Inspection Guide
NSPIRE Inspection Order
Recommended sequence for conducting NSPIRE inspections based on industry best practices, logical flow, and safety priorities. Follow this order to ensure efficient and thorough inspections.
Total Standards: 103
Last Updated: January 2026
Key Inspection Principles
Outside → Inside → UnitExterior to interior flow
Life-Safety FirstEmergency systems before routine items
Structural Before FinishesBuilding integrity before aesthetics
Systems Before FixturesMechanical/electrical before appliances
Room-by-RoomComplete each room before moving on
1
Phase 1: Exterior (Outside) Inspection
Assess property from outside, identify building envelope issues, and verify site conditions before entering the building
17 standards
−
Start here - helps identify property
Life-Threateningoutside
#2
Parking Lot Standard
Standardoutside
#3
Private Roads and Driveways Standard
Standardoutside
#4
Sidewalk, Walkway, and Ramp Standard
Standardoutside
#5
Roof Assembly Standard
Standardoutside
#6
Wall – Exterior Standard
Standardoutside
#7
Foundation Standard
Standardoutside
#8
Site Drainage Standard
Standardoutside
#9
Fire Escape Standard
High Priorityoutside
#10
Fence and Gate Standard
Standardoutside
#11
Retaining Wall Standard
Standardoutside
#12
Lighting – Exterior Standard
Standardoutside
#13
Drain Standard
Standardoutside
#14
Chimney Standard
Standardoutside
#15
Trip Hazard Standard
Standardoutside
#16
Fire Extinguisher Standard
Standardoutside
#17
Flammable and Combustible Item Standard
Standardoutside
2
Phase 2: Common Areas (Inside) Inspection
Inspect shared spaces, building systems, and common area safety features before entering individual units
35 standards
−
#18
Door – Entry Standard
Standardinside
#19
Door – Fire Labeled Standard
High Priorityinside
#20
Door – General Standard
Standardinside
#21
Egress Standard
High Priorityinside
#22
Exit Sign Standard
High Priorityinside
Life-Threateninginside
#24
Smoke Alarm Standard
Life-Threateninginside
#25
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Standard
Life-Threateninginside
#26
Fire Extinguisher Standard
High Priorityinside
#27
Sprinkler Assembly Standard
High Priorityinside
#28
Elevator Standard
Standardinside
#29
Lighting – Interior Standard
Standardinside
#30
Lighting – Auxiliary Standard
High Priorityinside
#31
Electrical – Service Panel Standard
Standardinside
#32
Electrical – GFCI or AFCI – Outlet or Breaker Standard
High Priorityinside
#33
Electrical – Conductor, Outlet, and Switch
Standardinside
#34
Floor Standard
Standardinside
#35
Wall – Interior Standard
Standardinside
#36
Ceiling Standard
Standardinside
#37
Steps and Stairs Standard
High Priorityinside
#38
Handrail Standard
High Priorityinside
#39
Guardrail Standard
High Priorityinside
#40
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Standard
Standardinside
#41
Ventilation
Standardinside
#42
Drain Standard
Standardinside
#43
Leak – Water
Standardinside
#44
Leak – Gas or Oil
Life-Threateninginside
#45
Leak – Sewage System
Life-Threateninginside
#46
Mold-Like Substance Standard
Standardinside
#47
Infestation Standard
Standardinside
#48
Litter Standard
Standardinside
#49
Trip Hazard Standard
Standardinside
#50
Sharp Edges Standard
Standardinside
#51
Structural System Standard
Standardinside
#52
Trash Chute Standard
Standardinside
3
Phase 3: Unit Inspection
Inspect individual dwelling units systematically, room by room, ensuring all standards are evaluated
51 standards across 11 sections
−
Unit Entry and Safety Systems (First Priority - Life Safety)
4 standards+
Unit Entry and Security
4 standards+
Unit Electrical Systems
5 standards+
Unit Structural Elements
6 standards+
Unit Plumbing and Water Systems
8 standards+
Unit HVAC and Ventilation
3 standards+
Unit Kitchen
5 standards+
Unit Bathroom
6 standards+
Unit Laundry (If Applicable)
2 standards+
Unit Hazards and Conditions
6 standards+
Unit Chimney and Fire Safety (If Applicable)
2 standards+
Special Considerations
⚠️ Life-Threatening (24-Hour Correction)
- Call-for-Aid System Standard
- Smoke Alarm Standard
- Carbon Monoxide Alarm Standard
- Leak – Gas or Oil
- Leak – Sewage System
✓ Affirmative Habitability Requirements
- Food Storage Space (Cabinet and Storage - Unit only)
- Minimum Electrical and Lighting (Unit)
- Egress (Unit/Inside)
🔧 Requires Testing
- Call-for-Aid System
- Smoke Alarm
- Carbon Monoxide Alarm
- Bathtub and Shower
- Toilet
- Sink
- +4 more
📏 Requires Measurement
- Call-for-Aid System (pull cord height - must be ≤6 inches)
- Cabinet and Storage (percentage calculation - 50% threshold)
- Egress (window/door size requirements)
103
Total Standards
11
Life-Threatening
16
High Priority
3
Inspection Phases