These are initial standards of Practice (SOPs) and have not yet been approved by InterNACHI however, they can be provided to clients in the same manner and for the same reasons that you provide the General Home Inspection SOPs to clients.

To limit your liability, before performing a wildfire survey you should have these standards reviewed by your attorney and insurance provider.

STANDARDS of PRACTICE for PERFORMING WILDFIRE SURVEYS of RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

the inspector should inspect:

  1. the primary road leading to the property;
  2. road and property address signs;
  3. automatic gates;
  4. the driveway;
  5. property slope;
  6. property vegetation;
  7. the yard within 100 feet of the home (defensible space);
  8. the home exterior;
    1. roof, including vents and any chimney;
    2. exterior walls;
    3. window and door exteriors;

      9. the electrical service conductors.

Describe:

    1. access road and driveway surfacing material and maintenance protocol;
    2. the lot size (from documentation);
    3. any bridge materials, clearance limitations, and available certifications;
    4. any gate horizontal and vertical clearances limitations;
    5. Automatic gate means of emergency entry;
    6. driveway horizontal and vertical clearances limitations;
    7. the smallest driveway inside turn radius (where applicable)
    8. the property fuels of concern (type and general density);
    9. the presence or absence of a water source approved for firefighting
    10. The exterior wall construction method and exterior wall-covering materials;
    11. the electrical service conductors as being above- or under-ground;
    12. the presence of onsite potential hazards (combustible gas/liquid fuel tanks, hazardous chemicals, etc.);
    13. any fire hydrants located within 1000 feet of the home.

Photo-document:

    1. the entry to the property, including the address sign;
    2. any bridges and posted weight limitations;
    3. automatic gate showing key box location (if present);
    4. the home, including attached structures (decks, balconies, porches);
    5. the general area included within defensible space;
    6. any potential hazards to emergency responders (combustible gas/liquid fuel tanks, hazardous chemicals, etc.).

the inspector is not required to:

        1. verify compliance with any regulations, codes, standards, or building permits;
        2. verify the fire-rating of the roof covering materials (as applicable)
        3. make property entry recommendations;
        4. enter a home or outbuilding;
        5. inspect outbuilding structures;
        6. inspect or report on systems/components that are not readily visible;
        7. inspect for, sample for, or identify any environmental hazards;
        8. make a purchase recommendation;
        9. Include in the report items listed as being outside the scope.