Performing a Home Inspection & Writing an Inspection Report

[@drd360]

This is what encourages a new inspector and helps you to have the confidence you need prior to scheduling appointments. This is the greatest home inspection training anywhere. I have a PhD in Education and for me to say that, says a lot. Great Job guys!!! Plus their office staff the females I have talked to are equally as great and professional!!!

[@BenGromicko]

Thank you very much for the feedback. We're all on our contact page at www.nachi.org/staff.htm

[@BenGromicko]

I'm still driving that inspection vehicle. It's awesome.

[@thehomeinspector5658]

I have seen this same property inspected several times over the years. Yep, I call this particular home Ms. Betty. Always a very good job teaching Ben. I will continue watching over the years. I probably know that place as good as you do by now. Respectfully, Michael Altizer

[@BenGromicko]

Caught!

[@cdbinspections3705]

Great video, the software you're using really is a game changer.

[@BenGromicko]

We agree.

[@Spectora]

Thank you! We are happy to hear it's helping your business!

[@dwokie1]

Ben... love your passion for your work. Thanks for sharing such a valuable resource. I'm an InterNACHI member and am working on my certification. Again... THANKS!

[@BenGromicko]

Awesome, thank you!

[@BenGromicko]

Home inspection college at internachi.edu/

[@rongants6082]

On Friday I inspected an 8600 sq ft home. Shake roof, 6/12. To inspect that roof thoroughly from a ladder would have taken over an hour, moving the ladder to multiple locations. It's easier to walk the roof. Major defect found. I will climb up on any roof to do my job, or give written explanation of why I won't (ice, four feet of snow, etc.) That's my job.

[@BenGromicko]

I agree with you. Stay safe up there, Ron.

[@randytucker8463]

Hey Mr. Ben u are doing a great job im learning alot from you im seriously thinking about starting my own business I need a teacher like you!!

[@BenGromicko]

Great to hear, Randy. I recommend starting at the 15-step checklist for success at www.nachi.org/become-home-inspector.htm. I also recommend checking other home inspection videos at www.nachi.org/tv/home-page/home-inspection/

[@ziadabuhaleema6766]

Excellent and practical approach, I can understand that it is a hassle doing a video while inspecting but we need to see some troublesome situations can help us in our career.

[@BenGromicko]

Thank you, Ziad, for your feedback.

[@ISLEaxe]

Great detailed inspection. I'm enrolled in an inspection class and this video is a great study help .

[@BenGromicko]

Great to hear.

[@misunderstoodtruth1253]

Please share the software that you are using

[@BenGromicko]

@@misunderstoodtruth1253 It's www.nachi.org/spectora.htm.

[@onionizm6931]

Ben this video is awesome. I hope to become as studied and inspiring as you are. Thank you for your work.

[@BenGromicko]

Thank you, Lucky.

[@BenGromicko]

It would be great if you could post on facebook.com/internachi your feedback. And for more videos, be sure to check out www.NACHI.TV.

[@RRR-nx5mr]

Thanks Ben, your vids. Have have helped me through the schooling process emmensly. That app. For inspecting is going to make things much easier.👍

[@BenGromicko]

Great to hear!

[@ChrisWard64658]

Thank you for the insight.

[@BenGromicko]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ghostriderwashere]

That was a good video! Very helpful. That Spectora software is a real time saver for sure!

[@BenGromicko]

Glad it was helpful!

[@banjofever1]

This was a great video Ben! From a soon-to-be InterNACHI Certified Inspector, Edward Kelly Emerson

[@BenGromicko]

Nice. Welcome to the InterNACHI Family.

[@ismetkerqeli3006]

Can you do more of like this I mean with this length and clear you were explaining good!thanks

[@BenGromicko]

Sure thing! We have more training videos, such as kzbin.info/aero/PLKPEi6DdHVZyHK4tkfQuDKRPkBE5oWtuA

[@amazhh1554]

Best vedio ever..thank you..god bless you

[@BenGromicko]

So nice of you

[@Gunny_101st]

Great video Ben. Can I ask where you got those knee pads? Been looking for some lighter weight, single strap pads like that.

