Indiana Licensure Law & Regulations for Home Inspectors Course

Research & Writing Assignment:

In some situations, the roof shingles look like they are in fair condition but due certain conditions and risk factors, an inspector may feel there is a risk of roof leakage. Recommending a roof tune-up is a good way to ensure that the client understands there may be a risk and taking pre-emptive steps as a homeowner will mitigate the risk of roof leakage.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Forced air furnace was inspected by removing the covers from the unit and observing the operation while the unit was running. Unit responded and ran well however was very dirty and has likely not been cleaned before. Recommend having a certified HVAC contractor clean as needed.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Aluminum branch wiring used from the mid sixties to the mid seventies has a few inherent issues with it. The solid aluminum wiring was used due to a sharp spike in the close of copper. Some of the issues are connections at switches and outlet loosening up over time and causeing fires.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Real Estate Agents
There are a number of ways for a real estate agent who recommends a home inspector to greatly both reduce their liability and to limit any type of financial impact. The first step every real estate agent should do it always chose a InterNACHI home inspector in good standing. This allows the real estate agent to register for InterNACHI’s FREE negligent referral protection plan for real estate agents. In Indiana real estate agents have even more protection with state law in place.

For example.
IC 25-20.2-9-3
Immunity from liability
Sec. 3. A person who in good faith recommends or endorses a licensed home inspector without compensation, remuneration, rebate, or other form of consideration is not liable for the actions of the licensed home inspector, including errors, omissions, the failure to perform contracted duties of a home inspection, or the failure to meet the standards of performance, report writing standards, or code of ethics established by the board.

Choosing an InterNACHI certified home inspector, registering for the free protection plan, and Indiana state law helps protect agents from frivolous lawsuits.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Part of the standards of practice include inspecting the garage & garage door operating system. However there are certain cases where you may not be able to properly inspect these systems. It is recommended you always take a picture and note in the inspection report what wasn’t inspected and the reason why. When it comes to obstruction due to the amount of items in a garage, a picture is worth a 1,000 words.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

A crack was observed on the right rear corner of groute line above the bathtub in master bathroom. Water intrusion likely to be at this point and possible damage behind tile. Recommend having repair and further evaluation by a qualified or trained contractor.

Research & Writing Assignment:

I chose why you need a logo to write my essay on. I learned that using a common picture you will blend in and possibly be over looked. A logo is part of your branding and is the first impression of a buisness. When you put your brand logo on hats, shirts, or vehicle it is a great marketing tool. When deciding on a logo choose something unique, that goes with your name. If your name stands out to a picture consider using that image with your brand.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Aluminum siding inspection tips: To determine whether a siding is aluminum an inspector can tap on it and listen for a hollow sound. A magnet can be used to determine whether a metal siding is aluminum or a steel product.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Picture of an egress door which is positioned between the homes kitchen and attached garage. The door has a metal and skin and is fire rated. The door measures thirty six inches wide which meets the required standard for exterior door width.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

This is a thermostat and it is the only method/normal control by which an inspector can operate both the heating and cooling systems of a home. According to the standards an inspector shall in his/her report locate, identify and state if the components respond/work or not work when directed.

Research & Writing Assignment:

“Home Inspection Report - What to expect” an inspector is required to provide his/her client in writing a report. The report is used to show/explain to the client what was observed, the condition of the home major components. It is imperative that the report narratives be concise but detailed enough so that the client or anyone else reading it can understand. With the help of technology there are many software apps that include standard narratives that can also be modified.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

The picture was taken in the early morning by exceeding the SOP by walking on the roof. The hard frost that morning shows that the attic insulation is most likely inadequate, and should be noted when moving on to inspect the attic.
The 3-tab asphalt shingles look to be near the end of service life, being well worn, curling and cracking. Making for multiple points for water penetration. The sheeting on the gable end is sagging from possibly water damage from the missing tabs.

Research & Writing Assignment:

My pick from the LoIA was “Home Inspector Ethics: Why Not Pay to Be on Brokers’ Lists?”
In Indiana the Code of Ethics, Authority: IC 25-20.2-3-8; IC 25-20.2-3-9 Affected:IC 25-20.2 Sec.2. has the same guild lines of not getting and\or giving any compensation for referrals from any party.
Not only does it help in protecting the one giving the referral of you. (in the case any legal dispute) It will also help in a good name of reputation for potential clients.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

This is showing that a defect in the condensate line of a high efficiency furnace was observed. The leak is coming from inside of the furnace meaning the water is not exiting the furnace via the condensate drain plumbing. Perhaps the drain is clogged or corroded. It is recommended that it be evaluated and corrected by a licensed, qualified professional.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Ceiling Fan Inspection
Some common defects to look for in ceiling fans are as follows.

  1. Improper mounting often times homeowners will simply replace a standard light fixture with a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans typically weigh a lot more that a traditional fixture and have additional torsional forces that act on the junction box that its mounted to. If improperly braced then it can be very hazardous as a failure could result in serious injury or death.
  2. Inadequate floor to blade clearance there should be 7-0 from the floor to the lowest point of the fan blade to avoid accidental contact with the blade.
  3. Indoor fans used in an exterior application exterior fans are equipped with seals and made from materials that are designed for exterior and more humid applications. Fans made for interior applications are not designed for this environment and will typically not hold up.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

At the time of the inspection I observed a downspout that terminates onto the asphalt shingle roof surface. This could cause a shortened life span of the roof coverings in this area. I recommend correction and further evaluation by a qualified contractor.

Research & Writing Assignment:

I chose to read the article “How to choose the right lawyer”. This article has many good tips on choosing the right lawyer for the job. It makes sense to take your time, find a few possible choices, and then interview them. Unfortunately, most of us need legal advice from time to time.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Most newer homes have high efficiency furances that have plastic PVC pipes exiting the side of homes. For us in colder and snow climates it is important to keep all entrance/exit pipes free and clear of snow affecting safety and performance of the HVAC system

Research & Writing Assignment:

Attic access and safety is critical for home inspectors. Entering small space attics less than 18x24, blown in insulation etc can cause safety concerns for inspectors that do not follow general safety rules. Basically if you can’t see it you risk getting hurt.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Each state has different requirement for Home Inspectors. Indiana requires that each Inspector place their Indiana license number on their reports. Not all states require this. Furthermore, the state of Indiana requires that Inspectors describe items such as exterior wall coverings in their reports. This requirement is common among others states as well.