Residential Standards of Practice

SCHI SOP v2.0 — Effective October 6, 2026
Shawn Chesney Home Inspections
Shawn Chesney, C.M.I. — Certified Master Inspector

1. Purpose

These Standards of Practice define what a home inspection performed by Shawn Chesney Home Inspections (“SCHI”) is, what it includes, and — equally important — what it does not include. They are published so that every client understands, before the inspection begins, exactly what to expect.

SCHI performs its inspections substantially in accordance with CSA A770-16 (R2021), Home Inspection, the National Standard of Canada for home inspection, published by CSA Group. Where any provision of these Standards of Practice differs from CSA A770-16, CSA A770-16 shall govern. These Standards of Practice supplement CSA A770-16 by describing SCHI’s specific procedures, services, and limitations in plain language.

2. Relationship to the Pre-Inspection Agreement

Every inspection is performed under a signed Pre-Inspection Agreement between the client and SCHI. The Pre-Inspection Agreement specifies the services to be performed, the limitations of those services, and the inspection fee.

In the event of any conflict between these Standards of Practice and the signed Pre-Inspection Agreement, the Pre-Inspection Agreement shall govern. The client is required to review and sign the Pre-Inspection Agreement before the inspection can proceed. No inspection will be performed without a signed agreement.

3. Definition and Scope of a Home Inspection

A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive, visual examination of the readily accessible, installed systems and components of a dwelling, performed at a specific date and time, and documented in a written report.

A home inspection is:

• Visual and non-invasive. The inspector observes and reports. The inspector does not dismantle, move, probe, or damage any part of the property.
• A snapshot in time. The inspection reflects the condition of the property on the date and at the time of the inspection only.
• Not technically exhaustive. A home inspection is not an engineering assessment, a code-compliance inspection, an environmental assessment, or a warranty of any kind. See the limitations below.

4. Conditions at the Time of Inspection

The inspection reflects conditions as they exist at the time of the inspection. Weather, temperature, occupancy, furnishings, and the operational state of systems and utilities all affect what can be observed. Conditions observed — or not observed — on the inspection date may differ before or after the inspection. SCHI is not responsible for changes in condition that occur before or after the inspection.

5. Vacant Properties

Vacant properties present additional limitations. Plumbing traps may be dry, heating and cooling systems may have been idle for extended periods, and defects normally revealed through daily use may not be apparent. Where a property has been vacant, the client is advised to have all systems operated and evaluated under normal use conditions and to obtain specialist evaluations where recommended.

6. Readily Accessible

SCHI inspects only those systems and components that are readily accessible at the time of the inspection — meaning available for visual inspection without requiring the inspector to move personal property, dismantle any part of the building, use destructive measures, or take actions that risk personal safety or property damage.

Areas or components that are blocked by stored items, furnishings, finishes, or locked access points will not be inspected and will be noted as inaccessible in the report. It is the client’s responsibility to arrange access where a complete inspection is desired.

7. Normal Operating Controls

Systems and components are operated using normal operating controls only — the same switches, thermostats, valves, and controls a homeowner would ordinarily use. The inspector will not operate shut-off valves, circuit breakers, or safety controls that are not part of normal daily operation, and will not activate any system that is shut down, winterized, or tagged out of service.

8. Systems That Are Off or Disconnected

Systems or components that are shut off, disconnected, winterized, de-energized, drained, or otherwise not in normal operating condition at the time of the inspection will not be inspected. This includes, but is not limited to, furnaces or boilers that are off, air conditioners in cold weather, water heaters that are drained, wells or pumps that are disconnected, and any appliance or fixture without utility service. The report will note such items. The client should have these systems evaluated by qualified specialists before removing any conditions.

9. Concealed and Latent Defects

A home inspection cannot and does not identify concealed or latent defects — conditions hidden within walls, floors, ceilings, foundations, or underground; beneath finishes, floor coverings, or insulation; or otherwise not visible during a non-invasive visual inspection. The absence of a reported defect does not mean the defect does not exist. SCHI is not responsible for defects that were not visible or accessible at the time of the inspection.

10. No Destructive Testing

SCHI does not perform destructive testing. The inspector will not cut, drill, probe, dismantle, or damage any material, finish, or component to inspect what lies beneath or within. Where destructive investigation is warranted, the report will recommend further evaluation by a qualified specialist.

