Structure Inspection Section#1 Footings and Foundations Quiz#1

This Study Session outlines the scope of footings and foundations inspections as set out in the ASHI®/CAHI Standards of Practice (note: ASHI® stands for the American Society of Home Inspectors; CAHI stands for the Canadian Association of Home Inspectors).

The estimated completion time is 30 minutes.

Objectives
At the end of this Study Session, you should be able to:

• List six structural elements that must be observed in a standard inspection.
• List six structural elements that must be described in a report.
• Describe in one sentence when probing is required.
• Describe in one sentence when attics or crawlspaces should be entered.

According to the ASHI Standards of Practice, an inspector must inspect all structural components. Two components are listed. What are they?

Foundation and Framing

According to the ASHI Standards of Practice, which structural elements must be described in your report?

1. Foundation
2. Floor structure
3. Wall structure
4. Ceiling structure
5. Roof structure.

Under what conditions are you not required to inspect crawl spaces?

1. Readily not accessible
2. Dangers
3. May damage property

Under what conditions would you not enter the attic? Give some examples?
1. Dangerous
2. May damage property
3. Not readily accessible
4. Insulation covers the ceiling joists or bottom truss chords

You are required to probe structural elements where deterioration is suspected. When would probing not be required?

Probing is not required where it would damage any finished surface or where no deterioration is visible.

Do the Standards require you to explain how you inspected the crawlspace or attic?

Yes

Do the Standards require you to inspect a foundation footing?

No. You are not required to inspect a foundation footing because it's usually not visible.

If the client is able to produce building drawings, are you required to look at the drawings to see if the foundation footing size is correct for your area?

No. You are not required to do a design review. Nor are you required to determine the strength, adequacy, effectiveness or efficiency of any system. You are also not required to perform any engineering services.