One of the first and most important requirements of any inspection is verifying the correct address. If you cannot locate or confirm the address, your entire inspection may be rejected. This lesson explains exactly what to do when the property does not have visible house numbers or when address verification is uncertain.
1. You Must Always Attempt to Verify the Address
Before taking photos or attempting contact:
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Look for visible numbers on the house
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Look at the mailbox (for number only, not to place anything inside)
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Check curb markings
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Look for numbers on posts, fences, or near the front door
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Compare the home to the InspectorADE photo (if provided)
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Compare Google Maps imagery (exterior match)
Always begin with this step.
2. If the Address Number Is Missing on the House
You must:
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Take a photo of the area where the numbers should be
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Take a photo of the mailbox number (if present)
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Take a photo of curb/street-number markings (if present)
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Take photos of neighboring house numbers
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Take a wide-angle photo that shows the property and surrounding homes
This builds a chain of evidence proving you were at the correct location.
3. Acceptable Address Verification Photos
A. House Number (best)
Clear photo showing actual house numbers.
B. Mailbox Number
If mailbox is next to the house, take a photo showing:
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Number
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House visible in background (if possible)
C. Curb Number
If painted on curb, photograph clearly.
4. When No Address Is Visible Anywhere
If the property has:
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No house numbers
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No mailbox numbers
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No curb numbers
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No visible indicators
Then do the following:
A. Take Photos of Both Neighbor Houses
Show:
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Their house numbers
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The inspected home between them (if possible)
B. Take a Wide Shot Showing the Entire Block
Verify the structure’s location with street layout.
C. Use GPS
InspectorADE will include GPS metadata automatically if enabled.
D. Write Detailed Notes
Example:
“Property has no posted address. Verified correct location by matching Google imagery and neighboring addresses 142 & 146. Photos provided.”
This provides full justification for the client.
5. When Street Layout Causes Confusion
Some neighborhoods have:
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Multiple houses with similar layouts
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Odd-number/even-number patterns that skip numbers
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Poor visibility due to vegetation
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Multi-unit buildings with unclear signage
In these cases:
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Use multiple verification photos
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Document street views
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Photograph any posted community maps (if available)
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Take photos of building/unit markers
6. When Google Maps or GPS Doesn’t Match the Actual House
This happens more often than expected due to:
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New construction
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Address renumbering
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Rural areas
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Incorrect Google listings
If the house appears different than expected:
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Take wide-angle photos
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Document what you observe
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Photograph street signs
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Provide neighboring addresses
Clients rely on your field verification over outdated online maps.
7. What If You Believe You Are at the Wrong Property?
Stop immediately.
Do NOT:
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Take photos
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Attempt contact
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Leave envelopes
Instead:
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Double-check GPS
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Compare house style to Google
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Check neighboring addresses
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Verify street signs
If you cannot confirm:
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Leave the property
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Write notes explaining uncertainty
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Contact NMFS for clarification
Never submit an inspection you are unsure about.
8. Notes Required for “Unable to Verify Address” Situations
Your notes must include:
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Exact reason numbers were missing
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How you attempted to verify the property
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Neighbor addresses
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Whether mailbox/curb numbers were present
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Any matching features from maps or imagery
Example:
“Unable to verify address from structure. No numbers posted. Mailbox unmarked. Verified correct location by comparing exterior to inspector photo and neighbors (#201 and #205). Photos included.”
This protects the inspector and NMFS.
9. When Address Verification Is Completely Impossible
Rare, but can happen:
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Multiple identical buildings
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Rural land with no markers
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Private road not listed on maps
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House numbers removed intentionally
If you absolutely cannot determine the property:
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Take photos showing surrounding area
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Note why verification was impossible
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Do NOT attempt contact
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Submit inspection as Unable to Verify Address
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Notify NMFS
Clients prefer honesty over incorrect submissions.
Summary
When address numbers are missing or unclear:
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Use mailbox/curb/neighbor numbers
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Take multiple verification photos
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Use wide shots and street views
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Include GPS metadata
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Write detailed notes
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Never guess
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Notify NMFS if verification is impossible
Correct address verification prevents serious client issues and protects you from liability.