Potential home buyers don’t want to see a cracked chimney. In fact, they probably don’t want to see cracks in anything in their home-to-be. But the reality is, cracks are part of most structures — concrete, brick, stucco, plaster, and more. Some are expected and inevitable. Some are just ugly. And some are dangerous. As…
DetailsYour home inspection training prepares you to be on the lookout for hazards and dangers of all kinds. But it’s not just your eyes you should be using during your home inspections. It’s your nose, too. You’re probably aware that you should note significantly musty odors in a home since they signify the possibility of…
DetailsDoing home inspections comes with its share of challenges. It isn’t usually dangerous — if you are careful — but it’s definitely not a cushy office job. Summer comes with its own set of pitfalls for home inspectors. And because it’s the busy season for real estate transactions, it’s also the busy season for home…
DetailsAs a home inspector, you may want to expand your offerings and begin providing commercial inspections as well. But how do you get into this particular segment of inspections? Limit Your Commercial Inspections to Smaller Buildings Here at ICA School, inspecting commercial buildings is part of our home inspection course. In it, we advise you,…
DetailsAs home inspectors, you want to keep abreast of all that’s happening in the industry, as well as learn from the wisdom of some of the profession’s foremost thought leaders. Below, we’ve compiled a list of five of the most noted authorities in the field. We’ve rated their level of expertise on a scale of…
DetailsMold has always been a part of life — since before life for humans even existed, according to the Smithsonian. But more attention is being paid to mold these days, due to the illnesses we have learned it can cause. According to the National Poison Control Center, mold is a nontechnical term for fungi that…
DetailsInsulation is a critical component of a home, no matter where it is. It helps keep out the cold air in winter and the hot air in summer. Without insulation — or without adequate insulation — a home is not energy-efficient, and heating and cooling bills will be unnecessarily high. Insulation didn’t become common until…
DetailsYou learned what is generally included in a home inspection from your home inspection courses, but what about ancillary services? What types of extra services can you offer to boost your bottom line? A home inspection generally takes a couple of hours to do, and home inspectors know the job isn’t over when they leave…
DetailsThe roof is a big part of every home inspection. It is usually the most expensive part of a home, so if it needs repair or replacement, the potential homeowners need to know. While asphalt shingles still reign supreme in the roofing world, it is likely that you may start encountering more roofs with solar…
DetailsDoing home inspections requires a great deal of skill and knowledge. Home inspectors might think that it all revolves around home systems and structures, but in fact, an essential skill home inspectors must hone is communication. Excellent communication skills are critical in any profession that deals with the public. No matter what service you are…
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