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Standards of Practice.
In Maryland, the standards of practice for home inspectors are established to ensure a consistent, thorough, and professional evaluation of residential properties. These standards require home inspectors to conduct a visual examination of the property’s major systems and components, including the structure, roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems, and interior and exterior elements.
At Laflamme Property Inspections, we are licensed and insured and we follow Maryland's Standards of Practice. Our goal is to provide homebuyers with an accurate, objective assessment of a property's condition.
Structural Components.
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Foundation, basement, and crawlspace
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Floors, walls, ceilings, and columns
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Roof structure and attic
Exterior Evaluation.
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Wall coverings, flashing, and trim
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Exterior doors, windows, and their operation
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Decks, balconies, porches, and railings
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Eaves, soffits, and fascias
Roofing System.
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Roof covering materials
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Roof drainage systems
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Flashings and skylights
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Roof penetrations
Plumbing System.
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Interior water supply and distribution systems
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Interior drains, waste, and vent systems
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Water heating equipment
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Fuel storage and distribution systems
Electrical System.
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Service entrance and panels
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Branch circuits, connected devices, and fixtures
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Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems.
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Heating equipment
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Cooling equipment
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Duct systems, chases, and vents
Interior Components.
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Walls, ceilings, and floors
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Steps, stairways, balconies, and railings
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Countertops and cabinets
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Garage doors and door operators
Insulation and Ventilation.
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Insulation in attics, walls, and crawlspaces
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Ventilation of attics and crawlspaces
Fireplaces and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances.
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System components
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Solid fuel-burning appliances
General Limitations and Exclusions.
Home inspectors in Maryland, following the standards of practice, operate with several important limitations.
We perform a visual inspection and are not required to move personal belongings or dismantle any part of the home, such as walls or appliances. We are not responsible for inspecting areas that are inaccessible or unsafe, like tight or unsafe crawlspaces or steep roofs.
Inspectors also do not provide technical evaluations of specialized systems like septic tanks, wells, or solar panels unless they are specifically trained in those areas. Environmental testing, such as for radon, mold, or lead, is beyond the normal scope of our inspection, unless prearranged.
Additionally, inspectors do not predict future conditions or estimate the lifespan of systems and components.
However, while we do not offer warranties or guarantees of perfection, our company stands behind its services with a quality guarantee, ensuring a thorough, professional inspection within these limitations.