This is an example of how the Home Reference Book works. The first page is the explanation of the codes used in the report. This page faces each of the report forms for easy reference.

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The next page is an example of a report form. This is the Roofing, Chimneys and Flashings page. At the top of the form is a description of the roofing system. In this case, there are three sloped roofs on this house, which have asphalt shingles. The porch roof has only one layer of shingles on it, however the main and secondary slopes have multiple layers of shingles and will require stripping before they are re-shingled. The flat roof is a built-up roof, which should be stripped when it is replaced. The chimney is a masonry chimney.

Below the description is a section describing any limitations to the inspection. In this case, the inspector walked on the roof surfaces, however the gravel on the flat roof restricted the inspection.

Below this are the improvement recommendations. These read like sentences (remember that the codes are explained on the opposite page). In this case:

• The main slope has damage and should be repaired on the north side within one year at a cost of fifty to one hundred dollars.
• The flat roof has blisters and should be monitored at the southeast.
• The chimney height is a problem and should be repaired at the northwest corner within a year at a cost of 300 to 500 dollars.

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The next page is an example of the text which follows each of the report forms. The reference numbers across the top and down the side of the report forms refer to the relevant text behind. This gives people more detailed information regarding the component or improvement recommendation. In this case, 3.3 height was circled in the Chimneys section. If you refer to 3.3 in the text, you will find out why chimney height is important and what the chimney height should be.

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