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Getting an independent, expert opinion on the operability of the structure and its systems is a no-brainer. But not all home inspectors have the same experience, training, or certifications – what’s more is there are currently no federal regulations governing home inspectors. Home inspectors are governed only by whatever laws are in place in the state in which the inspection is performed, and these laws vary greatly. So how do you make sure you’ve hired the right person for the job? I am licensed and certified by these agencies!
Scroll over icons and click to verify. You may need to enter my 75042 zipcode on some of the links because of their search engine criteria
  
 
  
Take the tests to see if you qualify to do your own inspection (Scroll down)
When shopping for a home inspector, it’s vital that you do your homework and interview each inspector based on the checklist below.
- Do not price shop. When hiring a home inspector, you’re basically hiring an advocate with your interests in mind to give you their expert opinion on the home’s condition. With that in mind, making sure that you’re hiring an inspector with plenty of knowledge and training means not shopping for one by price alone. Training, certifications, and continuing education don’t come cheap to the inspectors and therefore, their expertise isn’t going to be cheap either. When it comes to home inspections – as with most things – you get what you pay for. I am higher priced than most of my competitors for the simple fact that you are worth more than they are willing to charge and I will investigate and test further than most
- Research their credentials. Since there are no national standards for home inspectors, one of the best things you can do to find out about an inspector’s qualifications is to ask what is their background, experience, and what associations they belong to. Some associations require minimum training, experience, continuing education and also require the inspector pass certain exams. However, not all associations are created equal. Check out the associations’ minimum requirements. The best associations require that the inspector pass yearly exams and obtain a specific amount of continuing education credits. Also find out what level of the association the inspector occupies. Some associations have “candidate” and “associate” or other levels that basically mean that the inspector has not met the requirements to be a full member. Also ask what certifications the inspector holds and then research them as well. Click on the icons above for my verification
- Ask for references. An inspector should be happy to provide you with references from previous clients. Call those clients and ask them about their experience with their inspections. Call me or Click link for my client Testimonials http://www.adairinspection.com/Testimonials
- Make your own decision. Some states allow real estate agents and other professionals to make recommendations on what home inspector to hire. Besides the obvious conflict of interest issues, a recommendation does not necessarily guarantee that the inspector is the best choice. I am Independent and work solely for you
- Ask to see one of their inspection reports. At the conclusion of any inspection, you should receive a report on the inspector’s findings. Again, inspectors are going to vary widely – report styles can range from the minimal checklist to the jargon-filled narrative. Inspection reports can be difficult to understand, so it’s important that you check out a sample report. Items marked as “fair”, “poor”, or “inadequate” without any further explanation will not help you understand what the problem is or what exactly to repair. Make sure that the inspector always specifies the exact problem and recommended repairs. Click link for my Sample Reports http://www.adairinspection.com/SampleReport
I offer you this and it costs no more!
Do you really need a Licensed Professional Inspector?
Take this quick exam to find out and if you want more questions try this
Click here for NACHI's online test
PSI Exams http://www.psiexams.com is the testing agency used by the state of Texas to certify the Real Estate Inspectors in the state of Texas. The questions below are a sampling of some 5000 questions that the agency draws from randomly to test candidates. After completing the educational requirements, license candidates must answer 80% of 150 questions correctly within three hours to pass the state exam. It is not an open book exam.
Below are 25 questions. The answer legend is at the end of the question. If you answer less than 20 questions correctly, you should seriously consider hiring a professional inspector as your advocate to insure that you obtain a clear understanding of the current condition of the property of interest.
The National Association of Certified Inspectors (NACHI) has a 100 question test to check your skills. It has a one hour time limit and results are available instantly upon completion. It's free and interesting. Click here for NACHI's online test
1. What is it called when both the structural and space separations MUST be completed before the construction of the second floor?
a. Western framing
b. Balloon framing
c. Pole framing
d. Platform framing
2. A stud that is located in an exterior wall is doubled, and NOT more than two successive studs are bored, A hole bored through the stud may be a MAXIMUM of what percentage of the width of the the stud?
