Home Inspection News & Articles

Don't Know Much About a Home Inspection? Here are 6 Helpful Facts...

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:33:00 +0000

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.

Home Inspection Tips for Storm Preparation

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:01:00 +0000

Once you become a home inspector, your expertise may be called upon for more than deciphering the overall condition of real property. For example, if you live in a geographic region that's susceptible to annual hurricanes and tropical storms, you can help homeowners ensure their home is ready.

According to www.StormExpo2010.com, here are some important home inspection tips to consider for the exterior of a home:

Gutters & Shutters
Ensure gutters and shutters are firmly fastened to the structure.

Doors
Check the condition of the hardware on all doors. Adding deadbolts (top and bottom) to each door leaf can help prevent it from blowing outward or inward during a storm.

Trees
All overgrown trees should be trimmed down. Also, use the bark for ground cover, which is safer than gravel in the event of a storm.

Miscellaneous Outdoor Items
Is there a family of ceramic garden gnomes in the yard? Cute to some, but during a storm, items such as lawn decorations can break windows and cause additional, unnecessary damage to a home. Other items to consider include patio furniture and satellite dishes.

Garage
Is the home's garage made of hurricane resistant panels? If not, vertical support bars can be firmly screwed into the door ribs. You will also need to anchor in the bars at the top and bottom.

Turbines (roof)
Homeowners should buy caps for their home's roof turbines. When a storm hits, the turbines can be removed and replaced by the caps. Why? Because when winds hit 100 miles per hour or more, the turbines can blow off, leaving holes in the roof where rain and wind will enter the attic.

5 Dangerous Hazards in a Home

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:43:00 +0000

Once you become a home inspector, there are certain home hazards that you will learn to immediately identify as major red flags. And some of these hazards are so bad, they can make a homeowner sick. Here are the five most dangerous that every professional home inspector needs to know:

1. Lead
a toxic metal used in home products for many years that can contribute to several health problems, especially among children. Exposure can occur from deteriorating lead-based paint, pipes, or lead-contaminated dust or soil.

How to Identify: Homes built prior to 1978 may have lead present. Look for peeling paint and check old pipes. To get a HUD-insured loan, buyers must show a certificate that homes built prior to 1978 are lead-safe.

2. Radon
A colorless, odorless gas that can seep into the home from the ground. Radon has been called the second most common cause of lung cancer.

How to Identify: Basements or anything with protrusion into the ground offer entry points for radon. The Environmental Protection Agency publishes a map of high prevalence areas for radon. A radon test can determine if high levels of radon are present.

3. Asbestos
A fibrous material once popular in building materials because it provides heat insulation and fire resistance. But asbestos was banned in 1985. It may still be found in older home's insulation materials, floor tiles, roof coverings, and siding. If disturbed or damaged, it can enter the air and cause severe illness.

How to Identify: Homes built prior to 1985 are at risk of having asbestos within construction materials. Home owners should especially be careful when remodeling because disturbing insulation may cause the asbestos to become airborne.

4. Hazardous Products
Stockpiles of hazardous household items - such as paint solvents, pesticides, fertilizers, or motor oils - that can create a dangerous situation if not properly stored or disposed. They can cause illness or even death if small amounts are ingested.

What to look for: Make sure these items aren't tucked away in corners, crawl spaces, garages, or garden sheds. Home owners often don't realize these products can pose a danger and may forget they're storing them. But buyers don't want it to become their problem - and expense - to dispose of. If these products are found, make sure the buyer requires their removal and gets a disposal certificate prior to closing, which proves the products were disposed of properly and not just dumped in the backyard.

5. Groundwater Contamination
The result of hazardous chemicals that are illegally disposed of and then seep through the soil and enter water supplies. A leaking underground oil tank or faulty septic system can contribute to this.

How to Identify: Look for any conditions that may be conducive to leakage. Homes near light industrial areas or facilities may be at risk. Also a concern: areas once used for industry that are now residential. Pillar to Post offers a Neighborhood Environmental Report that details any dangers or remedies of environmental incidences and sources of contamination that have occurred at a specified address and within its vicinity.

Source: Realtor.org/Pillar to Post

Top 10 Things You Should Look for During Your Home Inspections...

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:21:00 +0000

In your professional home inspection career, here are some questions you should always answer when you perform a home inspection.

