In a home with poorly-insulated or exposed water pipes, the continuous cycle of dripping faucets, applied heat, and other remedies is as much a part of winter as woolen mittens. Unfortunately, all it takes is one forgetful night for icy temperatures to freeze pipes solid and maybe even break them. Frozen water lines are sneaky.…
Home inspectors work through all four seasons, meaning they often find themselves dealing with miserable, wet weather. You may find yourself working in a variety of weather types, dealing with temperatures from highs in the 100s to lows in the negative degrees. Protective home inspector gear can make spending time in wet weather all the…
It’s a common mistake. People who buy a new construction home expect perfection. After all, everything is new. No one has spilled soda on the counters and there’s been no chance for ill-advised home repairs or improvements. But that doesn’t mean the house is defect-free. Every home has defects, even those that have never seen…
Insulation can keep homeowners comfortable in winter and summer or it can send conditioned air out the window along with hard-earned money. If it’s good, insulation affects the quality of life in a positive way. If it’s bad, the homeowner may never be truly comfortable with the way the home feels or how much it…
For many home inspectors, the question isn’t whether or not to join an association, but rather which one deserves those dues. There are a few that you can choose from at the national, state and local level. A good association has certain qualities that support your career and the best interests of the industry. These…
Home inspecting is such a hands-on job, it’s no wonder some folks raise an eyebrow about online training. How can you learn how to inspect a house without training in a brick-and-mortar classroom or on the job? If that’s what you’ve thought, think again. You might be surprised. Online learning is so much more than…
No part of the country is safe from natural threats. In Florida, high winds and related hurricane damage cost homeowners and their insurance companies billions. That’s why folks don’t necessarily wonder if the next big storm will hit, but when. It’s also why wind mitigation inspections are so important. ICA School has partnered with PDH…
With the holiday season upon us, kitchens across America will get a real workout. But with certain defects, an otherwise happy season could end badly. That’s where a great certified home inspector comes in. Although this is traditionally a slow time for real estate, plenty of people buy this time of year and hope to…
When you work in real estate, you understand the toll seasonal changes can take on a home. In the span of time it takes to sell a house, you might notice distinct changes taking place. Winter is one of the most challenging seasons for a home because the season can wreak havoc on a home’s…
Dogs are awesome, but no home inspector wants to fend off a temperamental terrier or cranky Chihuahua just to reach the crawl space. Friendly people are awesome, too, but too much conversation is distracting and wastes your time. Whether or not they realize it, homeowners play a role in how efficiently you work. Here are…
