Academy
Pretty good day!
I love hearing from my past students and today I found out 2 of them passed their state exams. Congratulations Jason and Kevin. You are both going to be great home inspectors!
Field Training Moisture Intrusion students
What kind of siding is that?
I think the field training part of home inspections is one of the best ways to learn. We have walked our students around our neighborhood more than 40 times. It is one thing to learn about “stucco” in the classroom, and something totally different to actually see and touch it. Read more
Reviews
Thanks Randy
We just got a nice note from Randy from our last class. “JJ and Suz,I was not sure how much information could be conveyed in a 12 day course. But you did it, and you did it in a way that we could remember the information.Well Done and Thank you Read more
insulation and ventilation
Tables of Building Material R-values
Tables of Building Material R-values The R-values for specific assemblies like doors and glazing in the table below are generalizations because they can vary significantly based on special materials that the manufacturer uses. For instance, using argon gas in a double pane insulating glass unit will dramatically improve the R-value. Read more
preventive maintenance
Going away for the holidays? Consider a leak detector to protect your home from costly damage.
Easy and Effective Property Protection: just place near or under the equipment you wish to monitor. Suggested uses are near or under sump pumps, toilets, water heaters, laundry, dishwashers, sinks, fish tanks and any other location subject to leaking and flooding. Early-Warning Notifications: Receive real-time early-warning notifications (in the form Read more
recycle
Recycle those old Holiday lights – FREE – McLendons
Did you know McLendons accept your old holiday lights, working or knot. Bring in your giant balls and knots of lights and drop them off. Feel good that they will be recycled, not just thrown in to a landfill. It’s a win win for all.
plumbing
Tankless Coil and Indirect Water Heater Basics
Tankless Coil and Indirect Water Heater Basics Tankless coil and indirect water heaters use a home or building’s space heating system to heat water as part of an integrated or combination water and space heating system. HOW TANKLESS COIL AND INDIRECT WATER HEATERS WORK A tankless coil water heater uses Read more
roof
Good Roofing Installed Badly
I was called out to take a look at a new torch down roof. My client was concerned that the roofing was not installed correctly. There is significant puddling in the corner, and the water is not going down the drain instead it runs into the corner and leaks into Read more
Academy Testing
Online Quiz System / Study Guide -It Works!
We do a lots of practice electronic quizzes, by the time we finish class, our students have answered approximately 800 practice questions! We believe this is important since most of us haven’t had to take tests in years. By practicing these tests are students sharpen their knowledge and prepare themselves Read more
preventive maintenance roof Structural
Common Problems With Chimneys
We always inspect chimneys closely. Be sure to always have your wood burning chimneys swept and inspected regularly. Creosote build-up is one of the leading causes of chimney fires. Always burn seasoned dry wood and avoid smoldering fires to reduce the problem with creosote. Flashing problems A brick chimney should have Read more
Deck inspections Structural
Poor Construction Leads to Deck Collapse
This deck collapse in Indiana injured many people and sent 7 to the hospital. It had a faulty construction, the beam was not placed above the post. It appears to have been attached to the post themselves If you watch the video you can see the beam breaks and falls Read more
Field Training
Mentors
SOPHI Recommended Fieldwork Professionals During Active Fieldwork: Always dress in a professional, safe, and functional manner from head to toe. Arrive on time, prepared with necessary tools and attire.Check with your mentor(s) prior to inspections regarding special instructions as they may vary between mentors. Please wait patiently in your vehicle Read more
defective products Home Safety plumbing recall
Exploding Toilets?
Yes that is a real thing!The pressure-assisted toilets made by the Sloan valve company sold under the name flushmate have had recalls. (501-b and 503) https://schoolofprofessionalhomeinspection.com/lib/vid/Exploding%20Sloan%20Toilet%20Tanks.mp4 These pressurized toilets are known to fail and cause explosions. Significant property damage and some injuries have occurred due to these failures. There are Read more
Electrical Field Training
When Electrons Go Bad
Holy smokes that’s one burnt up meter. Gives you great respect for the power of electricity. There was a failure at the transformer that transformed the house. ” The transformer at the pole blew out that powered the home. My electrician friends, what could cause this? Fried the service feeder Read more
Academy Electrical Testing
Electrical Quiz on Zoom
We cover so many new topics for our students that we spent extensive time taking quizzes. These are great learning experiences and allow us to see the progress of our students as they are learning their new skills. This is a Zoom Quiz we had and our students really show Read more
Engineering Certificate Structural
Manufactured Home Inspections – Engineering Certifications
The pleasure of inspecting of a pretty nice manufactured home today. It had been really well-maintained and look like a very pretty home. As in all things what really matters is what you don’t see. That’s why they hire us. At the end of the inspection we get a chance Read more
Field Training insulation and ventilation plumbing preventive maintenance
Water Supply Systems Freeze Resistance, Pex, Copper and Sharkbite.
Copper has been the mainstay of plumbing supply systems for decades. While the system is very popular it is particularly susceptible to freezing. Copper plumbing is rigid and does not stretch when ice forms. Water expands approximately 9% when it freezes. Plastic plumbing systems have some stretch to them and Read more
Field Training Home Safety insulation and ventilation plumbing
The Dumbest Install Ever!
Today I have the pleasure of inspecting possibly the most dangerous, certainly the dumbest furnace install I’ve ever seen. If you look at the air intake and exhaust for this high-efficiency furnace they have been swapped. This is causing soaking wet exhaust from the furnace to vent into the attic. Read more
deferred cost Electrical
What a Beauty!
This is a live panel, still working after 100 years. Just a few dangerous things in here, like live conductors everywhere and a little asbestos liner too boot.
Academy Testing
Working on New Practice Exams
Here is a sample question you might expect on the Washington State Home Inspection Exam: What is a likely reason for a gas furnace to shut down after firing up? A) the filter is dirty B) disconnected inducer fan C) a tripped primary control D) ignitor failure If the filter Read more
SOP
Tight Squeeze?
Happy Monday, everyone! We hope you can still fit in crawlspaces after all of the Thanksgiving feasts! Here’s a quick reference on crawlspace regulations. Have a great December in the field, and may you always fit into the “tight” squeezes. The inspector is not required to: • Enter (a) Subfloor Read more
congratulations students
Congratulations Kevin!
We just got a new card from a student, Kevin Chen is a super-smart inspector. He is bilingual, speaking Chinese witch should be super useful in our area. Congratulations! We look forward to seeing you out int he field! Kevin Chen SOPHI Certified Home Inspector 206-475-5897 Speaks Chinese The Trusses Read more
plumbing
How to Fix Water Hammer and Noisy Supply Plumbing
Water hammer or hydraulic shock is often caused by a lack of air chambers. When a valve is shut off quickly (washing machines and dishwashers, for example, can turn off the water very fast) The air in the chamber will compress, absorbing the shock that would normally be passed down Read more
Academy SOP students Testing
The Steps to Home Inspection Licensing Success
November ended our 2019 school year. Class 23 saw bright future inspectors score 90% and higher on their final exams. After 120 hours of classroom education our students are on the path to their new careers. Are you thinking about joining us in a 2020 class? Here are the basic steps you need Read more
Academy buisness students
Expand Your Inspection Business and Invest in your Future
When you begin your new career as an inspector, you will likely venture out on your own. Many seek out an inspection career due to the common American desire to own their own business. A career in home inspection allows flexibility and peace of mind that many people crave in Read more