1. Does the house have poor drainage?

2. Does the house have faulty wiring?

3. Does the roof leak?

4. Does the house have minor structural damage?

5. Has the whole house been poorly maintained?

6. Does the house have an unsafe heating system?

7. Does the house have plumbing problems?

8. Does the house's exterior let in water and air around windows and doors?

9. Is the house inadequately ventilated?

10. Does the house present an environmental hazard?

(Source: MSN Real Estate)

5 Tips for Finding a Quality Home Inspector

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:20:00 +0000

1) Ask for referrals: Talk to your relatives, friends or local real estate agents about possible home inspectors. If they hired a home inspector and were happy with the service, they can provide you with the name and contact information. Try to gather two or three referrals.

2) Interview the home inspectors: Ask questions to learn about the home inspectors on your list. Find out about their education, years of experience, number of inspections they've performed and insurance coverage. Also, do they participate in continuing education or stay up-to-date on current laws and building codes? Lastly, ask for a list of references.

3) Determine the inspection cost: Ask the home inspectors how much they would charge for an inspection and what areas of the house it includes. The cost can vary based on the region, size of the house and scope of the services.

4) Make sure you are welcome at the inspection: If the home inspector or real estate agent discourages you from attending the inspection, consider it a red flag. This is a unique, one-of-a-kind opportunity to see your new home through the eyes of an expert. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn how to adequately maintain your home and be aware of any potential problems.

5) Get the home inspection report in writing: Don't accept the home inspector's word about the condition of the home. Ensure that he or she will provide you with a comprehensive, hardcopy report. The report should be included as part of the home inspection and covered by your inspection fee. Additionally, a detailed report can provide a legal basis later should any problems arise that went undetected at the time of inspection.

(Source: The Lawrence Journal-World)

Check Out This Home Inspection Video

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:30:00 +0000

Are you considering a professional home inspector career? A home inspection career can provide rewarding, hands-on experiences that get you out in the field and far beyond your typical day in a cubicle. Check out this video from HGTV and see what a day as a home inspector might bring your way.

Selling a Home? Here's What You Have to Disclose

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:20:00 +0000

A seller must disclose all known material defects and physical problems about a property to the buyer. This information takes the form of a disclosure statement and is designed to assist the seller in complying with state disclosure requirements. It can also assist the buyer in making a sound evaluation of the property that is being considered for purchase.

Every state has its own laws regarding disclosures - the form that is required to be completed will depend on where the seller lives. Some forms are only one page, while others, such as California are many pages long.

Here are some examples of what needs to be disclosed:

- Federal disclosure: If the home was built before 1978, the seller needs to disclose if the home has any lead-based paint.

- Material facts: The seller needs to disclose anything that would affect the buyer's decision to purchase or affect the price and terms of the buyer's offer. For example:
A human death on the property within the last three years needs to be disclosed - more than three years must be disclosed only if the buyer asks.

- External disclosures: Includes anything outside the home that currently affects or has the potential to affect the property. This includes:
Earthquakes
Natural hazards
Zoning changes
Flood zones
Fire hazards
Noise Pollution - such as any unusual neighborhood noise or traffic
Air Pollution

- Repairs: Any repairs to structural damage must be disclosed. For example:
Replacing the roof
Upgrading the plumbing
Fixing any foundation problems
Repairing a leaking slab

- Remodels: Any additions or re-structuring must also be disclosed.

To ease their concerns, many potential homebuyers hire a professional home inspector to determine the quality of their new home. These experts generate a report on the home's general condition, including the framework, electrical, plumbing, and more.

Disclosure is designed to inform the buyer about the investment about to be made. By fully disclosing the complete condition of the home, the seller can let the buyer know exactly what they are getting when they purchase the home. A home inspector can be a valuable part of the disclosure process, providing an "inside look" of a home.

As a Home Inspector or Contractor, You Use a Tape Measure Every Day in Your Work. Have You Ever Used it Like This?

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:59:00 +0000

Is Now a Good Time to Pursue Home Inspection Training?

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:20:00 +0000

Curious about a career in home inspection, but worried about the market? Well, consider this - the real estate market is on a gradual upswing and there is a marked increase in buyer activity. Now is the perfect time to train for a career as a professional home inspector.

Opportunity is the home inspection field is prevalent. Just look at these projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

- Employment of construction and building inspectors is expected to grow by 18% during the 2006-2016 decade

- About 1 in 10 construction and building inspectors are self-employed

- Inspectors should experience faster than average employment growth

- The middle 50 percent earn between $36,610 and $58,780

Buying a home is one of the most important decisions a person will ever make during their lifetime. And throughout the home purchasing process, the majority of buyers experience emotions that range from excitement to fear. As a home inspector, you provide these buyers with the feedback they need to make informed decisions – whether it's peace-of-mind or a disappointing discovery.

