The exterior of a house can tell you a lot about what to expect from the house itself. If you’re considering a career as a home inspector, it will be your job to assess the condition of the exterior to ensure that the home is suitable for buyers to move into. With a trained eye, you’ll be examining the exterior components for any potential problems or deficiencies–relating your findings to the buyers. 

When inspecting a home’s exterior, there are a few potential problems to look out for. Whether it’s a crack in the foundation or a few misplaced shingles on the roof, these seemingly small defects can create bigger issues for buyers down the road. 

Read on to discover four exterior home inspection tips that will help you to determine whether a house is acceptable for future buyers.

1. During Your Home Inspector Career, Pay Attention to How Water Is Managed

If water isn’t being routed properly throughout a home’s exterior, this can create big problems in the future. When water is in places where it shouldn’t be, it can cause mold, rotting wood, foundation damage, and other issues. To ensure that a home isn’t vulnerable to water damage, it’s important to carefully inspect the gutters and downspouts of a home during your home inspector career. The gutters should be clear instead of clogged, and the downspouts should be routing water into the storm system plumbing instead of near the foundation of a home. Additionally, check the gutter and downspout mountings to make sure that they’re secure. 

2. Always Carefully Examine the Roof

The roof of a home is essential in maintaining the condition of the interior. Roof problems are important to address before buyers move into a home, as they can be expensive to repair. As a home inspector, you’ll want to know how old the roof is, which can give you some context when it comes to the inspection process. To determine whether a roof is in good shape, make sure to climb up to the roof for closer examination. Check to see that the shingles are not loose, misaligned, or missing. Additionally, check all seals to ensure that water cannot leak into the interior. If the roof is in bad shape, this could be a potential problem for buyers.

3. Look Out for Rotting Wood and Other Siding and Trim Issues

The siding of a home can tell you a lot about how the home’s owners have maintained their property over the years. If you have home inspector training, you can examine the siding and trim of a home for signs of wear and tear in a few ways. First, examine the exterior paint for areas of damage. Spotty or missing paint can indicate the condition of the wood beneath it, which could be rotting. Additionally, search the siding and trim for signs of insect or rodent damage. If the siding or trim contains holes or cracks, this could be a sign that it needs replacing.  

4. Is the Foundation Cracking? Don’t Forget to Inspect It

The foundation is one of the most important components of a home, as it’s responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the building itself. As a home inspector, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is forgetting to examine the foundation for signs of stress or cracks. Foundation problems can also manifest in the form of slanted floors or misaligned window and door frames. Check the foundation to ensure that it’s completely stable, as an unstable foundation could result in safety issues for the home’s buyers. 

When inspecting a home’s exterior, keeping these tips in mind will help you to make a sound assessment about the condition of a home. Don’t forget to use them throughout your home inspector career!

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Insulation serves a vital function in every home: it prevents heat from flowing in and out. Thanks to insulation, a home can be kept cool in the summer while staying warm in the winter. However, not all insulation is created equal, and some homes are equipped with insulation that is less efficient than others. When insulation isn’t installed correctly or is located in the wrong places, a home can lose energy–resulting in a higher-than-average energy bill and a drafty living environment. 

If you’re interested in becoming a home inspector, there are four things you should know. They are: energy-efficient insulation, how energy-efficient insulation works, the various types of insulation, and where it should be installed. When equipped with knowledge about energy-efficient insulation, you’ll be able to accurately assess the insulation of a home to determine whether it’s doing its job, or if an upgrade is needed.

1. Those with Home Inspector Training Should Know How Energy-Efficient Insulation Works

Today, homes are more energy efficient than those of the past. This is due to developments in building products, smart appliances, and improved electrical systems. However, much of a home’s energy consumption depends on the amount of insulation used and where it’s installed. 

During your home inspector career, it’s important to check the insulation in a home’s roof, walls, floors, and other areas to determine its thickness and the material used. When insulation is optimized for efficiency and effectiveness, less heat or cold air will escape through its exterior–putting less strain on ventilation systems and resulting in reduced energy consumption.

