How to Find Major Defects During a Home Inspection

[@apersonontheinternet8006]

Ben, in the Marine Corps you are taught to look right to left when scanning. The concept is that when going left to right, the same direction you read in, your brain just tends to quickly scan and process the information whereas from right to left you are "tricking" your brain to look closer and harder.

[@BenGromicko]

Excellent advice, Jason.

[@apersonontheinternet8006]

Ben Gromicko thanks for the videos! I'm really kicking around the home inspector idea and I'm really liking your association and the resources you provide. Maybe I'll make the jump soon. Passed the initial test and am working through the other requirements open to the public as a feeler gauge to see if it is right for me. Thanks for everything so far!

[@crazyc99]

Love it ... thanks Jason.

[@nickfitz9800]

Thank you for the great video. Every time I watch one of your videos I learn something.

[@BenGromicko]

Glad to hear it!

[@robsonsantos5523]

What a great explanation over all the aspects. Two (2) interesting hours that I will take for life. Congratulations.

[@BenGromicko]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juliekwhit]

Thank you for your reply. The detail you provide in your video is very helpful. You encourage one to think about additional concerns and other inspection topics.

[@BenGromicko]

Glad it was helpful!

[@epjet2194]

Great videos Ben. I'm currently enrolled in becoming a home inspector and these videos help immensely.

[@BenGromicko]

Good to hear, epjet.

[@scootertheeb6172]

We seldom call it crawl space here in Australia, we just call it subfloor area. There are so many interesting differences between American English and Aussie English!

[@BenGromicko]

Agreed. Every home should be inspected by a certified home inspector as part of a homeowner's routine maintenance plan.

[@zelllers]

This actually looks like a really fun career. I currently do a completely unrelated profession but I've been sucked into your videos and the one's on InterNACHI's channel for the past two days. I've been a problem solver my whole life and it looks like a lot of fun to be a problem finder (I hope that's okay to say?) for a change. I will check out InterNACHI further and possibly rethink my life. Edit: no way! house of horrors in Albert, I live in Alberta.

[@BenGromicko]

Good, Yammy. Whenever you're ready to become a home inspector, feel free to reach out to us at www.nachi.org/contact.

[@soresnil]

I Love this video. Great Job and Thank you

[@BenGromicko]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@juliekwhit]

Very helpful video. Question. Are there different levels of inspectors? For example, if I need a septic tank inspection, are there inspectors that can inspect the whole property so as to avoid the cost of hiring multiple inspectors?

[@BenGromicko]

Depends upon who you hire. There are many, many home inspection companies that provide all types of inspection services. Find one near you using our search engine at www.nachi.org/certified-inspectors

[@angelbarbosa7835]

Thank you Ben Gromicko ,very informative and educational .definitely clear and to the point, and professional.

[@BenGromicko]

Thank you, Angel.

[@awesomedogs4172]

Thank you so much! How you were able to figure out what was going on in that basement crawl space is beyond me, hopefully as I take more classes I’ll be able to make heads or tails of that sort of thing 😬

[@BenGromicko]

Glad I could help!

[@ItsAllInTheInspections]

Great video! Thank you 😊

[@BenGromicko]

You are so welcome!

[@Amar-ze7jz]

sharing wonderful knowledge.

[@BenGromicko]

Glad you think so!

[@fsoileau]

@35:00 I don't think its a house trap or a house vent, simply because it's outside of the house. I would call it a cleanout now but was most likely a test tee during construction. And "no," houses do not have house traps, because traps are located at the fixtures inside buildings At the endpoint or beginning point of the fixtures, sink, washing machine or toilet "integrated trap" etc.

[@BenGromicko]

Right. I've found on the very old homes I inspected, they were installed with a cleanout and an actual house traip. Some local code allowed building traps to be installed when provided with a cleanout and a relief vent or fresh air intake on the inlet side of the trap. Today, building (house) traps are prohibited.