There's no doubt - home inspection is an important career that presents daily challenges. And it's the kind of job you can be proud to have. With the knowledge you gain from a home inspection school, you can play a vital role in this exciting process while helping clients make a smart investment in their home, as well as their future.

Do you like perks? Because, a home inspection career has some major benefits. For example, get some field experience under your belt, and you can take the self-employed route by starting your own home inspection business. Make your own schedule, choose your own jobs and be your own boss.

Plus, today's economic demands present home inspectors with some major marketing advantages. Consider President Obama's $150 billion dollar initiative to implement renewable energy programs nationwide. As a home inspector, you can specialize in energy-efficient properties and target the growing number of green-minded consumers and businesses.

Does a career in home inspection sound appealing? Prepare yourself with home inspection education. If you value flexibility in your training, check out online schools that offer 100% online home inspection courses. You’ll be on your way to a new, rewarding career in the home inspector industry in no time.

Upgrade to Green for Only $88

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Thu, 21 May 2009 21:14:00 +0000

You've made the choice -- you want to green your home inspection career. You can add solar sales strategies and business practices to Allied's Home Inspection Course for only $88.

The Business of Solar Course provides you with knowledge of applications of solar energy in homes and business -- from solar electric systems to solar modules. Learn how to promote the environmental, health and financial benefits of solar energy.

Take your home inspection career to the next level -- eco-friendly homes are the wave of the future. Enroll today and be in on the ground floor!

Home Inspection Going Green? Be in on the Ground Floor!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Thu, 21 May 2009 20:33:00 +0000

With today's green-conscious consumers, environmental changes often begin at home. While families still recycle and install compact fluorescent bulbs, there has been an increased shift toward more dramatic, life-changing improvements -- from installing solar PV panels to solar thermal systems (replaces traditional water heaters). Homes that have fewer environmental impacts are on the rise, meaning more career opportunities for home inspectors.

The "green" movement is one of the fastest growing trends in America. With homeowners wanting to save money and make their homes environmentally healthier, home inspectors have a unique opportunity to upgrade their services. By adding "green" to your career, you can create new direction for your business -- and improve the environment at the same time.

Allied's Green Home Inspection Program prepares you to start a groundbreaking career with your ability to provide home inspections and target renewable energy sources. Going green will give your business and career an advantage -- find your niche in the home inspection field with your knowledge of the business of solar. Advise your clients how to make wise energy choices. You will be prepared to:

- Assess a home to determine how green it is
- Advise people how to improve the "greenability" of their homes
- Prepare people to highlight green aspects when they sell their home

Solar energy uses sunlight to generate electricity, heat and cool air, heat water and more -- creating opportunities to replace non-renewable resources with more "earth-friendly" renewable resources. Solar energy is naturally replenished in a short period of time and environmentally safe -- making it an ideal choice for energy solutions throughout the home.

Your home inspection career can gain an exciting edge with your knowledge of solar energy solutions and business practices. It is an opportunity to increase your career potential while assuming a positive role in the "green" industry. Turning a home into a green home can add value to the property and increase energy efficiency. Go green in your home inspection career and start a career that makes a difference every day.

What Real Estate Pros Have to Say about Home Inspections

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:21:00 +0000

Home inspections are something that everybody thinks they know a thing or two about, but like most things, professional thoughts and perspectives on a subject are always worth listening to. Maryland real estate professionals Bob and Donna McWilliams recently addressed home inspections in The Capital newspaper.

The McWilliams believe there are misunderstandings about what a home inspection is. The home inspection doesn't address cosmetic issues, just structural ones. Items like scrapes and scratches to wood are not considered defects. A buyer must decide for themselves whether they are prepared to buy a house with a color of paint they dislike, and are prepared to pay for the repainting once they buy the house.

They advise sellers not to try to conceal problems with the house. The ethical and legal thing is to let the buyer know about any structural problems with the house. Honesty is the best policy.

For home sellers, they agree that deciding what to fix up before you put your house on the market is an important consideration. Many home owners have a list of projects they've wanted to do; if they're left incomplete at the time a house is on the market, it can mean losing money when you sell your house.

The McWilliams also point out that home inspection requirements depend on the contract with the buyers. All home inspections have the inspector look at the structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing parts of the house, but there may be other items written into the contract. Older homes, for example, may be checked for evidence of asbestos.

