What does "Installed" mean in the standards of home inspection?

In the context of home inspection standards, "installed" refers to items or systems that are reliably attached or connected in a way that typically requires tools for their removal. This definition emphasizes that the installation is intended to be more permanent than merely placing an item down or having it in a loose arrangement.

When something is described as installed, it implies a level of commitment and integration with the structure, often adhering to specific safety and building codes. This ensures that the components are secure and function as intended within the overall system of the home, such as plumbing, electrical systems, or fixtures. The requirement for tools to remove the installed item highlights that it has been affixed to the property and is not easily portable or interchangeable.

The other choices suggest various levels of attachment or placement, but they do not align with the accepted definition of what constitutes an installation under home inspection standards. For example, simply placing an item in a position does not denote any level of security or permanence, and connections that allow for easy removal without tools do not reflect a true installation in the context of home systems and inspections.