Our Standards of Practice & Code of Ethics
At Lagos-Sea Home Inspections, we believe in complete transparency and professionalism. We proudly adhere to the official HIABC Standards of Practice 2023 and the HIABC Code of Ethics. These documents outline the exact services you will receive and the professional conduct you can expect from us, ensuring you have a clear and accurate understanding of the inspection process.
HIABC Standards of Practice (Effective May 1, 2023)
1.0 Definitions and Scope
1.1. Home Inspection: A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive, visual examination of the current condition of a residential building. It is designed to identify and report observed deficiencies of specific systems and components of a home and to provide a description of the condition of the home based on observation of the systems and components on the date of the inspection. It is not intended to verify compliance with any applicable building codes, municipal bylaws or other regulations. A home inspection will not reveal every problem that exists or could ever exist and is not a technically exhaustive inspection.
1.2. Inspector: A person licensed under the British Columbia Home Inspector Licence Regulation to conduct home inspections.
1.3. Client: A person who engages the services of an inspector for the purpose of obtaining a home inspection.
2.0 General Limitations and Exclusions
2.1. General Limitations: An inspection is not a warranty, guarantee, or insurance policy. An inspection does not include identifying or reporting on any of the following:
- Life expectancy of any component or system.
- The cause of any deficiency.
- The methods, materials, or costs of corrections.
- The suitability of the property for any specialized use.
- Compliance with any codes, regulations, or standards.
- The presence of pests, vermin, or insects.
- The presence of environmental hazards (e.g., mould, asbestos, lead paint, radon).
2.2. General Exclusions: The inspector is not required to inspect:
- Any system or component that is not installed or is shut down.
- Any area or component which is inaccessible, obstructed, or not safe to inspect in the professional opinion of the inspector.
- Underground items like tanks, pipes, or private water/sewage systems.
- Recreational facilities (e.g., pools, hot tubs, saunas).
- Outbuildings other than a primary garage or carport.
3.0 Standards of Practice by System
3.1. Exterior
The inspector shall inspect the exterior wall coverings, flashing, trim, doors, decks, balconies, steps, porches, and associated railings. The inspector is not required to inspect fences, seasonal accessories, or seawalls.
3.2. Roofing
The inspector shall inspect readily accessible roof coverings, drainage systems, flashings, skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations. The inspector is not required to walk on the roof if it is deemed unsafe or could be damaged.
3.3. Structure
The inspector shall inspect the visible foundation, floor structure, wall structure, and roof structure. The inspector is not required to provide any engineering or architectural service.
3.4. Electrical
The inspector shall inspect the service drop, service entrance conductors, service equipment, grounding, interior panels, and a representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles. The inspector is not required to inspect alarm systems or low-voltage wiring.
3.5. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
The inspector shall inspect the installed heating and cooling equipment and its operating controls. The inspector is not required to inspect the interior of flues, chimneys, or heat exchangers.
3.6. Plumbing
The inspector shall inspect the interior water supply and distribution systems, including fixtures and faucets, as well as drain, waste, and vent systems. The inspector is not required to inspect wells, private sewage disposal systems, or fire sprinkler systems.
3.7. Interior
The inspector shall inspect the walls, ceilings, floors, steps, stairways, railings, and a representative number of doors and windows. The inspector is not required to inspect paint, wallpaper, carpets, or other finish treatments.
3.8. Wood Burning Appliances (WETT inspection)
The inspector shall inspect visible and accessible fireplaces, wood-burning appliances, and their chimneys. The inspector is not required to ignite fires, determine draft characteristics, or inspect the interior of flues.
3.9. Insulation and Ventilation
The inspector shall inspect the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces, as well as the ventilation of attics and foundation areas. The inspector is not required to disturb insulation or determine indoor air quality.
HIABC Code of Ethics
As a member of HIABC, we are bound by a strict Code of Ethics that requires us to act with integrity, honesty, and fairness in all our dealings with clients. We are committed to avoiding conflicts of interest, maintaining client confidentiality, and providing objective, unbiased opinions based on our professional experience.