New Mexico Home Inspector Standards of Practice

New Mexico requires all licensed home inspectors to follow detailed Standards of Practice outlined in NMAC 16.66.7. These rules provide clear expectations for inspections, reporting, and client agreements. This page breaks down the essentials for homebuyers, inspectors, and real estate professionals without overwhelming you with legalese. For the full rule, visit abq.re/16-66-7.

Who Is Covered by These Standards?

These standards apply to all licensed home inspectors operating in New Mexico as well as trainees, license applicants, and the public. They provide consistency across inspections, giving buyers and agents a reliable expectation of what’s included—and what’s not.

What Home Inspectors Are Required to Do

New Mexico licensed home inspectors are required to inspect all readily accessible and permanently installed systems and components listed in the state’s regulations. This includes:

• Structural Components: Foundation, framing, crawlspaces, and attics
• Roofing: Roof covering materials, flashing, drainage, skylights, and chimneys
• Plumbing: Interior supply lines, drainage, vent systems, water heaters, and shut-off valves
• Electrical: Panels, outlets, grounding, GFCI/AFCI devices, detectors
• Heating & Cooling: Central systems, flues, combustion vents, thermostats
• Interior: Floors, ceilings, walls, stairs, balconies, windows, and doors
• Garage Areas: Door safety features, walls shared with living space, attic access
• Fireplaces: Built-in units, inserts, smoke/CO detectors in the same room
• Insulation & Ventilation: Crawlspaces, attic insulation, kitchen/bath exhaust
• Appliances: Dishwashers, ranges, microwaves, food waste grinders, and laundry hookups
• Exterior & Site: Siding, porches, decks, grading, vegetation, driveways, patios

All inspections must be performed by a licensed inspector. Trainees may participate under direct supervision, but only licensed inspectors can sign and submit reports.

What Home Inspectors Are Not Required to Do

New Mexico home inspectors are not code enforcement officers. They do not:

• Determine building code compliance or zoning legality
• Predict life expectancy of components or systems
• Operate systems that are shut down or damaged
• Disassemble components, move personal belongings, or disturb insulation
• Inspect underground systems, pools, private wells, or solar installations

They also aren’t expected to detect concealed issues, such as mold behind drywall or corrosion inside pipes. Their evaluations are visual and based on accessible areas.

Pre-Inspection Agreements

Before any inspection begins, the inspector and client must sign a pre-inspection agreement. This agreement includes:

• Date and time of the inspection
• Inspector’s full name and license number
• Inspection fee and payment terms
• A summary of what will be inspected
• Delivery date of the final report

It must also contain this exact language in capital letters:

THE HOME INSPECTOR WILL NOT DETERMINE AND THE REPORT PROVIDED UPON COMPLETION OF THE HOME INSPECTION WILL NOT CONTAIN A DETERMINATION OF WHETHER THE HOME OR COMPONENTS AND/OR SYSTEMS OF THE HOME THAT HAVE BEEN INSPECTED CONFORM TO LOCAL OR STATE BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS.

Inspection Reports: What You Get

The final inspection report must be written and include the following:

• Observed deficiencies and safety issues
• Recommendations for further evaluation
• Explanation for any item that was not inspected
• The required building code disclaimer

If the pre-inspection agreement doesn’t state a deadline, the report must be delivered within five calendar days of the inspection.

Limitations You Should Be Aware Of

Home inspections are visual and non-invasive. Inspectors are not responsible for identifying every possible defect. Common exclusions include:

• Hidden mold or pests
• Hazardous materials like asbestos or lead
• Permitting or title issues
• System efficiency or energy audits

For major decisions like mold remediation, electrical upgrades, or HVAC replacement, you’ll need to hire a licensed contractor for in-depth evaluation.

Why These Standards Matter

The New Mexico Home Inspector Licensing Act ensures that all inspectors operate under uniform expectations, which protects:

• Buyers – by ensuring inspections are consistent and regulated
• Inspectors – by clearly outlining their scope and limitations
• Agents and Sellers – by reducing liability from overpromised services

Transparency in what’s required (and what’s not) creates smoother transactions for everyone involved in the sale or purchase of a home.

Want to Learn More?

You can explore the full New Mexico home inspection standards and supporting legal documentation at abq.re/16-66-7. This resource is especially useful if you're comparing inspectors or want to ensure compliance during your own transaction.