TRACE Property Services LLC (operating and doing business under its registered trade names and operational divisions, including “TRACE Home Inspections,” “TRACE Property Services,” and “TRACE Service Group,” herein collectively referred to as “Company,” “TRACE,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), licensed by the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR License #HI18910), provides professional property inspection, infrared thermography, aerial drone diagnostics, insurance documentation, and specialized consulting services through traceinspect.com (the “Site”) and via direct service bookings.

PLEASE READ THIS MASTER AGREEMENT CAREFULLY. BY ACCESSING OUR WEBSITE, SCHEDULING AN INSPECTION, EXECUTING A WORK ORDER, REMITTING PAYMENT, OR DOWNLOADING/UTILIZING ANY INSPECTION REPORT OR DIAGNOSTIC DATA PRODUCED BY TRACE, YOU (THE “CLIENT,” “YOU,” OR “YOUR”) AGREE TO BE FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY BOUND BY ALL TERMS, CONDITIONS, COVENANTS, LIMITATIONS, AND DISCLAIMERS CONTAINED HEREIN.

1. BINDING LEGAL AGREEMENT & APPLICABILITY

This Terms of Service and Master Inspection Agreement constitutes a legally binding contract between TRACE Property Services LLC and the Client named on the inspection order or invoice. This Agreement governs all website interactions, digital client portal usage, on-site visual and technical evaluations, written and photographic reports, and ancillary property assessments conducted by TRACE, its state-licensed inspectors, employees, subcontractors, and authorized agents.

2. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK & STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

A. Florida State Standards & InterNACHI Compliance

All residential home inspections performed by TRACE are conducted in strict accordance with the mandatory Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics established by the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C. 61-30), Florida Statutes Chapter 468 (Part XV), and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI®), unless explicitly modified or expanded in writing within this Agreement.

B. Definition of Visual Home Inspection

The Client acknowledges that a home inspection is an objective, non-invasive, visual examination of the readily accessible physical components and permanent mechanical systems of a property as they exist at the exact time and date of the evaluation.

• A home inspection is NOT a technically exhaustive engineering survey, architectural audit, municipal code compliance review, or destructive testing protocol.

• The inspection will not reveal latent, concealed, inaccessible, or intermittent defects behind finished walls, beneath concrete slabs, or inside sealed assemblies.

• The inspection does NOT constitute an insurance policy, a home warranty, a structural guarantee, or a guarantee of future operational longevity or performance of any component.

3. COMPREHENSIVE SCOPE OF SERVICES & SPECIALIZED ADD-ONS

TRACE delivers standardized residential inspections, certified insurance documentation, construction phase verifications, and condition-specific diagnostic add-ons. Each service is governed by the specific scope, technical boundaries, and operational definitions detailed below:

A. Full Home Inspection (Standard Residential)

• Scope: A comprehensive visual and operational assessment of the property’s primary structural, mechanical, and safety systems scaled by gross heated square footage (Under 1,500 sq ft, 1,501–2,500 sq ft, 2,501–3,000 sq ft, 3,001–4,000 sq ft, and 4,000+ sq ft).

• Systems Evaluated:

1. Roof & Exterior: Roof covering materials, exposed flashings, valleys, drip edges, skylights, chimneys, soffits, fascias, exterior siding/wall cladding, caulking condition, exterior doors, windows, and attached decks, balconies, porches, and railings.

2. Foundation & Structure: Readily accessible foundation walls, visible concrete footings, slab-on-grade perimeters, floor joists, primary beams, bearing walls, and accessible attic/roof framing.

3. Electrical Systems: Service drop/lateral, electric meter base, service disconnect, main panelboard, accessible subpanels, service grounding and bonding, circuit breakers, branch circuit wiring, and operational testing of a representative number of interior/exterior switches, lighting fixtures, and GFCI/AFCI receptacles.

4. Plumbing Systems: Visible interior water supply lines, main shutoff valves, drain-waste-vent (DWV) piping, operational testing of interior fixtures, faucets, and drains, functional flow analysis, and mechanical testing of domestic water heating equipment (including relief valves and emergency discharge lines).

5. HVAC (Heating & Cooling): Operational testing of central air conditioning and heating equipment utilizing standard user controls (thermostats), distribution ductwork condition where accessible, and temperature split (Delta-T) performance verification across cooling coils.

6. Interior & Insulation: Readily accessible interior walls, ceilings, finished floors, interior doors, primary stairways, handrails, and visual evaluation of attic thermal insulation depth and ventilation systems.

