CAN/CSA-A770-16 National Standard of Canada (approved March 2016) Home inspection Legal Notice for Standards CanadianStandardsAssociation(operatingas“CSAGroup”)developsstandardsthroughaconsensusstandardsdevelopmentprocessapproved bytheStandardsCouncilofCanada.Thisprocessbringstogethervolunteersrepresentingvariedviewpointsandintereststoachieveconsensus anddevelopastandard.AlthoughCSAGroupadministerstheprocessandestablishesrulestopromotefairnessinachievingconsensus,itdoes notindependentlytest,evaluate,orverifythecontentofstandards. Disclaimerandexclusionofliability Thisdocumentisprovidedwithoutanyrepresentations,warranties,orconditionsofanykind,expressorimplied,including,withoutlimitation, impliedwarrantiesorconditionsconcerningthisdocument’sfitnessforaparticularpurposeoruse,itsmerchantability,oritsnon-infringement ofanythirdparty’sintellectualpropertyrights.CSAGroupdoesnotwarranttheaccuracy,completeness,orcurrencyofanyoftheinformation publishedinthisdocument.CSAGroupmakesnorepresentationsorwarrantiesregardingthisdocument’scompliancewithanyapplicable statute,rule,orregulation. INNOEVENTSHALLCSAGROUP,ITSVOLUNTEERS,MEMBERS,SUBSIDIARIES,ORAFFILIATEDCOMPANIES,ORTHEIREMPLOYEES,DIRECTORS, OROFFICERS,BELIABLEFORANYDIRECT,INDIRECT,ORINCIDENTALDAMAGES,INJURY,LOSS,COSTS,OREXPENSES,HOWSOEVERCAUSED, INCLUDINGBUTNOTLIMITEDTOSPECIALORCONSEQUENTIALDAMAGES,LOSTREVENUE,BUSINESSINTERRUPTION,LOSTORDAMAGED DATA,ORANYOTHERCOMMERCIALORECONOMICLOSS,WHETHERBASEDINCONTRACT,TORT(INCLUDINGNEGLIGENCE),ORANYOTHER THEORYOFLIABILITY,ARISINGOUTOFORRESULTINGFROMACCESSTOORPOSSESSIONORUSEOFTHISDOCUMENT,EVENIFCSAGROUP HASBEENADVISEDOFTHEPOSSIBILITYOFSUCHDAMAGES,INJURY,LOSS,COSTS,OREXPENSES. Inpublishingandmakingthisdocumentavailable,CSAGroupisnotundertakingtorenderprofessionalorotherservicesfororonbehalfofany personorentityortoperformanydutyowedbyanypersonorentitytoanotherpersonorentity.Theinformationinthisdocumentisdirected tothosewhohavetheappropriatedegreeofexperiencetouseandapplyitscontents,andCSAGroupacceptsnoresponsibilitywhatsoever arisinginanywayfromanyandalluseoforrelianceontheinformationcontainedinthisdocument. CSAGroupisaprivatenot-for-profitcompanythatpublishesvoluntarystandardsandrelateddocuments.CSAGrouphasnopower,nordoesit undertake,toenforcecompliancewiththecontentsofthestandardsorotherdocumentsitpublishes. Intellectualpropertyrightsandownership AsbetweenCSAGroupandtheusersofthisdocument(whetheritbeinprintedorelectronicform),CSAGroupistheowner,ortheauthorized licensee,ofallworkscontainedhereinthatareprotectedbycopyright,alltrade-marks(exceptasotherwisenotedtothecontrary),andall inventionsandtradesecretsthatmaybecontainedinthisdocument,whetherornotsuchinventionsandtradesecretsareprotectedby patentsandapplicationsforpatents.Withoutlimitation,theunauthorizeduse,modification,copying,ordisclosureofthisdocumentmay violatelawsthatprotectCSAGroup’sand/orothers’intellectualpropertyandmaygiverisetoarightinCSAGroupand/orotherstoseeklegal redressforsuchuse,modification,copying,ordisclosure.Totheextentpermittedbylicenceorbylaw,CSAGroupreservesallintellectual propertyrightsinthisdocument. Patentrights Attentionisdrawntothepossibilitythatsomeoftheelementsofthisstandardmaybethesubjectofpatentrights.CSAGroupshallnotbe heldresponsibleforidentifyinganyorallsuchpatentrights.Usersofthisstandardareexpresslyadvisedthatdeterminationofthevalidityof anysuchpatentrightsisentirelytheirownresponsibility. Authorizeduseofthisdocument ThisdocumentisbeingprovidedbyCSAGroupforinformationalandnon-commercialuseonly.Theuserofthisdocumentisauthorizedtodo