Research essay:
I chose the article “10 Easy Ways to Save Money and Energy in Your Home”. Most people don’t realize how easy and simple it is to save money by cutting down on energy costs. One extremely simple and cost effective method to cool your room is installing a ceiling fan. Another way to lower your bill is to make sure you lower your thermostat at night or when no one is home, and then adjust it accordingly when people are home.
Research Essay:
I researched GFCI receptacles. I find it interesting that all receptacles outside require GFCI protection except for snow melting or deicing equipment, if they are not easily accessible. This may not be something we run into often, but its good to know depending on your location. I am located in New Jersey, so it may be possible I eventually run into this.
A real estate agent suggests that your inspection report should include contractors that can perform the necessary repairs noting that his friend is a small time handyman and could gives him a discount on the repairs as long we recommend him to all of our clients. The real estate agent further says that we could all benefit if we work together - the agent recommends me as a home inspector as long as I recommend his friend for repairs. He justifies that this is ok because it benefits the clients. The client now knows what is wrong with the home and where to get the work done fast. Thus, the deal can close much quicker. Of course, this is against the code ethics becasue the home inspector is offering the agent something of value in exchange for a referral.
Hypothetical Essay.
Recently, while promoting my inspection business with a local real estate agent, it was suggested that if I offered referral fees, they would put my company higher on their list of contractors. I explained to them that such a fee could result in a conflict of interest with my prospective clients as well as be in conflict with the InterNACHI code of ethics. I told them of the “gift from your Home Inspector” program offered by InterNACHI and the benefits of being a Realtor member of the organization.
By using what InterNACHI offers, I was able to turn an uncomfortable situation into a win for both the realtor and myself.
I later found out that this was a test to determine my ethics and honesty. I’ve received several referrals from this realtor and developing a great working relationship with the company.
What reporting software is the best? Do you even need software and an electronic report? What type of inspection report works for everyone? What makes a good inspection report? Lot’s of check boxes? Lot’s of words (descriptions)? Lot’s of pictures? Apparently, there is no clear answer. Looks like reports change as fast as consumers and technology. Today’s consumer may not know as much as yesterday’s consumer, but they expect to be informed directly. They may still rely on someone else to interpret and make sense of the report, but they want the report themselves and tailored to their needs. How do you balance the legal requirements, industry standards and customer expectations? It is all part of the job, or rather the report.
Research- A Garage Inspection
During my years of home remodeling and repair I have seen joist hangers attached with various types of screws. When replacing them through the course of the repair I used nails, but gave no thought to the remaining hangers that were screwed in, as they were not part of the repair. I had never considered that a screw did not have the same shear strength as the proper nail. Realizing how much I don’t know. Not only that I didn’t point out a safety hazard, but, I also left potential money on the table.
Hypothetical Essay:
Recently I was networking with a group of other inspectors and real estate agents who had come together to share potential leads. During a conversation with another inspector I was offered some potential leads if I was willing to “let some things slide” in order to speed up the inspection, and thus move on to next home.
It was also made clear that this inspector had a good relationship with several real estate agents. If I were to work with this inspector he could almost guarantee more work would follow if the inspections were done fast.
I advised him that this goes against the InterNACHI code of ethics and is not something I would be a part of.
Prior to my inspection the realtor pulls me to the side and states that he is under a bad time crunch to close the deal on this current client. He states that if he doesn’t seal the deal this time the customer is going to walk and go find new agent. The real estate agent said that during the walk through he noticed that there was damage to the roof and there was mold in the room. He clearly stated the client did not notice it and does not want me to report it or state it the customer. The real estate agent pursues this point over and over again to make sure that this house get the closing table.
I explained that to him that this goes against the code of ethics of InterNACHI and I would not support his decisions.
Research Essay:Wood decay
In the article it describes a way to quickly field test for insects or soft wood. This process is known as a “pick test” and in order to do this test you must take a pointed object and pry into the wood. From here you would listen and feel for the wood to be soft or fray into multiple little pieces. During the process i would be looking for wood that is soft and is showing sings of splintering. Furthermore another interesting fact is that “dry rott” is still actually decaying. Moisture is required for wood decay to occur.
