Glossary of Terms

Note: All definitions apply to derivatives of these terms when italicized in the text.

• Appliance: An item such as an oven, dishwasher, heater, etc. which performs a specific function
• Building: The subject of the inspection and its primary parking structure 
• Component: A part of a system, appliance, fixture, or device
• Condition: Conspicuous state of being  
• Determine: Arrive at an opinion or conclusion pursuant to a real estate inspection 
• Device: A component designed to perform a particular task or function 
• Fixture: A plumbing or electrical component with a fixed position and function 
• Function : The normal and characteristic purpose or action of a system, component, or device
• Functional Drainage: The ability to empty a plumbing fixture in a reasonable time
• Functional Flow: The flow of the water supply at the highest and farthest fixture from the building supply shutoff valve when another fixture is used simultaneously 
• Inspect: Refer to Part I, “Definition and Scope”, Paragraph A
• Inspector: One who performs a real estate inspection 
• Normal User Control: Switch or other device that activates a system or component and is provided for use by an occupant of a building
• Operate: Cause a system, appliance, fixture, or device to function using normal user controls
• Permanently Installed: Fixed in place, e.g. screwed, bolted, nailed, or glued
• Primary Building : A building that an Inspector has agreed to inspect
• Primary Parking structure: A building for the purpose of vehicle storage associated with the primary building
• Readily Accessible: Can be reached, entered, or viewed without difficulty, moving obstructions, or requiring any action which may harm persons or property
• Real Estate Inspection: Refer to Part I, “Definitions and Scope”, Paragraph A
• Representative Number: Example, an average of one component per area for multiple similar components such as windows, doors, and electrical outlets
• Safety Hazard: A condition that could result in significant physical injury
• Shut Down: Disconnected or turned off in a way so as not to respond to normal user controls
• System: An assemblage of various components designed to function as a whole
• Technically Exhaustive: Examination beyond the scope of a real estate inspection, which may require disassembly, specialized knowledge, special equipment, measuring, calculating, quantifying, testing, exploratory probing, research, or analysis