[@tomready9015]

Any videos listing all the materials that comprise a home? Like on different types of floors or roofs. Its hard to establish problems when i don't even know what I'm working with sometimes. I need to get a lot of the terms down then branch of from there.

[@BenGromicko]

Yes. You'll want to visit www.nachi.org/education.htm

[@tylerpaynecitsts4309]

Per OSHA (I’m referring to CA title 8), a top handrail shall support 200 lbs in any direction, a mid rail is 150 lbs.

[@BenGromicko]

Correct. That's IRC too.

[@daveoverbey2032]

Actually in all reality the steeper a roof is the longer life expectancy it has.. I too like to get up on it & check it for rotted wood sheathing under the shingles. But I would first check the ceilings inside for water stains or wet plaster / drywall leakage & again I'd go into the attic preferably on a rainy day if it's at all possible . If it's looks good, I'd just check this roof from the ground with a good pair of binoculars. & look for warped waves in the roof, check the eaves & gables, soffit & vent's, the caps, skylights most attn: must be paid

[@BenGromicko]

Thank you for the feedback, Dave. You're suggestion to be safe first is a good one.

[@KL-ty4hf]

What is the deal with the roof? Some say you should go up there, yet others say you shouldn't. What's the general consensus?

[@BenGromicko]

Good question, Keith. The Home Inspection Standards of Practice does not require a home inspector to walk upon the roof, but many exceed the standards and do walk upon it. So, that's a good question for someone to ask a home inspector. "Do you go up on the roof?" I did, as a home inspector. And that was part of my brand that distinguished me from my competition.

[@sheepseven7588]

What about metal roofs what should one look for

[@BenGromicko]

Deterioration of the exposed roofing material itself. I recommend taking our online course at www.nachi.org/inspecting-metal-roofs-online-video-course.htm

[@Plexus37]

Would be interested on revisiting the drone conversation now we are 6 years down the road.

[@BenGromicko]

Yes. Absolutely. The world has changed since then. Visit www.nachi.org/faa-drone-pilot-recurrent-training-part-107.htm

[@sheepseven7588]

WOW your really good.set the bar high for your students I would love to do this what education do you need ?

[@BenGromicko]

Hi, Sherry. Please visit internachi.edu/ and click the "Home Inspector Certificate Program" button.

[@Gunny_101st]

Ben. After popping off so many pics, how do you remember all of the defects for your walkthrough AND the report?

[@BenGromicko]

Good question, Stephen. I write my inspection reports as I inspect. It's so easy, and it helps reduce liability, and it provides extra time to inspect and my evenings are off. When I finish my inspection, my report is finished also. Here's a video of how I write with a mobile device and mobile software: www.nachi.org/tv/2017/04/19/how-to-write-a-home-inspection-report/

[@jaysoncolbert6187]

I was just thinking the same thing. I'm just dipping my feet into home inspection and trying to get a grasp of it all.

[@aliciawilliams6417]

would it be a good idea to inspect the attic before stepping on the roof? I guess you would hope to see any major issues by site first, and hope nothing has been covered over

[@BenGromicko]

That's a great idea. And only once did I really need to do that (inspect the underside of the roof prior to stepping upon the roof surface). I knew there was something wrong structurally with the roof deck, because when I looked at the roof plane from my ladder at the eaves, the plywood sheathing seemed to be sagging downwards in between the rafter boards. This indicated a problem, and it was a delamination of the plywood caused by a prior deteriorated roof-covering affecting the plywood. Safety first.

[@pennysmith2012]

Home inspection in 4 days. Water heater electric wire is not in conduit. Could this be an issue?

[@BenGromicko]

No. Unless it's required by code.

[@pennysmith2012]

@@BenGromicko Thank You Sir

[@endtime13]

EXCELLENT ❤💯⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@BenGromicko]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@susierios7213]

how can you tell those are just cosmetic spots on the front side roof ?

[@BenGromicko]

I got up close to the roof during the home inspection. I try to touch the roof covering materials themselves.

