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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
congratulations Reviews students Uncategorized
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
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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
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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
plumbing Safety
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.
pools Safety
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
Home Safety Inspection Safety Safety
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.
Deck inspections Home Safety Safety Structural
Safe Decks Are More Complicated Than You Think
A home inspection is a critical step in the home-buying process. It helps to ensure that the home you are considering is safe, functional, and in good condition. One of the key components of a home inspection is the deck inspection. This is because decks can be a source of Read more
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Study Guide
Standards of Practice Home inspection regulations vary by state. In Washington, there’s a set standard of practice and code of ethics. However, some states don’t have specific standards, in which case the ASHI Home Inspection standard, being the oldest and widely recognized national standard, should be followed. It serves as Read more
covid Safety
Fundamentals of Home Inspection – in Class or Online
training again! We really have missed the interaction that is really only possible with face-to-face education.
covid Safety students
Covid 19 School Policies
To return to the classroom safely, we have adopted several guidelines based on the recommendations from the Washington State Department of Health. We will continue to offer online classes for those who are unvaccinated and or want to take the program via Zoom. Students and staff who have symptoms of Read more
Electrical Safety
1.4 Million Electrical Panels Recalled Due to Thermal Burn and Fire Hazards
Square D Plug-on-Neutral panel Recall Date: June 16, 2022 When working in a trade like home inspection you need to keep up all the time with the latest building news. Thanks to Charles Buell for bringing this to our attention.A few days ago the Consumer Protection Safety Commission released this Read more
Electrical Safety Tools
Voltage Tester Tricks, They Can Fool You
Source: Reuben Saltzman, Structure Tech Home InspectionThis is one of the easiest voltage testers to use this is something a homeowner ought to have. A contactless voltage tester is going to tell you if something is or isn’t energized. The one drawback to these is they’re great they’re really really good Read more
Deck inspections Safety Structural
That is a Dangerous Deck!
This may be the most dangerous deck I’ve ever inspected. It has a cantilever construction that is hanging over the support beam by approximately 12 ft! There’s only ten feet of joist behind the beam. This makes the entire structure want to teeter totter over down the embankment. The only Read more
preventive maintenance Safety
Take winter by Storm
https://takewinterbystorm.org/king-county/ Seattle City Light offers a very informative winter storm survival site. Great information on emergency preparedness. Tips on making an emergency plan, shutting off utilities, staying healthy, updated transportation schedules, closed roads, flood alerts, school closures, etc. It really is a wealth of vital information. Now is the time Read more
pools Safety
Pool Safety Information
Each year, thousands of American families suffer swimming pool tragedies—drownings and near-drownings of young children. The majority of deaths and injuries in pools and spas involve young children ages 1 to 3 and occur in residential settings
Inspection Safety Safety Structural
Unique Home Spotlight:Floating Homes and Houseboats
Floating homes also offer the benefits of living on top of the water. Unlike houseboats, however, a floating home is designed to stay put, much like a traditional land dwelling home. Both types of unique structures require extra inspection and particular attention traditional homes do not
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Pool Safety in Seattle
It’s shaping up to be a hot Northwest summer, and we are a week away to the official first day of summer. If you have a pool or are putting one up for the summer, make sure you follow the safety guidelines. Follow the link below to Pool and Spa Read more
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Family of 4 killed by carbon monoxide from tankless water heater
GENOA TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — A family died from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning after a tankless water heater began leaking the poisonous gas at high levels, according to authorities. Police responded to the Reitter family home for a wellness check on May 2, after a concerned family member called 911. After seeing Read more
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Trade Jobs Show a Promising Future in Today’s Economy
https://www.nation.com/heres-why-people-are-choosing-trade-school-top-5-reasons/ Trade school. Is it right for you? Chances are, the answer is a yes! Home inspection is a perfect trade for many men and women who want a new challenging career. Home inspection is a vital cog in the housing industry. Around 80% of the homes being bought are Read more
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Local Spotlight: Rain Wise
In the Pacific Northwest, you can count on one thing: there will always be rain. Do you know that you can use the rain to make your home more beautiful, protect the environment, and save money? Rain Wise is a local Seattle Public Utilities program that provides rebates to residents Read more
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Rammed Earth Houses
“Rammed earth homes are like building sand castles without that tricky step of flipping the bucket. Instead, the form of the home, which is usually a plywood structure that provides the outline of a wall, is already in place. A cross-grade, or mix, of soils is rammed into the walls, Read more
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History of Home Inspection
Did you know that before the 1960s, only about 5% of homes were inspected? Fast forward only a few decades, and that number rapidly grew to approximately 80% ! Read more below about the challenges and triumphs of the trailblazers in the industry. The history shows that home inspection will Read more