Crosslinked polyethylene tubing (PEX) is an acceptable water supply piping material according to most building codes. Certain states and small towns, however, might frown on it. What if your area doesn’t allow PEX? Is it an automatic home inspection defect? Probably not, as defects and code violations aren’t the same. Whether or not you caution…
DetailsHomes are getting smarter each year, and even professionals have trouble getting up with tech advancements. Each of these items could become part of your daily routine as a home inspector, especially as technology allows for more convenience. Whether you are dealing with homeowners who use these gadgets or you carry some for yourself when…
DetailsWhether you are just getting started in the home inspection business or you have been running a company for years, you might be looking for something new. The truth is that education, including business and home inspection courses, could very well help you build a successful business. When you further your education, you may find…
DetailsIf you are a certified home inspector in Virginia, you should prepare yourself for good news. Not a certified home inspector yet? Now might be the time to consider getting your license. Many changes are taking place in the state, specifically in relation to Virginia’s beach houses. When you take a look at the Housing…
DetailsFall is the classic time of year when home maintenance projects really take off. The weather is nicer, insects are less aggressive, and it helps button up the house for the long winter ahead. Although your work as a certified home inspector warns home buyers of important defects, new defects can arise almost overnight. With…
DetailsNoisy pipes can be the bane of a homeowner’s existence, especially when the noise is a mystery. There’s not one but several possible causes for the pops, ticks, bangs, and rattles that happen inside plumbing. Here’s what might be happening and what homeowners can do about it. Bang-Bang-Bang Goes the Water Hammer One of the…
DetailsNot everyone comes to the home inspection industry with a background in construction, plumbing, electrical or any other related field. That’s why comprehensive training is so important. It’s also why ICA School includes four modules on electrical wiring and inspections in the complete home inspection certification program. If you’ve ever wondered why lights and outlets…
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Online education has grown by leaps and bounds in the past several years. It’s no longer a fringe idea, but an effective and convenient way to learn without up-ending your whole routine. So how do you choose a program that’s got what you need at a price that you can afford? Compare them side-by-side.…
DetailsPricing your services partly determines whether or not your business will ever turn a profit. It’s also one of the most challenging aspects of starting a new business. Chances are, you have at least a basic idea of what certified home inspectors in your area charge for a general home inspection. And if you’re like…
DetailsHomeowners use electricity every day, but rarely see the wiring that lets the coffee pot brew, refrigerator run and the cell phones charge. Wiring defects are quite common. And while some of them are more of a nuisance, such as a breaker that trips every time the vacuum cleaner is plugged in, some are serious…
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