onlythefollowing: Ifthisdocumentisinelectronicform: • loadthisdocumentontoacomputerforthesolepurposeofreviewingit; • searchandbrowsethisdocument;and • printthisdocumentifitisinPDFformat. LimitedcopiesofthisdocumentinprintorpaperformmaybedistributedonlytopersonswhoareauthorizedbyCSAGrouptohavesuch copies,andonlyifthisLegalNoticeappearsoneachsuchcopy. Inaddition,usersmaynotandmaynotpermitothersto • alterthisdocumentinanywayorremovethisLegalNoticefromtheattachedstandard; • sellthisdocumentwithoutauthorizationfromCSAGroup;or • makeanelectroniccopyofthisdocument. IfyoudonotagreewithanyofthetermsandconditionscontainedinthisLegalNotice,youmaynotloadorusethisdocumentormakeany copiesofthecontentshereof,andifyoudomakesuchcopies,youarerequiredtodestroythemimmediately.Useofthisdocument constitutesyouracceptanceofthetermsandconditionsofthisLegalNotice. Standards Update Service CAN/CSA-A770-16 March 2016 Title: Homeinspection Toregisterfore-mailnotificationaboutanyupdatestothispublication • gotoshop.csa.ca • clickonCSAUpdateService TheListIDthatyouwillneedtoregisterforupdatestothispublicationis2424354. Ifyourequireassistance,[email protected]. VisitCSAGroup’spolicyonprivacyatwww.csagroup.org/legaltofindouthowweprotectyour personalinformation. CanadianStandardsAssociation(operatingas“CSAGroup”),under ANationalStandardofCanadaisastandarddevelopedbyanSCC- whoseauspicesthisNationalStandardhasbeenproduced,was accreditedStandardsDevelopmentOrganization(SDO),and charteredin1919andaccreditedbytheStandardsCouncilof approvedbytheStandardsCouncilofCanada(SCC),inaccordance CanadatotheNationalStandardssystemin1973.Itisanot-for- withSCC’s:RequirementsandGuidance—Accreditationfor profit,nonstatutory,voluntarymembershipassociationengagedin StandardsDevelopmentOrganizations,andRequirementsand standardsdevelopmentandcertificationactivities. Guidance—ApprovalofNationalStandardsofCanadaDesignation. MoreinformationonNationalStandardrequirementscanbefound CSAGroupstandardsreflectanationalconsensusofproducersand atwww.scc.ca. users—includingmanufacturers,consumers,retailers,unionsand professionalorganizations,andgovernmentalagencies.The AnSCC-approvedstandardreflectstheconsensusofanumberof standardsareusedwidelybyindustryandcommerceandoften expertswhosecollectiveinterestsprovide,tothegreatest adoptedbymunicipal,provincial,andfederalgovernmentsintheir practicableextent,abalanceofrepresentationofaffected regulations,particularlyinthefieldsofhealth,safety,buildingand stakeholders.NationalStandardsofCanadaareintendedtomakea construction,andtheenvironment. significantandtimelycontributiontotheCanadianinterest. Individuals,companies,andassociationsacrossCanadaindicate SCCisaCrowncorporationwithintheportfolioofIndustryCanada. theirsupportforCSAGroup’sstandardsdevelopmentby WiththegoalofenhancingCanada'seconomiccompetitivenessand volunteeringtheirtimeandskillstoCommitteeworkandsupporting socialwell-being,SCCleadsandfacilitatesthedevelopmentanduse CSAGroup’sobjectivesthroughsustainingmemberships.Themore ofnationalandinternationalstandards.SCCalsocoordinates than7000committeevolunteersandthe2000sustaining Canadianparticipationinstandardsdevelopment,andidentifies membershipstogetherformCSAGroup’stotalmembershipfrom strategiestoadvanceCanadianstandardizationefforts. whichitsDirectorsarechosen.Sustainingmembershipsrepresenta AccreditationservicesareprovidedbySCCtovariouscustomers, majorsourceofincomeforCSAGroup’sstandardsdevelopment includingproductcertifiers,testinglaboratories,andstandards