Drones are quickly becoming one of the most useful tools in a home inspector’s arsenal. And that’s great when the weather is beautiful, but what about this time of year? You’re in luck. While older quadcopters and freezing, wet weather were sworn enemies, new technology means you can fly in almost any conditions. You’ll just…
DetailsSometimes they’re bare copper, sometimes they’re insulated in green. And sometimes they’re aluminum. Ground wires serve a specific purpose. But it might not be what you think. Most people, at least those who aren’t electricians, believe a ground wire’s job is shock prevention. But that’s not the job, it’s one of the effects of the…
Details“This class was the cheapest I found, so I figured I’d just cruise through it and wouldn’t learn much since I’ve been doing this for so long. The course ended up being awesome and I learned a lot, especially when it came to marketing.” That’s what Stan from Arlington, VA says about ICA School home…
DetailsHome inspecting sounds like a great job with lots of freedom, but what about the pay? Good news: most professional inspectors earn a comfortable living. That’s what the U.S. Department of Labor says. And other salary experts agree. The key is building up your business to make it profitable. An inspector who doesn’t really try…
DetailsAttics might not spook you, but they can entertain some pretty unsavory characters. That’s why attics are always inspected unless there’s no reasonable way to gain access. You never know what you’ll find, and some secrets need a quick remedy. Here are 5 attic secrets that can lurk in the finest mansion as well or…
DetailsMelanie Baravik is a contributor to the Surety Bond Insider, covering changes in the surety bond industry. We recently checked in with Melanie to learn more about surety and license and permit bonds, and the importance of these bonds to those who work as contractors. Here’s what she shared: Can you explain what a surety…
DetailsWorking your way through training and certification is just the beginning. Your career is what comes after. It all might seem intimidating, at least at first. But plenty of other inspectors have stood where you are now. And you’ve got a roadmap. You’ve earned the skills to take on your first home inspection. And you’ll…
DetailsDrywall that’s manufactured in China has given American and Canadian homeowners plenty to worry about. But some American-made drywall has tested worse for the corrosive substances than the familiar wallboard from the Far East. Surprised? So was almost everyone else. While the “Chinese Drywall” phrase gets tossed around whenever there’s an issue with defective, rotting…
DetailsYou’ve read a blog or two, so why not give blogging a shot? You don’t have to be an award-winning writer to create home inspection-related content that your audience will want to read. You only have to talk about what matters to them. It’s not difficult, and it doesn’t have to cost a single penny.…
DetailsEvery house has defects. But some buyers are easily frightened off, even if the defects are not especially serious. Along with information, you hold a lot of responsibility and influence in your hands. Being a certified home inspector means sometimes you’ll deliver the not-so-wonderful news. But you can buffer the negative while conveying the truth…
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