Homeowners love skylights because they let so much extra light into the room. But builders — and especially roofers — love them less, because they are, after all, holes in the roof. Proper installation cuts down on the chances of leaking, but eventually, all skylights leak. To be fair, eventually, all roofs leak as well,…
DetailsIf you charge a flat rate for your home inspection services, you’re probably happy when you get a call to inspect a condo. Most condos are much smaller than an average house, and inspecting systems such as HVAC at their source is considered unnecessary. Homeadvisor.com acknowledges that some inspectors charge by the square foot while…
DetailsA garage door is a heavy, expensive, and sometimes lethal part of a home. Therefore, it’s important to check to see that is in acceptable working order when you do a home inspection. The Consumer Product Safety Commission made automatic reverse features on garage doors a national law back in 1992. Thus, no matter what…
DetailsThe cost of a home inspection varies, mostly according to the economic parameters of the area in which you work. Homeadvisor.com puts the typical range between $278 and $388, and the national average at $325. The best way to help determine how to set your prices is to find out how much everyone else in…
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ICA’s home inspection course provides you with the skills you need to be a successful home inspector, and this includes testing indoor air quality. Anyone hoping to earn their home inspector certification would do well to study up on the most common air quality challenges found in both residential and commercial properties. Indoor air…
DetailsMost home inspectors do not have extensive training or knowhow in electrical matters and thus are not expected to perform an intricate examination of a home’s electrical system. They are, however, expected to perform some basic safety and efficiency checks. Home inspector standards of practice say that you must “describe the voltage and amperage” of…
DetailsProper ventilation in the attic is critical to a home’s structure. You may not see the damage right away from inadequate ventilation, but rest assured it will become apparent at some point. Without good ventilation, homes may suffer problems such as condensation buildup, mold, and rot. Further, ventilation is important in temperature regulation. Without vents,…
DetailsIf you work in a rural area, you will likely often encounter homes with septic systems rather than municipal sewer hookups. In some areas, municipal sewers are replacing septic systems, and residents are forced to make the switch, which can cost many thousands of dollars. However, many towns still allow septic systems. So when you…
DetailsThe heating system is a critically important part of every home inspection. Next to the roof, it’s often the most expensive system to replace. Thus, if the furnace or boiler in the home you are inspecting is old, damaged or in need of replacement, the prospective homeowners need to know. But how can you tell…
DetailsDepending on where you work as a home inspector, air conditioning may be a standard part of every household, or it might be a fairly uncommon sight. In Florida, you can hardly live without it. But in Maine, the windows are the air conditioners. Air conditioning, however, is standard in enough homes to be included…
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