activities. developmentorganizations.AlistofSCCprogramsandaccredited bodiesispubliclyavailableatwww.scc.ca. CSAGroupofferscertificationandtestingservicesinsupportofand asanextensiontoitsstandardsdevelopmentactivities.Toensure UsersshouldalwaysobtainthelatesteditionofaNationalStandard theintegrityofitscertificationprocess,CSAGroupregularlyand ofCanadafromthestandardsdevelopmentorganizationresponsible continuallyauditsandinspectsproductsthatbearthe foritspublication,asthesedocumentsaresubjecttoperiodic CSAGroupMark. review. InadditiontoitsheadofficeandlaboratorycomplexinToronto,CSA StandardsCouncilofCanada GrouphasregionalbranchofficesinmajorcentresacrossCanada 600-55MetcalfeStreet andinspectionandtestingagenciesineightcountries.Since1919, Ottawa,Ontario,K1P6L5 CSAGrouphasdevelopedthenecessaryexpertisetomeetits Canada corporatemission:CSAGroupisanindependentservice organizationwhosemissionistoprovideanopenandeffective forumforactivitiesfacilitatingtheexchangeofgoodsandservices throughtheuseofstandards,certificationandrelatedservicesto meetnationalandinternationalneeds. ForfurtherinformationonCSAGroupservices,writeto CSAGroup 178RexdaleBoulevard Toronto,Ontario,M9W1R3 Canada CetteNormeNationaleduCanadaestdisponibleenversionsfrançaiseetanglaise. AlthoughtheintendedprimaryapplicationofthisStandardisstatedinitsScope,itisimportanttonotethatitremainstheresponsibilityof theuserstojudgeitssuitabilityfortheirparticularpurpose. TMAtrade-markoftheCanadianStandardsAssociation,operatingas“CSAGroup” National Standard of Canada (approved March 2016) CAN/CSA-A770-16 Home inspection Prepared by TMA trade-mark of the Canadian Standards Association, operating as “CSA Group” Approved by PublishedinMarch2016byCSAGroup Anot-for-profitprivatesectororganization 178RexdaleBoulevard,Toronto,Ontario,CanadaM9W1R3 Topurchasestandardsandrelatedpublications,visitourOnlineStoreatshop.csa.ca orcalltoll-free1-800-463-6727or416-747-4044. ICS91.040.30 ISBN978-1-4883-0306-7 ©2016CSAGroup Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproducedinanyformwhatsoever withoutthepriorpermissionofthepublisher. CAN/CSA-A770-16 Homeinspection Contents TechnicalCommitteeonHomeInspection 4 Preface 7 0 Introduction 8 0.1 General 8 0.2 Users 8 0.3 Application 8 0.4 Homeinspections 8 0.5 Guidancetousers 8 1 Scope 9 1.1 General 9 1.2 Application 9 1.3 Exclusions 9 1.4 Terminology 10 2 Referencepublications 10 3 Definitionsandabbreviations 10 3.1 Definitions 10 3.2 Abbreviations 11 4 Generalinspectionrequirements 11 4.1 Scopeofinspection 11 4.1.1 Systemsandcomponents 11 4.1.2 Detachedbuildings 12 4.1.3 Readilyaccessibleitems 12 4.1.4 Exclusions 12 4.2 Methodsofinspection 12 4.2.1 General 12 4.2.2 Methods 12 4.2.3 Representativesample 13 4.2.4 Equipmentandtools 13 4.3 Reports 13 4.3.1 General 13 4.3.2 Formats 13 4.3.3 Reportcontents 13 4.3.4 Summaryoffindings 14 4.3.5 Inherentlimitations 14 5 Inspection 14 5.1 General 14 5.2 Site 15 5.2.1 Driveways,walkways,on-groundramps,porches,patios,decks,andbalconies 15 5.2.2 Fences 15 5.2.3 Exteriorstairs 15 March2016 ©2016CSAGroup 1 CAN/CSA-A770-16 Homeinspection 5.2.4 Retainingwallsandconstructedplanters 15 5.2.5 Sitedrainageandgrading 15 5.3 Structure 15 5.3.1 General 15 5.3.2 Foundations 15 5.3.3 Concreteslabonground/grade 16 5.3.4 Floorstructure 16 5.3.5 Wallstructure 16 5.3.6 Roofstructure 16 5.3.7 Interiorguardsandhandrails 16 5.3.8 Interiorstairs 16 5.4 Buildingenvelope 16 5.4.1 Exteriorwalls 16 5.4.2 Decks,balconies,pergolas,trellises,andsimilarstructures 