This thread is dedicated to updating everyone on InterNACHI’s House of Horrors project. Watch the time-lapse video of the House of Horrors being built.
The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) is pleased to announce that it is building the ultimate inspection training facility… The InterNACHI House of Horrors in Gunbarrel, Colorado As part of InterNACHI University, the House of Horrors is a full-size house with thousands of defects, constructed inside a new two story, 15,000 square foot studio. Video technology using iPads throughout the house and complex will be used to enhance the visitor’s experience. The project is designed to provide inspectors with very realistic training using an actual home that has more defects than most inspectors will come upon in an entire home inspection career.
The inspector will be able to virtually walk through the house and do a visual inspection. With a simple headset, inspectors will be able use a smart phone and move their head to “look” around the room. This technology places the remote inspector right into the House of Horrors. This is the first step in the owner of a multi-inspector firm being able to attend multiple inspections at the same time by outfitting his assistant inspectors with technology that allows the owner to accompany his assistant inspectors on their inspections virtually, from a central location.
The commercial building it is housed within will also be used to train commercial property inspectors using the International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties.
The House of Horrors will be intentionally modified to include:
- improperly wired outlets;
- plumbing code violations;
- an electrical service full of issues;
- 16 different sidings & stucco exterior finishes;
- 31 different roofing systems;
- cut-away drywall to expose framing members;
- environmental hazards;
- various types of insulation systems;
- improper gutter/downspout systems;
- heating systems with defects;
- three different water heating systems;
- green building features;
- over 190 different safety concerns;
- an infrared training wall and roofing system with manipulated water leaks and electrical issues;
- a sprinkler to simulate rain on the roof;
- safety glass;
- drainage;
- roof penetrations;
- notches and holes in joists;
- a full masonry chimney;
- damaged and clogged sewer lines for sewer scope training;
- common code violations;
- a full-size septic system with tanks;
- vents;
- crawlspaces that student can actually enter;
- egress violations;
- clothes dryer problems;
- TPR discharge valves;
- energy loss issues;
- an exterior “deck of horrors” with dozens of issues;
- a set of stairs with a deck for visiting inspectors to access the roof and chimney;
- firewall issues;
- appliances;
- elderly, child, and pet safety issues;
- improperly installed radon mitigation system;
- a full kitchen with defects;
- a full bathroom with defects; and
- a glass floor that allows students to see the structure.
The home will also be used to produce advanced, online video training courses for InterNACHI University. (InterNACHI is in the process of becoming an accredited university that will be able to issue college degrees in inspection.)
Visiting inspectors will be provided with an experience superior to ride-alongs, online aids, classroom training, textbooks, or correspondence courses.
Various inspection tools, meters, and infrared cameras will be available for use onsite.
An online inspector obstacle course using the House of Horrors is also being developed and will include a video game-style virtual exam to test defect recognition skills.
The specially dedicated complex, host to the House of Horrors, will also have:
- an indoor classroom;
- an industry vendor display room;
- Inspector Outlet store;
- an inspector library and literature room;
- individual cut-away system and component displays;
- trial-basis reporting software;
- personal protective equipment;
- a ladder safety display;
- tools, meters, and infrared cameras to try out; and
- a lunch room for visitors.
Also on hand will be the ultimate inspection vehicle.
The complex will also house InterNACHI’s Inspector Marketing Department so that visiting inspectors can get free design and marketing help onsite.
The complex will additionally house InterNACHI’s Legal Department so that visiting inspectors can get free business and legal advice.
The complex will also be available for free to all InterNACHI members as a film set to produce custom online video commercials that promote their inspection businesses. Perfect studio lighting and audio.
A wax dummy of a real estate agent has yet to be procured.
When staying overnight:
Hampton Inn & Suites
6333 Lookout Rd. in Boulder, CO 80301 (1 mile north of class location)
(303) 530-3300
Email Michelle@internachi.org to get a special room rate $99.
Room includes free parking, free breakfast, and free WiFi.
Free shuttle will be provided to and from InterNACHI Headquarters.
Return to this thread for updates.
