The Home Inspection Book: A Guide for Professionals
THE HOME INSPECTION BOOK is designed to serve as a learning tool as well as a reference guide. This professional guide is a comprehensive yet self-paced handbook covering both the practice and the business of home inspection addressing all the key areas associated with the business of home inspection in this rapidly growing profession. In addition, this handbook also takes you step-by-step through the entire process of home inspection following the most current guidelines established by the...
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THE HOME INSPECTION BOOK is designed to serve as a learning tool as well as a reference guide. This professional guide is a comprehensive yet self-paced handbook covering both the practice and the business of home inspection addressing all the key areas associated with the business of home inspection in this rapidly growing profession. In addition, this handbook also takes you step-by-step through the entire process of home inspection following the most current guidelines established by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) and the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).
Preface ixInstructions to the Student xiThe Business of Home Inspection 1An Introduction to the Professional Home Inspection 3Key Terms / Learning Objectives 3Home Inspection Defined 4Your Questions Answered 4Important Points 15Chapter Review 16Field Study Assignment 16Review Questions 17Answer Key 18The Home Inspection Business 19Key Terms / Learning Objectives 19Owning Your Own Business 20Types of Business Organizations 20Protecting Yourself and Your Business 21Employing Others 22Operating a Home Inspection Office 23Working for Others 23Important Points 24Chapter Review 26Field Study Assignments 1-5 26Review Questions 26Answer Key 28Land Use Regulations 29Key Terms / Learning Objectives 29Private Land Use Controls: Deed Restrictions 30The Residential Subdivision 30Public Land Use Controls 30Police Power 30Taxation 31Eminent Domain 31Power of Escheat 31Local Authority 33Zoning Classifications 33Local Land Use Planning 31Standards, Laws, and Regulations 34Building Codes 34Important Points 37Chapter Review 38Field Study Assignments 1-3 38Review Questions 38Answer Key 40The Home Inspection Process 41Home Inspection Procedure and Reporting 43Key Terms / Learning Objectives 43Gaining Experience 44Learning from Others 44Tools of the Trade 44On-Site Equipment 45Office Equipment 48Home Inspection Procedure 49Client Information Form 49Pre-Inspection Agreement 51Examining the Property 54The Home Inspection Report 55Checklist Report 55Rating System Report 63Narrative Report 63Narrative Report with Checklist or Rating System 63The Final Inspection Report 68Important Points 69Chapter Review 71Field Study Assignments 1-4 71Review Questions 72Answer Key 74Inspecting the Site 75Key Terms / Learning Objectives 75Industry Standards 76Site Topography 76Drainage and Grading 11Slope 80Soil Quality and Grading of Land 81Groundwater and the Water Table 81Footing Drain Tile 83Landscaping 84Trees 84Shrubs and Flower Beds 84Retaining Walls 85Walkways, Driveways, and Other Paved and Masonry Areas 86Steps and Stoops 87Patios, Porches, Attached Decks, and Balconies 88Patios 88Porches 88Decks 89Balconies 90Important Points 91Chapter Review 92Field Study Assignments 1-3 92Review Questions 93Answer Key 94Inspecting the Exterior 95Key Terms / Learning Objectives 95Scope of the Exterior Inspection 96Foundation and Footings 96Foundation Walls 98Slab-on-Grade Construction 100Structure Framing 102Flooring 103Walls 104Framing Types 107Windows 108Doors 110Trim 111Ceiling and Roof Framing 111Flashing 113Soffit, Fascia, and Frieze Board 114Roofing Materials 116Roof Projection Components 123Chimneys 123Skylights 125Vent Stacks 126Roof Vents 127Exterior Covering 127Aluminum and Vinyl Siding 128Wood Siding 130Brick 130Stucco 131Exterior Insulating Finish System 131Important Points 131Chapter Review 133Field Study Assignments 1-2 133Review Questions 134Answer Key 136Inspecting the Interior 137Key Terms / Learning Objectives 137Scope of the Interior Inspection 138Basic Inspection Procedure 138Doors and Locking Mechanisms 139Walls, Ceilings, and Floors 142Walls 142Ceilings 145Floors 147Insulation and Vapor Barriers 149Insulation Types and Locations 150Vapor Barriers 152Attic 152Opening and Accessibility 153Insulation 153Wiring 153Ventilation 154Garage 156Detached Garage 157Doors and Door Operators 157Basement 158Crawl Spaces 159Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances 160Types of Fireplaces and SFB Appliances 160Fireplace and SFB Appliance Components 162Important Points 165Chapter Review 166Field Study Assignments 1-2 166Review Questions 167Answer Key 168Inspecting the Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Systems 169Key Terms / Learning Objectives 169Scope of the Inspection 170Plumbing System 170Water Supply Systems 170Sanitary Waste Systems 178On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems 181Pipes 183Heating Systems 187Heating Fuel and Power 192Air-Conditioning 197Major Components 198Combination Systems 198Heat Pumps 199Water Heaters 201Types of Heaters 202Kitchens and Bathrooms 203Plumbing Fixture Types 206Important Points 211Chapter Review 213Field Study Assignments 1-2 213Review Questions 213Answer Key 214Inspecting the Electrical System 217Key Terms / Learning Objectives 217Scope of the Electrical Inspection 218Inspection Procedure 219Electricity 219Conductors 220Voltage and Amperage 220Incoming Service 221Service Entrance Cable 222Grounding 223Meter 225Main Panel Board 226Main Disconnect 227Circuit Breakers and Fuses 229Wiring Materials 235Wire Size 235Aluminum Wiring 235BX Cable 237Romex Cable 237Conduit 237Junction Boxes and Outlets 239Outlets 240Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter 240Smoke Detectors 242Important Points 243Chapter Review 245Field Study Assignments 1-2 245Review Questions 245Answer Key 247Recognizing Environment Issues 249Key Terms / Learning Objectives 249Environmental Testing Liability Issues 250Air Quality 250Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation 252Biological Agents and Allergens 253Water Quality and Flow 253Toxic Elements and Real Property 254Radon 255Lead 258Asbestos 259Electromagnetic Fields 260Underground Storage Tanks 261Wood-Eating Pests 261Termites 261Powderpost Beetles 262Carpenter Ants 262Carpenter Bees 262Important Points 263Chapter Review 264Field Study Assignments 1-2 264Review Questions 265Answer Key 266Workbook and Study Guide 267Instructions to the Student 269Chapter-by-Chapter Review 27150-Question Home Inspection Diagnostic Exam 327Workbook Answer Key 333American Society of Home Inspectors Standards of Practice 351National Association of Home Inspectors Standards of Practice 359National Association of Certified Home Inspectors Standards of Practice 369Home Inspection Organizations 379Glossary 381Index 389