When it comes to old homes the couple notes that the home inspection standards of today can't always be applied to a house built one hundred years ago. They cite the example of a floor that isn't level in an old house, yet is structurally sound: a home inspection can't list this as a defect. Buyers should realize that a home inspection is not a tool to force home owners to update and rehabilitate everything in a house that a buyer doesn't like.

They also have highlighted their rule of thumb for home inspections:

"Everything should work and function as it was intended. The dishwasher should wash dishes; your roof should keep the rain out; the water heater should make hot water and so on. That doesn't mean that it has to be new or work as efficiently as the latest technology, but things should simply be in operating condition -- no more; no less."

Buying a Foreclosed House? Get a Home Inspector

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 22:04:00 +0000

For home buyers and investors, the global economic recession and the housing slump present an array of opportunities for those who can identify good bargains. At the heart of the housing decline has been a number of bad home loans, which has resulted in more and more foreclosed properties coming onto the market.

Banks now own tens of thousands of homes across the country and they are eager to sell the homes as quickly as possible. This doesn't mean that banks are "giving homes away," but it should be stressed that banks are not in the home-owning business; they are lending institutions that make their money on home mortgages.

According to RealtyTrac, an online marketplace for foreclosed properties, the overall foreclosure activity continues to register at a high level compared to 2008. When home owners can't pay their mortgage and get foreclosed on, the bank's first move is to sell the property at an auction. When the house doesn't sell at auction, the property reverts back to bank ownership, becoming what's known as a Real Estate Owned (REO) property.

These REO properties are very enticing for investors and home buyers because they are often listed slightly below the market value. While REO properties have proved popular for their value, some have been purchasing these bank-owned homes without having a home inspector look at the property.

"REO properties are sold in 'as-is' condition -- the condition the house was in when it was repossessed. Any savings on the purchase price can easily be offset by unforeseen repairs on defects not apparent to an untrained eye," said Kylene Golubski of home inspection company Inspect-It 1st. "In the worst cases, repair costs can escalate to the point where a buyer will fail to recover a return on their investment."

When banks become owners of a property, they don't do repairs the way a typical investor would. They will send a team to the property to shut off the electricity and disconnect the toilets, but they have no interest in maintaining or repairing the property. Potential home buyers should understand that the property may have a number of defects, and only a home inspector will have the expertise to determine what's not functioning correctly in the house.

According to Golubski, the home buying process can require "a lot of money and accurate information regarding the condition of its systems and components is required to make a smart decision." She urges buyers to consider the benefits of a home inspection: "For a couple hundred dollars, an inspection can either save you thousands on unforeseen repairs, or give you peace of mind. Either one is invaluable."

While banks typically will not lower their asking price based on home defects (as an average homeowner might), the discovery of defects allows a potential home buyer to "walk away" from the property.

While it's normal for buyers to become emotionally invested in an REO property that fits their needs and is offered at a good price, one must have the sense to walk away from a property that will require too much repair work. The only way to arm one's self is with a professional home inspector.

How to Understand the Duties of a Home Inspector

noreply@blogger.com (Allied Blogger Admin) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:48:00 +0000

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.

Checklist for Choosing a Solid Home Inspector

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 23:33:00 +0000

We are careful when we choose a car mechanic or a CPA, but how careful are we when choosing a home inspector? While it's possible to recover from a botched car repair job or an IRS audit, purchasing a home with serious defects can impact your bottom line for years to come.

The Dallas Morning News recently published a great checklist for people to follow when evaluating a home inspector. The checklist gets right to the heart of choosing a quality, experienced home inspector.

The home inspector checklist includes:

Locating the right person: word of mouth information is always the best way of learning about great professionals -- ask your friends and family about good home inspectors; you should also ask your real agent if they can recommend a particular home inspector.

Research: Make sure that the home inspector has a track record of professional service. One place to research their professional history is at the Better Business Bureau -- they can tell you about any past complaints against the inspector. Some states require a home inspector to have a license; if your state requires a license, ask for the inspector's license number and then check with the state to see if it's valid.

Education and training: You want someone who has received a quality home inspection education. Ask them where they went to school and what kinds of certificates the have, along with questions about the nature of their home inspection experience.

Inspection scope: Ask the home inspector what parts of the home he/she will inspect: ask about the roof, the swimming pool and appliances, or anything else you're concerned about or would like to see addressed.

Checklist sample: Ask to see a sample of the home inspection checklist that he/she will use when going through the home. See whether it is a thorough form that will allow the inspector to write up a detailed report or if it a simple, amateur form.

The final report: Find out how the inspector will deliver the final report to you. Will it be emailed, faxed or mailed? Ask if the report will include photographs of the home's defects.