7. Built-In Kitchen Appliances: Standard user-control testing of permanently installed dishwashers, ranges, ovens, cooktops, built-in microwaves, and garbage disposals.

B. Insurance Documentation Forms

• 4-Point Inspection: A focused visual examination of the four major systems (Roof, Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC) utilizing standard Florida insurance industry templates. The Client understands that TRACE documents existing observable conditions only and cannot guarantee that an insurance underwriter will issue coverage.

• Wind Mitigation Inspection: An empirical observation and photographic documentation of wind-resistive structural features (roof geometry, roof covering specifications, roof deck attachment nailing patterns, roof-to-wall connectors/clips/straps, secondary water resistance barriers, and glazed/unglazed opening protection) recorded on Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Form OIR-B1-1802.

• Roof Condition Certification: A dedicated evaluation of visible roof covering materials, flashings, transitions, and penetrations to assess physical integrity and provide an objective estimate of remaining useful life for insurers, mortgage underwriters, or prospective purchasers.

C. Thermal Roof Health Scan™ & Aerial Drone Diagnostics

• Scope: High-resolution visual and aerial infrared thermography evaluations of the complete exterior roofing envelope, parapets, roof-to-wall transitions, dormers, and drainage eaves.

• FAA Regulatory Governance: All aerial drone operations are conducted under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 regulations by licensed remote pilots.

• Operational Constraints: Drone deployment is strictly subject to FAA airspace authorizations, temporary flight restrictions, proximity to airports, physical site obstructions (e.g., heavy tree canopy, active power lines), and severe atmospheric conditions. If safe flight parameters cannot be achieved, the inspector will deploy alternative ground-level high-reach optics or pole cameras.

• Thermographic Limitations: Infrared cameras measure relative surface temperature differentials (Delta-T) and emit no radiation. Thermal scans do not provide “X-ray” penetration through solid building assemblies. Findings of thermal anomalies represent potential moisture or insulation anomalies that require physical meter verification.

D. Condition-Specific Diagnostic Add-On Services

• Sewer Scope Inspection: Fiber-optic video camera pipeline evaluation of the primary lateral drain line from accessible ground-level cleanouts out to the municipal utility tie-in or septic tank inlet. Excludes unaccessible secondary vertical vent stacks, branch drain lines, interior wall rough-ins, or the interior dispersion systems of private septic drain fields.

• Interior Thermal Imaging: Infrared diagnostic sweep of accessible finished interior ceilings, perimeter walls, and electrical breaker panels to identify thermal anomalies, missing insulation batts, and hidden moisture signatures.

• Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) / Termite Inspection: WDO inspections, structural wood-decay evaluations, and state-mandated pest inspection reports are performed exclusively by licensed Florida Pest Control Operators in accordance with Florida Statutes Chapter 482.

• Mold Assessment & Air Quality Sampling: Visual review for observable microbial growth and optional collection of bio-aerosol (air canister) and surface tape-lift samples. All physical samples are transferred under chain-of-custody to accredited independent third-party microbiological laboratories for analysis.

• Potable Water Testing: Collection and laboratory courier delivery of domestic water samples to evaluate standard municipal/well parameters (e.g., total coliform, E. coli, lead, nitrates, nitrites, and turbidity).

• Radon Gas Testing: Continuous electronic radon monitoring or EPA-approved test kit deployment deployed in the lowest livable area of the home for a minimum 48-hour continuous testing cycle in accordance with Florida Department of Health closed-building protocols.

• Swimming Pool & Spa Inspection: Visual and operational review of accessible in-ground pool structures, coping, interior finish/plaster, pool decking, basic circulation pumps, mechanical filtration tanks, visible piping valves, gas/electric heaters, automation controls, and life-safety GFCI electrical protection. Excludes underground piping integrity, pressure decay testing, automated chemical balance dosing systems, or structural leak decay detection.

• Outdoor, Waterfront & Irrigation Inspection: Visual evaluation of automated irrigation timers, accessible solenoid zone valves, sprinkler head operation, docks, boat lifts, bulkheads, seawalls, and structural marine pilings for observable safety, stability, and environmental wear. Excludes underwater structural diving, marine soil engineering calculations, or load bearing weight testing.

• Re-inspection: A dedicated follow-up site visit to visually verify whether specific repair items documented in an initial TRACE inspection report have been completed by licensed contractors.

E. Building Phase & Property Chapter Inspections

• Pre-Listing Inspection: A comprehensive pre-market condition evaluation performed for property owners prior to public listing.