11. Roofing

The inspector will examine the readily accessible roof covering, drainage, flashing, penetrations, and visible roof structure from ground level, ladders, eaves, or other safe vantage points at the inspector’s discretion. The inspector is not required to walk on any roof. Roof coverings that are snow-covered, wet, fragile, excessively steep, or otherwise unsafe to access will be inspected from the ground or eaves only, and the limitation will be noted. The remaining service life of a roof covering cannot be precisely determined; any estimate is an opinion only. The inspector does not perform water testing of roofs.

12. Exterior and Site

The inspector will examine the readily accessible exterior wall coverings, trim, eavestroughs and downspouts, grading and drainage immediately adjacent to the building, walkways, driveways, decks, porches, railings, and attached structures. Outbuildings, detached structures, fences, retaining walls beyond the immediate building perimeter, landscaping, irrigation systems, and site features not affecting the dwelling are excluded unless specifically agreed in writing. Grading and drainage are assessed visually; the inspector does not perform water-flow testing. Lot lines and property boundaries are not determined.

13. Foundation, Basement, Crawlspace, and Structure

The inspector will examine the readily accessible foundation walls, floors, visible structural components (framing, beams, columns, joists), and accessible basement and crawlspace areas. Foundation performance cannot be fully assessed by visual inspection alone. Minor cracking, settlement, and moisture staining are common and may or may not indicate structural concern; where the inspector observes conditions that warrant it, further evaluation by a qualified structural professional will be recommended. Areas hidden by finishes, insulation, stored items, or inadequate clearance will not be inspected.

14. Plumbing

The inspector will examine the readily accessible plumbing systems and components, including:

• 14.1 The visible water supply and distribution piping.
• 14.2 The visible drain, waste, and vent piping.
• 14.3 Water heating equipment, including venting and temperature-pressure relief provisions.
• 14.4 Plumbing fixtures — sinks, toilets, tubs, showers — operated with normal controls.
• 14.5 Functional flow and drainage at fixtures.
• 14.6 Readily accessible shut-off valves (observed, not operated).
• 14.7 Sump pumps, where accessible and where operation can be tested without risk.
• 14.8 Visible fuel storage and distribution components.
• 14.9 Signs of active leakage at visible plumbing.
• 14.10 Water heater age, capacity, and general condition where data plates are visible.
• 14.11 Cross-connection and backflow provisions where visible.
• 14.12 Private water supply and sewage disposal components visible above ground (wells, septic tanks and fields are excluded — see limitations).
• 14.13 Laundry hookups, where accessible.

Plumbing limitations: Wells, septic systems, underground piping, and concealed plumbing are excluded. Water quality is not tested. The inspector does not determine the adequacy of water supply or drainage capacity. Shut-off valves are not operated. Plumbing concealed within walls, floors, or ceilings cannot be inspected.

15. Electrical

The inspector will examine the readily accessible electrical systems and components, including:

• 15.1 The service entrance, service mast, and overhead or underground service conductors where visible.
• 15.2 The main disconnect and distribution panels — covers are removed where safe and practical to observe breakers, fuses, and visible wiring.
• 15.3 A representative number of receptacles, switches, and light fixtures.
• 15.4 Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection at required locations, tested with normal test functions.
• 15.5 Arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection where visible.
• 15.6 Visible grounding and bonding components.
• 15.7 Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms — presence noted; the inspector does not verify audibility in every unit or compliance with current placement requirements.

Electrical limitations: The inspector is not an electrician and does not perform electrical engineering. Concealed wiring, wiring within walls and ceilings, and the adequacy of the electrical system for the client’s intended use are not determined. The inspector does not insert tools into panels beyond removing covers, does not test every receptacle, and does not verify compliance with the Canadian Electrical Code. Aluminium wiring, knob-and-tube wiring, and other special conditions will be reported where visible, with specialist evaluation recommended.

16. Heating

The inspector will examine the readily accessible heating equipment — furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, electric baseboards, and space heaters — operated with normal thermostatic controls. The inspector will observe the energy source, visible venting, and general condition. Heat exchangers cannot be fully evaluated by visual inspection; where age, condition, or performance suggests concern, further evaluation by a qualified heating contractor will be recommended. Heating systems that are shut off or out of season will not be operated beyond normal controls. The adequacy of heating capacity and the evenness of heat distribution are not determined.

17. Cooling

The inspector will examine the readily accessible cooling equipment — central air conditioners, heat pumps in cooling mode, and permanently installed cooling units — operated with normal thermostatic controls when weather conditions permit. Air conditioning equipment will not be operated in cold weather (generally below 16°C / 60°F) as doing so can damage the equipment. Refrigerant levels, cooling capacity, and the adequacy of cooling for the dwelling are not determined. Window and portable units are excluded.