References: There's nothing like talking to an old customer to get a sense of what kind of home inspector the person is. A professional home inspector should be willing to share a list of former customers with you.

Insurance: Sometimes mistakes happen, so home inspectors may have E&O (errors and omissions) insurance, which will help pay for any liability issues that arise as a result of the inspection.

Money: Price, of course, is important. You probably pay a little extra when hiring a car mechanic or a CPA -- use the same approach with a home inspector. If you choose a "cheap" home inspector, you might just get what you pay for.

Customers, who are curious what home inspectors study when they are training, can search the Internet for 'home inspection school' and then scan through the sites to learn about the kinds of training that schools require of inspection students.

Common Home Inspection Defects

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:28:00 +0000

Most people these days are convinced that they must have a home inspection before they purchase a house. Many of them have heard the horror stories about people who bought homes without a home inspection, and then learned the house had tons of problems when they got the keys.

Thanks to cable stations like TLC and HGTV, Americans are learning more and more about buying and remodeling homes; and in most cases, the programs responsibly promote having an inspection before purchasing a house.

So with that settled: what kinds of defects and problems do home inspectors find? The answer is, you name it, and they find it; yet there are some common defects that can make you reconsider buying a home.

Water damage is one of the big things that home inspectors are on the look out for. Whether it's a damp smell in the basement or water stains on the ceiling, evidence of water damage can point to mildew and plumbing problems.

Another big deal for home inspectors is the foundation of a house. This is something that you would never know how to evaluate or check by yourself, but if your house is built on a bad foundation, it can lead to real problems. A house with a cracked foundation is a big deal -- as a home buyer, you would want to know about a problem of this magnitude before buying a house.

The roof is also a critical area. You probably wouldn't know a good roof from a bad one, but a home inspector can determine how old the roof is and offer some general guidelines of when it should be replaced. Most people don't like to spend thousands of dollars on a roof that can't be seen. Spending thousands on landscaping or a new pool is easy to do, but forking over thousands for a new roof is not an exciting prospect. Because of this, many people own a home and sell it without ever having done any work to the roof. If you are not careful, you may buy a house and then have to immediately invest in a new roof.

While it's important to stress that home inspectors are neither electricians nor experts on county code violations, they should be able to spot defective or poorly installed electrical wiring in the house. When you're talking electricity, you're talking about safety for you and your family.

Discovering some of the problems mentioned above will be enough to scare away some home buyers, but problems like these can also be powerful negotiating tools if you really want the house. Your real estate agent should be able to use this kind of information to do one of two things: either request that the owner lower the price, or ask the owner to fix the problem before you purchase the house.

Home buyers must ask themselves how badly they want a particular house and what kinds of compromises they are willing to make. The bottom line is that all houses have problems; it's just a matter of your comfort level when you make the decision to buy.

From the Trenches: Hilarious Home Inspector Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Allied) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:55:00 +0000

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.

You Can't Insulate Yourself from the Insulation Inspection

noreply@blogger.com (Allied) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:32:00 +0000

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

Proposed Law in Michigan Worries Home Inspectors

noreply@blogger.com (Allied) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:47:00 +0000

Legislation in Michigan's House of Representatives has home inspectors in the state worried too much liability will be shifted to inspectors.

State home inspectors were the initial sponsors of House Bill 6088, requiring that inspectors have a home inspection license and be held responsible for a minimum amount of training. "In Michigan, there are no licensing requirements for home inspectors. The training isn't necessary and right now, any person could print out business cards or put together a letterhead and call themselves a home inspector," said Randy Aldering, president of the Michigan Association of Home Inspectors, in a recent interview with The Daily Tribune.

The Association is now concerned that a last-minute amendment, which will open home inspectors up to expanded liability issues, will increase the insurance premiums home inspectors pay. The fear is that such a law will ultimately drive some inspectors out-of-business. "It's unfair, because it shifts all the responsibility to us," said Dennis Durandetto, owner of Denco Home Inspection in Commerce Township, Mich. "We can't really open up the walls. If something should get by us that is hidden or covered up by the seller, under this law we could be held liable for that."

Individuals interested in becoming a home inspector should consider enrolling in an online home inspection course. Distance education allows people to train on the weekends or at night, which means they can keep their current jobs while they prepare for a home inspection career.
Allied Schools, www.homeinspectioncourse.com

Earthquake Retrofitting and the Real Estate Inspection

noreply@blogger.com (Allied) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:58:00 +0000

Americans are in love with the west. Each year, despite predictions to the contrary, Americans move from colder parts of the country to the sunshine states of Arizona, Nevada and California. For many of these transplants (particularly to California), the thought of an earthquake tearing into their dream house is a remote one.

