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Some may recognize this picture I shared about a month ago.  This is a failure of the roofing structure, the trusses are separating and I strongly advised consulting with a Licensed Engineer before my clients make their final offer. I got a call back for a re-inspect of other issues Read more

This 12 day intensive course is State approved, we prepare you to take the required state exam.  With real hands on experience and intimate knowledge of our curriculum the School of Professional Home Inspection stands apart.  We not only teach this, we wrote it. We are committed to your success in your Read more

One of the most common problems we find in home inspections is attic pull down stairs problems. A huge percentage are installed wrong creating a safety issue that most homeowners are unaware of.  Stairs are one of the most dangerous places in your home. Most are poorly installed, missing fasteners or Read more

Of course I always teach our class to strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your ladder. Be careful with ladders, a LOT of people are injured on them every year. It is surprising how dangerous the ‘silent’ tools are.  Think of ladders and screw drivers, etc.  Saws make a lot Read more

Just because your home is new don’t think your sewer is!   If you are buying a new home in the Seattle area, almost certainly there was a home on that lot before your house was built.  What do you think is the most expensive part of the sewer to Read more

With the cold snap finally here it is time to get serious about preventing the most common problem most people will have with their homes.  Here are a few tips to prevent frozen pipes and safe ways to thaw them. The most vulnerable plumbing in most homes are hose bibs, Read more

We just wrapped up our last session, it has been a great class. Looking forward to our next class, we have 2 scheduled: December 1st, 2016 and January 2nd, 2017 Call us today for more information or to register for class Happy students make for good reviews Check out our Read more

This is a super important detail that is often done wrong. 2009 International Residential Code: Sidewall step flashing min 4 in. high & 4 in. wide, length Sidewall flashings must terminate in kickout flashing F56 [905.2.8.3]72 A lot of water gets directed down where the sidewall and roof-line meet.  When Read more

Today in class we learned all about water heaters.  When considering a tankless water heater there are several questions that come up.  The first thing to consider is to heat water “instantly” it takes a LOT of energy.  Let’s consider a modern residential tankless gas model. Here is the math Read more

Great 1st day of class.  The first day is always the hardest one, we learned all about Washington State Laws and rules.  Washington State laws are the biggest single part of the home inspection exam Tomorrow on to the structures of the home, and hopefully the first field training day looking Read more

The classroom remodel is done! New carpet and expanded teaching space. Next class starts in just over a week. New inspections careers start here.

We find leaky plumbing a lot, and studies have shown that up 14% of the average bill is due to leaks. If your water consumption is high or you feel that you are using a large amount of water, check for leaks To use your water meter to detect leaks, Read more

I had a fellow home inspector share this video on just how fast someone can break into garage.   I never thought it would be so easy.  Watch the this demonstration and see someone get in just 6  seconds.   Of course once they are in the garage, they can take their Read more

As a licensed Home Inspector, we have to take continuing education to maintain our license. Just a couple weeks ago, we were in a class with a representative from Simpson, the company that makes all kind of metal connectors used in construction.  The topic of the day was deck attachments, Read more

Even though vinyl siding is a low maintenance material, it still needs cleaning from time to time to remove dirt and grime. In humid climates vinyl siding may also develop mold or mildew, which should be removed as well. Cleaning instructions are usually available from the vinyl siding manufacturer, and Read more

Maureen MoogSOPHI Certified Home Inspector206-429-5255ATS Home Inspection Rebecca RiceSOPHI Certified Home Inspector206-303-7362Searchlight Home Inspection Gerald Daigler -Pacific Life Home InspectionsSOPHI Certified Home Inspector561 254-9680Pacific Life Home Inspections Joshua KirkSOPHI Certified Home Inspector206-651-5334PRO-TECH HOME INSPECTIONS Eric StovallSOPHI Certified Home Inspector206-861-3825HABITATEC INSPECTIONS Collin PointonSOPHI Certified Home Inspector425-247-1789 Wayne KirkSOPHI Certified Home Inspector253-642-7643MATRIX Read more

Most disposals have a reset button on the bottom. If there is no sound when you turn it on, check to see it the button is popped out. If the disposal makes noise but wont start turning, it is probably jammed. Often you can fix this with a wrench, turning the 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 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