I found back draft testing to be an interesting read. There are a wide variety of tools and equipment to help inspectors with this type of test.
Use caution when working around any fuel-fired appliances. While performing the tests turn on all devices that vent air to the outdoors in order to simulate the worst-case scenario. Such devices may be dryers, or bathroom and kitchen fans.
The following is from NACHI on how to test for back draft.
• Release smoke or powder into the draft diverter to see whether it gets sucked into the duct or is blown back into the room. A smoke pencil or a smoke match can be used to safely simulate smoke.
You can hold a lighter beside the draft diverter to see whether there is sufficient draft to pull the flame in the direction of the flue.
• Combustion gases that are pulled into a house may leave a dark residue on the top of the water heater. The presence of soot is an indication of back drafting, although its absence does not guarantee that back drafting has not happened.
• A carbon monoxide analyzer can be used to test for back drafting of that gas. Inspectors should be properly trained to use these before they attempt to use one during an actual inspection, primarily to avoid false negatives.
I am going to have to investigate or ask around what is the best and simple tool for this for new inspectors to purchase.
I have a sister that is a realtor. She wants me to inspect her listings. I told her that would probably be a conflict of interest. As she would propably want to have input on the inspection. I told her to use an inspector that was not a relative.
The following is the essay assignment for the Home Inspector Code of Ethics Course.
I perform an inspection of a residential property and the realtor is really happy with the services I provided. The realtor offers to give me all her referrals if I paid her a referral fee, i.e. $25 per referral. I politely explain that I am unable to do that and that it is against the code of ethics that I strictly adhere to.
Real Estate agents own their business like inspectors. Their services either assist selling or purchasing new property with their clients and they receive payment via commission. Home Inspectors perform the service of inspecting the home, but when an agent suggests that you can be preferred on their list for a fee, it is illegal. Not only is it against InterNACHI’s code of ethics but it violates the federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). RESPA prohibits agents from receiving kickbacks from title companies, lenders, appraisers and inspectors. This kickback is a violation of federal law.
I enjoyed the section in the library about ways to save energy around the house. There are so many things to do to save energy. Such as more efficient light bulbs, skylights, good insulation, good caulking, double payne windows,using a microwave instead of the oven and many more.
I periodically receive phone calls from local realtor offices who say they have selected me to be their “in office inspector”, for a large fee that I have to pay. In my opinion, this is a violation of the code of ethics if I accept. I would be paying the realtor office a fee to give me work in essence. That is a violation of the InterNACHI code of ethics. It is very tempting because you are turning down income if you say “NO THANKS”, which is what I do.
Before inspecting a home the seller told me that if I did a “light” inspection of the HVAC unit that they would pay me personally in addition to the inspection fee. I explained to them that I am completely obligated to do a full inspection of the house, and would not be able to skim over any of the areas.
I have looked into the conflict of interest of doing an inspection followed by actually completing repairs that I would have noted in the report. Without the 12 month waiting period there is incentive for me to scare customers into getting repairs that they may not need or want. The buffer allows home owners to make informed and fair decisions.
The following is the research exercise essay for the Home Inspector Code of Ethics course.
Carpeted Bathroom Inspection Article
I have never understood what would possess someone to carpet their bathroom, but I suppose some homeowners appreciate the comfort and aesthetics of carpeted bathroom floors. This is a great article to share with a prospective home buyer that has concerns with carpet. The information on bacteria accumulation and inherent moisture issues would help a home buyer and/or home owner make an informed decision on how to proceed if they do or do not want to have carpeted bathroom floors.
Formaldihyde is very bothersome. It is in furniture, clothes, wood products, insulation, …
At a certain point, you’ve had as much as you can take in, so get outside and breathe. It is important to wear that chemical mask in the attic as well, even though that mask impedes your breathing also. Take a quick break and get outside unless the brown haze is worse.
