Probably, most of the homes you inspect will be sound, secure and healthy within reason. But every once in a while, you’ll inspect a house with lurking hazards. Home buyers and other customers will hire you to tell it to them straight. If there’s a problem, they’ll want to know about it. While you look…
DetailsOnline home inspection training is both convenient and challenging. Retention rates are lower for online courses than for brick-and-mortar classrooms but that doesn’t have to be your story. The problem isn’t necessarily with the digital space but in a lack of realistic preparation. Some new students think online study is easier. That’s not the case.…
DetailsWould you buy a house sight unseen? Some people do. Even with a home inspection to spot defects before closing, living in another state or across the country makes the buying process riskier. That’s why a certified home inspector is so important to the process. If you want to expand your services, market your business…
DetailsIs there treasure in the attic? Cutting-edge wiring in an unassuming older home? What about a hidden room that’s tucked under a staircase? A certified home inspector sometimes finds the most unusual things on the job. Here are 3 surprises, both good and bad, that you might miss on the initial walk-through but your inspector…
DetailsIt’s a time of sweeping industry changes for home inspectors in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Until recently, there was a choice about whether or not to get certified. Beginning July 1, certification will be virtually a non-issue as everyone will need a license. Virginia home inspector continuing professional education or CPE is part of that…
DetailsIce dams are only a problem in winter, but summer is a great time to educate your customers and the public about risks and prevention. No one wants to climb into an attic or work outside when the weather is frigid. But now it’s warm enough to do something about the insulation and ventilation issues…
DetailsSome home defects and homeowner concerns are fairly universal. Whether you live in Oregon, Kentucky or South Carolina, termites could invade or your 20-year roof might not survive that long. But every region in the States has a few concerns that either aren’t covered in a general inspection or could use additional attention. If you’re…
DetailsThe Virginia Association of Real Estate Inspectors, also known as VAREI, isn’t the oldest association in the country, nor is the largest. But it’s a busy one. Founded in 2000, association leaders and members have worked diligently to promote the industry and support issues that affect home inspectors and homeowners throughout the Commonwealth. With so…
DetailsSometimes, it seems as though the buyer in a home sale has less information and fewer protections than anyone else. That’s unfortunate since they’re at risk of investing in a lemon. In a perfect world, at least according to some home inspectors, a better inspection contingency would allow more invasive access to evaluate the home…
DetailsSo you’re planning to sit for the National Home Inspector Exam? That’s a major accomplishment, and passing it leads to great things such as licensure. If you’ve got a few butterflies in your stomach, that’s normal. However, it’s not as intimidating as it might seem. Familiarize yourself with the exam procedures before test day and…
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