The life-safety portion of the home inspection focuses on readily observable conditions and devices that may affect occupant safety.
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are important life-safety devices.
Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, inside each bedroom or sleeping area, and outside sleeping areas in accordance with applicable requirements and manufacturer instructions.
Where fuel-fired appliances, fireplaces, attached garages, or other combustion sources are present, carbon monoxide alarms should be installed on every level and outside sleeping areas where required or recommended by applicable standards and manufacturer instructions.
Best practices include:
- test alarms regularly
- replace batteries as recommended by the manufacturer
- replace alarms at the end of their manufacturer-specified service life
- maintain a household emergency escape plan
Missing, damaged, outdated, or nonfunctional alarms should be corrected promptly.
Fire Extinguishers
Appropriately rated fire extinguishers should be readily accessible in appropriate locations such as the kitchen and garage.
Extinguishers should be:
- visible and accessible
- maintained according to manufacturer instructions
- replaced or serviced when expired, damaged, discharged, or otherwise no longer serviceable
Gas & Gas-Fired Appliances
Accessible portions of gas piping, appliance connectors, shutoff valves, and related components may be visually observed for general condition where accessible.
Connections concealed behind appliances or within building assemblies cannot be fully evaluated during a visual inspection.
Flexible connectors and other gas components can deteriorate or be damaged when appliances are moved or serviced.
Where visible deterioration, improper installation, suspected leakage, or other concerns are present, evaluation by an appropriately licensed gas or plumbing professional is recommended.
Combustible-Gas Detection
Carbon monoxide alarms do not detect natural gas or propane leaks.
Where natural gas or propane appliances are present, homeowners may consider listed combustible-gas detectors appropriate for the fuel in use and installed according to manufacturer instructions.
General VOC monitors are not substitutes for approved combustible-gas leak detectors.