[@BenGromicko]

Inspector Coach at inspectorcoach.weebly.com/home-inspection-tools.html

[@nayiddiaz6154]

How much does the spectra software cost. Newbie inspector and would really love the software

[@BenGromicko]

I recommend contacting Spectora at www.nachi.org/spectora

[@joseayala2487]

Excellent overview of a home inspection. My takeaway is to start using video clips to include in home inspection report. I am new to the business and I would like to create good habits and not spend to much time at home writing reports. Bem if you can answer one question for me. What is the average time we should take in doing a thorough inspection?

[@BenGromicko]

Thank you. Average home inspection is about 2-3 hours. 3 hours max. For the average house (2-3 bedroom, garage, 3000 square feet, 10-20 years old).

[@amosdunham2511]

Does the spectora software also have templates etc. Energy audits and assessments? I'm bpi certified etc. And am having trouble finding a combination software. Thanks for all you do to help

[@BenGromicko]

Yes. You'll want to contact them at www.nachi.org/spectora

[@carlosluque3285]

Ben its a great video thanks you so much

[@BenGromicko]

You're welcome. Thank you for watching. We have more home inspection training videos at kzbin.info/aero/PLKPEi6DdHVZyHK4tkfQuDKRPkBE5oWtuA

[@williamalvarado7810]

In the near future I would need a house inspection and I would want someone as ready as you are. Moving to Alabama, would you know some one in the Phenix City area? Great video and information, Thank you

[@BenGromicko]

Yes we do. Use www.nachi.org/certified-inspectors to find a certified home inspector.

[@dmitrymazur3184]

Thank you for video, really useful!

[@BenGromicko]

Thank you, Dmitry.

[@Loonypapa]

There are some really good, fully customizable tablet and phone apps out there. I use one that spits out an editable word doc report, with customizable headers, footers, appendices.

[@BenGromicko]

Thanks for the feedback, Oak Ridge.

[@dougzale9136]

I have a narrative for the spindle spacing. Spacing used to be six inches till they realized that the child can get their body through the spacing but not their head.

[@BenGromicko]

Thanks for watching. Interested in becoming a code inspector? Check out our free online course at forum.nachi.org/t/new-free-online-course-to-become-a-code-inspector/185930. More home inspection videos are at www.nachi.org/webinar.

[@mdf3962]

Hi Ben! love the video! I'm just about ready to go with kicking of my business. maybe a month from now. The report looks like it could be a large file. Can you generally email it? Thinking I could put it on a flash drive to give to the clients. Any thoughts? Thanks again! Mike

[@BenGromicko]

Fantastic! Software now uses the cloud to upload the report and share it easily with clients.

[@mdf3962]

@@BenGromicko That's great! Thanks Ben!

[@mdf3962]

@@BenGromicko sounds great! I really appreciate the quick response! Thank you! and Happy 4th!

[@aaroncrosby2173]

Fantastic Presentation Ben. You even make the whole inspection process look like fun. I have just started trying out using the software. Before I start paying the subscription I have one technical question that I would like some to answer. I have been through all the help videos and cant find any thing. The default font displayed on the pre written defects is very faint and so hard to read on the phone especially when outside in the light. If it was bold and darker the same as the Heading font that is displayed above all the defect text it would be fantastic. I know it's possible to do as this has been acheived with the headings/titles. Is there a way to change this or can be fixed at the managements end. Is it a deal breaker? Probably would be as I don't want to be pressing my face against screen just to read some text. I hope you or someone can help me this Issue. Regards Aaron Crosby ( New Zealand)

[@BenGromicko]

Hi, Aaron. You'll want to ask the software provider at www.nachi.org/spectora.

[@megalomani4k]

What was the software you are using? Also, is the report a link to a website? How does the client interact with the report after u leave?

[@BenGromicko]

Hey, there. I was using www.nachi.org/spectora.htm. The client is emailed or texted a link to the report, which is in the cloud and can be viewed on a laptop as a "webpage" of the report.