17 5.4.3 Exteriorguardsandhandrails 17 5.4.4 Exteriordoors 17 5.4.5 Garagedoorsandopeners 17 5.4.6 Exteriorwindowsandskylights 17 5.4.7 Roofandattic 17 5.4.8 Soffit,fascia,andtrim 18 5.4.9 Guttersanddownspouts 18 5.4.10 Insulation,airbarrier,andvapourbarrier 18 5.5 Plumbingsystems 18 5.5.1 Potablewatersupplyanddistribution 18 5.5.2 Non-potablewaterreusesupplyanddistribution 18 5.5.3 Domesticwaterheaters 18 5.5.4 Plumbingfittingsandfixturesandbathandshowerenclosingsurfaces 19 5.5.5 Interiorsanitarydrainagesystems 19 5.5.6 Stormdrainagesystems 19 5.5.7 Non-potablewaterdischargesystems 19 5.5.8 Automaticirrigationsystems 19 5.6 Heating,cooling,andmechanicalventilationsystems 19 5.6.1 Heatingandcoolingsystems 19 5.6.2 Mechanicalventilationsystems 20 5.6.3 Fireplacesandchimneys 20 5.7 Electricalsystems 20 5.7.1 Electricalservice,maindisconnect,andearthgroundingsystem 20 5.7.2 Distributionpanels 20 5.7.3 Distributionwiringandcircuitry 20 5.7.4 Lighting,switches,receptacles,andjunctionboxes 20 5.7.5 Auxiliaryandotherelectricalsystems 21 5.8 Lifesafetysystems 21 5.8.1 Carbonmonoxidedetection 21 5.8.2 Smokeandheatdetection 21 5.8.3 Fireseparationandegress 21 5.9 Interiorfinishesandbuilt-inorattachedfurnishings 22 5.9.1 Floors,walls,ceilings,interiordoors,glazing,andtrim 22 5.9.2 Attachedcabinetryandcountertopsandbuilt-inorattachedfurnishings 22 5.10 Swimmingpoolareas 22 March2016 ©2016CSAGroup 2 CAN/CSA-A770-16 Homeinspection 5.11 Accessibilityequipment 22 AnnexA(informative) —Commentary 23 March2016 ©2016CSAGroup 3 CAN/CSA-A770-16 Homeinspection Technical Committee on Home Inspection G.Yates MinistryofServiceAlberta, Chair Edmonton,Alberta Category:RegulatoryAuthority R.Guinn Oro-Medonte,Ontario Vice-Chair Category:UserInterest D.Aylward NunavutDepartmentofCommunityand GovernmentServices, Iqaluit,Nunavut Category:RegulatoryAuthority D.Babott SouthernAlbertaInstituteofTechnology(SAIT), Calgary,Alberta Category:GeneralInterest M.Barnes Innovation,ScienceandEconomicDevelopment Canada, Ottawa,Ontario Category:RegulatoryAuthority R.Brady ConsumerAdvisoryCouncilforTechnicalStandards &SafetyAuthority(TSSA), Mississauga,Ontario Category:UserInterest A.Carson CarsonDunlop&AssociatesLtd., Toronto,Ontario Category:HomeInspection G.Clarke ClarkeEngineering, Ajax,Ontario Category:HomeInspection J.Eakes InterfaceProductions, Longueuil,Québec Category:GeneralInterest G.R.Genge GRGBuildingConsultants, Newmarket,Ontario Category:GeneralInterest March2016 ©2016CSAGroup 4 CAN/CSA-A770-16 Homeinspection R.Hanberg YukonHousingCorporation, Whitehorse,Yukon Category:RegulatoryAuthority N.Hanna ElectricalSafetyAuthority(ESA), Mississauga,Ontario Category:RegulatoryAuthority S.Hood MinistryofServiceAlberta, Associate Edmonton,Alberta J.A.Huzar ConsumersCouncilofCanada, Victoria,BritishColumbia Category:UserInterest R.Jobin FirstNationsNationalBuildingOfficersAssociation (FNNBOA), Legal,Alberta Category:GeneralInterest D.Kendall ProfessionalHome&PropertyInspectorsofCanada (PHPIC), Kanata,Ontario Category:HomeInspection G.R.Larin InternationalAssociationofCertifiedHome Inspectors(InterNACHI)Québec, St-Hubert,Québec Category:HomeInspection L.Leyser Re/maxa-bRealtyLtd., Stratford,Ontario Category:GeneralInterest M.Lio HomeownerProtectionCentre, Toronto,Ontario Category:UserInterest J.Londerville UniversityofGuelph, Guelph,Ontario Category:UserInterest D.Mah NorthernAlbertaInstituteofTechnology(NAIT), Edmonton,Alberta Category:GeneralInterest March2016 ©2016CSAGroup 5