A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
View Question
To successfully complete this course, you must write two essays.
This course page contains instructions for the first essay, which involves performing a home inspection, taking inspection images, using checklists, and writing a report.
This assignment may take 8 hours to complete.
The second essay is described on the next course page.
In relation to this inspection and writing assignment:
- INSPECTION: Perform a visual-only inspection according to the Home Inspection Standards of Practice. Inspect a system or component that was covered in the course.
- IMAGES: During the inspection, take several inspection images of that system or component. Use your phone, mobile device, or digital camera. It can either be in good condition or have a defect.
- OBSERVATIONS: Make observations and take notes while inspecting. Use the InterNACHI® Home Inspection Standards of Practice to guide your inspection. Use your own inspection software or InterNACHI's inspection checklist.
- ESSAY: Write and submit an essay describing your observations and the inspection images. Upload an inspection image along with the essay.
For example, you may inspect the visible insulation in an unfinished area, the top of the foundation wall, the concrete slab at the lowest living level, a ventilation component, or an actual basement or crawlspace. Take several inspection images while performing the inspection. Make observations. Take a lot of notes. Then, prepare to communicate your observations in written form. This will be your essay.
This inspection and writing assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--performing an inspection, studying and referring to and applying a Standards of Practice, taking inspection images, making observations, describing components, determining the condition of those components, formulating opinions, making recommendations to correct (if needed), proposing the implication of not making corrections to a defect (if observed), writing notes, and communicating observations in written form.
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
- It must be written in English.
- It must be at least 80 words in length.
- It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.
- It must sufficiently comment upon the system or component inspected.
- It must be submitted with an inspection image.
You will submit your essay in the box titled “Your Essay.” You will also upload your inspection image. Once you submit your essay, staff will review and mark it.
Please continue with the course after submitting your essay. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.
Evaluation of the crawlspace revealed severe WDI (wood destroying insect) damage to the floor structure. While the floor structure was still in tact this damage can severely weaken the system and lead to a catastrophic failure. Although not seen in the single picture due to limitations, this damage was present throughout the majority of the crawlspace. Further evaluation should be conducted by both a pest control contractor to determine if this is an active infestation with measures taken to mitigate as well as a foundation contractor or structural engineer to determine the extent of the repairs needed.