The premier source for home inspector news and information. Whether you're a homebuyer or a licensed home inspector, you'll find valuable insight on the world of home inspection training and competency on this blog.
Fact #1 - A home inspector will pinpoint any current or potential problems, but will not fix them.
A home inspector will never fix any problems in a home. The inspector's only job is to diagnose any existing or potential problems and provide the buyers with a written report about those problems. Of course, the buyer can use this as a negotiation tool with the sellers, but shouldn't expect any repairs to be made by the home inspector.
Fact #2 - The home inspection will address only structural issues, not cosmetic ones.
When it comes to scrapes and scratches, buyers are on their own. These are considered cosmetic issues and not included with the home inspection. Offbeat paint colors, nicks in the wall and stained carpet, while visually unappealing, have nothing to do with the condition of the home.
Fact #3 - It is unethical for a seller to conceal any problems within the house.
Real estate professionals advise sellers not to try to conceal problems with the house. The ethical and legal thing is for them to let the buyer know about any structural problems. Plus, a home inspector will most likely uncover these problems when the inspection is done.
Fact #4 - Sellers should fix any major problems before a home inspection.
It is often a good idea for home sellers to fix any major problems before a house is put on the market. If they're left incomplete, it can lead to a negative home inspection and mean losing money on the home sale.
Fact #5 - The home inspection may not cover everything.
The scope and size of the home inspection depends on the type of contract the buyer has with the seller. A typical home inspection includes the structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing aspects of a house. There may be extra services provided as well, such as radon testing or mold detection.
Fact #6 - Everything should work as it was intended - everything doesn't have to be new and of the latest technology.
Your job is to make sure that everything is in working order and doesn't require repairs. Of course a home buyer would like everything new and up-to-date, but that isn't within the scope of a home inspector's job. The house just needs to be in sound condition – the age is not relevant, unless the home is 100+ years old.
Labels: home inspection, home inspector
Home inspection plays a very important role in the real estate process. When people buy or sell a home, they rely on a home inspector to provide an accurate and reliable inspection of a property. A home inspector tells them about the condition of the home and helps them avoid buying a house that needs major repairs. It is the perfect way to get an in-depth and impartial opinion of their next home… before they buy it.
The main purpose of the home inspector is to provide an objective viewpoint on the condition of a specific home at the time of inspection. The inspector does not evaluate the cost or value of the property, but provides a close examination of the following:
- Structural Components: Foundations, floors and walls.
- Exterior Components: Siding paint, windows, decks, garage doors, etc.
- Roofing: Coverings, flashings, chimneys, etc.
- Plumbing: Piping, fixtures, faucets, water heating and fuel storage systems, etc.
- Electrical: Wiring, main service panels, conductors, switches, receptacles, etc.
- Heating: Equipment, safety controls, distribution systems, chimneys, etc.
- Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps: Cooling and air-handling equipment, controls and ducting, etc.
- Interior: Partitions, ceilings, floors, railings, doors and windows, etc.
- Insulation and Ventilation: Attics, walls, floors, foundations, kitchen and bathrooms, etc.
A home inspector will additionally perform the following services (sometimes for an extra fee): mold sampling, radon testing, asbestos evaluation, pests/wood destroying organisms, carbon monoxide testing, lead testing, and more.
There are three steps involved with each inspection. First, the house inspector will evaluate the physical condition of a property, including the structure, construction and mechanical systems. Second, he or she will identify the items that should be repaired or replaced. Third, he or she will estimate the remaining useful life of the major systems (such as electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning), equipment, structure, and finishes.)
Although home inspections are primarily visual, an inspector may use a tape measure, survey instruments, metering devices, and other equipment, such as concrete strength measurer, to aid in his or her inspection. The house inspector will keep a log of their work, take photographs, and file a formal report. The inspection usually takes two or three hours (depending on the age and size of the home).
To become a home inspector , individuals need to enroll in an accredited home inspection school. This will provide them with comprehensive and hands-on training in all aspects of a home inspection career. It will teach them exactly what to look for during an inspection, and provide them with the skills to perform a quality service. They will also know how to prepare an informative and accurate home inspection report.