2. There Are Many Different Types of Energy-Efficient Insulation

There are many different kinds of insulation which can be used in a home, and different types of insulation materials have different advantages. Insulation’s efficiency is measured as an R-value. R refers to the resistance to the flow of heat. As a home inspector, it’s important to identify the material of insulation in a home in order to determine its R-value. Cellulose, fiberglass, and spray foam insulation are all commonly used insulation materials within a home, and each of these will have a different R-value. 

3. Insulation Should Be Installed in Many Different Areas of a Home

Once the existing insulation’s efficiency has been determined, those with home inspector training can move on to check all areas of a home where insulation should be installed. Many homes use excessive amounts of energy due to the fact that many areas are left un-insulated. When inspecting a home, check that there is sufficient insulation in a home’s roof, walls, attic, floors and foundation. If any of these areas aren’t equipped with insulation already, some form of the material should be installed as soon as possible to improve the home’s energy efficiency. 

4. Insulation can be Measured to Determine its Efficiency 

When assessing a home’s insulation for energy efficiency, it’s important to measure the insulation in place in addition to determining which areas which need to be insulated. The efficiency of a home’s insulation can be measured using an equation. First, identify the material of the insulation, and conduct research to find this insulation type’s R-value. Next, multiply this R-value by the thickness of the insulation in place. The resulting number can be compared to standard recommendations to confirm whether the amount of insulation in place is suitable to provide adequate insulation against air flow. Existing insulation may need to be upgraded for increased thickness, depending on the results. 

When establishing whether a home is energy efficient, it’s important to check where the insulation is located, as well as whether additional insulation needs to be installed. Those seeking a career in home inspection can help homeowners to reduce their energy bill by identifying areas for insulation improvement, and recommending changes that will maximize energy efficiency.

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Home inspection describes a consulting service where industry professionals analyze the safety conditions of a home—helping buyers make informed decisions before purchasing or living in their chosen home.

A big part of home inspection includes assessing the roof for any signs of damage. Conducting a thorough visual inspection of the roof can reveal potential concerns and areas in need of repair to promote the safety of the home’s inhabitants. Those interested in home inspection can receive proper training, learning practical skills to ensure safe living conditions. Here’s a brief overview of what home inspectors can look for when investigating roofing problems.

Checking Gutters and Soffits When Inspecting Roofs

When searching for any roofing problems, home inspectors rely heavily on visual inspection. One of the most obvious signs of a roofing problem includes a sagging roof—which can indicate deterioration, improper installation, or difficulty supporting its weight. Acting quickly to replace a sagging roof is of utmost importance, preventing the chances of it collapsing.

Other problems can include dirty or clogged soffits (the bottom of house eaves or rafters). Dirty or clogged soffits can mess with attic ventilation, blocking airflow and promoting mould growth on the roof’s framing. Home inspectors will also want to check for any rusted gutters, which can lead to unwanted leaks. It’s also important to look for a well-installed gutter apron, typically used to stop water flows from rotting other parts of the roof (like the soffits or roof sheathing). If water stains are visible below the gutter, then gutter aprons should be installed for added protection.

Spotting Signs of a Leaky Roof after Your Home Inspector Training

Water damage can be a clear indication of a roofing problem. If the home’s ceiling or interior walls feature any water stains, then a leaky roof is likely the culprit. Addressing this problem quickly is extremely important, as doing so can prevent further problems from developing—like growing mould or damaging insulation. This can occur around bathroom fans as well, possibly indicating a leak from roof vents. It should also be noted that if mould is spotted on the exterior walls, a leaky roof should be considered as a probable cause.

Those with a home inspector career can also keep an eye out for any roofing problems when assessing the insulation. For example, a leaky roof can be responsible for interfering with the house’s insulation, affecting heating and cooling systems.