[@Hillary4Prison]

34:37 Your not wearing your boots! ;) I'm only teasing, so far a very well put together video!

[@BenGromicko]

Oh, no. I'm not actually doing a home inspection for a client either. This is just a training video, so I got my cute slip-sneaks on.

[@Hillary4Prison]

@@BenGromicko Either way, very good video thank you!

[@codywalker5372]

Which program should I take, I'm in North Carolina....icaschool or ATI?

[@BenGromicko]

I recommend the free, online pre-licensing course for NC at nachi.org/northcarolina

[@dwokie1]

Idea for what to put in the "Lunch Box"... Discount or "Free" Home Maintenance Inspection certificate

[@BenGromicko]

I would put inside the leave-behind lunchbox what you think would be of great value to the home seller. Never liked discounting my services. But maybe something special. At least put some nice flyer and cards in there. And some coffee. And tell them to bring a hot cup to their next inspection. Check it out at facebook.com/benjamin.gromicko/videos/10211014760104765

[@dougdorrer4622]

The HWH had a 10/2007 date written on it. Assuming that is the installed date, its end of life, all things considered. I would check the Date of Manufacturer to be sure.

[@BenGromicko]

For sure. Yes. Agreed.

[@Dougstang05]

I'm just starting my home inspection business. What template do you recommend?

[@BenGromicko]

There's a link to discounted software on www.nachi.org/home-inspection-checklist.htm

[@Strad1969]

so what do you do when you use contact test for the garage door and then the door comes out of the tracks or the door breaks. do you pay for it?

[@BenGromicko]

Nope. I like breaking things. It's my job. Read www.nachi.org/damage-during-inspection.htm

[@danlaur7973]

I would say that you need to inspect the roof properly whether you use a drone, walk the roof or whatever means is necessary, these inspectors just say that they can't access the roof, crawl space etc to cover their butts

[@BenGromicko]

The inspector is required to inspect the roof.

[@stephenbaker9475]

How do you feel about using a go pro instead

[@BenGromicko]

Love GoPros.

[@Strad1969]

i didnt see a drip leg for the heater. are they required in colorado?

[@BenGromicko]

Yes.

[@brybino]

Can you give a link to this inspection report?

[@BenGromicko]

I'll try. I'm not the best at this technology stuff through Spectora.

[@forrestcubbison]

@@BenGromicko this inspection report with all the video and pictures would be over 3 gigs.... way to much data to email... Or send to drop box in a timely manner before you leave the home..... a bit misleading I believe...

[@fernandezjunior4724]

I'm thinking about to became a home inspector 👍

[@BenGromicko]

Yes. It's so much fun and a great way to make a great living. Email me [e-mail] for any help or questions you may have. I recommend visiting nachi.org/everything

[@amosdunham2511]

as you were doing the exterior you got to "jumping around" to different systems. You took pictures etc but did not use software during that time. when do you go back to add that to the report? or should i just change sections in software as i run into different systems?

[@BenGromicko]

When I'm inspecting one system and need to jump to another system, I do that with a verbal "search" in the software or I click the software's navigation.

[@nicko7857]

Do you send your reports electronically or are they written on site and given to your client? I see some inspectors with clipboard and paper and others with tablets. Whats the difference in their practices? I hope that's not a dumb question l, I'm just confused on the writing of reports.

[@BenGromicko]

Hi, Nick. We teach how to write great reports at Step #11 of www.nachi.org/become-home-inspector.htm. I send reports electronically, actually I send a link to the report which is in the cloud. If requested, I'll print out the report and summary on-site. We also teach report writing in our free, online Master Class at www.nachi.org/masterclass.htm.

[@nicko7857]

@@BenGromicko thank you so much. I will be taking your course soon.

[@julioolivares6701]

Really interested in that software, where can i find it and sorry if you've already answered this.

[@BenGromicko]

Visit www.nachi.org/become-home-inspector.htm and go to Step #11 for software.