People who want to become home inspectors, however, must be far more practical when seeing that older homes have been correctly retrofitted for earthquakes - a real estate inspection will go a long way toward making sure someone's dream house doesn't turn into a nightmare during an earthquake.

When inspecting a house for its "earthquake preparedness," there are generally four retrofit items to look for: stud spacing, steel roof and foundation tie downs and diagonal bracing. We'll take a look at each one to get a better understanding of their functions.

Recent experience in California has shown that when a house sits on a foundation - without being secured to it - the house will simply bounce right of the foundation when the quake hits. Home inspectors should look for steel rods that connect the foundation to the wood sill; the rods should be spaced every two or three feet. One should also look for steel braces on the support beams of the house.

Another important tie down is for the roof. Home inspectors should look for a steel rod that begins at the foundation (at all four corners of the house) and extends up to the top sill of the roof where it is fastened with steel clips.

Earthquakes, in a word, bring stress to a home's structure. Another important way to shore up a home is with diagonal bracing, which helps strengthen vertical studs. And when it comes to wood studs, their spacing is critical. To save money, many studs are sometimes placed several feet apart instead every 16 inches, which creates a stronger wall. A quick way to check the stud spacing is to inspect the garage or other areas where studs may be exposed.

It's important to remember that different states may have different requirements for what a home inspector can, and can't do, related to earthquake readiness, so it's important home inspectors know the rules in their local area.

Those individuals looking into home inspection as a possible career should consider online home inspection schools. Enroll in a distance learning home inspector training program, allows people to keep their current jobs while they study and prepare for a home inspection career. Many states require that one have a home inspection license, so it's important to check out your state's website for licensing information
Allied Schools, www.homeinspectioncourse.com

Georgia May Require License - Students Will Need Better Home Inspection Training

noreply@blogger.com (Allied) — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:15:00 +0000

State legislators in Georgia recently passed a bill that will force home inspectors in the state to get a home inspection license - an effort that seeks to eliminate inspectors who don't have the proper home inspection training to professionally examine a house.

If the Governor signs the legislation into law, the new home inspector license requirements for the state would take effect in 2011. Currently there are 24 states that require a house inspector license.

The state's efforts will hopefully root-out poor inspectors. Gary Duncan, operations manager for the Georgia Association of Home Inspectors, recently told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that right now "anybody can print a business card and call himself a home inspector."

One of the major signs that an inspector is not qualified is their price: a quote of $150 (in Georgia) and an inspection that takes under two hours. Well-trained home inspectors in the state normally charge around $300 and spend several hours carefully going through the house.

Individuals who want to become a home inspector should make sure that they attend a nationally-accredited home inspection school. A quality home inspection course will ensure that students get a solid foundation for their home inspection career.
By Robert Fay, Allied Schools, www.homeinspectioncourse.com

Real Estate Home Inspection and E&O Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Allied) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:24:00 +0000

Honest mistakes happen regardless of a person's level of professionalism, training or good intentions. And certified home inspectors, like everyone else, must take the possibility of error into account every time they climb into their car and head to a new real estate inspection.

Understanding that lawsuits are commonplace these days, home inspectors should look closely at the benefits of Errors & Omissions insurance (E&O). E&O insurance is liability insurance that covers your company if a client claims that you did not live up to the terms of the business agreement.

Future home inspectors should realize that there's more to consider than just the nuts and bolts of a home inspection job when you undertake a home inspection career.

As home inspections become more common, clients increasingly expect home inspectors to go beyond their job description, acting as mold inspectors, building code experts or licensed contractors. A very simple and pain-free way for home inspectors to protect themselves from risk is the pre-inspection agreement, which lays out what you will and won't do during a home inspection.

Yet even a pre-inspection agreement won't cover a home inspector from a wide range of legal action - that's where E&O insurance comes in. It's more reasonable to believe that you might never get sued over a mistake, than to suggest that you and your inspectors won't ever commit a blunder on the job.

Home inspection business without E&O insurance can go belly up after a devastating lawsuit; clients can and do sue for millions of dollars if a home inspector overlooks something that later leads to trouble. A home inspection business with E&O insurance, however, will only pay the policy deductible, which may be the difference between spending a few thousand dollars and a bankrupt business.