[@susierios7213]

Ben Gromicko i mean literally..like how can you tell? is there a certain type of weather that causes spots like that or?...thanks

[@BenGromicko]

Algae www.nachi.org/asphalt-comp-shingles-part42-96.htm

[@daniels5780]

I wouldn't be surprised if the window well was damaged in the effort to put in a replacement furnace or ducts. Reasons for damage don't matter but I like having reasonable explanations.

[@BenGromicko]

Great catch, Daniel.

[@longislanddiy6315]

Ben- what software do you use for report writing? What mobile software? I've been testing out Home Gauge and HIP but also considering writing my own? Your thoughts?

[@BenGromicko]

Those are two great home inspection software companies. They provide exclusive discounts to InterNACHI members. They provide mobile software options too. I like them. Visit www.inspectoroutlet.com/software-and-reporting.aspx for our ecommerce partner's list of software.

[@Joshua44t]

I know this question was for Ben, but I highly recommend InspectorFX.

[@bereananalytics6789]

Ben, do you guys have a course on contractor recommendations? Seeing all these issues, there must be many different people to recommend.

[@BenGromicko]

We do not. Recommending a professional contractor is the typical call-to-action that home inspectors will write. To go further than that (for example, recommending a particular local contractor by name) could lead to a potential violation of the Code of Ethics at www.nachi.org/code_of_ethics.htm

[@putheflamesou]

You do nothing, We have been forced to live this way. If the city was to lose it's tax base you wouldn't even have a sewer. Train yourself to live meagerly as if you had liberty and creativity. Then your first chance, you get the F out realizing you were brainwashed from birth and you are reborn. OR you could fix up the old crap, get taxed for more than its worth making some 9 to 5 rich and watch the struggle outside your window at the sheep herd. Where to go? My mentor Jacque Fresco said tech and comm will change the world....so take a seat and as George Carlin said,, watch the freak show, only now it's the freak-out show....

[@ismetkerqeli3006]

Hi I have a question if I become member is certificate or diploma accepted in Canada?i know Canadian home inspection school is Carlson Dunlop with ASHI in USA!

[@BenGromicko]

Yes, Ismet. InterNACHI® School is also a Member College of the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) of Canada, a national association representing more than 500 regulated career colleges across Canada. Visit nacc.ca/?page_id=11258#/action/Listing/value/4794/searchID/76001/cid/1260/id/401/InterNACHI%C3%82%C2%AE-School for the accreditation. I recommend checking out our webpage for your province at www.nachi.org/licensing-and-certification (scroll down to Canada).

[@TheJonnyJager]

Ben, do you like being an home inspector? Looking at making a career change! The videos that I've seen you do have been great!

[@BenGromicko]

Best job ever had. Loved taking the risk of operating your own business and realizing the rewards of doing that.

[@TheJonnyJager]

Ben Gromicko why do you not add the infrared photos in your report? I would think the customers would like to see them. Also do you make a nice living off of home inspections? I need to make 40k a year to support my family the way I do now. Btw you are the Adam Savage of home inspecting, I really enjoy the videos and I'm really starting to fall in love with your job!

[@TheJonnyJager]

Ben Gromicko I live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area

[@BenGromicko]

I only inserted infrared images into my inspection report, if I thought that the image would help convey my observations. So, not very often. I usually inserted the digital camera (regular) image into the reports instead of the infrared ones. I used the infrared camera just like another tool, such as a flashlight or moisture meter. And in relation to your other question, I made a great living running my home inspection business. Yes.

[@lowchopr1]

HOW MUCK ARE YOU MAKING ANUALLY?

[@MajesticEmptiness]

HI, I am interested in becoming a home inspector.....i am an HVAC Gas2 licensed holder, do i get course exemption?

[@BenGromicko]

Hello. To become a home inspector, you must complete the certification requirements. They are listed at nachi.org/cpi-requirements

[@michaelprofita2878]

Great Video

[@BenGromicko]

Thank you, Michael. We have many more videos available on www.NACHI.TV

[@angelrodriguez-ot6gd]

What free mean to your?