[@dutchleussink156]

Thank You Sir Very informative.

[@BenGromicko]

Most welcome.

[@cb550rider]

So when you say you are not required to walk any roof. Is really possible to do your job properly by just moving the ladder around and looking at the roof from different areas?

[@BenGromicko]

Yes.

[@johnossi4234]

what software are you using? on phone?

[@BenGromicko]

The software is at www.nachi.org/spectora

[@juanpulido7468]

Great job boss

[@BenGromicko]

Thank you, Juan.

[@millerhunter8974]

I would love to have this software. Where do i buy it?

[@BenGromicko]

I recommend visiting www.nachi.org/home-inspection-checklist.htm

[@willknapp7129]

Could you tell me what slope app you use on iphone? thx

[@BenGromicko]

Search for "Roof Pitch Factor" app.

[@johnsucatoS919]

Ben, do you list the tools that you use somewhere?

[@BenGromicko]

Yes. Tools are at Step #10 on www.nachi.org/become-home-inspector.htm

[@gfather5027]

I'm seriously thinking of becoming a home inspector and starting my own business I have 2 questions 1 how do I start 2 I'm a convicted felon but it's over 12 years ago and I research where I'm from (south Carolina) doesn't have restrictions on that what do you think

[@BenGromicko]

Take the free online Master Class for Home Inspectors (which includes live coaching sessions with the instructor) by visiting www.nachi.org/masterclass.

[@619caliman]

"Come back home." Call for covering fire. Charlie lurking on the roof.

[@BenGromicko]

Interesting.

[@mainchoiceinspections9232]

Ben do you have a link to see the report you wrote?

[@BenGromicko]

Yes. Visit www.nachi.org/home-inspection-report-samples.htm

[@augustestrada5020]

How do you call out possible lead paint issue?

[@BenGromicko]

Become a certified lead paint hazard risk assessor.

[@augustestrada5020]

@@BenGromicko I’m sorry what I meant by that was. As a regular inspector would you even call it out as a possible lead hazard based on age and appearance; or not mention it at all?

[@fredjohnson4772]

water heater t&p discharge is wrong; can you guess how ? at least 1 problem same maybe 2

[@BenGromicko]

2018 IRC P2804.6.1 has 14 requirements actually just for the TPR valve discharge. codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2018P3/chapter-28-water-heaters. Remember though, this video was not a formal technical home inspection training video. It was all about how to write an inspection report while inspecting using mobile software. Good catch, though, Fred.

[@bneum]

Very informative. I need to get my hands on that intro track tho! 😏 Anyone have a source??

[@BenGromicko]

We produced it ourselves.

[@bneum]

@@BenGromicko Job well done, it slaps!

[@BenGromicko]

@@bneum it's like a Tonight Show jingle.

[@nphillypoet]

do you guys have tech in delaware

[@BenGromicko]

I'm not sure what you're asking. But we have inspectors all over the world. To find a home inspector in your area, visit www.nachi.org/certified-inspectors

[@jonavery739]

Thanks for this, Ben.

[@BenGromicko]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching. We have more at www.nachi.tv

[@orangeblossomhomeinspectio432]

Question: Ben...Where is your CMI patch?

[@BenGromicko]

CPI. www.nachi.org/cpi-requirements.htm

[@MW-rt1jo]

I'd really like to see you pull on the stove to see if the anti-tip device is installed. Otherwise nice inspection.

[@internachi]

Thanks. It was a quick inspection video that concentrated less on the technical aspects and tasks of performing an inspection and more on how to integrate software into the inspection process.

[@BenGromicko]

Thank you for the compliment. Staff would love to see your comment on facebook.com/internachi.

[@berthull9333]

7:14 $1250 for a home inspection. Dang! Get it , Ben. Congratulations. $Payday$

[@BenGromicko]

Home inspectors haven't raised their inspection fees for 40 years. It's time.

[@Loonypapa]

That should be par for the course.

[@BenGromicko]

@@Loonypapa Agreed.

