Research & Writing Assignment:
Not all fasteners are the same. It’s important to know what each type of fastener is intended for. For example, gold deck screws are help resist withdrawal from what they are fastened to. Furthermore, fasteners for items like joist hangers are designed to resist shear.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an inspection photo of the plumbing system under a kitchen sink. The p-trap appears in good shape with no evident leaks. Same for the tail pipe and shut off valves for the hot and cold water supply. The garbage disposal works well and also appears to have no leaks.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article, Limitations of a Home Inspection. In the standards of practice,it states that a home inspection is visual inspection of the systems and components of a residence. It is not an invasive endeavor and there will be lots of areas and components that are not visible.
The inspection reports findings only at the time of inspection. Conditions can change before closing.
This are also findings that require an expert to evaluate.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The photo shows an attic view of the underside of a portion of roofing deck. The roof board is loose and nearly separated from the rest of the roof. This is a defect in the roofing with its potential to cause leaking that could lead to water and/or moisture damage to the insulation and attic.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The photo shows an attic view of the underside of a portion of roofing deck. The roof board is loose and nearly separated from the rest of the roof. This is a defect in the roofing with its potential to cause leaking that could lead to water and/or moisture damage to the insulation and attic.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This hot water heater is in great condition and relatively new having a MFG date of 8/26/2016. 40 gl. natural gas and draft fed with max pressure and TPR set at 150 psi. There are levers for the cold water and gas shut-off/on in close distance to the hot water heater. The hot water heater is installed with a pan to catch any condensation or leaks with drainage leading to a floor drain.
Research & Writing Assignment:
“Home Inspector misses Something” We all know that nobody is “perfect”, we all make mistakes at some point and time in our careers. How you handle what is “called” a mistake or something that you might have “missed” shows the integrity of yourself and or the company that you work for. Always be sure to educate your clients to the extent of the inspection,systems excluded, and the new client page.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The attached picture is of a new construction home. It is sided with traditional vinyl siding, vinyl vertical siding, and brick. The trim soffit and facia are aluminum and the windows are vinyl. It has steel garage doors and asphalt architectural shingles.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Indoor air quality is becoming more and more important to homeowners. This can be tested and measures can be taken to improve air quality in a home. Having your duct work completely sealed and a good filter will help a lot. Avoiding any non-vented gas appliances in the home is also always a good idea.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Home Inspector Ethics: Why Not Pay to Be on Brokers’ Lists?
This article presents a common dilemma for home inspectors, especially in larger markets. With the competition to get the job pretty high, some inspectors may try to justify paying to be on a brokers list by confirming to themselves that their integrity and professionalism wont be compromised. Its just part of the job, right? Wrong. Paying to be on a referral list is a clear violation of the Code of Ethics. The article goes on to state that maybe the inspector can pay to advertise with the broker and have an unwritten agreement that they will still get referral while not officially being on the list.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo is of junk and debris accumulating in the inside corner of a covered gutter. You can see from the other shingles that there is already some moisture retention. On the gutter, you can see that the rainwater is flowing over the gutter screen and down the edge of the gutter. This can potentially cause moisture intrusion issues to the structure below. The gutters need to be cleaned.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Pictured here is an image of the separating wall between a garage and an interior living space. Due to the dangers of potential garage fires it is necessary to have a minimum of 1/2" gypsum sheeting on the garage side of the separating wall.
Research & Writing Assignment:
From the Library of Inspection Articles section titled “The Dangers of Calling Yourself an Expert” it is explained that when inspectors refer to themselves as an expert they will more than likely be held to a higher standard if a lawsuit should arise. Unhappy customers might claim a breach of contract if something was missed and the inspector could have to explain his/her level of expertise in the courts.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here we have a picture of settlement at the front steps of a home. Inspectors are to inspect for settlement as part of a competent home inspection. This settlement and ensuing trip hazard from inconsistent riser heights should be listed as a defect in the inspection report.
Research & Writing Assignment:
It is recommended that inspectors write their reports using the past tense. This helps reduce liability in case of the report being used in a court setting. The past tense helps clarify that the observed condition of an item at the time of the inspection does not indicate a warranty or guarantee of any kind.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In the state of Indiana, in order to renew your home inspector license you have to further educate yourself. InterNACHI provides multiple resources for a home inspector to further their education. In Indiana, one must not exceed more than 20 hours of continued education in order to renew their license.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Missing defects will eventually happen to every home inspector. In an article explaining what to do when you miss a defect, it explains how to handle the situation with a client. Sometimes an inspector will have to admit missing a defect, but if not, somehow try to convert the mishap into a positive, and possibly, marketable situation.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image shows a broken exterior motion light. one side is missing a lamp. The left side is broken and hanging by the wire. the light fixture was live and could have caused a short from getting wet or shocked someone when touching it.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The picture on Roof drainage. Shows how understanding the flow of water when it rains. The roof covering carries the water to the gutter system, then to the down spouts, which then carries the water away from the house at a safe distance so it doesn’t ruin the foundation.
