Chapter SPS 131

SPS 131.31(2)(d) (d) Operate any component of an improvement to residential real property that is inoperable.

SPS 131.31(2)(e) (e) Operate any component of an improvement to residential real property that does not respond to normal operating controls.

SPS 131.31(2)(f) (f) Disturb insulation or move personal items, furniture, equipment, vegetation, soil, snow, ice or debris that obstructs access to or visibility of an improvement to residential real property or a component of an improvement to residential real property.

SPS 131.31(2)(g) (g) Determine the effectiveness of a component of an improvement to residential real property that was installed to control or remove suspected hazardous substances.

SPS 131.31(2)(h) (h) Evaluate acoustic characteristics of a component of an improvement to residential real property.

SPS 131.31(2)(i) (i) Project or estimate the operating costs of a component of an improvement to residential real property.

SPS 131.31(2)(j) (j) Predict future conditions, including the failure of component of an improvement to residential real property.

SPS 131.31(2)(k) (k) Inspect for the presence or absence of pests, including rodents, insects and wood-damaging organisms.

SPS 131.31(2)(L) (L) Inspect cosmetic items, underground items or items not permanently installed.

SPS 131.31(2)(m) (m) Inspect for the presence of any hazardous substances.

SPS 131.31(2)(n) (n) Disassemble any component of an improvement to residential real property, except for removing an access panel that is normally removed by an occupant of residential real property.

SPS 131.31(3) (3) This section does not prohibit a home inspector from doing any of the following:

SPS 131.31(3)(a) (a) Reporting observations or conditions in addition to those required under this section.

SPS 131.31(3)(b) (b) Excluding a component of an improvement to residential real property from the inspection, if requested to do so by his or her client.

SPS 131.31(3)(c) (c) Engaging in an activity that requires an occupation credential if he or she holds the necessary credential.

SPS 131.31 History History: Cr. Register, July, 1999, No. 523, eff. 8-1-99; correction in (1) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register November 2011 No. 671; CR 14-010: renum. 131.31 from SPS 134.02 and am. (1) Register August 2014 No. 704, eff. 9-1-14.

SPS 131.32 SPS 131.32 Mechanical and structural components included in a home inspection. A reasonably competent and diligent home inspection shall meet the standards in subs. (1) to (11) and shall include an inspection of, and report on, all of the following items that are present on the property at the time of the home inspection:

SPS 131.32(1) (1) Foundations. A home inspector shall observe and describe the type and condition of the foundation.

SPS 131.32(2) (2) Columns. A home inspector shall observe and describe the type and condition of columns.

SPS 131.32(3) (3) Flooring systems. A home inspector shall observe and describe the type and condition of flooring systems.

SPS 131.32(4) (4) Roofs.

SPS 131.32(4)(a) (a) A home inspector shall observe and describe the condition of all of the following:

SPS 131.32(4)(a)1. 1. Roof coverings, including type.

SPS 131.32(4)(a)2. 2. Roof drainage systems.

SPS 131.32(4)(a)3. 3. Flashings.

SPS 131.32(4)(a)4. 4. Skylights, chimneys and roof penetrations.

SPS 131.32(4)(a)5. 5. Signs of leaks or abnormal condensation on building components.

SPS 131.32(4)(b) (b) A home inspector shall describe the methods used to observe the roof.

SPS 131.32(4)(c) (c) A home inspector is not required to do any of the following:

SPS 131.32(4)(c)1. 1. Walk on the roofing.

SPS 131.32(4)(c)2. 2. Observe attached accessories, including, but not limited to, solar systems, antennae and lightning arrestors.

SPS 131.32(4)(c)3. 3. Observe internal gutter and downspout systems and related underground drainage piping.

SPS 131.32(5) (5) Exteriors.

SPS 131.32(5)(a) (a) A home inspector shall observe and describe the condition of all of the following:

SPS 131.32(5)(a)1. 1. Wall claddings, including type.

SPS 131.32(5)(a)2. 2. Flashings and trim.

SPS 131.32(5)(a)3. 3. Entryway doors and at least one window per side of a dwelling unit.

SPS 131.32(5)(a)4. 4. Garage door operators, including whether any garage door operator automatically reverses or stops when meeting reasonable resistance during closing.

SPS 131.32(5)(a)5. 5. Decks, balconies, stoops, steps and porches including railings.

SPS 131.32(5)(a)6. 6. Eaves, soffits and fascias.

SPS 131.32(5)(a)7. 7. Grading, drainage, driveways, patios, walkways, and retaining walls that abut the dwelling unit.

SPS 131.32(5)(b) (b) A home inspector shall operate all entryway doors, garage doors, and at least one window per side of a dwelling unit.

SPS 131.32(5)(c) (c) A home inspector is not required to observe the following:

SPS 131.32(5)(c)1. 1. Storm windows, storm doors, screening, shutters, awnings, and similar seasonal accessories.