[@sequencepropertyinspections]

How did you know the bathroom fan was exhausting into the attic before going into the attic? lol. I'm sure you just switched around the order of some parts of the video.

[@BenGromicko]

You're right.

[@orangeblossomhomeinspectio432]

BEN HAS A NEW TRUCK!!!!

[@BenGromicko]

It's a beautifully wrapped truck designed by the InterNACHI Member Marketing Team at www.nachi.org/marketing

[@fabianrainvillemusic2544]

Do you give away your narratives?

[@BenGromicko]

Yes. Visit www.nachi.org/home-inspection-report-samples.htm

[@berthull9333]

13:25 $500 is not more than $1250

[@BenGromicko]

If the perceived value is greater than the cost, it's a good decision. The perceived value of finding and documenting a major defect is much greater than the cost of repairing that defect.

[@nphillypoet]

nice home inspection

[@BenGromicko]

Thank you. We have more home inspection videos at www.nachi.org/tv/home-page/home-inspection/

[@-iIIiiiiiIiiiiIIIiiIi-]

How this dude get such a big car?

[@BenGromicko]

Performing home inspections can be very profitable. We help home inspectors become successful business owners with tons of free online membership services and education.

[@phillipprince65942]

Great video but you not supposed to use the top step of the ladder

[@BenGromicko]

Not sure what you mean. My ladder is 3 feet extended about roof edge, and I'm standing on the 7 or 8th rung down.

[@phillipprince65942]

@@BenGromicko when you go into the attic you us the top step.

[@internachi]

@@phillipprince65942 Ah, I know. I should have been able to pull myself into the attic without tapping the top steps with my feet kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpO9iX6Jat6ojck. Dang. Back to the gym.

[@TickleTiger]

You call it ,"Picture happy", I call it, "Covering your butt".

[@BenGromicko]

Thanks for watching. Interested in becoming a code inspector? Check out our free online course at forum.nachi.org/t/new-free-online-course-to-become-a-code-inspector/185930. More home inspection videos are at www.nachi.org/webinar.

[@cypresshomeinspections6939]

I personally feel that a buyer or agent doesn't want their time wasted with all those useless pictures. They paying you to show them the problems. Also you can be held liable for things you didn't catch that are in the pictures.

[@BenGromicko]

I understand what you're saying. However, I believe the inspection report is one of the most important marketing pieces that is produced and distributed by a home inspection company. It's got to look excellent. By the end of my report, the reader should be thoroughly convinced that I'm the best home inspector to hire, and they should have a clear understanding of the condition of the house as it was on the day of the inspection. As to the liability issue of taking pictures, we simply don't hear anyone with that issue. I've never heard of a home inspector who took a picture of a material defect, and forgot to mention it in the report.

[@cypresshomeinspections6939]

@@BenGromicko I have about 15 agents that use me exclusively because of the fact my reports are not 100+ pages long with anything time wasting. You say time is money well same with the agents. Also I haven't had a client yet that said I didn't give them enough info. As far as the liability with pictures. My last state board meeting, a client sued a fellow local home inspector because the client later said he found mold and the inspector didn't mention mold in his report. Well after the board reviewed his report they found a picture that they thought had moisture staining in the background and the inspector was found negligent.

[@internachi]

@@cypresshomeinspections6939 Gosh that's terrible: allowing a board review my inspection pictures and make conclusions as if they were at the inspection. As we all know, stains "in the background" do not equal mold. And according to the InterNACHI Standards, mold is not within the scope of a home inspection. So, something else must have been at play there.

[@cypresshomeinspections6939]

We have been told by Louisiana board members now if we see moisture staining. We should say possible mold.

[@cypresshomeinspections6939]

Ben I just wanted to say that was from my personal experience. I value the knowledge you pass on to us and obviously you did something right because you was making a thousand dollars a day.

[@normaleverydaywhiteguy]

1:12:44 I don't know why I laughed so hard

[@BenGromicko]

Towels are funny.

[@LiquidSSSnake]

I really feel better about doing this since I wouldn't be required to walk on the roof.

