Lesson 18 — Understanding Inspection Types (NMFS Standard Categories)

NMFS assigns several different types of inspections, and each one has its own purpose, required photos, and reporting expectations. This lesson provides a clear overview of the inspection categories you will see in InspectorADE so you always know what is required before you arrive at the property.

1. Occupancy Inspection

Purpose:
Determine whether the property is occupied or vacant.

You must document:

  • Occupancy indicators (vehicles, lights, personal items)

  • Contact attempt at front door

  • Exterior photos of the home

  • Notes describing what you observed

No interior access unless specifically authorized.

2. No Contact Inspection

Purpose:
Confirm that no direct occupant contact is required, but you still report on the condition and status.

You must:

  • Take required exterior photos

  • Document occupancy indicators

  • Complete all required fields

  • Provide clear notes on property condition

Door hangers are not always required, but follow the work order instructions.

3. Initial Vacant / Initial Secure Inspection

Purpose:
Document the first official inspection after a property is reported or believed to be vacant.

You must:

  • Photograph the entire exterior

  • Report signs of forced entry or vandalism

  • Document utilities (on or off)

  • Report hazards or damages

  • Provide detailed notes

Interior access is not allowed unless specifically written in the work order.

4. Property Condition Report (PCR)

Purpose:
Provide a full condition update on the property.

You must:

  • Take photos of all exterior sides

  • Document any exterior damages

  • Verify occupancy

  • Report hazards, code violations, or city postings

  • Provide detailed descriptive notes

If interior access is required, it will be clearly stated.

5. Loss Draft / Insurance Inspection

Purpose:
Verify repairs for insurance claims.

You must:

  • Contact attempt at front door

  • If access is granted, photograph repairs, completed or not completed

  • Document remaining damages

  • Verify completeness of work

  • Check contractor presence (if applicable)

Interior access depends on work order instructions.

6. Vacancy Check

Purpose:
Verify whether a previously occupied property is now vacant.

You must:

  • Complete a front-door contact attempt

  • Observe occupancy indicators

  • Photograph all required exterior angles

  • Describe any signs that suggest move-out or continued occupancy

Detailed notes are important.

7. Disaster / Damage Inspection

Purpose:
Document storm-related or unexpected damages after:

  • Hurricanes

  • Tornadoes

  • Flooding

  • Fires

  • Wind events

You must:

  • Photograph all visible damages

  • Document hazards

  • Take wide-angle and close-up photos

  • Provide detailed notes on severity and location

Interior access only if authorized.

8. Form 30 / HUD-Designated Inspections

Purpose:
Specialized government-required inspection type.

You must:

  • Follow the work order checklist accurately

  • Complete all required data fields in InspectorADE

  • Take all specified photos

  • Provide clear descriptive notes

These are often time-sensitive.

9. Meter Read / Utility Verification

Purpose:
Document utility status.

You must:

  • Locate the gas, water, or electric meter

  • Photograph meter reading clearly

  • Describe status (on, off, locked, tagged, missing)

  • Photograph meter location

  • Note any hazards or leaks

If the meter is missing or inaccessible, photograph the area and explain why.

10. Drive-By Inspection

Purpose:
Quick verification from the street.

You must:

  • Take required street-level photos

  • Verify occupancy indicators

  • Complete required fields

  • Document any obvious exterior issues

You do not approach the home or attempt contact.

11. Re-Inspections / Recurring Inspections

Purpose:
Provide periodic updates (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly).

You must:

  • Repeat standard photo set

  • Update condition changes

  • Report hazards or new damages

  • Document occupancy changes

  • Follow the same rules every time for consistency

12. Special Instruction Inspections

Some orders contain unique requirements:

  • HOA issues

  • City code violations

  • Posting notices

  • Verifying a specific repair

  • Checking a specific room (if authorized)

Always read the notes inside InspectorADE carefully.

Summary

This lesson helps you quickly understand what type of inspection you are performing, what photos are needed, and what notes are required. Each type has a clear purpose, and knowing these differences helps prevent rejections.

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