[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/home-inspection-glossary-of-terms\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/home-inspection-glossary-of-terms\/","headline":"Home Inspection Glossary of terms | Inspections over coffee","name":"Home Inspection Glossary of terms | Inspections over coffee","description":"Home Inspection Glossary At Inspections Over Coffee, we believe informed buyers make better decisions. Below is a comprehensive glossary of home inspection terms to help you navigate your journey with confidence. Home Inspection Glossary (In-Depth) Home Inspection A home inspection is a detailed, visual evaluation of a house\u2019s accessible systems, structure, and components. The inspector documents current conditions, signs of wear, potential safety issues, and needed repairs. The inspection is not invasive\u2014no walls are opened or materials dismantled\u2014so results are limited to what can be observed. This overview is typically included on page one of the inspection report, along with disclaimers and the inspection scope. Inspector The inspector is a licensed or certified professional trained to assess residential properties using a recognized standard of practice. Their role is to be objective, not to estimate costs or guarantee future performance. Inspectors use tools like moisture meters, thermal imaging, or outlet testers, but they don\u2019t perform repairs or issue warranties. Their name, license number, and qualifications are typically listed near the beginning of the report, often under a section labeled \u201cInspector Info\u201d or \u201cCredentials.\u201d Inspection Report This is the final deliverable from a home inspection\u2014often digital, sometimes printed\u2014that documents everything the inspector found. It includes photos, descriptions, condition ratings, and sometimes colored tags (e.g., red for defects, yellow for marginal). The report is structured by system (roof, electrical, plumbing, etc.), and will note limitations, like inaccessible crawl spaces. A summary section at the end often highlights major concerns or safety issues, which is especially useful for negotiation. Standards of Practice These are the industry guidelines outlining what an inspector must inspect and report on\u2014and what they are not required to do. For example, the ASHI or InterNACHI SOP defines that inspectors must test GFCI outlets but are not required to light pilot lights or inspect pools. These standards are not usually included in the report itself but may be linked in the inspector\u2019s agreement or referenced in disclaimers throughout the document. Accessible \"Accessible\" refers to areas or components that the inspector can safely reach without moving personal items, dismantling structures, or using special tools. For example, an electrical panel in a locked garage or a crawl space filled with debris may be listed as \"not accessible.\" These limitations are clearly noted in the report, often in italics or a dedicated section like \u201cLimitations and Exclusions.\u201d Visual Inspection This is the core principle behind every home inspection\u2014it means the inspector observes conditions with the naked eye and standard tools, without cutting walls or lifting floors. If damage or issues are suspected behind walls or under insulation, they will be noted as \u201csuspected\u201d or \u201cnot visible.\u201d The phrase \u201cvisual inspection only\u201d may appear repeatedly in the report to clarify that no destructive testing was performed. Functional Flow This refers to how well water flows through plumbing fixtures under normal conditions\u2014how fast it comes out of faucets and showerheads. During an inspection, multiple fixtures are run simultaneously (like a sink and tub) to observe pressure drop. If flow is weak, the inspector may suspect corrosion in old pipes or pressure regulator issues. Functional flow results are usually documented under the \u201cPlumbing\u201d or \u201cInterior Fixtures\u201d section with notes like \u201cadequate\u201d or \u201crestricted.\u201d Functional Drainage This describes the ability of water to drain properly from sinks, tubs, and showers. Inspectors test this by running water and watching how quickly it exits. Standing water or slow drainage can indicate partial blockages or venting issues. It\u2019s important to know inspectors don\u2019t use drain cameras; their assessment is limited to basic flow. These findings are typically logged under \u201cPlumbing Fixtures\u201d or \u201cInterior Plumbing\u201d sections. Water Pressure Water pressure is how forcefully water moves through plumbing. High or low pressure can signal problems\u2014from clogged pipes to failed regulators. Inspectors evaluate pressure by feel (e.g., when running multiple fixtures) or with a gauge attached to a hose bibb. A reading below 40 PSI is often considered low. This info is usually found in the \u201cExterior Plumbing\u201d or \u201cUtility Systems\u201d section with notations like \u201cwater pressure appears adequate.\u201d Smoke Detector A smoke detector is a safety device designed to alert occupants to the presence of smoke and fire. During inspections, smoke detectors are observed visually to confirm they exist and are located properly\u2014typically near bedrooms and on each floor. Most inspectors do not test them unless specifically contracted to do so, due to liability risks. The report will note whether detectors are present, missing, or outdated (e.g., yellowed plastic or over 10 years old), usually under \u201cInterior Components\u201d or \u201cSafety Devices.\u201d GFCI GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. These outlets are designed to shut off power instantly when a fault or imbalance is detected, typically to prevent electrocution near water sources. During the inspection, the inspector will use a handheld tester to trip the GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and exterior walls. If they don\u2019t trip or reset, they\u2019ll be flagged as a safety defect. You\u2019ll find GFCI results in the \u201cElectrical System\u201d section, often with photos and comments like \u201cfailed to respond to testing.\u201d AFCI Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters are circuit breakers or outlets designed to detect dangerous electrical arcing that could start a fire. Unlike GFCIs, they\u2019re usually found in the breaker panel and protect bedrooms or living spaces. Inspectors may test them using the built-in \u201ctest\u201d button or a compatible tester if available. If breakers don\u2019t trip properly or are missing in required areas, it\u2019s noted in the \u201cElectrical Panel\u201d or \u201cBranch Circuit\u201d sections with language like \u201cAFCI protection not present in applicable circuits.\u201d Electrical Panel Also known as the breaker box or distribution panel, this houses the main service disconnect and all branch circuit breakers. During the inspection, the inspector removes the cover (if safely accessible) to check for proper labeling, signs of overheating, aluminum wiring, double-tapping, or corrosion. Location, amperage rating, and manufacturer are also documented. The electrical panel will have a full subsection under \u201cElectrical\u201d with comments like \u201cPanel is a Federal Pacific\u2014recommend further","datePublished":"2025-06-12","dateModified":"2025-06-30","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/author\/curtis\/#Person","name":"Kloc Curtis","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/author\/curtis\/","identifier":6,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1630069397452.webp","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1630069397452.webp","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Person","name":"Curtis Kloc","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/site-logo.png","url":"http:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/site-logo.png","width":512,"height":512}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/home-inspection-glossary-of-terms-1024x574.png","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/home-inspection-glossary-of-terms-1024x574.png","height":"574","width":"1024"},"url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/home-inspection-glossary-of-terms\/"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/home-inspection-glossary-of-terms\/#BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home Inspection Glossary of terms | Inspections over coffee","item":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/home-inspection-glossary-of-terms\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]