South African Standards of Practice
The South African Standards of Practice differ somewhat from the American Inspection Standards mainly because of the different construction materials used in residential property construction in the two countries. South Africa mostly uses brick or blockwork and concrete instead of frame construction.
In addition, we have the South African National Standards (SANS), our National Building Regulations (NBR), which apply to all construction within the borders of South Africa. They differ substantially from the American building codes.
A home inspection is visual and not destructive
The descriptions and observations in my report are based on a visual inspection of the structure. I inspect all viewable structures without dismantling, damaging, or disfiguring them and without moving furniture and interior furnishings. However, areas that are concealed, hidden, inaccessible, or unsafe to view are not covered in this inspection as per the Standards of Practice. Some systems cannot be tested during this inspection as testing can damage the building. For example, bath overflow drains are generally not tested because if they leak, they could damage the building finishes. My procedures involve non-invasive investigation and non-destructive testing, which limits the scope of my inspection.
The minimum scope of my inspection
My Comprehensive Home Inspection exceeds the following systems required by the Standards of Practice.
- Roof
- Exterior
- Cellar, Underfloor Spaces & Structure
- Heating
- Fireplace
- Cooling
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Roof Space and Insulation
- Doors, Windows & Interior
The Standards of Practice do not require a technically exhaustive inspection
Furthermore, the evaluation will be based primarily on visual and non-invasive observations. As mentioned in the South African Standards of Practice, my inspection and report are not technically exhaustive.
Such inspections are available, but they are generally cost-prohibitive to most homebuyers and homeowners.
Below is the South African Standards of Practice for the Inspection of Residential Properties.
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