Neutral vs. Ground: Keeping the Worker and the Bodyguard Separate
The core principle is:We bond neutral and ground only once, at the service disconnect. Everywhere else, they must stay isolated. This appliance cord is incorrect, as the neutral has been bonded to ground with a jumper wire A bootleg ground happens when the neutral wire is illegally tied to the Read more
Computer Prerequisites for Attending Class
All students—both in-person and online—must have a laptop or tablet with Zoom and Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. (Both programs are free to download.) To ensure your success in our Home Inspection Training Program, all students must meet the following minimum computer skills. These are essential for participation in our interactive, Read more
Washington State Standards of Practice for Home Inspections
Here is a video review of the SOP
Home Inspector One Minute Podcast
What kind of insurance does a home inspector need?
That don’t look right
This is why a home inspection is essential. The chimney might look great from the roof, but how many people actually explore their attic space? You’d be amazed at what we find in these hidden areas. Do you check inside your electrical panel when you buy a home? This bonding Read more
The Mystery of the Water Source
We’ve lived in a building in the heart of Burien on 152nd for years, and we love it here. But recently, I’ve been dealing with a persistent issue—my basement sump pump has been running non-stop for four days. This pump is critical, protecting our water heater, furnace, and our personal Read more
How to Become a Home Inspector in Missouri
Start your home inspection career in Missouri!At the School of Professional Home Inspection, our Fundamentals of Home Inspection course gives you the skills and confidence to succeed. Join us in person or live on Zoom for two weeks of real-time, engaging instruction from experienced pros. Take the Home Inspection Aptitude Read more
Tennessee Licensing information for Home Inspectors
SOPHI (School of Professional Home Inspection) is proud to be officially authorized by the State of Tennessee to provide comprehensive training in the Fundamentals of Home Inspection
How to Determine if You Have a Load-Bearing Wall
Removing or altering these walls without proper support can lead to serious structural issues and costly repairs.
Dancing in the Street in Old Town Burien
We have speakers outside of our building that we usually use to play a school bell to signal our students to return to class after breaks. Tonight, I was playing some old music. There was a mother and her child outside, so I decided to turn it up a little Read more
Great Professional Artisans at Work
Our intent is not only to showcase the mastery and finesse demonstrated by these professionals but also to celebrate the profound impact that quality work can have on the aesthetics, functionality, and longevity of a home.
That Don’t Look Right
We see amazing things when we inspect homes some of these are just too crazy not to share, here are some of our favorites.
Next class starts May 6th,
Thank you, Renner and Phi & Linh Team, for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear about your positive experiences at SOPHI. Our next class starts May 6th, and we can’t wait to welcome new students to our supportive and enriching learning environment. Sign up now and embark on your Read more
Spring Cleaning and Maintenance
Be Careful Pressure Washing Vinyl Siding As the season transitions and homeowners prepare for spring cleaning, attention naturally shifts to the exterior of the house. Amidst the array of tasks, one often underestimated chore is the maintenance of vinyl siding. While renowned for its longevity and low upkeep, vinyl siding Read more
Can You Paint Vinyl Siding?
The question isn’t can you, but should you?Vinyl siding moves/expands/contracts with the weather more than other types of cladding. Vinyl siding, known for its flexibility with temperature changes, requires unrestricted movement horizontally after installation. Usually, the panels overlap, it’s recommended they do so by approximately half the length of the Read more
Embracing the Adventure: The Joy of Home Inspection
As a seasoned home inspector and passionate instructor, sharing this adventure with my students is one of the highlights of my career
Water heater Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves
Excessive length – more than 30 feet use of more than four elbows or bends in discharge piping, or reduction of discharge line size will cause a restriction and reduce the discharge capacity of the
valve.
Essential Safety Barrier Guidelines for Residential Pools Every Home Inspector Should Know
Residential swimming pools are a great source of enjoyment for families, but they can also pose a serious safety hazard if proper safety barriers are not installed. As a home inspector, it’s crucial to have an understanding of the safety barrier guidelines for residential pools to ensure that your clients Read more
Understanding Safety Glass Code Requirements for Home Inspectors
Safety glass is an important feature in homes, especially in areas like bathrooms and near doors. Home inspectors should be aware of safety glass code requirements and ensure proper installation to reduce the risk of injury in case of glass breakage.
Former Student Sends Thank You Note
In a world where it seems like negativity and complaints dominate the conversation, receiving a handwritten thank you note can truly brighten someone’s day. That’s precisely what happened when we received a note from a former student named Brad. Receiving such a kind and thoughtful note from a former student Read more
Why Choose School of Professional Home Inspection
A home inspection is a critical step in the process of buying or selling a property. It helps to ensure that the property is in good condition and that any potential issues are identified and addressed before closing the deal. A professional home inspector can provide peace of mind and Read more