Home inspection is an essential part of real estate - without it, people wouldn't know the condition of a house before they purchased it. Most people don't have the ability or know-how to inspect all aspects of a property themselves - they need knowledge of plumbing, electrical and ventilation and much more. A trained home inspector can easily step into this role and provide an accurate reporting of the condition of a home and protect the interests of the home buyer.
Labels: accredited home inspection school, home inspection, home inspection school, home inspection training, home inspector
Ah...the do-it-yourselfer age! It has given us Home Depot, Bob Villa and (unfortunately) the botched handyman project! If there is one common pastime all home inspectors love, it would have to be sharing home inspection photos of bizarre, and sometimes downright dangerous, problems they come across during a real estate inspection.
Home inspection websites and journals never fail to publish humorous photos from their home inspection contributors. And just as no two snowflakes are alike; it seems the same holds true for any two messed-up home improvement jobs. When you become a home inspector, expect you'll come across a few memorable home owner quick-fixes by.
This Old House's website has gotten into the act as well, publishing 23 gems on their website. Without giving away too many surprises, these photos will show you how a radiator hose from a 1945 Pontiac, a dead rodent and aluminum foil all factor into some funny photos. Click here to check them out.
Although it doesn't take too much expertise to see that something is wrong in extreme situations, most common home inspection problems aren't as easy to spot. And that's why a solid home inspection program is essential for anyone who wants to start a professional home inspection career. And these days you don't need to go much further than your laptop to get the necessary training, because online home inspection courses are just a mouse click away.
Starting a home inspection business will involve lots of serious steps on your part, but at least you know they'll be humorous moments when you can put your home inspection checklist down and have a laugh.
Labels: home inspection, home inspection business, home inspection training, home inspector, real estate
Many people mistakenly think that insulation is only for homes in cold climates; and while this was true as recently as thirty years ago, everything has now changed. These days you're as likely to find insulation in Miami as you are in Maine, and the reason is the same in both cases - energy efficiency. And if you want to become a home inspector, this is an important development to keep in mind.
So for home inspectors in warm climates, one of the first tasks in the home inspection process is to learn if the house has insulation, which is becoming more important as larger numbers of Americans rely on air conditioning to cool their homes. Proper insulation in a warm-weather home will help reduce a home owner's energy bill. When looking at your new home inspection checklist, this question won't be as pressing because all new homes, wherever they are built, will have insulation.
There are three spots where one will find insulation: attics, walls and floors. To check out the attic, locate the crawl space opening in the ceiling and take a look and see what's between the rafters. Generally it shouldn't be necessary to climb up into the attic, but if you must, then be sure to wear a face mask.
Determining whether there is insulation in the walls is a bit trickier. Overall a good strategy is to take off one of the plates covering an electrical circuit box (make sure you first go to the circuit breaker box and cut the electricity). There's usually a little gap between the wallboard and the circuit box where you can slip in a screwdriver and learn if there is any insulation present; a flashlight may even spotlight the furry pink stuff as well. If you have no luck, try another electrical circuit box in the room, if that too turns up empty, you probably have your answer.
Finally, home inspectors must check to see if the floors are insulated. This is much easier than checking the walls, for all one needs to do is get into a crawlspace to see if there are insulation bats in between the floors joists. If the house has a basement, it's as easy as taking a stroll down the cellar steps and looking up at the floor from below. Starting a home inspection business means you'll cover the house from top to bottom.
Just as a home inspector must be insulated against the vagaries of weather, prospective home inspectors must protect their future careers by enrolling in an accredited, home inspection program. Online home inspection courses come in all shapes and sizes, so it is important that a distance education home inspection school be an accredited member of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). Allied Schools
Labels: allied home inspection scool, home inspection, home inspection course, home inspection process, home inspector
It's not just the characters in The Wizard of Oz that must be on the look out for frightening animals - it's also certified home inspectors, and their watchfulness during a real estate inspection should also include insects.
