UNIT 4 Undertake Home Inspections

Element 4.1 Inspect property for condition
Element 4.2 Make complete and comprehensive records of findings
Element 4.3 Determine condition ratings
Element 4.4 Collate information for the assessment of energy efficiency

About this Unit

This Unit covers the competences required to conduct Home Inspections and, as such, is closely related to the structure and content of the Home Condition Report. The aim of the inspection is to provide an impartial report that can be used and relied upon by a prospective buyer, mortgage lender and by a seller. The report will detail the construction and condition of the property on the date inspected; defects which are considered to be significant or in need of urgent attention; and defects which require further investigation to prevent damage to the fabric of the building or which are a threat to personal safety.

Element 1 covers the extensive competences required to inspect property. It covers the inspection of all parts of the property that fall within the remit of the Home Condition Report i.e. exterior, interior, services, grounds, outbuildings and common facilities. You are expected to conduct a thorough visual inspection of the property, taking measurements and notes as appropriate, and examine potential causes and effects of failure and deterioration. Although the testing of services is not a requirement of Home Inspections, you are expected to report on your visual inspection where it is safe to do so. You must draw on your knowledge and experience of property structure, construction and materials performance and understand the detailed requirements of the Home Condition Report.

Element 2 requires that you make complete and accurate records of your inspection findings. You must record information using appropriate methods (e.g. written, photographic) and ensure that records are legible and complete.

Element 3 covers the evaluation and analysis of inspection information in order to determine condition ratings for relevant parts of the property. Again, the Home Condition Report defines those aspects of the property for which condition ratings are required. You must draw on the information available and your expertise to make impartial judgements about the condition of the property.

Element 4 covers the identification and recording of information necessary to assess the energy efficiency of property. You must gather information relating to, for example, thermal insulation, heating systems and ventilation. If your organisation is licensed to process this information in-house, you can use the approved software to calculate energy efficiency ratings. If your organisation is not licensed to process this information, you must pass it on to a government authorised ratings company.