[@BenGromicko]

Oh, yeah. For sure. There's no requirement to walk upon any roof.

[@PaleFace1974]

@@BenGromicko Is that standard in all 50 states that you're not required to walk on roofs? What state are you in?

[@BenGromicko]

@@PaleFace1974 Hi, there. It's not required in InterNACHI's Home Inspection Standards of Practice. There may be a state or local standard that is different. www.nachi.org/sop.htm We're located in Colorado, but we train and certify inspectors all over the world.

[@scbunn]

good info, but this is basically an hour long advertisement for software.

[@BenGromicko]

I disagree. I produce a bunch of videos like this where we teach how a home inspector can use mobile software during an inspection. Here's another video where I use a different software: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4iXlmCVjcmdiMU

[@davidmdonaldson]

Ben Gromicko I’m glad to have seen this video of you using Spectora for an inspection. After doing market research, I have decided that it is the program that I am going to use for my new business. Much appreciated Ben.

[@internachi]

@@davidmdonaldson Great to hear, David. I have some discount codes you might be interested in. Give me an email at [e-mail].

[@randydoncheski9151]

Wow

[@BenGromicko]

Yep. Wowza.

[@artvandelay2591]

Do people ever think it's unprofessional to use a cell phone during the inspection?

[@artvandelay2591]

I'm debating getting spectora for my software. I'm a brand new inspector and I heard an older inspector making the case that clients might think it looks unprofessional.

[@BenGromicko]

Yes. But if they don't understand, just explain that you're using it to do the inspection and take pics and vids.

[@BenGromicko]

nachi.org/spectora

[@DigitalRaider1]

Thats why I dont walk on tiles. Cracks

[@BenGromicko]

Agreed. There is a way to walk upon them as Kenton shows us in kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX2TnWOpjraWeMk

[@drwhoeric]

I lost some trust when you boasted about finding roof defects that exceeded the cost of the inspection. Though the inspector is hired by the buyer, they also need to respect the seller's property and not boast about findings. This is concerning because that action makes me feel like you are the type to will keep looking for defects until at least reaching the cost of inspection. A seller who strives hard to make everything right before the inspector comes will be furious if you sensationalize small things into major issues.

[@BenGromicko]

I understand what you're saying. But understand the context at kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpO9iX6Jat6ojck. My goal as a professional inspector is to provide overwhelming incredible value of the information that I gather for my clients in comparison to the cost of obtaining that information. In business, if the value is much greater than the cost, it's a good decision. And that was my point. Personally, it's also fun to find defects as a home inspector, because it's what makes our day interesting. We're "into" finding house problems. That's what we do. Not all homes have major defects, but some do. And that's fun for us. And that's "the context" of my comment in the video. Hope that helps.

[@drwhoeric]

@@BenGromicko Thanks for replying and I do understand that is what you are hired to do. Just want to add my opinion is that sometimes home inspectors make issues out of nothing at all to justify their presence. Sad to say, but I have had to purposefully leave things for a home inspector to find just because I have seen them look for something and find little. Leaving them something find is a way I can acknowledge the issues, make the corrections, and everyone is happy.

[@bigjeep2195]

Any inspector that doesn't walk the roof is NOT worth a sh!t.

[@BenGromicko]

There you go.

[@corysamoila]

Why are ya uploading so many vids ffs?

[@BenGromicko]

Inspectors are demanding for more videos. And the home inspection schools across the country simply use our content in their classes.

[@johnossi4234]

the TPR is NOT supposed to go to drain!

[@BenGromicko]

Hi, John. The TPR discharge pipe should discharge to the floor, to an indirect waste receptor, or to the outdoors.

[@MW-rt1jo]

As a licensed plumber for 30+ years you are wrong. In some jurisdictions a TPR is required to discharge into a drain with an airgap.

[@BenGromicko]

@@MW-rt1jo Yep. According to code, the TPR discharge pipe should discharge to the floor, to an indirect waste receptor, or to the outdoors.