Now it's probably an exaggeration to say that they must watch for animals and insects themselves, but more accurately the signs of their presence, which can point to serious infestation issues in the house. Solid home inspection training will introduce you to a wide range of varmints that can invade a house.
In terms of insect infestation, one of the most notorious offenders is the world-famous termite. There is so much to look at with termites, that we'll devote an entire future blog to the subject of termites, so we can do their mischief justice. For now, however, we'll just look at ants, beetles, bees and wasps.
Ants survive in a home when they find a source of moisture. Unlike termites, they don't eat wood, but often damage the house when building their nests. Little piles of sawdust-like material often point to a nearby nest. Many beetles are a problem too, because their larvae can damage wood; tiny holes in wood are a good indication that beetles are near.
Bees often dig into siding or trim to lay their eggs, whereas yellow jackets build a paper-Mache like nest in the nooks and crannies of the house. The safest way to handle yellow jackets is to spray the nest at night when the colony is dormant.
Homes were meant men, not mice, so inspectors should look for a trail of black droppings, which would indicate mice activity. Rats are a bit more serious because of they are often carriers of disease - rat holes are generally about an inch in diameter. When you become a home inspector you will enter the house like a detective, looking for clues of deficiencies in the house.
Licensed home inspectors must also look for signs of flying creatures, like bats and birds, who may have moved in without the owner's permission. Bats often make themselves at home in attics, and their droppings can create a real mess. Birds are also identified by droppings in the house, and are a more serious problem because of their noise and the possible diseases they bring with them.
When researching home inspection schools, examine their course materials closely and see whether they dedicate a part of the course to helping you find the signs of bats, rats and wasps, oh my!
Labels: Certified home inspectors, home inspection, home inspector
Laguna Hills, Calif. - Nov. 14, 2007 - The International Association of Certified Inspectors (InterNACHI) has partnered with Allied Home Inspection School to create a library of home inspection career resource articles on its website www.nachi.org.
The Allied Home Inspection Library contains articles on skills, home inspection training and industry developments that affect both veteran certified home inspectors as well as individuals considering home inspection as a career.
"We're honored to team up with such a respected home inspection association like InterNACHI," said George Achenbach, president of Allied Home Inspection School. "Real estate inspection is a dynamic and important industry and we're pleased we can contribute resources to help those in and around the industry."
InterNACHI Founder and Director of Public Relations, Nick Gromicko, echoed Achenbach's comments: "At InterNACHI our focus is on improving the professionalism and expertise of home inspectors. Allied Home Inspection offers quality home inspection training that demonstrates their commitment to the industry. We believe the Library will be an excellent resource for inspectors."
The Library is scheduled to be updated weekly and become an important resource for both InterNACHI members and non-members alike. Two examples of the initial offerings in the Library include: Home Inspectors and E&O Insurance and What Homebuyers Should Expect from a Home Inspector.
In addition to the Allied Home Inspection Library, InterNACHI and Allied have been working together for some time to help new home inspectors get a foothold in the industry. InterNACHI offers graduates of Allied Home Inspection School a one-year complimentary membership to InterNACHI, which entitles them to a host of benefits including discounts on Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance and access to group health coverage, to name just two.
The Allied Home Inspection Library on InterNACHI's site can be found at www.nachi.org/alliedlibrary.htm. For more information on Allied Home Inspection School, visit us online or call (888) 925-2108 to speak with an admissions representative.
Labels: home inspection, home inspection school, home inspector school, Press Release
The issue of home inspection standards is sometimes a touchy subject among certified home inspectors, but when it comes to the issue of mold - home inspectors agree that the standard response to mold should be extreme aversion. With this in mind, licensed home inspectors confronting mold will certainly benefit from the International Associations of Certified Indoor Air Consultants' (IAC2) Mold Inspection Standards of Practice.
IAC2 is a certifying body for home inspectors who have met certain education requirements in the area of indoor air quality. Members of the National Association of Home Inspectors (NACHI), for example, receive a free membership to IAC2 when they pass certain courses. When you become a home inspector, you enter an industry where continuing education is important - it's never too late to learn, as the expression goes.
