When someone buys, sells, or maintains a home, they often rely on a home inspector to help them see what’s really going on with the property. It’s more than just checking walls and pipes. It’s about clear, well-documented reports that show a complete picture of the home. Whether it’s damage under the surface or signs of aging systems, all of it has to be recorded the right way. One missed detail could lead to confusion or worse, a costly mistake down the line.

If you’re thinking about becoming a home inspector, knowing how to document what you find is a big part of the job. You’ll need to get comfortable using forms, organizing your notes, and writing reports that are easy to understand. As part of training for home inspector certification in London, students practise this on real buildings, learning how to make each report clear, honest, and easy to follow. It’s a key skill that sets the pros apart and helps future clients trust what they’re being told.

Importance Of Accurate Documentation

When you’re walking through a home with a clipboard, camera, or tablet, you never know what you might find. But spotting a problem is only half the job. The way you write it down matters just as much. Written documentation is the proof behind every opinion you write in a report. It helps explain your recommendations and backs up your findings.

Poor documentation can lead to confusion between the inspector and the property owner. For example, if a roof has signs of water damage but the inspector forgets to include photos or notes, a buyer may move forward without understanding the cost of future repairs. That’s a situation no one wants. Good documentation protects inspectors too. It gives them something to refer back to if questions come up months or even years later.

During the home inspector certification program in London, students learn how to format reports clearly, describe findings in plain terms, and include visuals to support their points. This training also focuses on staying unbiased. A well-done report doesn’t exaggerate or downplay issues. It just lays out observations in a way that a buyer, seller, or contractor could all understand. Learning this approach early helps build good habits that stay with you throughout your career.

Key Elements Of A Home Inspection Report

Each report needs to hit the same set of marks. While every property is different, the structure of a home inspection report usually follows a standard format. If you’re thinking about becoming an inspector, knowing what to include and why it matters is something you’ll practise from day one.

Here are some of the key elements found in a strong home inspection report:

– Description of the property: Includes the address, type of building, and general age and design

– Section-by-section details: Each major system gets its own part such as electrical, plumbing, roof, heating and cooling, structure, exterior, insulation, ventilation, and more

– Observations and findings: Clear notes on what was seen, any issues spotted, and things that might need attention soon

– Supporting visuals: Well-labelled photos showing both wide views and close-ups of problems help build trust and reduce confusion

– Safety concerns: If anything is dangerous like exposed wiring or missing railings, that needs to be clear

– Recommendations: These give the client ideas of what to do next, whether it’s further evaluation or necessary repairs

In the home inspector training program in London, students go through real homes and practise putting together reports like this. Instead of learning it from a textbook, they inspect actual systems, take real photos, and build reports from what they find. This hands-on learning helps prepare them for what the job is really like once they step out of the classroom.

Best Practices For Documenting Findings

Being thorough during an inspection is one thing. Making sure your findings are recorded in a way that makes sense to someone reading the report days or even weeks later is just as important. That starts with solid note-taking. Inspectors often walk room to room, taking quick but clear notes, marking any defects, and snapping photos. Being organized from the start helps avoid confusion later, especially when writing the final report.

Digital tools now make this process more efficient. Inspection software, mobile apps, and cloud-based storage systems allow future inspectors in training to complete checklists, voice-record comments, and attach photos all in one place. These tools are not just shortcuts. They help keep everything consistent, easy to access, and easy to share with clients. At the same time, knowing how to balance tech and personal judgement is something students develop through hands-on work while they pursue their home inspector certification in London.

Establishing a personal routine for inspections can also go a long way in keeping things accurate. Whether it’s moving in a clockwise order or starting with the upper level and working down, a repeatable method means fewer missed areas and smoother reporting. These habits become second nature with practice and good training, which sets the foundation for real-world confidence once students enter the industry.

Common Documentation Challenges And How To Handle Them

Even experienced inspectors hit speed bumps during documentation. Sometimes reports feel rushed, descriptions get too general, or key items are missing entirely. One of the more common problems is trying to describe technical issues too briefly. When that happens, clients may misread the seriousness of the issue or overlook it altogether.

Some issues that come up often include:

– Forgetting to label or explain uploaded photos

– Jumping around between rooms or systems in an unstructured way

– Miscommunication with clients due to unclear terms or technical language

– Not recording small defects that could lead to bigger problems later

The fix starts with slowing down. Taking the extra minute to flesh out a section or double-check a few photos might save hours of cleanup later. Students training for certification in London work through real inspections and practise managing these situations. They learn how to write reports using consistent language, apply standard terminology, and use templates that help bring structure. This improves both accuracy and confidence over time.

Another simple fix is to use the same checklist format for every report. It keeps things steady and helps train your mind to scan for the same items every time, no matter the property. Over time, doing things this way helps new inspectors avoid common rookie errors and start off with strong habits.

