appliances. (NRS
645D.120)
1.
A certified inspector shall inspect the built-in kitchen appliances
of the structure being inspected, including, but not limited to, the
following kitchen appliances if they are not shut off or otherwise
inoperable:
(a)
The dishwasher;
(b)
The range, cook top and oven;
(c)
The trash compactor;
(d)
The garbage disposal;
(e)
The ventilation equipment and range hood; and
(f)
The microwave oven.
2.
An inspection of the built-in kitchen appliances must include,
without limitation, the operation of the dishwasher through at least one
normal cycle.
(Added to NAC by Real Estate Div. by R214‑97, eff.
5‑11‑98)
NAC 645D.500 Insulation
and ventilation systems. (NRS
645D.120)
1.
A certified inspector shall inspect the insulation and ventilation
systems of the structure being inspected, including, but not limited to,
the following components of the insulation and ventilation systems:
(a)
The insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces;
(b)
The ventilation of the attics and the area of the foundation; and
(c)
The kitchen, bathroom and laundry venting systems.
2.
An inspection of the insulation and ventilation systems must include,
without limitation:
(a)
The operation of any readily accessible attic ventilation fan;
(b)
If the temperature of the structure permits, the operation of any readily
accessible thermostatic control;
(c)
A description of the condition of the insulation in the unfinished spaces;
and
(d)
A description of any unfinished space at conditioned surfaces in which the
insulation is absent.
(Added to NAC by Real Estate Div. by R214‑97, eff.
5‑11‑98)
NAC 645D.510 Plumbing
systems. (NRS
645D.120)
1.
A certified inspector shall inspect the plumbing system of the
structure being inspected, including, but not limited to, the following
components of the plumbing system:
(a)
The hot and cold water systems;
(b)
The waste and drain systems;
(c)
The vent systems; and
(d)
The readily accessible gas lines.
2.
An inspection of the plumbing system must include, without
limitation:
(a)
An identification and description of the type of water lines and a
determination of whether the system has been activated;
(b)
The operation of all plumbing fixtures and a visual inspection of all
readily accessible components of the plumbing system;
(c)
A determination of the functional flow of the waste, drain, water and vent
lines; and
(d)
An identification and description of the type of domestic water heater,
energy source and any safety devices attached thereto.
(Added to NAC by Real Estate Div. by R214‑97, eff.
5‑11‑98)
NAC 645D.520 Electrical
systems. (NRS
645D.120)
1.
A certified inspector shall inspect the electrical systems of the
structure being inspected, including, but not limited to, the following
components of the electrical system:
(a)
The switches, receptacles and fixtures;
(b)
The main panel box and all subpanel boxes, including, but not limited to,
the feeders; and
(c)
The readily accessible wiring and junction boxes.
2.
An inspection of the electrical system must include, without
limitation:
(a)
An identification and description of the amperage and type of overcurrent
protection devices, including, but not limited to, the fuses and breakers;
(b)
A description of the condition of the electrical system, including, but not
limited to, the grounding cables;
(c)
A verification of the compatibility and condition of the main and branch
circuit overcurrent protection devices to the size of the conductors served
by them;
(d)
The testing of a representative number of readily accessible switches,
receptacles and light fixtures in each room or area of the structure;
(e)
A test and verification of the grounding, polarity and operation of all
readily accessible ground fault circuit interrupter devices; and
(f)
An evaluation of the system and all readily accessible wiring.
(Added to NAC by Real Estate Div. by R214‑97, eff.
5‑11‑98; A by R177‑01, 5‑20‑2002)
NAC 645D.530 Heating
systems. (NRS
645D.120)
1.
A certified inspector shall inspect the heating system of the
structure being inspected, including, but not limited to, the following
components of a heating system:
(a)
The heating equipment and heating distribution system;
(b)
The operating controls; and
(c)
The auxiliary heating units.
2.
An inspection of the heating system must include, without limitation:
(a)
An identification and description of the type of system, distribution,
energy
source and number of units
or systems in the structure;
(b)
The opening of all readily accessible access panels or covers provided by
the manufacturer so that the enclosed components can be evaluated; and
(c)
An evaluation of the readily accessible controls and components.
(Added to NAC by Real Estate Div. by R214‑97, eff.