18. Fireplaces and Chimneys

The inspector will examine readily accessible fireplaces, stoves, inserts, and visible chimney components. Factory-built and masonry fireplaces are observed visually; flue interiors above the firebox cannot be fully evaluated without specialized equipment, and a Level 2 chimney inspection by a qualified chimney professional is recommended where the inspector notes concern or where the chimney has not been recently serviced. The inspector does not light fires, operate gas fireplaces beyond normal controls where safe, or verify the adequacy of draft. Chimney crowns, caps, and flashing are observed from accessible vantage points.

19. Attic, Insulation, and Ventilation

The inspector will examine readily accessible attic spaces, insulation, and ventilation components. Attic access is by pull-down stairs, scuttle hatches, or doors where accessible and safe; the inspector will not enter attics where access is inadequate, where walkability is unsafe, or where entry would disturb insulation or finishes. Insulation type and approximate depth are reported where visible. The adequacy of insulation and ventilation for energy performance or moisture control is not determined. Concealed areas behind knee walls and below insulation cannot be inspected.

20. Doors, Windows, and Interior

The inspector will examine a representative number of doors and windows, interior walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, railings, and installed cabinets and countertops. Windows are not operated where they are painted shut, blocked, or where operation risks damage. Cosmetic conditions — paint, finishes, minor surface imperfections — are not the focus of the inspection. The inspector does not move furnishings, rugs, or stored items; areas beneath and behind them cannot be inspected.

21. Insulating Glass

Sealed insulating glass units are examined visually for signs of seal failure, such as persistent fogging or condensation between panes. Seal condition can vary with temperature and humidity; a unit that appears clear at the time of inspection may show failure under different conditions, and vice versa. The inspector does not warrant the condition of window seals.

22. Built-In Appliances

Permanently installed kitchen appliances — range/cooktop, oven, dishwasher, microwave, range hood, garbage disposal, and trash compactor — are operated with normal controls on a representative basis. Laundry appliances are excluded unless specifically agreed. Appliance performance, efficiency, and remaining service life are not determined. The inspector does not verify calibration of oven temperatures or the adequacy of appliance venting beyond visible connections.

23. Moisture and Water Intrusion

The inspector will observe readily accessible areas for visible signs of moisture intrusion, water staining, and water damage. However, the absence of visible staining at the time of inspection does not mean moisture intrusion has not occurred or will not occur. Many moisture problems are intermittent, seasonal, or concealed. Where the inspector observes evidence or risk of moisture intrusion, further evaluation and monitoring will be recommended.

24. Moisture Meters and Thermal Imaging

SCHI includes thermal imaging as a standard part of every inspection, using an infrared camera to scan for thermal anomalies that may indicate moisture, missing insulation, air leakage, or electrical hotspots. Thermal imaging is a screening tool, not a diagnostic conclusion: an anomaly observed on a thermal image requires confirmation with a moisture meter or further investigation, and the absence of anomalies does not guarantee the absence of defects. Moisture meter readings are taken where accessible and where the inspector deems appropriate; readings reflect conditions at the tested location and time only. Thermal imaging cannot see through walls — it detects surface temperature differences only.

25. Drone Inspection

Where conditions permit and at the inspector’s discretion, SCHI may use an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) to photograph roof areas that are not safely accessible on foot. Drone imagery supplements but does not replace visual inspection. Drone use is subject to weather, airspace regulations (Transport Canada), property access, and safety considerations; it is not guaranteed on every inspection. Drone photographs are provided as a courtesy and do not constitute a separate roof certification.

26. Crawlspace Robot

Where crawlspace access is inadequate for safe human entry, SCHI may deploy a remote inspection robot to photograph and observe conditions within the crawlspace. Robotic inspection is limited by the robot’s mobility, lighting, and camera range; it provides a visual survey only and cannot perform tactile or invasive investigation. Areas the robot cannot reach remain uninspected and will be noted.

27. Mould

The inspector will report visible conditions consistent with microbial growth (“mould”) where observed. SCHI does not perform mould testing, sampling, or air quality assessment. The inspector is not a mould remediator and does not identify mould species, assess health risks, or determine the extent of concealed mould. Where visible mould or conditions conducive to mould are observed, evaluation by a qualified mould or indoor environmental professional is recommended.