Better Reporting Means Better Careers

There’s more to a professional inspection report than just being neat and readable. It’s a direct reflection of your inspection skills, your judgment, and your honesty. Whether your client is buying a first home or planning repairs, they count on your report to guide their next steps. That’s a serious responsibility, and it all starts with detailed documentation that stands up to questions and future follow-ups.

In London’s housing market, clear communication makes a big difference. A well-written report earns trust. It also builds your reputation. When your inspections are known for being on point and easy to understand, more clients call. And for someone just stepping into the field, that kind of trust opens doors, especially when backed by practical, real-world training.

For aspiring inspectors who want to feel confident on the job from day one, knowing how to document what you see is a must. Getting comfortable with checklists, descriptions, software tools, and standardized reports helps you become inspection-ready. These are the skills that turn training into career progress. And the sooner you start building them, the stronger your future in home inspection will be.

Interested in stepping into a rewarding career by honing your skills in detailed reporting and thorough inspections? Explore the opportunity to build real-world experience through our home inspector diploma in London. North American Trade Schools offers hands-on, practical training that helps you start strong in a field where accuracy and trust matter most.

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Stepping into a home for an inspection isn’t just about checking if the lights turn on and the taps run. Whether someone is buying a house or making improvements, there are deeper issues that could be hiding behind walls, under floors, or inside systems. That’s where trained home inspectors come in—people who know exactly what to look for and why it matters. If you’ve ever been curious about how homes work and want a career helping others make safe decisions, learning to spot red flags might just be up your alley.

In London, where housing continues to shift and grow, trained eyes are needed more than ever. Home inspector training gives you the tools to look past surface-level features and into the small details that make or break a home’s safety. It’s not about guessing, it’s about knowing. Programs like the one offered through the Home Renovation Technician training at North American Trade Schools show students how to spot issues early while building real confidence for onsite work. You’ll spot problems faster, communicate findings clearly, and feel sure about what you’re doing. Here’s how that starts, right from the first structural glance.

Structural Issues

When walking through a home for inspection, structural issues usually show up early if you know where to look. Signs like long cracks in walls, slanted floors, or doors that stick might seem minor to the untrained eye. But they’re among the biggest red flags because they usually mean there’s something going on beneath the surface. Left unchecked, they can lead to major safety issues and large repair bills down the road.

Home inspector training in London includes real-world examples of these problems so students can learn how to pinpoint structural risks without tearing into drywall. For example, if you notice cracks above door frames or along basement walls, that could point to foundation problems. Uneven flooring might sound like a cosmetic problem, but it can actually suggest a shifting foundation or moisture damage weakening support beams.

A good training program will teach you:

– How to tell surface-level cracking from signs of foundation movement

– What to look for in rooflines, especially sagging or bounce in older homes

– Why some flooring dips could signal problems with floor joists

– How shifting soil near foundations contributes to long-term issues

When you train hands-on, it’s easier to understand the cause behind the symptom. Instead of just spotting the crack, you’ll learn how to trace it back to its root issue and explain it in your inspection report in a way that makes sense for buyers and homeowners.

Electrical System Flaws

Safe wiring is one of the most important parts of any home, but it’s one of the easiest things to hide. Behind finished walls or neat breaker panels, there can be outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, or poor DIY fixes done by someone with no experience. These might seem small until they start causing fires, injury, or full electrical failures. That’s why inspectors with solid training in electrical systems are such a must.

During home inspector training, you’ll learn which red flags stand out. You’ll be taught how to assess things like:

– Two-prong outlets in rooms that need grounded ones

– Too many extension cords or power bars hidden around a room

– Panel boxes that are outdated or have no clear labels

– Light switches or outlets that spark, buzz, or feel warm

Imagine opening a panel and seeing old fabric-wrapped wires twisted by hand. That’s not just a historical detail, it’s a safety risk. In training, you’ll understand why these details matter and how to document them the right way. Knowing when something looks off and how to back up that concern with a clear explanation is something you don’t learn by guessing. It’s taught with purpose.

Building that kind of inspection skill isn’t just about checking boxes on a form. It’s about understanding what’s backed by building codes, what’s just lazy or unsafe work, and what could endanger the people who move in later. That kind of judgment only comes from fully understanding how electrical systems perform in real households, which is part of the core experience in professional training programs like those taught at North American Trade Schools in London.

Plumbing Problems

Leaks and drainage issues might seem harmless at first glance, but when you’re inspecting a home, they’re often a major red flag. Water damage can weaken framing, damage flooring, and cause hidden mould growth that puts health at risk. The key for a home inspector is knowing the difference between minor wear and serious concerns, and that’s something hands-on training in plumbing systems makes easier to understand.