IAC2's standards clearly lay out the ground rules for home inspectors when confronting mold; the standards make it clear, among other things, that a mold inspection is not a home inspection, nor should it be considered a proper indoor air quality inspection. It's important that students entering home inspection schools understand that a real estate inspection and a mold inspection are two different things.
"A mold inspection," according to IAC2's standards, "is a non-invasive visual examination of a building to identify and report on conditions that have led to water intrusion, water damage and conditions conducive to microbial growth."
The inspector is not required, for example, to enter the attic, touch insulation or walk on the roof during a mold inspection. On the other hand, an inspector is required to inspect visible duct work, gutters and the ventilation of attic spaces, to name just a few requirements.
The standards indicate that a mold inspection is not "technically exhaustive" and is not designed to find concealed or latent defects in the house. Mold inspectors should also know that IAC2's standards only apply to housing structures with four or fewer dwelling units.
Whether someone is already a seasoned home inspector or just beginning to consider home inspection training, familiarity with these standards of mold inspection can only benefit their inspection knowledge. To read the mold standards in their entirety, visit IAC2's site at www.iac2.org/sop.php
Labels: home inspection, home inspector, National Association of Home Inspectors
Part of the appeal of a home inspection career, arguably, is that certified home inspectors work independently without the nuisance of a boss "breathing down their neck." Although there is some truth to this, it is important that home inspectors listen to their conscience and live by the Golden Rule of treating others (and their property) as they would expect to be treated. This is all the more important, of course, when no one in the house is watching them.
In our own homes, we wouldn't think of tracking mud across the living room carpet or leaving windows open despite a forecast of rain. Licensed home inspectors need to treat each house, first and foremost, as someone's home. This isn't to suggest that there is an epidemic of thoughtless, cavalier home inspectors in America, but sometimes inspectors get busy, and the little courtesies slip.
Bob Golden, CRI, of Safeguard Home Inspection in Roswell, Ga., wrote on this topic in the Sept./Oct. issue of the National Association of Home Inspector's (NAHI) magazine NAHI Forum. He wrote about his practice of checking for anti-tip brackets behind ovens. The process involves opening the oven door and tilting the oven forward with a push from the back. Recently, a homeowner spotted Golden during an inspection and become angry, mistakenly thinking he was mistreating the appliance. The incident reminded Golden that certified home inspectors must go to great lengths to make sure their inspections demonstrate respect for private property.
Golden noted his way of conducting respectful home inspections: "I am so mindful of being careful with a homeowner's property that I make an imaginative presumption that my actions are being monitored by a hidden camera. I always think to myself: How would this look if I were being watched right now?"
In addition to the Golden Rule, individuals considering a home inspection school should carefully research their options online. Potential home inspection students should also become frequent visitors to industry trade group websites like NAHI and the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI). Armed with home inspector training, knowledge of the Golden Rule and the resources of home inspection trade groups, how can anyone go wrong?
Labels: california home inspection, Certified home inspectors, home inspection, home inspection career
There's a lot of talk about the real estate market these days, but it's important to understand that despite slowdowns, millions of homes will be bought and sold. One might even say that it's during rough times that home inspection jobs become even more important.
Home buyers who buy in a soft market understand there are good deals to be had. Now whether these folks are looking for an investment or a home, they'll need the reassurance of a quality real estate inspection to put their mind at ease.
And how does a home inspection help buyers during a slump in the market? The results of a home inspection report will help buyers negotiate for a better price or, if the deficiencies are extensive, to move on to another property. Certified home inspectors must realize that their services are more valuable now than ever.
On the seller's side, a slowdown presents obvious challenges. As houses sit on the market longer, there is glut of properties and too few buyers. Sellers often feel a tremendous amount of pressure to lower their asking prices. This is where the overlooked pre-marketing home inspection comes into play. A graduate of an accredited home inspection school shouldn't forget to promote this service to sellers.
Home buyers who have their home inspected before they put it on the market, will gain great insight into the true value of their property. If there are significant deficiencies, they can address them before buyers see the property, plus they can also sell the house as-is, by disclosing what the licensed home inspector discovered.
