Standards & Advocacy

Master Inspector Association Standards of Practice for Registered Master Inspectors™ (RMI™)

Effective Date: 28 March 2026 Last Reviewed: March 2026

Official Standards of Practice for Registered Master Inspectors™ (RMI™)

The Master Inspector Association (MIA) is an international professional body supporting building inspectors across Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and other jurisdictions.

Registered Master Inspectors™ (RMI™) are experienced professionals (minimum of 5 years experience and approximately 1,000 fee-paid inspections) who uphold best-practice inspection standards, foster collaboration among members, and pursue ongoing education.

These Standards of Practice (SOP) define the minimum requirements for a professional visual inspection of a residential property. They work in conjunction with the MIA Code of Ethics and Professional Standards (available at masterinspectorassociation.org/standards-of-practice) and must be read together with any applicable local licensing laws, building codes, or regulations.

Nothing in this SOP shall be interpreted to require an inspector to perform a technically exhaustive inspection, to dismantle any component, or to enter any area that presents an unreasonable risk of injury.

1. Purpose and Scope

The purpose of an MIA inspection is to provide the client with an impartial, clear, and thorough visual assessment of the general condition of readily accessible systems and components of the property as they exist on the day of the inspection.

The inspection is non-invasive and visual only. It is not:

A building-code compliance inspection

A warranty, guarantee, or insurance policy

A substitute for specialist advice (e.g., structural engineer, weathertightness expert, geotechnical report, or pest control operator)

An environmental, asbestos, mould, radon, or lead-paint survey

The inspector shall inspect the following systems and components when they are readily accessible, safe to inspect, and not obstructed:

2. Definitions

Readily Accessible: Visible and reachable without moving personal belongings, furniture, plants, soil, snow, or stored items, and without the use of ladders (except where ladders are safely and reasonably used for roof or exterior wall inspection).

Material Defect: A condition that significantly affects the value, safety, or intended use of the component or system.

Visual Inspection: Observation with the unaided eye (or with standard inspection tools such as flashlight, moisture meter, electrical tester, infrared camera, or drone where appropriate and safe).

3. General Limitations, Exceptions, and Exclusions

The inspector is not required to:

Inspect areas that are not readily accessible or that pose a safety risk (e.g., steep/wet roofs, confined crawl spaces without proper PPE, attics without safe access).

Move personal items, furniture, stored goods, soil, mulch, or vegetation.

Operate any system or component that is shut down, inoperable, or that the inspector deems unsafe.

Dismantle, remove, or open any component (except normal operation of doors, windows, switches, outlets, taps, etc.).

Enter any area that may damage the property or inspector’s safety.

Inspect underground utilities, septic systems, wells, or private water systems unless specifically contracted.

Determine the presence of mould, asbestos, lead, radon, or other environmental hazards unless specifically contracted.

Provide cost estimates for repairs or remaining useful life (unless specifically requested and within the inspector’s expertise).

Any limitations must be clearly stated in the report.

4. Standards of Practice – Systems and Components

The inspector shall visually inspect and report on the following (where present and accessible):

4.1 Roof System

Roof covering materials, flashings, skylights, chimneys, vents, gutters, and downspouts.

Signs of leaks, damage, wear, or improper installation.

Roof structure visible from inside attic or from ground level.

4.2 Exterior

Wall cladding, flashing, trim, eaves, soffits, and fascia.

Windows, exterior doors, and their operation.

Decks, balconies, porches, steps, and railings (including attachment to structure).

Grading, drainage, and vegetation in contact with the building.

4.3 Foundation / Basement / Crawlspace / Subfloor

Visible foundation walls, footings, and floor structure.

Signs of moisture, settlement, cracking, or movement.

Ventilation and insulation where visible.

4.4 Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC)

Heating and cooling systems (furnace, heat pump, air conditioner, boilers).

Visible ductwork, registers, and flues.

Operation of thermostats and normal controls (one cycle only).

Fireplaces and solid-fuel appliances (where safe to inspect).

4.5 Plumbing System

Visible supply and drain pipes, fixtures, faucets, and drains.

Hot water system (tank or tankless).

Functional flow and drainage at fixtures.

Sump pumps and visible septic components (if present).

4.6 Electrical System

Service entrance, main panel, sub-panels, and grounding.

Visible wiring, outlets, switches, and fixtures.

Operation of GFCI/AFCI devices where present.

Smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors (visual condition and presence only).

4.7 Interior

Walls, ceilings, floors, and visible structure.

Doors, windows, and stairways (operation and safety).

Kitchens and bathrooms (fixtures and cabinetry).

Garage (if attached) – fire separation, door operation, and vehicle door openers.

4.8 Insulation, Ventilation, and Attic

Visible insulation and vapour barriers.

Ventilation of attic, roof, and crawlspace.

Exhaust fans and range hoods.

4.9 Other Components (as applicable)

Built-in appliances (visual operation only).

Swimming pools/spas (surface and visible equipment only).

Outbuildings or detached garages (limited visual inspection).

5. Inspection Procedures

The inspector shall perform a methodical, uninterrupted visual inspection.

Clients, agents, buyers, and sellers shall be advised that the inspector must not be disturbed during the inspection process.

Safety is paramount: appropriate PPE must be worn; any unsafe areas must be excluded in writing.

All inspections must be performed within the inspector’s training, qualifications, and experience. Limitations or need for specialist evaluation must be disclosed in writing before or during the inspection.

6. Reporting Requirements

The written report shall:

Be clear, concise, objective, and free of bias.

Describe material defects in sufficient detail so that all parties reach a similar understanding of the issue and its significance.

Include photographs where helpful to illustrate findings.

Clearly state the scope and limitations of the inspection.

Contain a suitable Limit of Liability clause.

Be delivered in a timely manner using professional formatting and technology.

Recommend further specialist evaluation where appropriate (e.g., weathertightness invasive testing, structural engineering, electrical or plumbing specialist).

7. Code of Ethics Integration

All RMI™ members must also comply with the MIA Code of Ethics and Professional Standards, which require:

Impartiality and absence of conflicts of interest.

Competence and transparency.

Professional conduct and continuing education.

Clear communication and client-first service.

8. Compliance and Enforcement

Members must remain in good standing with all local licensing and regulatory bodies.

Failure to adhere to these Standards of Practice or the Code of Ethics may result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the Association.

Members are encouraged to exceed these minimum standards through advanced training, technology, and collaboration with fellow RMIs.

9. Client Acknowledgement

Every report shall include a statement confirming that the client has read and accepts the Scope of Inspection, Limitations, and Terms of Use of the Master Inspector Association.

Adopted by the Master Inspector Association For questions or feedback on these Standards of Practice, please contact:home@masterinspector.org.au

This document is a living document and will be reviewed annually by the MIA Advisory Council to maintain relevance with industry developments, safety standards, and regulatory changes.

Registered Master Inspectors™ – Excellence in Inspection, Reporting, and Client Service.