Just finished Electrical and now moving on to Structural!
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Just starting. I’m going to get licensed in Florida.
Dittos. Good success to you. Thank you
I am enjoying the last 27 minutes of my seating hours to complete this structural inspection course online.
Great resources for becoming a Certified Home Inspector. Thank you for the question and the response. Marc
Aside from there not being any room for movement around this pipe, is it really an issue? I thought holes drilled could be up to D/3. In this case its a 14" board so it could be up to a 4.6" hole. It looks a bit close to the bottom edge. But had they actually centered it in the middle third, is it really a defect?
Not sure if this picture and question has been commented on, but in my experience, this Is a defect because the beam has been compromised in a location where Full support is required. I’m sure there are other good engineer solutions to this. also, that Lam must have taken a good drill bit to get through!
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Looking forward to learning about structural issues
Greetings, I am really enjoying this online setup much more than the many other online courses from Universities.
Does anyone know of a good source to assist in the identification of possible asbestos products/sources?
About to take the final exam on this! Found this course very interesting.
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Hey all, looking forward to this course!
Good luck - just finished it myself
Looking forward to this course!
Starting the course now, can’t wait to finish and get my CPI! Good luck everyone !
I found it interesting that small cracks around doors and windows usually don’t imply structural issues, but that warped door & window frames often do.
I have seen a lot of prehung doors that have been installed incorrectly and thus don’t close right, but if I saw a door that doesn’t close right on an inspection, how would I differentiate between structural issues (such as settling) or installation / material (warped wood etc) issues?
Thanks!
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Hello! Happy to be here and increase my inspection skills!
I am fairly new to posting on the Message Board. I am very fortunate to be able to work with a CMI and learn from such an experienced Inspector.
My question is for people that have seen terrible structure Issues? What do you tell the home owner when you need to bring an a Geotec?
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 exposed parts of the foundation of your home or apartment, the observable parts of the slab-on-grade concrete floor of your home, or the observable parts of a building's exterior structure. 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.
During the inspection of the crawlspace and exterior structure of the home, several key observations were made. The crawlspace is accessible through a standard access hatch, and upon entering, I observed that the space appears to be dry and well-ventilated. The floor of the crawlspace is covered with a plastic vapor barrier, which is properly sealed at the edges to prevent moisture from rising into the structure. The crawlspace is free of debris, and the wooden framing members seem to be in good condition with no visible signs of rot or pest infestation.However, a few small cracks were observed in the foundation walls of the crawlspace. These are minor and do not appear to be affecting the overall integrity of the foundation. It’s important to monitor these cracks for any signs of movement or water intrusion, as this could lead to future issues such as moisture damage or structural shifting.
On the exterior of the house, the siding appears well-maintained with no visible damage. The gutters are securely attached and functioning, though a few leaves have accumulated, which should be cleaned to ensure proper water drainage. The downspouts are positioned correctly, directing water away from the foundation.
Recommendations for the crawlspace include continuing to monitor the foundation cracks and ensuring that the vapor barrier remains intact. Regular cleaning of the gutters will help prevent water from pooling around the foundation, which could cause long-term issues.
Below is an image of the crawlspace area showing the observable foundation and framing.
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Glad to be here for some great continued education. Looking forward to the learning experience.
Hey all, I’m currently finishing up the course for CE and CPI certification requirements.