Under what condition is it required for an inspector to report on retaining walls?

Reporting on retaining walls is necessary when they may adversely affect foundation performance due to their structural role in supporting soil and preventing erosion. Retaining walls are designed to hold back soil at an angle and can be subjected to significant lateral forces. If the wall shows signs of distress, such as cracking, leaning, or bulging, it can impact the stability of nearby structures and their foundations. Inspectors are trained to identify these issues and their implications for safety and integrity, which is why this specific condition necessitates reporting. Addressing potential adverse effects ensures that property owners are informed of possible risks and can take appropriate preventive measures.

In contrast, simply being newly built, painted, or more than five years old does not inherently imply that the wall poses a risk to foundation performance or requires inspection. These conditions might not indicate any structural concerns, thereby making them less critical for reporting purposes.