I own a construction business separate from my Home inspection business.
The 2 businesses definitely compliment each other as many realtors know that I have both. Some realtors will use my for work on flippers, prepping homes for sale or general requests from their clients.
I have separate business cards for each and never offer my services to home inspection clients for the first 12 months.
Many realtors use my for both and some realtors verbally let the clients know that I can repair or perform improvements. I always respond to them that I do have the separate company but do NOT offer repairs for the property until they have settled in and want work done after 12 months.
It is always tempting but it is important to maintain the integrity with the realtors.
I enjoyed the article on asset protection. As a 2017 new years resolution, I am going to incorporate LLC and limit exposure so no one can take my livelihood.
Conflict of Interest or Violation of Ethics Essay
I recently met up with an old friend, we got to talking and I found out that he is a real estate agent that works in my service area. He said that if I gave him “kick-backs,” he would refer me to his clients. I explained to him how important it is to be neutral and unbiased, and that giving referral fees violates my code of ethics. He tried to explain that that’s how networking works, I told him that I was not interested. We moved on and were able to catch up on old times.
I found it very interesting learning the difference and what certain screws are used for. In the article that I read someone had used gold deck screws to secure a 2x4 joist, there were several things wrong about this installation, but the screw itself was not designed for this application. This screw has very low shear strength which would cause catastrophic failure of the roof system; gold deck screws are designed to no be pulled out easily.
As I let people know I am working towards becoming a Home Inspector I find many opinions from Real Estate Agents on Home Inspectors. It seams that the ones who are offering discounts and kick backs are known for not doing the most thorough job or not giving the most accurate reports. I have been told most agents and homeowners want a thorough inspection that is honest and easy to understand. They want an inspector to be on time, communicate well and be personable. When they find inspectors who are they tend to recommend them more. Reputable inspectors make a name for themselves quickly.
Carpeted Bathrooms
You may run into carpet in bathrooms in some inspections. Although not the best choice for a bathroom, the warmth and look and feel of the carpet are some reasons it get installed. The issue with carpet in a bathroom though is it absorbs moisture and every item in the bathroom holds water. Mold releases spores that can cause respiratory issues, especially for those with certain health problems. You can use moisture meters to determine if there is moisture beneath a carpet.
In addition to mold growth beneath the carpet, bacteria can accumulate in carpeting that surrounds the toilet. Bacteria is contained in urine, which can be deflected onto the carpet. This soaks into the pad and is very hard to get out.
InterNACHI inspectors can recommend that the carpet be cleaned regularly, install a fan in the restroom or keep the existing fan on more often, keep the carpet as dry as possible and explain to the client why they are having these issues.
Course Essay
“Karen Quick doesn’t ‘play ball’.”
So, I have heard. I have been given multiple opportunities to “play ball” with real estate agents eager to see an inspection go their way. In return, they have promised to toss the ball to me and give me additional jobs. I just smile at the agent and give my client the best inspection, the one they deserve, not the one the agent wants. Not all real estate agents play that game and I have been fortunate to find quite a few who only want what is best for their client - no matter how the inspection goes.
Outhouse Inspections
So far all of the outhouses that I have inspected have been decorative not functional. The structure simply needed to be stable and in sound physical condition. However, in the future, should I encounter a working outhouse I will feel informed enough to offer an inclusive report that will focus on the potential hazards (pollution, parasites and explosions) and efficient maintenance and safety.
Beware of splinters. 
Conflict of Interest Scenario
Home inspector is also a real estate agent. Agent is listing a home and does a pre-inspection for interested buyers. This is a conflict of interest since this person cannot fully separate the two functions he is performing and he stands to gain monetarily at the sale.
Doing Damage During an Inspection: It’s Your Job
This was insightful and appropriate. We want to find the items about to break! If it happens to break “in our hand” we have been of great service to our client, whether they are the homeowner or prospective homeowner. Of course we don’t want to make anything fail before it is meant too!
The Real Estate agent wants me to just do a “quick” walk-thru inspection. Buyer wants to buy and he needs to sell.