During an inspection, a home’s basement might appear to be as dry as a bone. But the first time it rains, the new homeowners might have a different story. Wet basements are the bane of many homeowners’ existence. They prevent proper finishing, which limits the utility of the space. They can create mold problems and…
Certified home inspectors have a standard process that includes exteriors, interiors, roofs, plumbing and more. The interiors portion covers a lot of ground, but in many cases, material defects are minor. They can, however, indicate a larger problem that lurks somewhere else. Here are some of the most common that you’ll encounter on the job.…
One of the biggest frustrations of home buyers and home inspectors alike is the fact that you can’t see inside walls. So far, nobody has invented a handy portable x-ray vision device that lets you take a real peek at what’s going on behind plaster, drywall or paneling. Life would be a lot easier if…
You’re a company of one. Why should you outsource anything? The short answer is time. The long answer involves expert-level proficiency, fewer worries at tax time and a better handle on inbound marketing. If you think you can’t afford to outsource, consider everything that you’d get in return. There’d be more time to spend on…
As of April 2005, Tennessee has required all home inspectors to hold a state-issued license. The goal was to ensure that only people who held certain standard qualifications endorsed by the state could perform inspections for the public. The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance says, “It’s our mission to protect public health, safety and…
Many small business owners think about incorporating at some point to protect their assets in case of a lawsuit. Home inspectors are no different. But before taking such a major step, maybe the best way to protect yourself is a reinvestment in home inspection industry best practices. Incorporating doesn’t always protect private assets. That’s the…
You’ve got a website and you’re trying to get a blog off the ground. It all goes well for about a month, but then the ideas dry up. Where did you go wrong? You didn’t; you only hit the same wall that most new bloggers do. What separates you from the scores of people whose…
So you want to become a licensed home inspector in Connecticut? We’ve got great news. The path to licensure doesn’t contain any twist, turns or unnecessary red tape. Just devote a little time to getting the right education, show the state that you know your stuff and get to work. Here’s what Connecticut requires of…
With new licensing requirements settling in place, many prospective home inspectors in the Commonwealth of Virginia need a reliable and reputable education provider. ICA School comes through for you with an above-industry-standard education that meets the requirements of every association in the country as well as new state regulations and then goes a step beyond…
Operating a drone is one thing. Getting great aerial photography is something else. Modern technology makes photography much easier than before, so good pictures are less about photography skill and more about equipment and operation. Even your smartphone has a better camera than a digital camera from just a few years ago. Taking photos from…