Try Claude
Deep ResearchAI research reports with citations
AI Tools for Building Inspectors
AI tools that help building inspectors look up code requirements, generate deficiency reports, check product recalls, and find specialist referrals fast.
Get started for free
Works in Chat, Cowork and Code
CFM Requirement
Minimum 50 CFM intermittent or 20 CFM continuous — IRC §M1507.4
Placement
Within the bathroom space — not hallway or adjacent room
Ducting
Must exhaust to exterior — not into attic, wall cavity, or crawlspace
ENERGY STAR
Required if replacing existing fan in some jurisdictions — verify local code
Timer/Humidity Control
Some jurisdictions require controls for continuous ventilation compliance
Building code and regulation research
Look up current IRC, IBC, and local code requirements for any inspection scenario — from egress window dimensions to deck ledger bolting patterns. Get accurate code citations without flipping through codebooks.
What are the 2021 IRC requirements for smoke detector placement in a two-story home with 4 bedrooms? Include required locations and interconnect requirements.
IRC 2021 R314: Smoke alarms required in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area (hallway), and on each story including basement. Interconnection required in new construction — when one sounds, all sound. Battery backup required for all hard-wired units. Combination CO/smoke alarms acceptable if listed to UL 2034/UL 217.
ToolRouter research
Required Locations
Each bedroom · outside each sleeping area · each story including basement
Interconnection
Required in new construction — all alarms sound simultaneously
Battery Backup
Required for all hard-wired units
CO/Smoke Combo
Acceptable if listed to UL 2034 + UL 217
Inspection report generation
Generate structured inspection reports with deficiency sections, severity ratings, and recommended actions. Create professional deliverables faster while keeping your field time on the actual inspection.
Create an inspection deficiency report for a 1962 brick ranch. Findings: double-tapped breakers in main panel, missing GFCI at kitchen and bath, galvanized drain lines, no exhaust fan in primary bath, and evidence of past roof leak at chimney flashing.
Generated a 6-page inspection report organized by system (Electrical: 2 items; Plumbing: 1 item; Ventilation: 1 item; Roofing: 1 item). Each deficiency includes severity rating (Safety/Repair/Monitor), code reference, and recommended specialist referral. Summary section included.
ToolRouter create_document
SystemFindingSeverity
ElectricalDouble-tapped breakers in main panelSafety
ElectricalMissing GFCI at kitchen and bathSafety
PlumbingGalvanized drain lines — corrosion notedRepair
VentilationNo exhaust fan in primary bathRepair
RoofingPast leak evidence at chimney flashingMonitor
5 deficiencies · 3 systems · severity-rated · specialist referrals included
Recalled product identification
Check products found during inspections — electrical panels, appliances, water heaters, and building materials — against CPSC and FDA recall databases. Flag recalled items in your report to protect client safety.
Are there active CPSC recalls or safety bulletins for Carrier and Bryant HVAC units manufactured between 2015 and 2018 related to heat exchanger failures?
Found 2 relevant safety notices: CPSC recall #18-123 covering Bryant 926T series (2015–2017) for heat exchanger crack risk (carbon monoxide exposure potential). Carrier issued voluntary service bulletin VSB-HA-2018-04 for same OEM component. Recommend noting in report and advising licensed HVAC technician inspection before occupancy.
ToolRouter search_recalls
CPSC Recall #18-123
Bryant 926T series 2015–2017 — heat exchanger crack · CO exposure risk
Carrier VSB-HA-2018-04
Voluntary service bulletin — same OEM component
Recommended Action
Note in report · advise licensed HVAC inspection before occupancy
Specialist referral sourcing
When a deficiency warrants a specialist — structural engineer, mold assessor, electrician, or geotechnical engineer — find licensed professionals near the property for immediate client referral.
I found significant foundation cracking and differential settlement at a property in Naperville, IL. Find licensed structural engineers within 20 miles who evaluate residential foundations.
Found 6 licensed structural engineers within 20 miles. Top results: Anderson Engineering (PE licensed in IL, residential foundation specialist, available within 5 business days), SCI Engineers (4.9★, helical pier specialist), Midwest Structural Consultants (3 registered PEs, fast turnaround).
ToolRouter search_places
1
Anderson Engineering
PE licensed IL · residential foundation specialist · 0.8 mi
2
SCI Engineers
4.9★ · helical pier specialist · 4.2 mi
3
Midwest Structural Consultants
3 registered PEs · fast turnaround · 3.1 mi
Environmental hazard research
Research EPA, state, and local requirements for lead, asbestos, radon, and mold disclosure. Understand your reporting obligations and proper disclaimer language for each hazard type.
