# COMAR Title 09 — Maryland Department of Labor

## Subtitle 36 — Commission of Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies, and Home Inspectors — Home Inspectors

### Chapter 07 — Minimum Standards of Practice

#### Regulation .05 Exterior.

*COMAR 09.36.07.05*

A. A home inspector shall visually inspect the accessible exterior components, including:

  (1) Exterior wall covering, flashing, and trim;

  (2) All exterior doors;

  (3) Attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps and stringers, porches, and their associated railings and balusters;

  (4) Eaves, soffits, and fascias that are accessible from the ground level;

  (5) Vegetation, grading, surface drainage, and retaining walls on the property if any of these may adversely affect the building; and

  (6) Walkways, patios, and driveways leading to dwelling entrances.

B. A home inspector shall describe:

  (1) The exterior:

    (a) Wall covering;

    (b) Flashing;

    (c) Trim; and

    (d) Doors;

  (2) Deck components, including the absence of flashing at the ledger board;

  (3) Eaves, soffits, and facias;

  (4) Walkways, patios, driveways, including trip hazards; and

  (5) Grading and surface drainage that may adversely affect the building.

C. A home inspector is not required to inspect any of the following:

  (1) Screening, shutters, awnings, and similar seasonal accessories:

  (2) Fences, including each fence gate;

  (3) Geological, geotechnical, or hydrological conditions;

  (4) Recreational facilities;

  (5) Outbuildings;

  (6) Seawalls, break-walls, and docks; or

  (7) Erosion control and earth stabilization measures.