a. 40%
b. 55%
c. 60%
d. 75%
3. How should board and batten wood siding be installed?
a. In a horizontal position
b. In a vertical position
c. Over vertical furring strips
d. With tongue inside groove
4. A sagging roof can indicate a problem with all of the following EXCEPT the
a. attic bracing
b. rafter spans
c. rafter spacing
d. cat walk
5. What is the MINIMUM clearance above the floor for electric water heaters located in the garage?
a. 12 inches from the base
b. 12 inches from the lowest element
c. 18 inches from the base
d. 18 inches from the lowest element
6. An air conditioning system is being inspected for proper cooling. What should be the range of the temperature drop across the coil?
a. 4 degrees F to 9 degrees F
b. 10 degrees F to 15 degrees F
c. 16 degrees F to 21 degrees F
d. 22 degrees F to 27 degrees F
7. The inspector is REQUIRED to
a. determine the presence or absence of a pressure relief valve on a water heater.
b. light a pilot on a natural gas device that appears operational
c. attempt to light a pilot on a natural gas device that appears operational
d. probe structural components to determine their condition
8. What is the MINIMUM REQUIRED overhead clearance of a service drop cable that runs above a swimming pool diving board?
a. 12 feet
b. 14 feet
c. 16 feet
d. 18 feet
9. What wire is the proper gauge for 20 amps?
a. 12 AWG copper
b. 14 AWG copper
c. 12 AWG aluminum
d. 14 AWG Aluminum
10. Why is it important to insure the suction line at an air handler is properly insulated?
a. Refrigerant leak
b. Noise reduction
c. Vibration control
d. Moisture control
11. Which of the following types of foundation settlement usually has no appreciable effect on the structure?
a. Lateral movement
b. Differential settlement
c. Uniform settlement
d. Grade beam uplift
12. As measured from the nose of the tread, what is the MAXIMUM height above the stairway tread for a handrail?
a. 36 inches
b. 38 inches
c. 42 inches
d. 44 inches
13. Brick veneer
a. is a structural load bearing component of the wall
b. does not require a wood frame
c. is used as an outside finish
d. gives additional strength to the framing
14. What is the term for the type of flashing used where the edge of a single roof meets a vertical wall?
a. Valley
b. Step
c. Woven
d. Hip
15. What is an example of a cross connection in a plumbing system?
a. Faucet through the sidewall of a tub
b. "T" joint in a wet vent stack
c. Interface of the building service with the public utility service
d. Location of a back-flow valve
16. Which of the following rooms REQUIRE a GFCI circuit?
a. Bedroom
b. Dining room
c. Bathroom
d. Furnace room
17. Junction boxes supplying swimming pool, wet niche fixtures MUST be how many inches at a MINIMUM above the water level?
a. 4
b. 6
c. 8
d. 10
18. Which type of brick bond is weakest and MOST subject to damage or deformation of the wall?
a. Running bond
b. Common bond
C. Flemish bond
d. Stack bond
19. What is the maximum spacing of rafters?
a. 16.0 o.c.
b. 19.2 o.c.
c. 20.0 o.c.
d. There is no maximum
20. What is the maximum ampacity/breaker size for a copper AWG #12 conductor?
a. 15
b. 20
c. 30
d. 40
21. A positive drainage slope away from a house foundation of 5% is equal to a
a. 6 inch drop in 10 feet
b. 6 inch drop in 5 feet
c. 12 inch drop in 10 feet
d. 12 inch drop in 5 feet
22. Which of the following siding material is MOST prone to moisture intrusion?
a. Wood clapboard
b. T-111
c. Cement fiber siding
d. EIFS synthetic
23. All of the following are approved for use in water supply pipes EXCEPT
a. galvanized iron
b. copper
c. plastic
d. rubber
24. All of the following are requirements for non-metallic sheathed cable (NMC-Romex) EXCEPT that it MUST be
a. secured to the wall every 4.5 feet
b. secured within 12 inches of the panel box
c. clamped securely to the panel box
d. pulled tightly across bends with less than five times the conductor
25. All of the following may cause cracks in the brick veneer on a home EXCEPT
a. thermal stress
b. lack of brick ties
c. foundation movement
d. lack of a vapor barrier
ANSWERS
1. d
2. c
3. b
4. d
5. d
6. c
7. a
8. b
9. a
10. d
11. c
12. b
13. c
14. b
15. a
16. c
17. c
18. d
19. d
20. b
21. a
22. d
23. d
24. d
25. d
We strongly encourage you to accompany the inspector so that you may ask questions and gain a better understanding of the systems in the home.
If you have any questions, or are interested in any other services, please contact us so we may discuss your specific needs.
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