There are certain clues that material defects exist in any home. But clues are just the beginning. When you see irregularities such as foundation cracks, or bulging and deflection along a roof, interior or exterior walls, you’ve got a pretty clear indicator that something bigger might be lurking. According to InterNACHI, a material defect is […]
How to Be an in-Demand Home Inspector
Getting your certification and heading to work is only part of being a home inspector. Once you’re in the field, it’s up to you to become the best and most in-demand inspector that you can be. No one else will do it for you, at least not until you put in the legwork on the […]
How to Inspect Exterior Brick Veneer
Brick is one of the longest wearing home siding options available. Most brick can last 100 years or more, which makes it an attractive choice for home owners. But durability doesn’t mean it’s not without its potential problems. Most defects aren’t caused by early failure on the part of the bricks. They usually stem from […]
Which Home Inspection Software Should You Use?
Most states require home inspectors to provide their clients with reports summarizing their findings. The reports should be delivered within a week of completing the inspection, and preferably sooner. Giving clients a handwritten summary of your findings on paper following a home inspection, however, is yesterday’s way of doing things. Today’s computer-aided reporting saves time […]
5 Ways a Website Can Boost Your Home Inspection Business
Sooner or later, you’ll probably think about a website. They’re not just for big companies, and they don’t have to be a thorn in your side, either. A website is a tool. And it’s one that can help you reach more people who need a home inspection. Here are 5 ways that a website can […]
Use Home and Trade Shows to Bring in Customers
Home and trade shows put your face and brand on the home inspection industry. Most home owners have at least a moderate understanding of what you do. But there’s a lot more than they don’t know. A busy show is your opportunity to get the word out. You can promote your business and fix your […]
What Should You Wear to a Home Inspection?
You might think that the quality of your work and the report that you produce are the only two truly important things about your inspection. But what you wear and how you look are also important. This doesn’t mean that you have to dress up just to go get dirty in a crawlspace or attic. […]
Can a House Fail an Inspection?
Home inspections are a relatively new invention when compared to real estate in general. Until a few decades ago, buyers either had a working knowledge of homes and possible defects to look for, or they went into a sale hoping not to inherit someone else’s problems. But while official home inspections evolved to help eliminate […]
Home Inspector Advertising Can Make or Break You
It’s tough enough to start and run a business on your own. But factor in the occasional unhappy customer and our litigious society where almost everything that makes a person unhappy is deemed worthy of legal action, and you have a recipe for trouble. Doing a thorough job on every inspection is always important. But […]
Expert Interview with Brittney Gordon on the ENERGY STAR Program
Energy efficiency is a top priority for homeowners today. A 2013 survey by the Demand Institute found that in the previous five years, 90 percent of households had taken some measure to reduce energy consumption. That same poll found that while 71 percent of U.S. households believe energy efficiency is important, just 35 percent said […]