AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter)
A circuit breaker that detects dangerous electrical arcs and shuts off power to prevent fires. Required in bedrooms and living areas by current code.
AOAO
Association of Apartment Owners — Hawaii's term for a condominium homeowners association. Responsible for common-area maintenance and building insurance.
Deficiency
A condition that does not meet the applicable standard, is unsafe, or represents a significant departure from normal wear and tear. Noted in the inspection report for action.
Deferred Maintenance
Maintenance or repairs that have been postponed. Common on Kauai where humidity, salt air, and UV exposure accelerate deterioration of exterior surfaces and roofing.
FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared)
Thermal imaging technology that detects temperature differences on surfaces. Used to find hidden moisture, insulation gaps, electrical hot spots, and plumbing leaks behind walls.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
A safety device that shuts off electrical power when it detects current flowing through an unintended path (like water). Required near water sources — kitchens, bathrooms, exterior, garages.
Material Defect
A condition that significantly affects the value, desirability, or safety of a property. Distinct from cosmetic issues or normal wear and tear.
Mini-Split
A ductless air conditioning system common in Hawaii homes. Consists of an outdoor compressor and one or more indoor wall-mounted units. More efficient than central AC in tropical climates.
Moisture Intrusion
Water entering the building envelope through roofing failures, flashing defects, window seals, plumbing leaks, or condensation. The single most consequential issue in Kauai inspections.
Non-Invasive Visual Examination
The standard inspection method — evaluating visible and accessible components without disassembling, cutting into, or damaging any part of the property. The baseline for all buyer inspections.
Punch List
A list of remaining items to be completed or corrected, typically at the end of new construction before the buyer accepts the home from the builder.
Remaining Useful Life
An estimate of how many more years a component (roof, water heater, HVAC) can be expected to function before replacement is needed. Based on age, condition, and maintenance history.
Scope of Inspection
The agreed-upon boundaries of what the inspection will and will not cover. Defined before the inspection begins in the pre-inspection agreement.
Standards of Practice (SOP)
The published standards that define the minimum requirements for a home inspection. InterNACHI's SOP is the most widely adopted standard in the industry.
Subterranean Termites
Wood-destroying insects that build colonies in soil and access structures through mud tubes. Extremely common in Hawaii and a major concern in every Kauai inspection.
TPR Valve (Temperature & Pressure Relief)
A safety valve on water heaters that releases water if temperature or pressure exceeds safe levels. Must be present, properly installed, and piped to a safe discharge location.
GE Tax (General Excise Tax)
Hawaii's equivalent of sales tax, applied to gross business receipts. Currently 4.712% on Kauai. Applied to all inspection fees.
Lanai
A covered porch, patio, or balcony. In Hawaii real estate, lanais are common living spaces and are evaluated during inspection for structural condition, railings, and weather exposure.
Ohana Unit
A secondary dwelling on a residential property, similar to an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit). Inspected separately with its own systems evaluation when included in scope.
Post-and-Pier Foundation
A foundation system common in older Hawaii homes where the structure sits on concrete piers with a crawlspace underneath. Requires inspection of piers, posts, beams, and moisture conditions below.