I’m so ready for this.
Thank you, I’m looking forward to the training.
No questions at this time
the information given improves the knowledge of what is required of a home inspector. I am enjoying it so far.
Going through course now. Lots of information to retain. In my area, we mostly have basements, but when we do have crawlspaces they are almost always full of defects. Improper venting and insulation perhaps some of the most common defects.
It was interesting to learn about a variety of things in this course including garage door testing
Is a charcoal range exhaust hood an acceptable installation (does not exhaust to the home exterior. It is my understanding that if the range is a “gas” range then it must exhaust to the exterior; however, an electric range does not?
Ready to get started!
Looking forward to more great information.
Looking forward to starting!
I’m excited to get started
Same here, super helpful information on garage doors that now has me looking at them more completely!
A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
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Research & Writing Essay Instructions
This research and writing assignment may take four hours.
- Choose one inspection article from the Library of Inspection Articles or choose one illustration from the Illustration Gallery that directly relates to an attic, some insulation or ventilation, or a set of interior stairs.
- Research and study the article or illustration.
- In the box below titled “Your Essay," write an essay that describes what you’ve learned from reading and studying the article or illustration.
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 chosen article or illustration that you chose.
Upload and submit an inspection image or the chosen illustration along with the essay.
This research and writing assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--researching and studying inspection images and illustrations, 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.
Please continue with the course after submitting your essay. If it does not meet the criteria, you will be notified by email to rewrite it.
It is not recommended to vent a bathroom fan into an attic space. When a bathroom fan exhausts into the attic, the moisture from the air can condense on cold surfaces like the roof sheathing, causing issues like mold, mildew, rot, and insulation issues.It should be routed directly to the exterior of the home. If the vent pipe routes through the attic it should be insulated to prevent condensation from forming on the pipe and dripping onto the insulation.
A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
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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 and is directly related to an unfinished attic, insulation in an unfinished space, mechanical ventilation, or a set of interior stairs.
- 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 as a guide to 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 insulation, a soffit vent, a trip hazard, or a loose handrail. 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 one 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.
Framing Condition Style: Truss Observations:Unable to determine condition in some areas due to framing and insulation cover.Additional support has been added. Limited review due to insulation installed between the rafters.Visibly inspected in attic area from ladders edge on thermal scan. Visibly inspected in attic area from ladders edge with flash light Sheathing Condition: The attic space was visually inspected and thermally scanned, it all appeared dry on the day of the inspection. (we can only comment on what is visible and assessable areas from the attic hatch at the ladders edge) Insulation Condition Materials: Blown in - Loose fill insulation Observations: Approx 8-10 Inches of insulation noted in the attic space - Low compared to todays standards, suggest adding more to reduce heat loss. Suggest adding insulation to the back of the attic hatch, to reduce heat loss. Suggest adding additional insulation in the attic of the home to reduce theheat loss. Ventilation Conditions Style: Hooded Roof Vents & Soffit Vents Opening the access hatch, the attic air feels cool and dry. Visible outdoor light can be seen coming through the hooded roof vents and soffit vents, indicating no signs of blockage. Additionally, there is protective mesh around the soffit vents to prevent insulation materials from obstructing them.
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 and is directly related to an unfinished attic, insulation in an unfinished space, mechanical ventilation, or a set of interior stairs.
- 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 as a guide to 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 insulation, a soffit vent, a trip hazard, or a loose handrail. 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 one 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.
During the inspection of the attic crawl space, access was limited due to the doors being secured and stuck, preventing full entry. The space could only be partially opened, allowing a camera to be inserted for photographic documentation. Despite these limitations, insulation was visible and identified as vermiculite. Vermiculite insulation is known to sometimes contain asbestos, a hazardous material. While not all vermiculite products have asbestos, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that some contain low levels of it, particularly in unmixed vermiculite.Asbestos poses significant health risks if fibers become airborne and are inhaled. Given these potential dangers, it is critical to address the uncertainty of the insulation’s composition. This inspection does not include asbestos testing or hazard evaluation, as we are not certified asbestos inspectors. Therefore, we strongly recommend having a qualified asbestos testing lab take samples of the insulation to determine its safety. This step should be completed before closing on the property to ensure the safety and well-being of its future occupants.