People looking at home inspection training should inquire whether a prospective home inspection school has relationships with professional home inspection associations. Some schools offer waived or discounted membership fees to associations, many of which offer reduced rates on E&O insurance. Don't wait until it's too late to protect yourself and your business from a devastating lawsuit.

By Robert Fay, Allied Schools.

Common Real Estate Inspection Defects by Region

noreply@blogger.com (Allied) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:34:00 +0000

Just like accents, cooking and sports loyalties, common home inspection defects vary by region across the country. Jennifer G. Prokopy in the Jan. 2008 edition of the ASHI Reporter writes about the local inspection variances that keep certified home inspectors from Seattle to Key West on their toes during a home inspection career.

Here's some common things to look out for by region (the list is by no means exhaustive):

Northeast

Damaged roof trusses and I-Joists
Clogged HVAC systems
Ancient chimneys
Poorly installed siding and trim

Southeast

Roofs (damaged from sun and heat)
Termites
Issues with code authorities
Poor workmanship during the recent building boom

Midwest

Poor workmanship during the recent building boom
Moisture intrusion from poor roof jobs
Wood rot
Water in basements
Badly constructed decks

Northwest

Moisture intrusion
Poor drainage systems
Inadequate exterior grading
Wood destroying insects
Poor workmanship in general

Southwest

Improper flashing for shingle roofs
Poorly installed roof trusses (even on custom-built homes)
Electrical wiring issues

Certified home inspectors are certain to encounter regionally-specific defects as the progress through their careers. Yet Prokopy points out that home inspectors should always be ready for that new, surprising deficiency that breaks the mold. One of the best ways to prepare for the unexpected is to receive home inspection training from a quality home inspection school. When you become a home inspector, you'll have to contend with both common and uncommon defects. Home inspector training prepares you for as many scenarios as possible so you'll be prepared for professional success.

Grow Your Real Estate Home Inspection Business

noreply@blogger.com (Allied) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:14:00 +0000

As the New Year begins, prognosticators are doing their best to get a handle on where the real estate market will end up in 2008. Yet the fact remains that millions of homes will be bought and sold regardless of where the market ends up. When you become a home inspector, you'll be part of a profession that simply doesn't stop during a market slowdown.

For certified home inspectors who own their own inspection businesses, knowledge of sound business practices are useful no matter what the market is doing. And graduates of accredited home inspection schools should expect their courses to include information on starting an inspection business.

In the November/December 2007 issue of The NAHI Forum, Rick Bunzel of Pacific Crest Inspection in Anacortes, Wash., outlined 10 ways that a home inspector can succeed when the real estate market is sluggish.

Mr. Bunzel's tips are an excellent resource for both veteran business owners, as well as recent graduates of home inspector training. The following is a summary of his business advice:

1.) The Market Doesn't Stop - Beware of negative media stories. Despite slowdowns, buyers are still making offers on homes.
2.) Business Plan - Devise a business plan with a marketing component. Consult this plan as you move forward
3.) Time Management - Block out your time. Deal with certain aspects of the business at certain times each day.
4.) The Pitch - Develop a 90-second pitch that will sell realtors on your home inspection jobs.
5.) Rise Above the Pack - Market slowdowns make good home inspectors look even better. Home inspectors with poor training and even poorer skills won't last long.
6.) Know the Numbers - Hire a good accountant and stay out of the red!
7.) Optimism - Successful salespeople and businessmen stay clear of negative people.
8.) Get Mentored - Find a successful home inspector or realtor and pick their brain. Share your business plan with them; get professional feedback.
9.) Work/Life Balance - Schedule time for your family and friends. Slowdowns are an opportunity to have more time with loved ones.
10.) The Comback - The market will pick up; be ready!

Becoming a home inspector means that you'll have to be both a skilled certified home inspector and a competent business owner, but not to worry, an accredited home inspection course will prepare you to succeed.

Marketing Your Home Inspection Business

noreply@blogger.com (Allied) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 22:35:00 +0000

The following article is an abridged version of a presentation that Scott Swickard, owner of InspectOC, and president of the Orange County Chapter of California Real Estate Inspection Association and American Society of Home Inspectors (CREIA/ASHI), gave in Costa Mesa, Calif., this past fall.

Don't let anyone claim that there is a "magic formula" for successfully marketing your home inspection business. If there was, everyone with the formula would be successful. No one can utilize all marketing methods consistently, and still have time for the business that you hope to generate. You must decide what you are comfortable doing, what fits your personality and business goals, and choose what's comfortable. In no way should the following list be considered exhaustive.

