Although many of them have long since been removed, Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) breaker panels with Stab-Lok breakers still exist in homes across America. What’s so dangerous about them and how can you identify a problem even if there’s no evidence of arcing, sparking or charring? If the panel was manufactured before 1982 and has […]
Home Inspection Defects: Should Every New Roof Have a Full Tear Off?
Although some markets require a full tear-off, a new roofing installation over the old one could be a sensible option where code allows it. If the conditions are right and the materials are compatible, an overlay is economical and performs as well as stripping off the old materials and starting anew. That said, some roofs […]
4 Reasons a Breaker Panel Needs a Sub Panel
Just because a main circuit breaker panel has enough slots to accommodate all of a home’s wiring doesn’t mean it’s always safe at max capacity. Many homes have a sub panel, which is usually smaller than the main, to carry some of the burden. Sub panels are often installed for safety reasons. If the main […]
What Exactly is Radon and Why Should Homeowners Care?
In spite of the fact that general home inspections do not cover radon, many inspectors choose to include a test regardless. This is important to consider as a home inspector because radon is a serious concern that leads to fatal health issues. Whether you are already a home inspector or are still in the process […]
How to Write a Better Handwritten Home Inspection Report
While tablets and smartphones may be taking the world by storm, some professionals aren’t ready to give up their handwritten notes. Many home inspectors are included in that. There’s certainly nothing wrong with doing things the “old fashioned” way, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to make improvements to your handwritten home inspection […]
These 5 Home Inspection Courses Could Change Your Life (Really!)
Whether 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 […]
Great News for Certified Home Inspectors: Virginia Beach Housing Market Soars
If 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 […]
Talk With Your Home Inspection Customers About Fall Home Maintenance
Fall 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 […]
Bang, Rattle, Clang: Here’s What’s Happening In Noisy Plumbing Pipes
Noisy 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 […]
Electrical Theory for Certified Home Inspectors
Not 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 […]