1. A. A home inspector shall visually inspect the accessible exterior components, including:

   1. (1) Exterior wall covering, flashing, and trim;
   2. (2) All exterior doors;
   3. (3) Attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps and stringers, porches, and their associated railings and balusters;
   4. (4) Eaves, soffits, and fascias that are accessible from the ground level;
   5. (5) Vegetation, grading, surface drainage, and retaining walls on the property if any of these may adversely affect the building; and
   6. (6) Walkways, patios, and driveways leading to dwelling entrances.

2. B. A home inspector shall describe:

   1. (1) The exterior:

      1. (a) Wall covering;
      2. (b) Flashing;
      3. (c) Trim; and
      4. (d) Doors;
   2. (2) Deck components, including the absence of flashing at the ledger board;
   3. (3) Eaves, soffits, and facias;
   4. (4) Walkways, patios, driveways, including trip hazards; and
   5. (5) Grading and surface drainage that may adversely affect the building.

3. C. A home inspector is not required to inspect any of the following:

   1. (1) Screening, shutters, awnings, and similar seasonal accessories:
   2. (2) Fences, including each fence gate;
   3. (3) Geological, geotechnical, or hydrological conditions;
   4. (4) Recreational facilities;
   5. (5) Outbuildings;
   6. (6) Seawalls, break-walls, and docks; or
   7. (7) Erosion control and earth stabilization measures.

Authority: Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§16-208(a) 16-216(2), and 16-701.1(a)(3) and (7), Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: February 11, 2008 (35:3 Md. R. 289)

Regulation .01B amended effective March 17, 2014 (41:5 Md. R. 343)

Regulation .02D amended effective August 19, 2024 (51:16 Md. R. 742)

Regulation .07A, B amended effective March 17, 2014 (41:5 Md. R. 343)

Regulation .08C, D amended effective March 17, 2014 (41:5 Md. R. 343)

Chapter revised effective December 22, 2025 (52:25 Md. R. 1268)