• New Construction Phase Inspections: Independent verification performed across critical construction milestones:

1. Phase 1: Pre-Slab / Pre-Pour (excavation, vapor barrier integrity, rough plumbing, rebar reinforcement).

2. Phase 2: Pre-Drywall / Rough-In (framing, structural anchors, mechanical rough-ins, plumbing stacks, electrical wiring before insulation and drywall concealment).

3. Phase 3: Final Pre-Closing Inspection (complete operational and cosmetic systems walkthrough).

• 11-Month Builder Warranty Inspection: Comprehensive condition review conducted during the 11th month of new home ownership to document warrantable construction defects prior to the expiration of the builder’s 1-year warranty window.

• Short-Term Rental Safety Inspection: Practical safety and guest-readiness audit checking smoke/CO alarms, handrails, emergency egress routes, functional appliances, pool barrier safety, and HVAC reliability.

• Detached Building Inspection: Independent structural, electrical, and exterior evaluations of detached workshops, guest houses, garages, or storage structures.

4. INCLEMENT WEATHER, PRECIPITATION & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS POLICY

A. Inspections Proceed Rain or Shine

The Client acknowledges that professional property inspections, exterior evaluations, and structural assessments by TRACE will PROCEED AS SCHEDULED DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, INCLUDING ACTIVE RAIN, DRIZZLE, OVERCAST CONDITIONS, AND POST-STORM PERIODS.

B. The Diagnostic Advantage of Rain Conditions

Inclement weather and active rainfall provide unique, optimal diagnostic conditions that enhance the inspector’s ability to identify critical building envelope deficiencies that are frequently undetectable during dry weather. Active rainfall allows the inspector to empirically evaluate:

• Active roof leaks, valley overflow, and flashing failures in real-time.

• Window and exterior door seal failures and frame caulking compromises.

• Gutter slope, gutter clogging, capacity limitations, and downspout drainage diversion away from foundations.

• Surface site grading, soil saturation patterns, ponding water, and foundation drainage swales.

• Crawlspace moisture intrusion and exterior wall water-shedding performance.

C. Buyer Discretion to Reschedule

While TRACE strongly recommends proceeding with the inspection during rain to capture valuable diagnostic data, the Client maintains the right to request a reschedule. If the Client desires to postpone the inspection due to weather, the Client must notify TRACE at least three (3) hours prior to the scheduled start time. Rescheduling will be accommodated based on the next available open calendar window.

D. Severe Weather & Safety Guardrails

TRACE reserves the sole professional discretion to modify, pause, or restrict specific on-site inspection tasks when atmospheric conditions present immediate life-safety hazards or violate federal regulations, including:

• High-Pitch Wet Roof Walking: If a roof surface (e.g., steep pitch, wet glazed tile, metal, or moss-covered shingles) becomes slippery or hazardous to walk safely in the rain, the inspector will thoroughly evaluate the roof from ground level, ladder eaves, upper-story windows, pole cameras, or aerial drone systems.

• Aerial Drone Operations: FAA regulations prohibit flying commercial drones through active heavy rainfall, dense fog, or sustained high winds exceeding manufacturer limits. If active rain prevents safe drone flight, the aerial component will be conducted via ground high-reach optics or rescheduled for a subsequent flight window when atmospheric conditions clear.

• Severe Thunderstorms & Lightning: When active cloud-to-ground lightning or severe convective storm warnings occur within the immediate vicinity, outdoor and roof-level activities will be paused until the safety hazard has passed.

5. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES, ACCESS & SITE PREREQUISITES

A. Unobstructed Access & Clearances

The Client or their authorized real estate representative is responsible for ensuring full, unobstructed access to the subject property at the scheduled start time. This includes unlocking all interior and exterior doors, providing working gate/lockbox codes, opening attic and crawlspace access hatches, unlocking electrical service panels, and removing padlocks from detached structures.

• Inspectors are strictly prohibited from moving heavy furniture, stored garage boxes, personal clothing, rugs, ceiling tiles, or parked vehicles to access components.

• Areas obstructed by personal belongings or hazardous storage will be marked as “Uninspected / Inaccessible” in the final report.

B. Utility Activation Mandatory

All primary utilities (electric power, water supply, and natural gas/propane service) MUST be fully active, pressurized, and operational at the time of the inspection.

• TRACE inspectors will NOT activate main utility service disconnects, open gas main valves, or operate water main shutoffs that have been deactivated by utility providers.