[@BenGromicko]

What "free" means to me is "free", like it doesn't cost anything, no money, no credit card required. Free. nachi.org/free

[@ryanbarker5217]

am i the only one who watches these videos and am kind of afraid to check their own home for terrible flaws?

[@BenGromicko]

Sorry to hear that, Ryan. But performing a general visual check on a home is essential in being a homeowner. We believe that every home should be inspected every year as part of a homeowner's routine home maintenance plan. You may be interested in kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4DFfalpn5KJrbs

[@dlymie5925]

did they fix any of the defects you found!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@BenGromicko]

Nah. Home buyers fell in love with the place. They now have a checklist for Home Depot.

[@JohnSmith-gi7jw]

How do I find clients?

[@BenGromicko]

That's the million-dollar question. You ought to ask some real estate agents in your local area. They know you're clients already. They know homebuyers and sellers. You may also want to check out www.nachi.org/tv/marketing/

[@patrickgarvey146]

No over hangs anywhere on the roof!

[@BenGromicko]

None. Great observation.

[@CanadianMang]

If I hired an inspector for a house I was buying and he didn't want to move a little wooden bench to inspect something I'd feel kinda ripped off.

[@BenGromicko]

I understand. Good point. Maybe you could just ask the inspector or homeowner to do it together. Inspectors just don't like (nor are required to) move everything. You could imagine for some houses, an inspector moving everything to see everything, which would take days.

[@davidtrujillo993]

great class. although the handrail claim came across as non-factual and wasteful. I mean it could be a comment to the client but not a reported issue. There have to be criteria and it can't simply be anyone opinion. Otherwise, we don't have criteria. It is my understanding that the report has to be fair. So, there might be conditions we would like different, but if there is no social agreement or understanding of a deficiency, it is up for discussion. So, emotions should be left out of the report.

[@BenGromicko]

Thanks, David. Home inspectors have a standards of practice to work from; however, an inspector may exceed those standards and make comments based upon their experience. For example, the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ or local code inspector) has the authority to interpret code based upon local needs. It's somewhat similar practices for a home inspector. Personally, I recommended a handrail whenever I saw more than two steps, particularly at an main egress.

[@putheflamesou]

My insurance was canceled due to a handrail. Even secretaries told me it is a big deal. What do you expect in a system that allows uneducated slavery. They need to look like they are worth the free meal. Really though they get kicks from harassing people while friends break codes.....oh ps::: its called an amendment.....or it could be a fund issue,,,whatever the excuse...you don't get away with it so they can tax you to your grave. While there friends go unpermitted and untaxed.

[@davemojarra2666]

I prefer Nachos, to NATCHI, but this guy is pretty good.

[@BenGromicko]

Thank you, Jus.

[@flacochevere]

I giving up spend alot of money and no calls

[@BenGromicko]

Before you give up, I have some resources that you may want to take a look at first. I recommend the 15 steps to success at www.nachi.org/become-home-inspector.htm. Go through every step before giving up. Then, I recommend reading getting free marketing consultation and design services from InterNACHI at www.nachi.org/marketing. Then, be sure to watch the two marketing videos at www.nachi.org/tv/marketing/ titled "The Ultimate Marketing Class" and "25 Marketing Tips".

[@putheflamesou]

The GREATEST thing about inspections.........the rich people really get good ones. The many poor just get taxes and house prices and cohoots loans by cities that want to get their tax base up......while unsuspecting slaves that need housing pay there wages to the gov while living dangerously and finally in the end when they need repair/or a real inspection they have to leave with worse credit and many hours or work for nothing. They call them fixer uppers. I am sure you heard that SOMEWHERE?????? HOW CAN A FIXER UPPER BE INSPECTED AND SOLD BY A LICENSED REALTOR IN A CODED CITY AND TAXED AS SUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO BE PUT IN PRISON FOR FRAUD AND LARSON. They sell distressed homes it to the clan for pennies and resell 200% plus with city down payment help and fake inspection has to end and cities need to get real.