What are a home inspector's disclosure obligations when asbestos-containing materials are suspected but not tested during a pre-purchase inspection in Illinois?
ASHI and InterNACHI standards require visual identification and documentation of materials suspected to be ACMs (floor tiles, pipe insulation, popcorn ceilings in pre-1980 homes) but do not require testing. Report should note: "suspect ACM observed — recommend testing by licensed asbestos inspector." Failure to note visible suspect materials creates liability. Standard report language template included.
ToolRouter research
ASHI / InterNACHI Standard
Visual identification required — testing not required but note suspect ACMs
Report Language
"Suspect ACM observed — recommend testing by licensed asbestos inspector"
Pre-1980 Triggers
Floor tiles, pipe insulation, popcorn ceilings — all visual suspect ACMs
Liability
Failure to note visible suspect ACMs creates professional liability
Ready-to-use prompts
Electrical code lookup
What does the 2020 NEC (NFPA 70) require for AFCI protection in residential bedroom circuits? Include which breaker types comply and any exceptions for older aluminum wiring systems.
Generate deficiency report
Create a home inspection deficiency report with these findings: reversed polarity at 3 outlets in garage, missing handrail on deck stairs with 4 risers, bathroom exhaust venting into attic space, dryer duct runs 28 feet (max 25 per IRC), and TPRV discharge pipe missing on water heater.
Check product recalls
Are there any active CPSC recalls for Polybutylene (PB) pipe or Quest CPVC fittings that I should document in a residential inspection report for a 1987 home?
Radon requirements
Research EPA and state-specific radon disclosure requirements in Ohio and Pennsylvania. When is radon testing mandatory in a real estate transaction, and what are the 4 pCi/L action level thresholds?
Find specialist engineers
Find licensed geotechnical and structural engineers in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro who evaluate residential slab-on-grade foundation issues common in expansive clay soils. Include PE licensure status.
Lead paint rules
Summarize EPA lead paint disclosure requirements under 40 CFR 745 for a pre-1978 home sale in Texas. What must the seller disclose, what must the inspector note, and what are the RRP rule renovation requirements?
Deck safety code
What are the 2021 IRC requirements for deck guardrail height, baluster spacing, and post anchorage for an elevated deck more than 30 inches above grade? Include lateral load requirements.
Water intrusion research
What building science literature says about flashing deficiencies at chimney and skylight penetrations — what are the most common failure modes and how should I characterize severity in a residential inspection report?
Tools to power your best work
Product RecallsFood, drug, and product recalls
Word DocumentsCreate, read & modify Word docs
Places SearchFind restaurants, shops & venues worldwide
165+ tools.
One conversation.
Everything building inspectors need from AI, connected to the assistant you already use. No extra apps, no switching tabs.
Pre-inspection code prep
Before inspecting a specific property type or era, research the code version in force at construction and common defects for that build period.
Post-inspection report package
Turn field notes into a complete, professional inspection report with code citations, severity ratings, and specialist referrals.
Environmental hazard documentation
When suspect materials are found, research reporting obligations and generate appropriate disclaimer language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Deep Research access the actual IRC or IBC codebooks?
Deep Research synthesizes information from published building code summaries, code amendment databases, and regulatory publications. It provides accurate summaries with section references. For formal code citations in a legal context, verify against the current adopted version in your specific jurisdiction, as local amendments may differ from the model code.
How accurate is Product Recalls for identifying safety notices on electrical panels?
Product Recalls searches CPSC and FDA databases for formal recalls. For products like Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels that have documented safety concerns outside the formal recall process, Deep Research provides a more complete picture by aggregating fire marshal reports, ASHI recommendations, and inspector association guidance.
Can AI generate an inspection report I can deliver directly to a client?
Word Documents creates well-structured reports with professional formatting, but you must populate them with your specific field observations. AI generates templates, section structure, code references, and standard disclaimer language — you supply the actual findings. Always review any AI-generated content before client delivery.
Is the specialist referral information current?
Places Search provides current business listings with ratings, contact information, and specialty descriptions. For licensed professionals like structural engineers, always verify current licensure through your state licensing board before making a formal client referral.
Give your AI superpowers.
Get started for free
Works in Chat, Cowork and Code