If a seller has a certain price in mind, and the home inspector doesn't turn up any major deficiencies, the home inspection report will bolster their claim to a certain price, no matter the fluctuations of the market. People considering a home inspection career should understand that they can market their services whether the real estate market is up or down.
The bottom line is that in a sluggish market, both home buyers and sellers want to know that they've made the best possible deal all things considered. A licensed home inspector provides an objective evaluation about the property, which normally leads to more informed decisions. And information is the key when people are making one of the most important investments of their lives.
Labels: Certified home inspectors, home inspection, home inspection school
Most Americans would admit that buying a house is one of life's most stressful experiences. Surprisingly, however, some home buyers skip the real estate home inspection and take their chances.
Here are the top 10 reasons to get a home inspection before you sign your name on the dotted line:
1) Your biggest investment: Americans aren't big savers. Instead of piggy banks, Americans own homes. If you buy a lemon of a house, you may watch your biggest investment go belly up.
2) Radon: Radon is a gas that rises from the ground and sometimes seeps into houses, causing health problems. Licensed home inspectors perform advanced radon testing.
3) Mold: Is there a water leak in the basement, bathroom or kitchen? The right combination of moisture, warmth and wood can produce mold in as little as 48 hours. Allergies and respiratory issues may follow.
4) Termites: Need we say more?
5) Septic system: If you buy a house with a faulty septic system, it can cost upwards of $20,000 to replace. A certified home inspector can identify the tell-tale signs of poor performance.
6) Lead paint: Lead paint is found in some homes built before 1978. If the paint job is in good shape -- no flaking or peeling -- you're generally in good shape. But if children nibble the paint job or eat paint chips, the health cost could be high. Someone with a home inspector license can tell you what you're dealing with.
7) Fireplaces: A black film called creosote often builds up inside the fireplace after many years. If it's too thick, then you've got a potential fire hazard on your hands.
8) Roof: Nobody thinks about the roof until it fails. Don't spend a fortune on a house and then fork over thousands more when you discover the roof is no good.
9) The objectivity factor: Many home buyers get emotional when looking at a house. Certified home inspectors, fortunately, aren't distracted by pretty drapes -- they're looking for problems. Can you do that?
10) The professional factor: If you're a legal secretary, for example, you know a home inspector can't sit down and do your job. It's the same with certified home inspectors; there is a reason, after all, why they are trained and licensed as professionals.
Labels: home buyer, home inspection, licensed home inspector
It's set. It's on the customer's calendar. At 4pm or 5pm or 6pm, that's when you, the Home Inspector, arrive to start the home inspection. But do your customers know that home inspections really begin before you even arrive on the property?
Part of every home inspection is in the preparation; it's what the homeowner does to see to it that the inspection results will be as positive as possible. A little preparation on the part of the homeowner can make the house look better, allow the inspection to proceed more smoothly, and prevent any unnecessary dings against the house.
First, make sure the homeowner verifies that electricity is working throughout the home and that all circuits are working.
Have the homeowner double check the pilot lights on all of their gas appliances and have them fixed if they're not working. Any appliance that is a part of the home should be serviced and in good working order.
Make them aware you'll be inspecting any attic or basement and that they'll need to be cleaned to provide access for your inspection.
They will also want to check all door and window hardware to verify proper function and tighten anything that's loose.
Let them know to check their faucets and the plumbing for leaks and functionality. This would be a good time to have any problems repaired. Have them make sure that you will be able to access any plumbing under sinks for inspection.
They should also replace any burned out light bulbs, clean out rain gutters, and generally make sure everything is in good working order.
This kind of pre-inspection will not only make your job easier, it will also help guaranty a favorable inspection for the seller and confidence for future buyers.
Labels: home inspection, home inspection job
Whenever a home inspection is performed, even the most experienced inspector can forget something. That's why you have a checklist, to remember things like plumbing, air, water heater, windows, etc.