SPS 131.32(5)(c)2. 2. Locks, latches or other security devices or systems.

SPS 131.32(5)(c)3. 3. Intercom systems.

SPS 131.32(5)(c)4. 4. Fences or privacy walls.

SPS 131.32(5)(c)5. 5. Insulation or vapor barriers in exterior walls.

SPS 131.32(5)(c)6. 6. Safety glazing.

SPS 131.32(5)(c)7. 7. Garage door operator remote control transmitters.

SPS 131.32(5)(c)8. 8. Geological or soil conditions.

SPS 131.32(5)(c)9. 9. Recreational facilities.

SPS 131.32(5)(c)10. 10. Out-buildings other than garages and carports.

SPS 131.32(5)(c)11. 11. Trees, shrubs and other vegetation.

SPS 131.32(6) (6) Plumbing systems.

SPS 131.32(6)(a) (a) A home inspector shall observe and describe the condition of all of the following:

SPS 131.32(6)(a)1. 1. Interior water supply and distribution system, including piping materials, supports, fixtures, faucets, functional flow and drainage, leaks and cross connections.

SPS 131.32(6)(a)2. 2. Interior drain, waste and vent system, including traps, drain, waste, and vent piping, piping supports and leaks.

SPS 131.32(6)(a)3. 3. Hot water systems, including water heating equipment, normal operating controls, automatic safety controls, and the exterior surfaces of chimneys, flues, and vents.

SPS 131.32(6)(a)4. 4. Fuel storage and distribution systems, including interior fuel storage equipment, supply piping, venting, supports and leaks.

SPS 131.32(6)(a)5. 5. Sump pumps.

SPS 131.32(6)(b) (b) A home inspector shall operate all plumbing fixtures, including their faucets and accessible exterior faucets attached to the dwelling unit.

SPS 131.32(6)(c) (c) A home inspector is not required to do any of the following:

SPS 131.32(6)(c)1. 1. State the effectiveness of anti-siphon devices.

SPS 131.32(6)(c)2. 2. Determine whether the water supply and waste disposal systems are public or private.

SPS 131.32(6)(c)3. 3. Operate automatic safety controls or sump pumps equipped with internal or water dependent switches.

SPS 131.32(6)(c)4. 4. Operate any valve except water closet flush valves, fixture faucets and hose faucets.

SPS 131.32(6)(c)5. 5. Observe water conditioning systems, fire and lawn sprinkler systems, on-site water supply quantity and quality, on-site disposal systems, foundation drainage systems, or spas.

SPS 131.32(6)(c)6. 6. Observe the interior of flues, chimneys and vents, or solar water heating systems.

SPS 131.32(6)(c)7. 7. Observe any exterior plumbing components such as water mains or swimming pools.

SPS 131.32(6)(c)8. 8. Determine water temperature.

SPS 131.32(6)(c)9. 9. Determine the proper sizing, design or use of plumbing materials.

SPS 131.32(7) (7) Electrical systems.

SPS 131.32(7)(a) (a) A home inspector shall observe and describe the condition of all of the following:

SPS 131.32(7)(a)1. 1. Service entrance conductors.

SPS 131.32(7)(a)2. 2. Service equipment, grounding equipment, main over current device.

SPS 131.32(7)(a)3. 3. Main and distribution panels, including their location.

SPS 131.32(7)(a)4. 4. Amperage and voltage ratings of the service, including whether service type is overhead or underground.

SPS 131.32(7)(a)5. 5. Branch circuit conductors, their over current devices, and the compatibility of their ampacities and voltages, including any aluminum branch circuit wiring.

SPS 131.32(7)(a)6. 6. The operation of a representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches and receptacles located inside the house, garage and any exterior walls.

SPS 131.32(7)(a)7. 7. The polarity and grounding of all receptacles within 6 feet of interior plumbing fixtures, in the garage or carport, and on the exterior of inspected structures.

SPS 131.32(7)(a)8. 8. The operation of ground fault circuit interrupters.

SPS 131.32(7)(a)9. 9. The functionality of the power sources for smoke detectors.

SPS 131.32(7)(b) (b) A home inspector is not required to do any of the following:

SPS 131.32(7)(b)1. 1. Insert any tool, probe or testing device inside the panels.

SPS 131.32(7)(b)2. 2. Test or operate any over current device except ground fault circuit interrupters.

SPS 131.32(7)(b)3. 3. Dismantle any electrical device or control other than to remove the covers of the main and auxiliary distribution panels.

SPS 131.32(7)(b)4. 4. Observe low voltage systems, telephones, security systems, cable TV, intercoms, or other ancillary wiring that is not a part of the primary electrical distribution systems.

SPS 131.32(7)(b)5. 5. Measure amperage, voltage or impedance.