Branding

Branding is simply how you want your company to be known by your clients and referring agents. It does not matter whether you prefer to be known by your name "Joe Smith Inspections," or something unique like "See More Inspections." It could also be a unique tag line, such as "Joe Smith Inspections: We treat Your Dream House as our Own." Whatever name or tag line you choose, plan to have it prominently displayed on all your materials. This includes business cards, brochures, a website and inspection reports.

Passive vs. Active Marketing

There are two general methods for getting your name out, passive, where clients or agents find you, and active, where you initiate contact. We will not debate here whether it is more effective to actively market to prospective home-owners, sellers, buyers or real estate agents. Much of my business comes from clients who are repeat buyers, investors or have told friends or family members about his services. This is a great compliment, and is the result of outstanding service that was provided.

Passive

Examples of passive marketing include the Yellow Pages or other business phone listings, your outgoing message on your voicemail and website listing in search engines. This also includes having your business listed in any of a number of association search features. Wherever a potential client finds you, the creativity of your brand, or strength of your outgoing message may help capture the phone call, versus someone without a distinct business identity.

Passive marketing means simply having your business listed in a location where a potential client may be searching for your services. The more prominent you can be in these locations, the better your chances of securing the client.

Active

Active marketing should be your primary focus. It includes all outgoing communication, written, verbal and personal contact to prospective clients or agents. The following are a few examples of active marketing that have proven to be effective in the home inspection profession.

Personal Contact - Don't forget that before, during and after every inspection, you are marketing your business, through the first phone contact, face-to-face with everyone at the inspection and follow-up contact. How you present and conduct yourself, communicate your findings and follow-up are important to gaining future business.

Mailing - While this can be relatively expensive, a targeted mailing can be effective in getting a brochure or other selling message out to clients/realtors. Mailing lists can be purchased for a low cost, and can be customized as needed. This method can also be used to send a mailing to target a new housing neighborhood for 11-month warranty inspections. Printed material can have an unlimited life.

Email - Much less expensive than physical mail, email blast messages can have a broad reach, but may be less effective. The messages are easy to delete without reading, and do not have the same impact as a printed page. You can also be listed as a "spammer" which can interfere with normal electronic communication. However, if proper rules are followed for creating and maintaining your contact lists, you can reach many more potential clients through this method.

Newsletters - Newsletters can either be mailed or sent electronically. One benefit from an effective newsletter is that you can become the "go-to" expert if a potential client or agent has a question.

Advertising - This could include classified advertising in the local newspaper, or specialty advertising in trade publications. There are many such publications by local real estate organizations and other vendors soliciting the real estate industry. If these ads are seen by agents and brokers, or potential clients, it may be worthwhile.

Visits to Open Houses - Agents are frequently sitting on open houses during weekends. This may be an opportunity for you to go out and meet agents without pressures of time restraints. Be prepared to offer brochures and samples of your reports.

Real Estate Office Visits - This is a way to deliver brochures and get to know agents working in the office. You can also ask about office meetings held, and whether vendors are permitted to present general information or provide training to agents.

Association Membership - Most realtors belong to a local chapter of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) or similar organizations. Most of these chapters allow affiliate membership, which provides the opportunity to attend numerous events attended by realtors.

Agent Training - Most real estate offices are looking for vendors to provide training to their agents. If you have a quality presentation, and a reputation for giving a good presentation without putting people to sleep (it takes practice!), you may be called upon to conduct training sessions. You may have to provide lunch or snacks, but it is a small price to pay to be looked upon as an expert.

Website - While passive in some respects, a good website can become a powerful active marketing tool. If you have a website, make sure it goes beyond just the basics of describing your services and home inspections. Information about common defects, pictures of problems, and links to other important sites (CPSC, mold info, asbestos, defective furnaces, etc.) can become a valuable resource for agents and clients to use frequently. Publication/Articles - If you are good at writing original articles, there are numerous publications, including industry news and even the local newspapers, looking for information that would be useful for their readers. If the information in your article puts the inspection industry in a positive light, or you offer helpful ideas to the readers, they will hopefully have your contact information as part of the article to contact you later for business referrals.

Concluding Thoughts

When business is going strong, as many of us may have experienced in the recent real-estate boom, it is easy to overlook marketing efforts, or put them on the back burner. The key to marketing is consistency. Every week, a certain number of hours should be committed exclusively to marketing. This should include networking or office meetings, getting out and meeting agents or prospective clients face-to-face, or preparing and mailing marketing correspondence not related to a specific inspection. The number of hours is up to you, just stick to it.

To learn more about Scott Swickard and InspectOC, please visit www.inspectoc.com.