28. Asbestos, Lead, and Environmental Hazards

SCHI does not test for asbestos, lead-based paint, radon, urea-formaldehyde foam insulation, underground storage tanks, soil contamination, electromagnetic fields, or any other environmental hazard. Materials that may contain asbestos or lead will not be sampled or disturbed. Where the age or construction of the dwelling suggests these materials may be present, the client is advised to obtain specialist testing before removing conditions. The inspector’s observations regarding these materials, if any, are general information only and not a substitute for laboratory testing.

29. Pests and Wood-Destroying Organisms

The inspector will report visible evidence of pest activity or wood-destroying organisms where observed during the general inspection. SCHI does not perform pest inspections. A dedicated Wood Destroying Insect/Organism inspection by a licensed pest management professional is recommended, particularly where the inspector notes conducive conditions or visible evidence.

30. Condominiums and Townhouses

For condominium and townhouse units, the inspection covers the interior of the unit and the limited common elements serving the unit that are readily accessible (e.g., the unit’s heating/cooling equipment, balcony, exclusive-use areas). Common elements — roofs, building exteriors, lobbies, garages, mechanical rooms, and site features — are excluded unless specifically agreed in writing. The client should obtain and review the condominium corporation’s status certificate, reserve fund study, meeting minutes, and engineering reports, as these documents address the condition of common elements beyond the scope of this inspection.

31. Code Compliance

A home inspection is not a code-compliance inspection. The inspector does not determine whether the dwelling complies with the Ontario Building Code, the Canadian Electrical Code, municipal by-laws, or any other code, standard, or regulation — current or historical. Building practices and codes change over time; conditions that were acceptable when constructed may not meet current requirements, and the inspector does not render opinions on compliance. Where the inspector observes a condition that may present a safety concern regardless of code, it will be reported as such.

32. Permits and Property History

The inspector does not research building permits, renovation history, property records, or the compliance history of the dwelling. The client should obtain this information from the municipality and the seller. Unpermitted work, where suspected, will be noted with a recommendation for further investigation, but the inspector does not verify permit status.

33. Repairs and Alterations

The quality, adequacy, and code compliance of past repairs, renovations, and alterations are not determined by visual inspection alone. Where the inspector observes repairs or alterations that appear deficient, amateur, or incomplete, further evaluation by a qualified contractor or specialist will be recommended.

34. Estimates and Costs

SCHI does not provide repair cost estimates. Any general commentary on the relative magnitude of a repair is an informal opinion only and must not be relied upon for budgeting, negotiation, or decision-making. The client should obtain written quotations from qualified contractors.

35. Service Life and Remaining Life

Any commentary on the age, condition, or expected remaining service life of a system or component is an opinion based on visual observation and general industry knowledge — not a guarantee. Actual service life depends on use, maintenance, environment, and factors beyond the inspector’s observation. Systems can fail without warning, including systems that appeared serviceable at the time of inspection.

36. Photographs

The inspection report includes photographs taken to document observed conditions. Photographs are illustrative; they do not capture every defect, and the absence of a photograph of a condition does not mean the condition was not reported or does not exist. Thermal images are included where taken and are subject to the limitations in Section 24.

37. Representative Sampling

Where the Standards refer to examining a “representative number” of components (receptacles, windows, doors, etc.), the inspector selects a sample sufficient to assess general condition. Not every instance of every component is examined. A defect found in the sample suggests similar defects may exist elsewhere; the absence of defects in the sample does not guarantee the condition of unexamined components.

38. Client Responsibility for Further Evaluation

Where the report recommends further evaluation by a qualified specialist — structural engineer, electrician, plumber, HVAC contractor, roofer, chimney professional, environmental specialist, or other trade — the client is strongly advised to obtain that evaluation before removing any inspection conditions or waiving any rights in the real estate transaction. The inspection report identifies areas of concern; it does not resolve them. SCHI is not responsible for the findings, opinions, or costs of specialist evaluations, nor for the client’s decision to proceed with or without them.

39. Repairs After Inspection

Repairs performed after the inspection — whether by the seller, the client, or a contractor — are outside the scope of the original inspection. SCHI does not verify the adequacy or completeness of post-inspection repairs unless a separate re-inspection is arranged (see Section 42).

40. Pre-Closing Review

• 40.1 The client is advised to review the inspection report in full before closing and to raise any questions with SCHI before the transaction is finalized.
• 40.2 The client should attend the inspection where possible. Attending provides context that the written report alone cannot convey. Where the client cannot attend, the report stands as the record of the inspection.
• 40.3 The client should verify that the property address, inspection date, and client information in the report are correct and notify SCHI of any errors promptly.
• 40.4 The report is prepared for the named client only and for the transaction identified in the Pre-Inspection Agreement. It may not be relied upon by any other party without SCHI’s prior written consent.