• If systems (HVAC, water heaters, plumbing fixtures, electrical panels) cannot be evaluated due to deactivated utilities, TRACE will document the limitation. A return visit to test deactivated systems will require payment of a standard re-inspection trip fee.

C. Pets and Hazardous Animals

All pets, domestic animals, and livestock must be safely secured in kennels or removed from the premises prior to the inspector’s arrival. TRACE inspectors will not enter yards or structures where unrestrained animals pose a physical risk.

6. GENERAL EXCLUSIONS & LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY

A. Non-Invasive Scope

The inspection is strictly visual and non-invasive. TRACE does not dismantle equipment, remove screwed covers (other than the dead-front cover of main electrical panels when safe), dislodge flooring, or insert cameras into sealed walls or structural cavities.

B. Excluded Systems & Conditions

Unless explicitly purchased as an itemized specialized add-on service, the standard home inspection EXCLUDES:

• Environmental hazards including asbestos, lead-based paint, toxic airborne pollutants, formaldehyde, synthetic stucco (EIFS), buried fuel storage tanks, and electromagnetic fields.

• Buried underground piping, concealed drainage conduits, geotechnical soil stability, sinkhole activity, and foundation settlement mechanics below grade.

• Security alarms, intercom systems, low-voltage smart home wiring, audio/video distribution, exterior landscape lighting, fire sprinkler arrays, and private lightning arrestors.

• Photovoltaic (solar) electrical generating equipment, solar storage batteries, solar water heating collectors, and backup generator transfer switches.

• Thermostatic accuracy, mechanical timing devices, and precise zone balancing of HVAC distribution ducts.

C. Intermittent & Latent Conditions

TRACE is not liable for intermittent plumbing leaks that only occur under continuous multi-occupant load, seasonal water table fluctuations, or moisture intrusions that only appear during catastrophic wind-driven tropical weather events.

7. REPORT DELIVERY, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & PERMITTED USE

A. 24-Hour Digital Report Turnaround

TRACE will deliver the finalized interactive digital inspection report via electronic mail within twenty-four (24) hours of on-site inspection completion, contingent upon complete settlement of all service invoices and receipt of executed agreement signatures.

B. Proprietary Ownership of Media

All high-resolution photographs, video recordings, aerial drone orthomosaics, thermal thermograms, sensor logs, and written analytical narratives generated by TRACE during the inspection remain the exclusive intellectual property of TRACE Property Services LLC. TRACE reserves the unrestricted right to utilize anonymized imagery and technical diagnostic data for technical training, marketing, case studies, and corporate operational records.

C. Limited Client License

TRACE grants the Client a personal, revocable, non-transferable, and non-exclusive license to utilize the inspection report solely in connection with the evaluation, negotiation, closing, and insurance underwriting of the subject property transaction. TRACE owes no duty of care, contractual obligation, or legal liability to unauthorized third parties who view, download, or rely upon the report without express written authorization from TRACE.

8. STRICT STATUTORY CONFLICT OF INTEREST & NO-REPAIR POLICY

In strict compliance with Florida Statute § 468.8319(1)(f) and InterNACHI Code of Ethics, NEITHER TRACE PROPERTY SERVICES LLC NOR ANY OF ITS LICENSED INSPECTORS, SUBSIDIARIES, OR DIRECTLY AFFILIATED CORPORATE ENTITIES WILL PERFORM, OFFER TO PERFORM, ESTIMATE, BID, OR CONTRACT FOR ANY REPAIRS, STRUCTURAL REMEDIATION, MECHANICAL FIXES, OR REPLACEMENT WORK ON ANY PROPERTY WHERE TRACE HAS PREPARED AN INSPECTION REPORT WITHIN THE PRECEDING TWELVE (12) MONTHS.

TRACE maintains absolute third-party impartiality. All repair recommendations documented in TRACE inspection reports must be evaluated, estimated, and executed by independent, licensed, and insured specialty trade contractors.

9. PRICING, PAYMENT, CANCELLATIONS & TRIP FEES

A. Payment Due Date

All inspection fees are due and payable in full prior to or at the conclusion of the on-site evaluation. Finalized inspection reports, 4-Point forms, and Wind Mitigation certificates will not be released or published until all outstanding invoice balances are cleared through our secure PCI-compliant payment gateway.

B. Cancellation and Rescheduling Windows

• Notice Required: Clients may cancel or reschedule a scheduled inspection without financial penalty by providing written or verbal notice at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the scheduled start time.

• Late Cancellation Fee: Appointments canceled or rescheduled with less than twenty-four (24) hours’ notice are subject to a administrative cancellation fee of $75.00.

