Archive for August 27, 2025

Gutters play an important role in protecting a building’s foundation and exterior surfaces by directing rainwater away from the structure. While NSPIRE inspections do not require buildings to have gutters, many properties include them, and inspectors look for defects that may impact their function. Key Gutter Inspection Points 1. Debris in Gutters 2. Loose Components…

Foundations are a critical part of building safety and structural integrity, and NSPIRE inspections place a clear focus on visible defects that may compromise this integrity. While every building is unique—some with extensive foundation work, others with minimal—there are key areas inspectors evaluate to ensure compliance and safety. Common Inspectable Foundation Elements 1. Foundation Cracks…

During NSPIRE inspections, exterior faucets—commonly called hose bibs—are a simple but important area to review. While the inspection is straightforward, understanding what constitutes a recordable defect ensures properties stay compliant and safe. What Inspectors Look For For hose bibs, the only recordable defect is: It’s important to note what is not considered a defect: So…

When it comes to NSPIRE inspections, dumpster enclosures are a common area of concern—but it’s important to understand what is and isn’t inspected. While the dumpster and its surrounding enclosure may catch your eye, HUD standards focus on safety hazards and general maintenance in the area, not the dumpster structure itself. What Inspectors Look For…

Grab bars are an important safety feature in bathrooms, especially for residents with mobility concerns. Under NSPIRE inspection standards, grab bars are only evaluated if they are installed in the bathroom. Key Inspection Points Common Scenarios Key Takeaways Grab bars may seem like a minor element, but they play a critical role in resident safety.…

As part of HUD’s NSPIRE inspection standards, cabinets across kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas are evaluated for physical condition. While cabinets may not seem like a major concern, they are one of the more common deficiencies found—especially in bathrooms. What Inspectors Look For NSPIRE inspections focus on physical damage to cabinets, not cosmetic issues like…

As HUD’s NSPIRE inspection standards continue rolling out, one common area of focus is the condition of refrigerators. While refrigerators may seem straightforward, there are some important updates on how deficiencies are identified and scored. Here’s what you need to know. The Good News: Gasket Damage Under NSPIRE, superficial gasket damage is no longer automatically…

As HUD transitions to the NSPIRE inspection standards, one area that often raises questions is auxiliary lighting—the small, usually battery-powered emergency lights commonly found in high-rises, community rooms, and offices. While not every property has them, it’s important to understand how they’re evaluated under NSPIRE. Are Auxiliary Lights Required? Here’s a key point: Properties are…

As we continue our “Understanding NSPIRE Inspections:” series, this article highlights infestation standards under HUD’s new NSPIRE (National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate) guidelines. Effective pest management is essential to maintaining a safe and healthy living environment—and ensuring your property stays inspection-ready. Key NSPIRE Updates on Infestation Evidence Over VisibilityUnder NSPIRE, inspectors…

As we transition to the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) by October 1, 2025, it’s crucial to understand the importance of properly maintaining electrical wiring. Exposed electrical wires are a significant safety concern and are given high priority under the new inspection standards. Areas of Electrical Wire Inspections Inside the…