[@BenGromicko]

Thank you for the feedback.

[@bobhayes8248]

Good class

[@BenGromicko]

Thank you, Bob.

[@kyrylostromelyuk9492]

Hello Ben! Soon I'll be immigrant from Ukraine in Canada. I'd like to become a home inspectror, can I? What requirements for starting studying in Ianternachi school - P.Eng or somethig else, some licences?

[@BenGromicko]

Thanks, Bob.

[@BenGromicko]

Hi, Kyrylo. I highly recommend becoming an InterNACHI Certified Home Inspector by completing the certification requirements listed at www.nachi.org/cpi-requirements.htm

[@bantikshaw9023]

Hobby

[@ttfweb1]

Shutters on the front door? Style violation :)

[@BenGromicko]

Good catch, Ttf. Heh.

[@sibinspections7763]

Good Class

[@BenGromicko]

Thanks. More free classes at www.nachi.org/tv/

[@AintSchabusiness]

Our home inspector missed the hot water heater's gas leak. If I hadn't called a plumber, my entire family may have died.

[@BenGromicko]

Gas leaks are not within the scope of a home inspection, according to the Home Inspection Standards of Practice at www.nachi.org/sop.htm. It's not possible to discover a gas leak during a visual-only inspection. It's a very good idea to have a plumber or HVAC tech test your gas lines for leaks using a gas leak detector. The local utility company usually does that service, and often it's free. Also be sure to install smoke and CO detectors/alarms where needed.

[@michaelsmith9308]

i would have a detector right next to the hot water heater and every sleeping room and hallways- ALWAYS!

[@AintSchabusiness]

@@michaelsmith9308 we replaced it before we moved in and have a detector right outside the door now.

[@internachi]

@@michaelsmith9308 Me too. And that's what code says too. Smoke and CO detectors are all over the place, in comparison to just 10 years ago.

[@zunedog31]

Wouldn't most buyers look at this house and determine it is a lost cause? To the untrained eye this place looks like a dump with a dozen problems that could bankrupt me. Unless the house is like 35k or something...

[@BenGromicko]

There's a buyer for every house. This house sale was successful. They move in, loved the house, had a list of house projects to do. Every home should be inspected every year.

[@Alamyst2011]

Holy Shit an old house has defects. Shocked. You charged people to tell them what's wrong but provide no fix. Any good contractor can do that.

[@BenGromicko]

You're correct, Alamyst2001. The Home Inspector Code of Ethics restricts home inspectors from offering repair services. A home inspector must be a true neutral 3rd-party inspector who reports upon observed defects without any bias. A trusted home inspector does not offer repairs, nor should a home inspector refer their clients to contractors. The best thing a homeowner can do is to hire their local certified home inspector as part of their routine home maintenance plan. To find a trusted local inspector, visit inspectorseek.com/

[@Alamyst2011]

Ben Gromicko My point was and continues to be: you have no skin in the game. I've seen licensed home inspectors pass cracked foundation, faulty wiring etc. Code literally means the bare minimum building standard. Any contractor who wants to be around next week will find and fix the issues without need of a bias 3rd party who takes money and walks away.

[@BenGromicko]

I think we agree on a common idea -- home inspectors do not make repairs - contractors should do that. Home inspectors are essentially generating leads for contractors by providing unbiased opinions described in a "go get this fixed" list.

[@BenGromicko]

I agree with you, Habacabula.

[@bigbeard9876]

Alam said he's seen home inspectors pass a cracked foundation...... home inspections are non pass or fail. Inspections are for raising awareness of defects within the home. Cheers

[@dadof215101]

you are dont know any thing about roffing

[@BenGromicko]

Thanks for the feedback, Jim Don.

[@bigbeard9876]

What is roffing?

[@jeremiahlf]

Jim Don You clearly don’t know anything about proper spelling and grammar that a 10 year old child does. Fool.

[@redshift5050]

Please stop saying "um".

[@BenGromicko]

hm. okay.