• Lockout / Denied Access Fee: If the inspector arrives at the subject property and is unable to gain access within thirty (30) minutes of the scheduled time due to missing keys, unprovided gate/lockbox codes, active unrestrained animals, or seller refusal, a trip charge equal to 50% of the total scheduled inspection fee will be assessed.

10. LIQUIDATION OF LIABILITY & MAXIMUM DAMAGES

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE FLORIDA LAW, THE TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY OF TRACE PROPERTY SERVICES LLC, ITS MEMBERS, MANAGERS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, LICENSED HOME INSPECTORS, AND AGENTS FOR ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, LOSSES, EXPENSES, OMISSIONS, ERRORS, INJURIES, BREACH OF CONTRACT, BREACH OF WARRANTY, OR PROVEN NEGLIGENCE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE INSPECTION SHALL BE STRICTLY LIMITED TO LIQUIDATED DAMAGES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THE TOTAL SERVICE FEE ACTUALLY PAID BY THE CLIENT FOR THE SPECIFIC SERVICE RENDERED.

IN NO EVENT SHALL TRACE BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROPERTY VALUE, COST OF INTERRUPTED TRANSACTIONS, LOSS OF RENTAL INCOME, TEMPORARY HOUSING COSTS, CONTRACTOR DELAYS, OR EMOTIONAL DISTRESS.

11. MANDATORY DISPUTE RESOLUTION, PRE-SUIT NOTICE & ARBITRATION

A. Mandatory Written Notice & 14-Day Right to Cure

In the event the Client discovers an alleged error, omission, or unrecorded material defect that the Client believes should have been documented in the inspection report, the Client must notify TRACE in writing within fourteen (14) calendar days of discovery.

• The Client MUST provide TRACE a reasonable opportunity to physically re-inspect the condition in its undisturbed state prior to altering, repairing, removing, modifying, or replacing the affected component (except in immediate situations required to protect life or prevent catastrophic structural loss).

• Performing repairs, demolition, or modifications without providing TRACE prior written notice and physical re-inspection access constitutes an absolute waiver and complete bar to any legal claim or financial recovery against TRACE.

B. Mandatory Binding Arbitration

Any unresolved dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the home inspection, or the inspection report shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration administered in Clay County, Florida, under the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA).

• The arbitration shall be conducted before a single neutral arbitrator with expertise in Florida construction or property inspection law.

• The decision of the arbitrator shall be final, non-appealable, and enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction.

• Each party shall bear their own attorney fees and legal costs associated with the arbitration proceedings.

C. Express Waiver of Jury Trial and Class Action

THE CLIENT AND TRACE VOLUNTARILY, KNOWINGLY, AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE ANY CONSTITUTIONAL OR STATUTORY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT TO ANY LITIGATION ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT. THE CLIENT FURTHER AGREES THAT ANY CLAIMS SHALL BE BROUGHT EXCLUSIVELY IN AN INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

12. COMMUNICATIONS & 10DLC SMS POLICY

By requesting a quote, scheduling an inspection, or submitting contact details on traceinspect.com, you expressly authorize TRACE to communicate with you via telephone calls, transactional emails, and automated SMS/MMS text messages (including appointment confirmations, inspector en-route notifications, interactive report delivery links, and operational updates).

• You may revoke SMS consent at any time by replying “STOP” to any text message received.

• For messaging support, reply “HELP” or contact us directly at (904) 672-8100.

• Message and data rates may apply depending on your cellular provider. TRACE never sells, rents, or shares cellular phone numbers or opt-in consent records with external third parties for marketing purposes.

13. SEVERABILITY & INTEGRATION CLAUSE

This Agreement constitutes the entire and unified agreement between the Client and TRACE Property Services LLC regarding the subject matter hereof, superseding all prior oral or written representations, marketing statements, or informal communications. If any provision or clause of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by an arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions, which shall remain in full force and effect.

14. LEGAL ENTITY & OFFICIAL CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions regarding these Terms of Service, billing inquiries, or formal legal correspondence, contact:

Corporate Entity: TRACE Property Services LLC

Operating Trade Names / Divisions: TRACE Home Inspections | TRACE Property Services | TRACE Service Group

Florida DBPR License: Home Inspector License #HI18910

Corporate Headquarters: 3741 Briar Lane, Orange Park, FL 32065

Telephone: (904) 672-8100

Direct Email: info@tracehomeinspections.com

Official Website: traceinspect.com