But even the most obvious things can be easy to overlook, especially when they are hiding away. Let's take light, for instance. Lighting is an incredibly important part of any house but a lot of it is easy to overlook. Remember that your inspection will probably be performed during the daytime so some lights won't be on. In addition, some lights can be hidden away so you won't know they're there. Always remember to ask the owner about any out-of-the-way lighting and keeps your eyes out for some of these:
Exterior Lighting
As you walk up to the house, you may notice lights along the walkway. They may not be on because of the hour, but that makes it especially important to remember to check them. Some homes may have installed exterior flood lights; low voltage lights create beautiful effects in gardens or on architectural details of the home. Be sure to check these. Some home owners have even been known to run lights into trees or on the roof, to light the areas below. Small lights on pilasters, highlighting small details, should also be remembered.
Other exterior lighting can include pool lighting or lighting for other areas of recreation.
Hidden Lighting
Lights are often hidden away to provide safety and/or access. The obvious ones might be lights in a walk-in closet or pantry, or the light over a stove. Keep in mind also, that there may be lights installed inside regular closets, in shower enclosures, and within built-in appliances. Finally, some homes may include installed night-lights.
Always ask if there are additional lights you may be forgetting.
Settings for Lighting
Lights aren't strictly an on/off feature. There may be some settings to keep in mind. With exterior lights especially, the lights may be set for a certain time. Be sure to check these timers. They may also be set on a motion sensor. This is also important to check. Inside, where a dimmer switch is used, make sure the light dims appropriately.
The more thorough your inspection is, the happier your client will be and that will mean more business for you in the long run.
Labels: home inspection, home inspector, home owners
Home Inspection. It's about plumbing and wiring and foundations and walls, right? Or is it?
Actually, home inspection is really about people. People buying their home or selling their home want to know that their home is in good shape and, when it's not, they want to know why and what they can do about it. What better way to help your client, and help your business than to take them along on the home inspection you're performing?
Remember, business is all about networking and developing good word of mouth. Taking your client on the inspection shows you're interested in them, as well as their home. Also, informing them of what you see will help make the inspection report that much more comprehensible.
Arrange your inspection when the client can be there, be it in the morning or afternoon. Work with them to show them you care.
Suggest they invite some friends over, especially if they are buying a new home. New homeowners love to show off their new property and get other opinions and this is also a good time for you to show others what a thorough job you do and expand your base.
Clients should be encouraged to wear some work clothes they don't mind getting dirty in to the inspection. Be sure to show them everything and allow them to use all of their senses. Show them under the countertops. Take them into the crawl space, if there is one. Make them a part of the inspection by making them familiar with all the important parts of their home.
Anything written down should be noted, even things that you might not write down should be relayed. For instance, homes constructed prior to 1976 might have lead-based paint, which would be important to replace. Even if the paint is in good shape, it's important that the new owner has this information.
Be sure to provide a legible copy of the report and go over every detail, especially high ticket items. Your client will know you're taking care of more than just the house; you're taking care of them.
Labels: buying a new home, home inspection, home inspection jobs, New homeowners
One of the best features of any new home, with summer approaching, is a beautiful front porch. Who doesn't like to sit out under the shade on a warm day with a cool drink and enjoy the view from their front porch? But with exposure to the elements and constant use, front porches can take a harder beating than many other parts of the house and should be included in every home inspection.
Here are some things to look for when inspecting a front porch:
SIDING -- For siding to provide full protection, it shouldn't be warped or aged if it's real wood. If it's made out of an imitation wood, then it should still look like wood.
TRIM -- Trim frames the porch like a piece of art and should be maintained to keep up the appearance of the porch. Corner boards of siding, the facia, soffits and ceilings shouldn't be worked or distressed.
WIRING -- Cracked, exterior wiring and rusted fixtures should be noted on inspections along with exposed wiring. These should also be checked for functionality.
LIGHTS -- All exterior lights should be inspected. These can take a beating from the elements and wear much faster than interior fixtures.
FRAMING -- A porch's frame is always at risk for attacks by age, moisture, and insects. Beams could rot where they rest on brick piers. When possible, check the underside of the porch for rot or insect damage. Be mindful of any cracks you see above or below.