5‑11‑98)
NAC 645D.540 Air-conditioning
systems. (NRS
645D.120)
1.
A certified inspector shall inspect the air-conditioning system of
the structure being inspected, including, but not limited to, the following
components of the air-conditioning system:
(a)
The cooling equipment and cooling distribution systems; and
(b)
The operating controls.
2.
An inspection of the air-conditioning system must include, without
limitation:
(a)
An identification and description of the type of system, distribution,
energy source and number of units or systems in the structure;
(b)
The opening of all readily accessible access panels or covers provided by
the manufacturer so that the enclosed components can be evaluated; and
(c)
An evaluation of the readily accessible controls and components.
(Added to NAC by Real Estate Div. by R214‑97, eff.
5‑11‑98)
NAC 645D.550 Exterior
components. (NRS
645D.120)
1.
A certified inspector shall inspect the exterior components of a
structure being inspected, including, but not limited to:
(a)
The exterior wall components;
(b)
The exposed molding and trim;
(c)
The windows and exterior doors; and
(d)
The fireplaces, flues and chimneys.
2.
An inspection of exterior components must include, without
limitation:
(a)
An identification of the type of structure and covering of the exterior
component, including, but not limited to, whether it is block, siding,
shingle, stucco, wood, asbestos, hardboard or masonry;
(b)
An evaluation of the wall covering;
(c)
An evaluation of the condition of a representative number of windows and
doors, including, but not limited to, the associated trim and hardware; and
(d)
An inspection and description of the condition of readily accessible
porches, decks, steps, balconies and carports attached to the structure.
(Added to NAC by Real Estate Div. by R214‑97, eff.
5‑11‑98)
NAC 645D.560 Roofing
components. (NRS
645D.120)
1.
A certified inspector shall inspect the roofing components of the
structure being inspected, including, but not limited to:
(a)
The roof covering;
(b)
The flashing;
(c)
The insulation;
(d)
The ventilation;
(e)
The soffits and fascia; and
(f)
The skylights, roof accessories and penetrations.
2.
The inspection of roofing components must include, without
limitation:
(a)
An identification and description of the materials of the visible roof
structure, roof flashing, skylights, penetrations, ventilation devices and
roof drainage;
(b)
An evaluation of the condition of the readily accessible attic areas;
(c)
A determination of the type, condition and approximate thickness of the
attic insulation; and
(d)
A description of the method of observation used to inspect the roof.
(Added to NAC by Real Estate Div. by R214‑97, eff.
5‑11‑98)
NAC 645D.570 Structural
systems. (NRS
645D.120)
1.
A certified inspector shall inspect the structural system of the
structure being inspected, including, but not limited to, the foundation,
floors, walls, columns, ceilings and roof.
2.
An inspection of the structural system must include, without
limitation:
(a)
An identification and description of the type of foundation, floor
structure, wall structure, columns, ceiling structure, roof structure and
other attached structural components;
(b)
A probe of all structural components in which deterioration is suspected,
unless the probe will damage any finished surface;
(c)
Entry under the floor crawl spaces and attic spaces, except when access is
obstructed or not readily accessible, entry could damage the property, or
dangerous or adverse conditions are obvious or suspected;
(d)
A report of all signs of water penetration or abnormal or harmful
condensation on building components; and
(e)
A description of any visible structural damage to the framing members and
foundation system.
(Added to NAC by Real Estate Div. by R214‑97, eff.
5‑11‑98)
NAC 645D.580 Site
of structure. (NRS
645D.120)
1.
A certified inspector shall inspect the site of the structure while
conducting an inspection of the structure, including, but not limited to:
(a)
The land grade and water drainage;
(b)
The retaining walls affecting the structure;
(c)
The driveways and walkways; and
(d)
The porches and patios.
2.
An inspection of the site must include, without limitation:
(a)
An identification and evaluation of the materials and conditions of the
driveways, walkways, grade steps, patios and other items contiguous with
the inspected structure;
(b)
An observation of the drainage and grading for conditions that adversely
affect the structure; and
(c)
An observation of the above-grade vegetation which affects the exterior of
the structure.
(Added to NAC by Real Estate Div. by R214‑97, eff.
5‑11‑98)
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