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…
DetailsNo 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…
DetailsWith 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…
DetailsWhen 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…
DetailsDogs 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…
DetailsBuilding code and material defects might seem related. In some cases, they are. However, a defect is still a defect, even if the house was compliant when it was built or remodeled. Home inspectors don’t worry as much about code as they do about health, safety, and other issues that could cost their customer money.…
DetailsIt’s that time again, time for homeowners to perform a little routine maintenance and check for any new problems that might have arisen over the past year. Although spring is the traditional time for major home repair and improvement projects, fall and winter maintenance helps spot problems before they affect comfort and utility costs during…
DetailsNot everyone is a natural entrepreneur, and that’s okay. Unfortunately, too many new home inspectors give up altogether before their business is a year old because it isn’t sustainable as-is. Why? Some may find the home inspection certification process is too tedious between taking classes and the certification test – and that doesn’t include bonus…
DetailsJust because a house is newly constructed does not mean it is free of defect. Even brand new homes can show signs of bad workmanship or dangerous outfitting. Newly constructed houses might require an entirely new roof construction or have uninsulated sections of attic due to negligence or lack of knowledge. While you might expect…
DetailsMost home buyers know a little about what home inspectors do, but the details can be confusing. It’s probably been years since the last time they hired an inspector, if they’ve ever hired one at all. That’s why some folks aren’t sure about the difference between an appraisal and an inspection. It’s also why they…
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