41. Critical Shut-Offs

• 41.1 The inspector will note the location of the main water shut-off, main electrical disconnect, and fuel shut-offs where they are readily accessible and identifiable.
• 41.2 Shut-off valves and disconnects are observed, not operated, unless operation is part of normal testing and poses no risk.
• 41.3 The client should confirm the location and operation of all critical shut-offs with the homeowner or a qualified professional, particularly in an emergency.

42. Re-Inspections

Re-inspections of repaired items, or inspections of areas that were inaccessible at the original inspection, may be arranged for an additional fee. A re-inspection covers only the specific items or areas identified; it is not a complete re-inspection of the property. Conditions may have changed between the original inspection and the re-inspection.

43. New Construction

Inspections of new or recently constructed homes are subject to the same visual, non-invasive limitations. New construction may have deficiencies that are not visible until the building has experienced seasonal cycles and normal use. A new home inspection does not replace municipal inspections, Tarion warranty inspections, or the builder’s own quality control. The client should not rely on this inspection as evidence of compliance with plans, specifications, or building codes.

44. Safety Decisions

The inspector determines, in their sole discretion, what is safe to access and operate. The inspector will not enter areas, climb structures, operate equipment, or take any action that in their judgement poses a risk to personal safety or to the property. Safety decisions that limit the inspection will be noted in the report. The client shall not request or expect the inspector to exceed safe practice.

45. Future Performance

Conditions found acceptable at the time of inspection do not predict future performance. Roofs leak, basements flood, furnaces fail, and appliances break — sometimes without warning and sometimes shortly after an inspection that found them serviceable. A home inspection is not a prediction of future condition. The client assumes the risk of future failures and should budget for ongoing maintenance and eventual replacement of building systems.

46. No Warranty or Guarantee

The home inspection and the inspection report are not a warranty, guarantee, or insurance policy on the condition of the property, its systems, or its components — express or implied. SCHI does not warrant that the property is free of defects, that all defects have been identified, or that any system will continue to perform. The inspection fee reflects the limited scope described in these Standards; it is not a premium for risk assumption.

47. Client Review of the Report

The client is expected to read the entire inspection report, including all limitations, recommendations, and appendices. Questions about the report should be directed to SCHI within a reasonable time after receipt. SCHI welcomes follow-up discussion — a report understood is a report that serves its purpose.

48. Client Questions

SCHI encourages clients to ask questions before, during (where attending), and after the inspection. There is no charge for reasonable follow-up questions about the completed report. Questions requiring additional research, specialist consultation, or site visits may be subject to additional fees, which will be disclosed in advance.

49. Changes After Inspection

SCHI is not responsible for conditions that change after the inspection — including damage, alterations, repairs, weather events, or system failures occurring after the inspector leaves the property. If significant time passes between the inspection and closing, the client should consider whether a follow-up visit is warranted.

50. Reporting Concerns

If the client believes the inspection did not meet these Standards of Practice, the client should contact SCHI directly and promptly so the concern can be reviewed. SCHI is committed to professional accountability. Any claim arising from the inspection is subject to the terms, including limitation of liability, set out in the signed Pre-Inspection Agreement.

51. SCHI Philosophy

Shawn Chesney Home Inspections exists so that buyers can make informed decisions with confidence. The inspection is thorough, the reporting is plain-spoken, and the limitations are stated honestly — because a client who understands exactly what was inspected, and what was not, is a client who is genuinely protected. “Let inspectors inspect” is not just a motto; it is the standard every SCHI inspection is held to.

52. Version Control

These Standards of Practice are versioned. The current version is SCHI SOP v2.0, effective October 6, 2026. The version in effect on the date of the client’s inspection is the version that applies to that inspection. Prior versions are retained on file. Material changes will be noted with a new version number and effective date.

53. Client Notice

By proceeding with an inspection, the client acknowledges that they have been given the opportunity to review these Standards of Practice, that they understand the scope and limitations described here, and that the signed Pre-Inspection Agreement — which they must sign before the inspection proceeds — contains the complete terms of the inspection engagement, including limitation of liability. If any part of these Standards or the Pre-Inspection Agreement is unclear, the client should ask before signing — not after.

Shawn Chesney Home Inspections · Shawn Chesney, C.M.I. — Certified Master Inspector
Inspections performed substantially in accordance with CSA A770-16 (R2021), Home Inspection, the National Standard of Canada.