I was doing an inspection for a client of mine. The house was about 60 years old. As I was in the attic I noticed that the attic had inadequate ventilation. As a result of this, I discovered a mold like substance on the rafters and roof sheathing. As an inspector I could easily cover this up and not have reported it knowing this could be a potential deal breaker. Being a honest and ethical inspector I reported it in my report. When the realtor saw my report I immediately received a call from that realtor asking me to change my report so it did not say “mold like substance” thinking it would be a deal breaker. I had to politely explain to the realtor that I work for my client / potential buyer. Even if it costed me future jobs from this realtor, I have an ethical duty to be truthful and honest to my clients.
Code of Ethics essay
In a past life I was a licensed roofing contractor, in the inspection report I noted the roof will need to be inspected by a qualified roofing contractor. The client asked if I would be able to perform the necessary repair, I would have to decline.
Lead Facts for Inspectors
Lead is a poisonous metal that was once commonly used in the manufacture of paint, gasoline, and plumbing, the U.S. has banned the use of lead in new construction. Before 1955, paint in homes was composed of up to 50% lead, today just .06% is allowed in the U.S. Lead poising is characterized by numerous symptoms including: nerve damage, cognitive impairment, coma, and death.
Ways to save energy in the home.
There are so many ways a homeowner can cut the cost of there monthly bills each year by making certain changes through out there home. You can cut down on your electric bill by simply installing ceiling fans through out the house. It would also help cut your bill by installing a programmable thermostat in your home, were you can turn the cool/heat off while your not at home. Another great way to save money is to insulate your windows and doors, which will help lower your heating cost. These few steps will help put money back in your pocket and will help you if you ever decide to sale your home.
In my opinion an hypothetical conflict of interest doing my job is if I visited a house for inspection and the real estate agent or the future property owner offers me an amount of money and I accept it, to hide some problems in the house. This violates the following "The InterNACHI member shall be truthful regarding his/her services and qualifications.
I read an article from the library and I want to share an experience happened to me recently. I inspected a house three years ago as an appraiser for a refinancing purpose. The property was foreclosed by the lending institution this year. A fellow appraiser evaluated the property this year and disclosed that the property has a structural damage in one column. The lending institution filed a claim against my error and omission policy saying that I did not disclosed that the property have a structural damage when I inspected the property three years ago. My position is that the failure was man made after the date I inspect the property.
Hello. I am submitting my essay on Code of Ethics Course.
Doing an inspection with the home owner, as an Inspector I found some minor things that should be taken care. The home owner offers me an additional fee to do the repairs. In this situation, I explain to the home owner that it would be a conflict of interest and as an interNACHI member there are a strict code of ethics we follow, I respectfully decline.
It would be a violation of code to agree with a real estate broker to hide deficiencies found during a home inspection. An inspector should be honest and truthful to the clients. It is always best to follow all ethical rules and regulations of the code of conduct.
Reducing liability is something that weighs heavily on every home inspector’s mind. What we could stand to think of more is the liability of realtors and their associated agents. The article : “How Agents Can Limit Their Liability with Regard to Home Inspections” brought to light some good points on how to reduce their exposure in a transaction.
Helping an agent reduce their liability in this litigious society could be a good selling point for an inspector. Also, helping an agent reduce their liability in turn helps us in the long term. It works closely with our code of ethics to give honest and professional inspections and keeps dishonest agents at bay in a most positive way, by helping them reduce their liability.
The tips provided in the article should be taken to heart and applied by those agents that we work with.
My research essay with referance to Home Inspector Code of Ethics course:
Optimal Humidity is the secret of Home Health
Humidity is important but too much or too little can produce a host of health problems or cause damage to our home.
When the air in our home is too dry, it can crack the walls and ceilings and shrink the framing around windows and doors, allowing cold air inside and making our home less energy-efficient. Dry air also saps moisture from our body, leading to conditions such as a dry nose, scratchy throat and itchy skin.
Too much humidity, on the other hand, brings about a different set of problems: wet stains on walls, musty odors and mold. When it comes to our health, too much humidity provides an optimal environment for bacteria, dust mites and fungal growth. All of these can lead to respiratory problems, especially in those with asthma and allergies.
The ideal humidity level is between 30 percent and 60 percent.
Hygrometer, a small, inexpensive and easy-to-use instrument measures the humidity in our house. We have to place it where the humidity problems are most obvious. Keep it away from direct heat, such as near a radiator or heat register.