Research & Writing Assignment:
Rafter spread and Truss uplift. Rafter spread is a phenomenon where the roof load forces the rafters down and outward.The soffit can be pushed outward along with the rafters actually separating from the house. Truss uplift the bottom chords of trusses can bow and deflect upwards during the winter months, pulling ceilings and walls beneath up with them.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here is a picture of a section of the ASHI code of ethics. Its a good document to read and remind yourself what exactly you are required to inspect and what your not required to inspect. This would be a good document to keep handy.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article on AFCI Testers. It is good to know that using this tester works on all branch circuit, verses hitting the test button on the afci breaker. It is also interesting to learn that the tester itself sends This indicator creates eight to 12 pulses of 106 to 141 amp charges in less than a second through the circuit.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
while inspecting a bathroom i turned on the sink and the shower all drained well but closer examination of the shower head i noticed that the amount of water or the spray it had only four streams coming out of the shower head. i made a note so to remember to put it in the report
Research & Writing Assignment:
carpet in a bathroom is nice to feel under your feet, also makes the bathroom feel warm,but what happens when little children go to the bathroom while potty training or the toilet overflows, you have a mess. moisture from steam, water from bath etc, it gets down in the pad and if it does not dry out, mold will grow and maybe ruin the sub floor.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I had an opportunity to inspect a non functioning sump pump once it was removed from the system. It was interesting to get a closeup look at it. The float valve was functioning, it had power applied to it but would not turn on.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Conventional Absorption Field
Very interesting to see the diagram of how a septic tank actually drains and functions. I have a septic tank in my back yard which has been replaced by a connection to city sewer, I always wonded what the actual septic system was comprised of.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
These requirements for licensing may seem limiting at first. However they are very similar to most public and professional service requirements and bylaw that are place on those serving the general public. These requirements also establish an ethical practice in which home inspectors will be held to as a standard to practice in each state(s).
Research & Writing Assignment:
What happens When Your Report Gets Recycled? : by Nick Gromicko and Kate Tarasenko
Licensed home inspector invests a lot of time, energy and money to maintain our profession. Despite our best efforts to inform and educate our clients that our inspection report are only a snap shot of the homes current condition and not a warranty currently or in the future of the homes condition. Home inspectors still need to protect themselves by obtaining proper insurance for errors, omissions and liability, also that all their reports included but not limited to having date and time stamped photos, concurrent page numbering, summaries and disclaimers thought out these reports.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Indiana has a licensing board that regulates on licensed home inspectors. They deal with complaints that are brought to them and preform investigations on complaints. The licensing board has a code of ethics that home inspectors must follow. For further information visit the state licensing board website. On their you will find all the information you are looking for and if you still have questions, you can call or email them.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The code of ethics for home inspectors is very important to know and understand. If you follow the code of ethics you will always have no problems when conducting a home inspection. I believe all inspectors should have a copy of Inter Nachi also their state licensing board’s code of ethics.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The GFCI receptacle in the master bathroom is in good working condition. There was not any visible defects with the receptacle. The GFCI was able to trip properly with the test button. The GFCI reset properly with the reset button.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Condensation is the accumulation of water on cold surfaces. Double pane windows have gas between the two panes. The gas expands and contracts through a process called thermal pumping. Over time this causes the seal between the two panes to fail. This in turn allows the gas to leak out and air and moisture to infiltrate.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo was taken during a home inspection that I performed on a home that was built in the late 1940’s. During the inspection of the service panel box I found that some of the branch circuit wiring was solid aluminum wiring. This type of wire is prone to overheating at connections between the wire and devices. This type of wire posses a safety hazard do to the wire overheating and possibly causing a fire in the home.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I have chosen to write about an article on inspecting HVAC systems for duct leaks and energy loss. I have learned from this article the three places on an HVAC system that has the highest air pressure and that could lead to high energy loss in heating and cooling. The first place is at the furnace or air handler cabinet because it has the highest air pressure. The second place of high pressure is were the evaporator coil meets the air handle cabinet, and the third place is the were the air handler cabinet houses the blower its self. These are all important areas to inspect for duct leakage and energy loss.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The photo attached is an inspection of the stairs and handrail from the first floor level leading to the second floor level. After inspection both the steps and flooring structure are in good condition and the handrail is in good condition as well. The handrail is securely fastened to the wall at the appropriate height and there are no lose flooring boards under the steps. Shane N. Inspector in Training
Research & Writing Assignment:
One key section I learned in this course was concerning continuing education. I learned that the CE shall be comprised of two categories. The two include category 1 and category 2. Of these two categories the licensee shall obtain a minimum of seventy-five percent (75%) of the required amount of continuing education hours for renewal from category 1 and then may obtain a maximum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the required amount of continuing education hours for renewal from category 2. There is a detailed list of what is category 1 versus category 2 for further clarification. This is very helpful. Shane N. Inspector in Training
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In above photo you can identify that the hydrate caps and threads are missing. This should be reported to local authority having jurisdiction as this may slow the ability for the local fire department to gain early access to a water supply if your home is on fire. Recommend Contacted AHJ and fixing
Research & Writing Assignment:
What Is Asbestos? Asbestos is a mineral fiber that can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope. There are several types of asbestos fibers. In the past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance. InterNACHI inspectors can supplement their knowledge with the information offered in this guide.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When doing an inspection in the winter time, any limitations must be clearly documented in the inspection report and where possible, a photo showing the limitation will make it very clear to the client why a certain component was not fully inspected. In this case, a roof was covered in snow, making it impossible to determine if any shingles are missing, or any patches have been applied to the roof.
