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Knob and Tube Wiring Knob and tube wiring in an attic, with NM cable spliced to it. This circuit was not designed to carry the extra load newer wiring may demand. All these junctions should be made in an enclosed box. Knob and tube wiring was the earliest standardized Read more
Carbon Monoxide: tips for keeping your family safe During a power outage caused by the windstorms in December 2006, a gas generator killed an entire family in Burien Washington. Carbon monoxide kills nearly 150 Americans a year. This statistic drove us to further research this topic. There are many possible Read more
Source: University of Minnesota Extension service An Overview of Solutions to Basement Moisture Problems The best way to approach any building problem is to first do the things that are easy and low cost. Then proceed in a logical order doing the next least costly technique with the most positive Read more
Are you ready? As a home inspection educator, I think is very important to consider earthquakes when evaluating a home. In our area, regular earthquakes are a part of life. Everyone should prepare for what will certainly happen again. Utility Shut Offs – If there were a gas leak in this Read more
The state guidelines are the key to understanding Home Inspection Exam. Insulation and ventilation problems are the cause of many problems in the home, therefore there is an emphasis on that topic. (it is worth 6% of the test) We cover these items in detail in the Home Inspection Fundamentals course. From Read more
The following illustrate the type of questions used in the Washington Home Inspector Examination. A gas-fired clothes dryer exhaust vent A. must be at least a class B type vent. B. may vent into a vent or chimney used by a gas furnace. C. must be screened at the duct Read more
This type of water heater uses a compressed gas to produce heat, instead of a resistive electrical heating element. They can save over 60% of the energy consumed by a standard electric water heater. This works out to a savings of $320 a year on average. The cost is about Read more
While inspecting a nice early 1970’s homes electrical panel, we found this neutral bar with several aluminum branch circuit wired connected to it. So called “old style” aluminum wire can be particularly dangerous and must be identified by the inspector, according to state law. The charring of this wire tells Read more
Did you know: The Home inspector exam in Washington has 2 parts. The national exam is 175 multiple-choice questions, the state portion consists of 24 multiple-choice questions. You have a total of 4 hours to take both exams. Learn lots more about what you need to know to pass the Read more
One of the most important items on an inspector’s list are the GFCIs, or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter . Get hands on training from local Home Inspection Professionals. Next class starting September 8th Sign up TODAY.
Prices are: 120 HOUR STATE REQUIRED COURSE FOR HOME INSPECTORS – $2500 with a $500 deposit Field Training – 40 hours – $1000 Computer reporting system with software and training Complete reporting system and 4 hours of training / customizing Call us for details and demonstration – $500
First let me say the company you hire is very important. We ONLY recommend hiring independent sewer inspectors. At $5000 to $25,000 for a major sewer repair, an inspection is important peace of mind. The sewer is one of the most expensive parts of the home we can’t see. So When Read more
It can be hard to find, but here it is, The Washington State Home Inspector Handbook. It will Give you a great idea what you need to know so you can set your inspection license. It covers the test subject matter and gives you the breakdown of how each section Read more
What is Moss? source-roofpedia.com: Moss is a plant species that grows really well in moist cool areas. There are many different species of moss. Some common characteristics among these species are that moss does not have flowers or seeds, they must have a damp environment to grow in because they do Read more
Home Inspector Tip sheets General Guidelines Electrical codes are in place to protect you, the homeowner. These general guidelines apply to new installations and will give you the basics of what electrical inspectors are looking for. Be sure to check with your local electrical inspector because local codes may vary Read more
Working on this very technical subject I came across this article. It is one of the best explanation I have ever read on the it. Original posting from: Trevor Welby-Solomon RHI, CRP, VP Pillar to Post • www.pillartopost.com Home Electrical Service Size – Do you know what it’s all about? Most people Read more
Here are some great winter preparation tips from our friends at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): Warmed or air-conditioned air mixes with outside air through gaps in your home’s thermal envelope—exterior walls, windows, doors, the roof, and floors. Such air leaks can waste large amounts of energy. Most experts agree that caulking and weather stripping Read more