Homeowners 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…
DetailsA growing number of states have home inspection license requirements for anyone performing the service for a fee. For now, the number is a little more than half. If you’re just starting home inspection training or you’ll soon finish up, here’s what you need to know about licensing before working in the field. Nineteen States…
DetailsIt’s still summer, but autumn is on its way. That means it’s time to think about fireplaces and fireplace safety. Usually, a certified home inspector performs a general fireplace inspection. If defects exist, many of them are visible at the time of the inspection. But for a deeper, investigative inspection, customers should call in a…
DetailsCool weather is on its way and new homeowners will soon put systems through their paces. If there’s a defect that slipped by you, count on hearing about it. Your training should prepare you to describe the type of heating system in the home and uncover material defects that interfere with the operation of a…
DetailsIt won’t be long before windows are closed and heating systems fire up for another season of heavy use. That’s when indoor air quality issues can intensify for homeowners. Late summer and early fall bring a new wave of pollen producing plants and closed windows mean less fresh air. For allergy sufferers, it’s a double…
DetailsIf you’re thinking about becoming a home inspector, you might believe you have most of the facts about the industry. Then again, you might not. Because virtually everyone has lived in a home of some type, you probably know at least a little about the systems that make up residential property. But the home inspection…
DetailsSixty percent of new home inspectors never get off the ground. Surprised? That estimate aligns with many experienced professionals in the industry from educators to home inspection business owners. The problem isn’t that the industry is too difficult or unfair. It’s that people entering the industry don’t always have a realistic idea about what it’s…
DetailsIt wasn’t too long ago that home inspector licensing was the farthest thing from anyone’s imagination. The industry has only been organized since the 1970s. States have been slow to institute any type of regulations. But now, more states are joining the early adopters and requiring education and licensing to offer home inspection services to…
DetailsIf you think home inspecting has always been part of the property buying experience, you might be surprised to learn the truth. Certainly, many buyers over the years have asked a knowledgeable friend or carpenter to kick the tires, so to speak, before making such a large investment. But until the 1970s, home inspecting as…
DetailsA home defect is a defect, but property that’s on the historic registry has interested parties that reach far beyond the buyer. In some areas, homeowners have strict limitations for renovating and updating a home. Major updates might require months of paperwork and committee approval. While safety is a primary concern for home inspectors, customers…
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