What characterizes an item as "decorative" in terms of home inspection?

An item is characterized as "decorative" in home inspection primarily because it is ornamental and not required for the proper functioning of the home's essential systems. Decorative elements are typically added for aesthetic appeal rather than for structural integrity or operational necessity.

While essential items are crucial for the systems of a home to function properly, decorative items serve to enhance the visual aspects of a space without contributing to its basic functionality. For example, while a light fixture is necessary for illumination, the artwork hung on the walls or the decorative accents within a room do not affect the home's systems at all and exist solely to enhance its beauty. Understanding this distinction helps inspectors identify which elements of a home are required for safety and operation versus those that contribute to style and design.