Originally Posted By: jlapan This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I am looking for source of inexpensive software, basic equipment list, reports and checklists that might be recommended. I have already talked with Nick, he said to get on the bulletin board to get more information. I have been gathering notes and reviewing some of the 600,000 hits on home inspections. I am willing to glean from anyone out there. I am located in Montana and pretty sure I would not conflict with other inspectors out there. Looking forward to being a regular. Thanks Jim
Originally Posted By: Robert Patterson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
First, Welcome.
Software- get demos and work with them, find the one that works for you, covers what you want to cover, can be personalized and modified and has good tech support (extremely important).
Tools- Buy the book "Inspecting A House' by Rex Cauldwell. It has a basic list of tools and a wealth of easy to read and understand basic inspection techniques.
Education- unless you are experienced and educated in the building trades (and even if you are) take a course. Find one that fits your needs and schedule. There are good ones and bad ones, expensive ones and cheap ones, home study and in-class. You'll go nuts trying to decide which one to take, this (going nuts) will satisfy the first requirement to be a HI.
Continuing Education. Continue your education by reading, stopping and watching construction, talking to tradespeople, AHJ's, other HI's, etc. Never think you've learned enough.
Welcome and good luck.
BTW The second requirement of a HI is to be a stubborn, opinionated grump.
Originally Posted By: Ed Porter This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Jim,
Take a look at the training videos from HE The Better School of Building Inspection, or the ITA videos. A have the Four Point System from HE, and a few of the ITA videos. The ITA is more technical, and the ITA videos are more real world common sense stuff. It’s good to have a balance of both.
This NACHI board is a great source of info with some incredibly talented inspectors. Remember: There is no such thing as a stupid question.
Grab all the information you can. Live and breathe home inspection education. I am sure everyone will tell you NOT to go into the field unprepared.
Welcome to the board.
By the way Bob, I thought that being a stubbord opinionated grump was the MOST important requirement about being a Home Inspector.
-- Ed Porter
Cornerstone Home Inspection Services
Grand Haven, MI
Originally Posted By: Joe Wright This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Ed,
Just received the Four Point System from HE today based on your and others recommendation. I am new to the business (not even preforming inspections yet) and am hoping to gain some knowledge from this course. I want to thank all the experienced inspectors for posting here since it is extremely valuable to us new to the business.
