CAN/CSA-A770-16

1.1 General This Standard specifies requirements for the physical inspection of dwellings, including a) the systems and components in and around a home that are to be inspected as part of a home inspection; b) the minimum extent to which a home is required to be inspected; c) general methods to be used for i) the examination and assessment of building components and systems at the time of the inspection; and ii) non-invasive inspection and testing; and d) minimum reporting requirements. 1.2 Application This Standard applies to both site-built and factory-built (i.e., prefabricated) dwellings including, but not limited to, all or part of a) detached and semi-detached dwellings; b) townhouses; and c) duplexes, triplexes, and other dwellings in multi-unit buildings. Notes: 1) Dwellings in multi-unit buildings can be owned (e.g., as in a freehold, condominium unit, strata unit, or co-op) or rented by the occupants. 2) In this Standard, a condominium unit, strata unit, or co-op does not include portions of the building owned in common with other owners. These items may also be included in an inspection and employ this Standard by contractual agreement (see Annex A). 3) Although this Standard is for the inspection of the dwelling and associated property, some properties can include one or more ancillary buildings or structures. These may also be included in an inspection and employ this Standard by contractual agreement. 1.3 Exclusions This Standard does not apply to a) qualification, competency, or certification of individuals conducting a home inspection; b) inspection of industrial, commercial, or institutional buildings; or c) common elements in condominiums, strata plans, etc. Note: Common elements in condominiums, strata plans etc., may be included in an inspection by contractual agreement and employ this Standard (see Annex A).