FLOORING -- The floor takes all the beating and the weight. In the winter, it can be damp for long periods of time. In the summer, ultra-violet rays can cause it to crack. Pay attention to loose boards, spongy support, and outright broken flooring.
COLUMNS and RAILS -- Wooden columns and railing provide not only ornamentation but also support and can grow loose, creating a hazard. Check for loose rails or unsafe posts and columns.
DOORS -- Just like interior doors, it's easy for exterior doors to fall into disuse. In addition, though, a porch door can face rust, warping, swelling, and splintering. Also, keep an eye out for broken screens or glass.
ROOFS -- Since porch roofs can often wear out much faster than a home's roof, it's important to pay attention to its condition. Missing tiles or other damage should be noted.
While problems with a porch might go unnoticed by an untrained buyer, these observations could be crucial to any homebuyer's decision and the sign of a quality home inspection.
Labels: home inspection, homebuyer, inspecting a front porch, quality home inspection
What's the second largest cost of home ownership that is also the only major cost that can actually be reduced? If you answered Energy, you are right. With such a huge impact it makes on buying and owning a home, home inspectors around the country have been adding "Energy Inspector" to their title.
Energy Inspections can be performed right alongside traditional home inspections, adding only about 15 to 30 minutes to the time of a normal home inspection. Energy Inspection can also be added as a separate service. With the home inspection industry becoming more and more competitive, such a distinction provides you with a way to earn more money and stand out from your competition.
Energy Inspectors understand:
-How the house works as a system
-Principles of heat transfer and how they impact home energy performance
-How to produce a home energy analysis
-Where to find utility-sponsored rebates, financing, tax incentives and other ways to help pay for energy-efficient home improvements
With this knowledge comes an array of benefits. Home Inspectors who offer Energy Inspection:
-Generate higher fees per inspection
-Stand out from the competition
-Increase regular home inspection volume
-Create new income streams
-Appeal to higher margin clients
-Open up new market possibilities
Energy Inspection designations are offered by utility companies and other entities all over the country, broadening your business potential and helping open new doors for you as a Home Inspector.
Labels: Energy Inspector, Energy Inspectors, home inspection, traditional home inspections
With summer coming, the biggest home selling season will soon be upon us. This means buyers will be looking for deals, but not necessarily looking as thoroughly beyond the price as they probably should. Most buyers would rather not see any problems, especially if they think they're getting a great price.
The easiest problem to avoid in a home is the plumbing. Buyers in love with the look and the price might not even look under the cabinet. Little do they realize that their price might go up significantly if there's a problem they don't find.
This is another area of protection home inspectors provide for buyers. What should you be looking for when performing your inspection of a home's plumbing?
-Examine all faucets to make sure none drip.
-Open cabinet doors and check under sinks for leaks.
-Check the water supply valves. Turn these on and off to test for leaks.
-Look for rust and corrosion on all plumbing fixtures.
-Flush the toilet to see that it functions efficiently, doesn't continue running, and refills properly.
-Check the base of the toilet for water damage or soft floors.
-Run the garbage disposal and dishwasher to check for proper function.
Remembering these, and other things to look for from your home inspection training, will make your services invaluable to homeowners and potential homeowners.
Labels: home inspection, home inspection training, home inspectors, home selling season
No home inspection is complete without a thorough testing for Radon gas. And this doesn't just benefit the buyer, it can benefit anyone living in a home, whether they're selling or not.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is formed through the natural decay of uranium in soil, rocks and ground water. Radon from the soil enters into a home through small openings such as: cracks in concrete, floor drains, wall/floor joints in basements, and the pores in hollow block walls.
Because it's a heavy gas, radon can generally be detected in the areas of a home closest to the ground, decreasing as you move higher up within the home. Testing is the only means to determine whether or not a home contains a high level of radon. Since homes near each other may have differing levels of radon, buyers shouldn't rely on radon results taken in other homes within the neighborhood to estimate the radon level of a home. While radon may be more or less common from one area to another, any home may have a high level of radon.
