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Seriously?
I just got this inspection request. We inspect it all, including homes for pigs. Pictures to come later!
roof
That Dont Look Right
Sometimes you are asked to look at “repair” work on the homes we inspect. This home has a metal roof a masonry chimney. The mortar cap is gapping allowing rain to enter the hollow bricks. This was a major concern and I called for professional repairs. Today I got an email Read more
plumbing That don't look right
What is Wrong With This Sink Drain?
There are so many things wrong with this sink can you spot the issues here? That p trap os too deep Double p-trap Accordion drains are not “listed plumping part” and not code. But they sell them at the hardware store of course. Sink leaking. Besides those issues the sink Read more
roof That don't look right
Metal Roofs are Great! Right??
Usually, I am a big fan of metal roofs the materials can last a very long time. But as in any roofing project, it takes a trained and qualified craftsman following manufacturer’s installation instructions. This roof has planes are not laying flat, and a raised seam roof must have flat planes Read more
congratulations
School’s out for Summer!!
So proud of our students! We had a great class and they all did great. Happy to teach them and see them launch their careers. Congratulation to all our students, look forward to seeing you in the field soon. Our next class is just a few coming up fast, call Read more
congratulations students
Congratulations to Our Newest Colleagues!
We love to hear from our former students and follow their progress as they get their licenses. Brian, Adam and Kristine were all super sharp students, and we had no doubt they would all get their licenses. By the way, we have one of the best referral networks around. When Read more
Electrical Home Safety
Interesting Day Out in the Field
This million plus dollar home had a lot of issues, just because a home is expensive and beautiful doesn’t mean it doesn’t have problems. This home has a regular basement flooding problem, so the homeowner decided to install a sump pump that dumps into a bathtub! It is wrong on Read more
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Quiz Time!
Some of the best study materials are the quizzes we give our students. The class is now taking a 100 question electrical quiz, soon we go over the answers. These are all eye-opening experiences, testing the knowledge you just learned a couple days ago. Here are some sample questions: How many feet Read more
Electrical Inspection Safety Safety
Inspector Killed on the Job in Florida
We lost a colleague the other day in Florida. This tragedy reminds us to always use the utmost care when inspecting homes. He was killed using a pole camera when it touched a power line. There are dozens of items we look at that where there can be significant risks. May William Spear rest in Read more
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SOPHI Inspector Referral Group
Our list is always growing. We are proud of our graduates and happy to make referrals. We have licensed inspector referrals from all over Washington State. All our members have completed our rigorous training program and mentored by licensed inspectors. All inspections are performed to Washington State Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. These high standards Read more
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Third class for the year is a wrap!
They are taking their final exams, soon we pass out certificates and enjoy an adult beverage to celebrate with our students. Our next class starts in just a few weeks!
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Our “Two Week Time Off” Class Schedule
We have taught this class a dozen times now and we have had many requests for a class that can be completed within a 2 week period. We have heard you and the next upcoming class will also be taught on Monday to Saturday on 2 consecutive weeks. That is 12 Read more
Field Training That don't look right
Walkabout the Neighborhood
Yesterday the sun came out so we took a short walk around the neighborhood. We always find great examples to share. Within 2 blocks we have almost every type of siding and roofing. These walks really help students to recognize different products, how they are installed and in some instances, how Read more
Academy defective products Electrical Home Safety Uncategorized
Interested in Becoming a Home Inspector? Class Begins February 26th, 2018!
Interested in a Home Inspection Career? School of Professional Home Inspection (SOPHI) is your first step toward becoming a Licensed Home Inspector, offering interactive and informative course material taught by experienced professionals who truly value your long-term success, even beyond the classroom. Whether you plan to join an established team Read more
Exterior Field Training roof students
Who Are Those People Checking Out Buildings in Downtown Burien?
Have you noticed groups wandering around Burien looking at buildings? There is nothing to fear, they are students of The School of Professional Home Inspections (sophi.biz) and their mentors, JJ and Suzanne Greive pointing out issues on one of their local walkabouts. How many re-roofs? Dunno, too many! “We Read more
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Protected: Recommended Fieldwork Professionals
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Field Training
Field Training Day, Using the Drone
A couple pictures from the latest field training day. In this session, we did some drone photography.
Deck inspections That don't look right
Dangerous Decks
Found a few gems today! Siding is not structural, and you cant attach metal hangers on it. This deck is really large, you could have dozens of people on it at the same time, it will need significant repairs We would really like to see it constructed with these metal Read more
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Checking Out the Neighborhood With the Class
We take walks around the neighborhood with the class. 120 hours is a long time to sit in a classroom and it is always interesting to see and touch real homes. Hearing about a product and seeing it on a screen is not the same as tapping on it, touching Read more
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WiFi Water Alarms, What A Great Idea!
Most of you have heard me talk about the importance of water alarms. Today technology has come a long way in protecting your home. Flooding damage and mold in homes are one of the most common claims on homeowners insurance According to the website water damage defense in 2013, insurance claims Read more
plumbing That don't look right
This House Flipper Was NOT A Plumber
Some things you know without them being said. In this case, we are looking at the ‘handiwork’ of a not-so ‘handyman’, all 4 examples are in the same house. I thought this would be a good example of what we find. In each case, the sink had some problems that Read more
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2900 Clothes Dryer Fires Every Year
I have always warned people about excessive lint in the dryer vent. On today’s inspection we found this burnt hole where the dryer venting caught on fire. Be sure you have these maintained. “The U.S. Fire Administration (part of FEMA) cites that there are 2900 home clothes dryer fires every year Read more
plumbing That don't look right
I Should Have Known Better..
As a home inspector, I give advice everyday. One of the most important things I discuss with my clients are the limitations of inspections. Some of the most expensive items that fail for home buyers are not visible during a typical home inspection. One of the additional items we talk Read more