Definitions

As used in sections 20-491-1 to 20-491-26, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies: (1) "Alarm systems" means warning devices, installed or free-standing, including but not limited to: carbon monoxide detectors, flue gas and other spillage detectors, security equipment, ejector pumps and smoke alarms; (2) "Architectural service" means "the practice of architecture" or "practice architecture" as defined in Section 20-288(3) of the Connecticut General Statutes; (3) "Automatic safety controls" means devices designed and installed to protect systems and components from unsafe conditions; (4) "Component" means a part of a system; (5) "Decorative" means ornamental; not required for the operation of the essential systems and components of a home; (6) "Describe" means to report a system or component by its type or other observed, significant characteristics to distinguish it from other systems or components; (7) "Dismantle" means to take apart or remove any component, device or piece of equipment that would not be taken apart or removed by a homeowner in the course of normal and routine home owner maintenance; (8) "Engineering service" means services offered by a "professional engineer" as defined in Section 20-299(1) of the Connecticut General Statutes; (9) "Further evaluation" means examination and analysis by a qualified professional, tradesperson or service technician beyond that provided by the home inspection; (10) "Household appliances" means kitchen, laundry, and similar appliances, whether installed or free-standing; (11) "Inspect" means to examine readily accessible systems and components of a building in accordance with home inspection statutes and sections 20-491-1 to 20-491-26, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, using normal operating controls and opening readily accessible panels; (12) "Installed" means attached such that removal requires tools; (13) "Normal operating controls" means devices such as thermostats, switches or valves intended to be operated by the homeowner; (14) "Readily accessible" means available for visual inspection without requiring moving of personal property, dismantling, destructive measures, or any action which will likely involve risk to persons or property; (15) "Readily openable access panel" means a panel provided for homeowner inspection and maintenance that is within normal reach, can be removed by one person, and is not sealed in place; (16) "Recreational facilities" means spas, saunas, steambaths, swimming pools, exercise, entertainment, athletic, playground or other similar equipment and associated accessories; (17) "Report" means to communicate in writing; (18) "Representative number" means one component per room for multiple similar interior components such as windows and electric outlets; one component on each side of the building for multiple similar exterior components; (19) "Roof drainage systems" means components used to carry water off a roof and away from a building; (20) "Significantly deficient" means unsafe or not functioning; (21) "Shut down" means a state in which a system or component cannot be operated by normal operating controls; (22) "Solid fuel burning appliances" means a hearth and fire chamber or similarily prepared place in which a fire may be built and which is built in conjunction with a chimney; or a listed assembly of a fire chamber, its chimney and related factory-made parts designed for unit assembly without requiring field construction; (23) "Structural component" means a component that supports non-variable forces or weights (dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live loads); (24) "System" means a combination of interacting or independent components, assembled to carry out one or more functions; (25) "Technically exhaustive" means an investigation that involves dismantling, the extensive use of advance techniques, measurements, instruments, testing, calculations or other means; (26) "Under-floor crawl space" means the area within the confines of the foundation and between the ground and the underside of the floor; (27) "Unsafe" means a condition in a readily accessible, installed system or component that is judged to be a significant risk of personal injury during normal, day-to-day use. The risk may be due to damage, deterioration, improper installation or a change in accepted residential construction standards; and (28) "Wiring methods" means identification of electrical conductors or wires of the general type, such as "non-metallic sheathed cable" ("Romex"), "armored cable" ("bx") or "knob and tube."