Radon is a real health risk. Prolonged exposure could lead to an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Radon gas releases radioactive particles that circulate in the air and, as you breathe these particles, they can become trapped in your lungs and damage lung tissue. This damage can cause lung cancer
As you can probably see, radon testing isn't just important to a buyer. And because home owners can have an inspection performed (with the proper radon-testing kits) that is far more thorough than the short-term testing that can be performed during the real estate transaction, it can be equally as important to a home owner as well.
Labels: home inspection, home owners, inspection performed
Home Sellers know that when Buyers look at their house, they're looking for flaws. Leaky faucets. Loose wiring. Poorly hung doors. When Home Buyers see such flaws, they go into "what else is wrong" mode, looking for more defects so they can knock down the price. Good Home Sellers know that ignoring these details can result in long waits without an offer or offers that come in low. A trained home inspector can point out just such details for them.
Here are a few things to look out for:
- No Seller wants their home to be a fixer-upper. A home inspector can point out such flaws as cracking paint, loose gutters, and roofing issues. These flaws should be brought to the Seller's attention so the outside of the house can reflect the price being asked.
- First impressions last. When a Buyer walks through the home, they don't want to see damaged flooring, peeling wallpaper, cracked drywall or safety hazards. A trained home inspector can find these issues and bring them to the Seller's attention before a Buyer walks through the house.
- Counter offer. People always look under the counters. They want to make sure that appliances, wiring, plumbing, and general construction is in good order. Spotting such issues before anyone else looks is a service the trained home inspector excels in providing.
- No dirty laundry. Laundry rooms and garages are often underlooked by Sellers but never by Buyers. The pitfalls here for incorrect wiring, poorly installed appliances, inadequate lighting, and general condition are many and a good Seller doesn't want to wait for a Buyer to spot them. It's better to have a trained home inspector make a complete inspection.
Remember, Buyers sometimes bring along an extra set of eyes and will often require a complete home inspection before they buy. A Seller can benefit just as much from a quality home inspection.
Labels: home inspection, smart seller, Trained home inspector
As you've probably noticed, Allied Schools is based in the happy real-estate hunting ground of Southern California. In the big O.C. TV shows and movies portray supposed "real life" dramas that take place on So Cal's beach front property.
Sadly, they missed out on some real-life drama that didn't have to do with teenage love and broken trust. Thousands of Southern Californians have been caught this drama, and it's potentially more enveloping than a romance or a love spat. The drama I'm talking about is the real estate drama.
For months, we have been living in one of the greatest jumps in real estate prices in this state's history. With so much demand, buyers find themselves bidding up on a home, rather than negotiating down.
But, that's starting to change, as homebuyers are wising up about their purchases. Hiring intelligent real estate agents who help them last the price war, and make wise investments in their homes.
It's the return of informed homebuyers...and one thing that's coming back with them is home inspection.
Months ago, home inspections in California were viewed as an amenity, and in some cases, a detriment to a negotiating process (obviously, a seller would prefer a buyer who makes an offer that doesn't make the purchase conditional on a satisfactory home inspection). This is odd considering some of the triple threat that homes face here in California: Termites, Mold, and Earthquakes.
But times are changing, and homebuyers are seeking to be more informed with their most valuable investment.
This changing market puts home inspectors in the prime position to make a profitable living. There are simply not enough qualified home inspectors to fill the huge market need for home sales in California, let alone in the rest of the nation. And home inspectors who can get their training quickly and efficiently, will reap the most benefits.
Allied's Home Inspection Course fits the bill. Considering it is an online course, it is flexible and can fit into just about any schedule. The training is also concise and efficient, to the point that you can learn to become a home inspector in a matter of weeks. It's also inexpensive enough that you'll earn your money back from your training investment in your first few home inspections.
For more information, click here.
The smart money goes with the smart consumers, and the trend is that smart consumers are continuously seeking home inspections to assist them in deciding to purchase a home.
Labels: home inspection, real estate agent, smart homebuyer, smart seller
