Reference
Home inspection glossary
These definitions help homebuyers understand reports and ask follow-up questions. Terms may be used differently by local codes, contracts, and professionals.
Published by Castilho EnterprisesUpdated 2026-07-25
Common terms
- Defect: a condition that may affect use, value, safety, or expected performance.
- Material defect: a significant issue as defined by the applicable standard, contract, or jurisdiction.
- Further evaluation: a recommendation for assessment by a qualified specialist.
- Service life: an estimate of expected useful operation, not a warranty.
- Readily accessible: observable without unsafe or destructive measures.
- Scope: the systems, locations, tests, and exclusions included in an inspection or estimate.
- Water intrusion: unwanted water entering or accumulating in a building assembly.
- Differential movement: parts of a structure moving by different amounts.
Sources and further reading
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Published and reviewed by Castilho Enterprises.
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