When you’re conducting a home inspection, you want to be certain that the structure is sound. Brick and masonry, in particular, has a reputation for being stronger and more secure than other materials, as proven in the popular children’s story The Three Little Pigs. But how can you be certain the brickwork has not lost…
When you got started with your home inspection career, one of your first tasks was probably to hire someone to build your website. A website is a critical marketing tool, and few business owners would attempt to kick-start a new venture without one. It is the way your customers can find you. They are not…
One of the most common defects of otherwise lovely homes is poor insulation. One common culprit? Doors that just don’t cut it. Of course, a low-quality door can do much more than make a home feel drafty. Poorly designed doors can also put occupant safety at risk. Once you are a home inspector, If you…
In a home with poorly-insulated or exposed water pipes, the continuous cycle of dripping faucets, applied heat, and other remedies is as much a part of winter as woolen mittens. Unfortunately, all it takes is one forgetful night for icy temperatures to freeze pipes solid and maybe even break them. Frozen water lines are sneaky.…
Home inspectors work through all four seasons, meaning they often find themselves dealing with miserable, wet weather. You may find yourself working in a variety of weather types, dealing with temperatures from highs in the 100s to lows in the negative degrees. Protective home inspector gear can make spending time in wet weather all the…
It’s a common mistake. People who buy a new construction home expect perfection. After all, everything is new. No one has spilled soda on the counters and there’s been no chance for ill-advised home repairs or improvements. But that doesn’t mean the house is defect-free. Every home has defects, even those that have never seen…
Insulation can keep homeowners comfortable in winter and summer or it can send conditioned air out the window along with hard-earned money. If it’s good, insulation affects the quality of life in a positive way. If it’s bad, the homeowner may never be truly comfortable with the way the home feels or how much it…
For many home inspectors, the question isn’t whether or not to join an association, but rather which one deserves those dues. There are a few that you can choose from at the national, state and local level. A good association has certain qualities that support your career and the best interests of the industry. These…
Home inspecting is such a hands-on job, it’s no wonder some folks raise an eyebrow about online training. How can you learn how to inspect a house without training in a brick-and-mortar classroom or on the job? If that’s what you’ve thought, think again. You might be surprised. Online learning is so much more than…
When you work in real estate, you understand the toll seasonal changes can take on a home. In the span of time it takes to sell a house, you might notice distinct changes taking place. Winter is one of the most challenging seasons for a home because the season can wreak havoc on a home’s…