Inspecting Roof Shingles and Flashing for Signs of a Roofing Problem

Home inspectors will want to carefully look at the state of roof shingles and flashing in order to properly assess the living conditions of a house. Roof shingles are overlapping elements used to cover roofs, adding further protection. Inspectors should look out for any damaged or missing shingles, both of which increase the chances of leaky roofs. Roof shingles can also appear mismatched or uneven, allowing water to penetrate more easily.

Those who have started their home inspection training will know about roof flashing, used to protect areas where the roof intersects with other walls or structures (like chimneys). Flashing is important when inspecting water flow, preventing water from crashing and seeping into the sidewalls. If the flashing is loose or rusted, then this layer of protection is rendered inefficient—potentially rotting the roof’s sheathing and framing or leading to the growth of more mould.

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When a buyer is ready to make an offer on a house, the next step is usually to hire a home inspector. The inspector’s job is to take a thorough, objective look at the property in question–from its roofing, structure, electrical and heating, to its air conditioning, plumbing, and siding to ensure the home is in solid condition.

While clearly in the buyer’s interest, the home inspection process makes most sellers nervous–with its potential to put a wrecking ball to a real estate transaction. A home inspection can even prove to be a disservice to the buyer if the job is poorly executed. For instance, an inexperienced or careless inspector can kill the deal by unnecessarily alerting the buyer to trivial issues. This can draw up a long list of minor problems in the final inspection report without adequately explaining the relative importance of these issues.

The right training teaches an inspector the most crucial aspects of the home inspection to focus on, and how to put minor defects into context to ensure the buyer’s confidence isn’t compromised, and the deal isn’t sabotaged. 

What Exactly Does a Home Inspector Do?

Paid solely by the buyer, the job of the inspector is to conduct an objective evaluation of the home to make sure there are no issues with the functioning of the systems and components of the house, and that there are no existing safety hazards anywhere on the property. 

Anyone wishing to become a home inspector will learn how to pay special attention to the building’s foundation and siding to make sure there’s no presence of cracks, warping, or rotting. The roof is another focal point, needing careful examination to exclude problems with shingles or gutters. 

Inspectors must also ensure the home’s plumbing is leak-free, and that the water heater, wiring, heating systems, and any existing fireplaces are in safe working condition. The process usually takes no more than two to three hours, but can take longer if issues concerning compliance with building regulations are revealed.

Once the A-Z’s of the home have been examined, the home inspector is responsible for preparing an inspection report for the buyer. This document represents the condition of the home at the time of the inspection. The report also serves to list any defects that may need repairs. From the report, a buyer can make an informed decision on whether or not to complete the real estate transaction with the seller.

Why is Training Crucial for Someone Wishing to Become a Home Inspector?

Real estate professionals often complain about home inspectors that go too far with the inspection by raising attention to every tiny issue, and potentially causing irreparable damage to the buyer’s confidence. 

A less helpful inspector might provide a long list of superficial issues – anything from minor surface mold, to cracked tiles, loose fixtures, and chipped paint – without explaining the minor importance of these issues, and the relatively low cost of fixing them.

Pros with home inspector training are taught to understand the weight that they carry in the real estate transaction, and learn the importance of focusing on major construction and systems points to consider on behalf of the buyer. They are given clear direction, for example, on how to detect signs of non-performance due to old age, weather damage, and poor workmanship. Additionally, trainees learn the importance of providing context to the buyer when revealing more minor defects, so the buyer isn’t unnecessarily scared off an otherwise superior build by a slew of minor, low-cost repairs.

What Does it Take to Become a Home Inspector?

A person with an interest or background in residential construction, as well as strong technical writing and time management skills would be an excellent candidate for home inspection training. 

It might also be helpful to have some general people skills for dealing effectively with home buyers and real estate agents. Additionally, some engineering knowledge can be handy to correctly evaluate properties and follow established procedures more closely.

An inspector with the right training can provide an invaluable service to home buyers and gain a great reputation in the industry, leading to consistent recommendations and a steady flow of work. 

Interested in training for a home inspector career to join this exciting and growing profession? 

Contact North American Trade Schools to find out more!