<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" citation="COMAR 09.36.07.02" title_num="09" subtitle_num="36" chapter_num="07" heading="General.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Purpose. In the general public interest, the standards of practice set forth in this chapter are promulgated to establish a minimum and uniform standard of performance to be exercised by a home inspector licensed by the Maryland State Commission of Real Estate Appraisers and Home Inspectors.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Conflicts. If this chapter conflicts with other federal or State requirements, the home inspector shall follow the more stringent requirements.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Scope. The standards of practice set forth in this chapter apply only to the inspection of a residential building containing one to four dwelling units.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Inspections.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The standards of practice set forth in this chapter:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Identify the items, components, systems, and certain terms included in the scope of a home inspection; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Apply to a visual inspection of the readily accessible areas of the included items, components, and systems to determine if, at the time of the home inspection, the items, components, and systems are performing their intended function or are determined to be significantly deficient.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A home inspection performed in accordance with the standards of practice set forth in this chapter:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Shall be conducted while the licensed home inspector who is responsible for preparing the report in accordance with Business Occupations and Professions Article, § 16-101(i), Annotated Code of Maryland, is physically on-site at the property to be inspected;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Is intended to provide a client with objective information regarding the condition of the systems and components of a home at the time of the home inspection;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Acts to identify visible defects and conditions that, in the judgment of the home inspector, adversely affect the function or integrity of the items, components, and systems inspected, including those items or components near the end of their serviceable life;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>May not be construed as a compliance inspection pursuant to any code or governmental regulation;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Is not intended to be construed as a guarantee, warranty, or any form of insurance;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Is not an express or implied warranty or a guarantee of the adequacy, performance, or useful life of any item, component, or system in, on, or about the inspected property;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(g)">
        <text>Is based on the visual observation of the home inspector; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(h)">
        <text>Shall be performed in a time period sufficient to allow compliance with the provisions of the standards of practice set forth in this chapter.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Representative Number. For the purpose of making a finding or conclusion as a result of a home inspection, a home inspector may consider a representative number of:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Electrical outlets;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Exterior windows;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Doors;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Siding materials; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Exposed attic and floor, including attic and floor framing.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Report. A home inspection report:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Shall contain the written opinion of the home inspector based on the judgment and experience of the home inspector;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Shall contain a description of systems and components in accordance with §D of this regulation;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Is not intended to be technically exhaustive; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>May identify items in need of further evaluation.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>