During your training, you’ll learn how to spot signs that plumbing systems might be failing or well past their prime. Here’s what to look for:

– Water stains or bubbling paint on ceilings and walls

– Pipes that rattle, sag, or show signs of rust

– Very low water pressure in certain taps or rooms

– Flooding, pooling water in basements, or slow-draining sinks

– Musty smells or sewage odours even when everything looks clean

These problems can be easy to miss, especially in older homes that have been patched up to look new. But if you know what decaying materials or outdated fittings look like, such as old galvanized steel pipes, you’ll be able to point them out with confidence and explain why buyers should take them seriously.

As part of home inspector training in London, you’ll also practice using real inspection tools to find leaks that aren’t visible yet, like moisture meters and infrared thermometers. You won’t just be checking under-sink plumbing. You’ll be learning how to assess full home piping systems, spot clues of past repairs, and recommend upfront solutions. These skills become part of your inspection routine and help others make smart, informed home decisions.

HVAC And Ventilation Concerns

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are among the most heavily used systems in a home, but they can get overlooked. If an HVAC unit isn’t operating the way it should, it can affect comfort, air quality, and even impact a home’s resale value. That’s why a home inspector needs to check furnaces, vents, ductwork, AC units, and fans with both function and safety in mind.

Training gives you a big advantage by walking you through live system checks. For example, you’ll be taught how to inspect an older furnace that’s still working but giving off odd smells or heating rooms unevenly. You’ll also learn how to interpret sounds—rattling may mean loose parts, while high-pitched whistling could show airflow problems.

Watch for these HVAC-related red flags:

– Uneven heating or cooling across the home

– Blocked or dirty vents, especially near basements or attics

– Short cycling, where the system turns off and on repeatedly

– Water or condensation leaks near the unit base

– Heavy dust or clogged filters around intake vents

These are not things most homebuyers will catch during a simple walk-through. But trained inspectors know what to check, how to describe the concerns, and when to recommend a second opinion from qualified HVAC professionals.

Understanding HVAC systems is built into trade school programs that include detailed inspection training. When you can confidently spot problems like inconsistent airflow or worn parts, you stand out in the home inspection field—especially in places like London, where heating efficiency really matters through the colder months.

Helping Future Buyers Make Safer Choices

When you’re trained to look beyond surface-level features, every home you inspect becomes safer for the people thinking about moving in. Whether it’s foundation cracks, bad circuits, leaking pipes, or underperforming HVAC systems, all these warning signs tell a bigger story. The better you get at spotting them, the more prepared someone else is when making a big financial decision.

Inspectors hold a big role in helping families avoid stress and costs through smart evaluations. But this work relies on strong experience, sharp judgment, and clear communication. That’s why hands-on programs based in London give you every chance to practise and grow—from reading signs others might miss to organizing details into a report buyers actually understand.

If you enjoy the idea of spotting what others might overlook and want a job that helps people stay safe, home inspection could be your next step. It’s not just about pointing out flaws. It’s about learning how things are built, predicting future issues, and giving people the information they need when making a major life decision.

Ready to make a difference in the housing market? Gain the skills that set you apart with comprehensive home inspector training in London. At North American Trade Schools, you’ll learn how to identify and report key home issues with confidence, helping future homeowners feel secure in their investment. Start your journey toward a meaningful and in-demand career today.

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As a home inspector, your inspection reports convey key findings to clients and stakeholders. These findings help clients make important decisions on purchases, repairs, modifications, and other relevant actions. For this reason, home inspection training places significant emphasis on the quality of your reports, encouraging a strategic approach to the information you convey.

To ensure effective reporting, it’s essential to adhere to specific techniques and structured formats and account for all necessary information accurately. Discover three vital tips in this blog post to help you consistently deliver precise, insightful home inspection reports. 

1. Embrace Structure and Organization After Your Home Inspection Training

While writing home inspection reports, you need to adopt a structured, systems-based approach so your message is well-documented and well-received. Adopting a logical flow to the information provided and using a standardized format gets the job done effectively. 

This often means organizing your report chronologically, starting with the property’s exterior and progressing inward. It could also mean progressing in detail from structure and exteriors to roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc. 

While home inspection training provides the necessary structure, effectively applying this knowledge in real-world situations is crucial. The strategy involves creating distinct sections to thoroughly categorize and systematize all elements, ranging from the structural components and observed defects to safety concerns and pertinent suggestions for action. 

The goal is to make the report readable and understandable at first glance. This ensures that all relevant parties can easily navigate to the necessary sections upon receiving the report, knowing exactly what information will be presented and where to find it.

2. Adopt a Consistent, Clear, and Concise Writing Strategy

The effectiveness of home inspection report writing is compromised when its intended audience needs to understand the report’s content. This emphasizes the importance of unambiguous language in your writing. Consistently aim for clear and actionable communication in your writing, ensuring your intended message is conveyed effortlessly.

Avoid excessive technical jargon and other writing styles that may confuse the reader. Enhance the readability of your work by using bullet points to emphasize key findings. Include diagrams, images, and other visual means to enhance clarity. This helps your readers visualize listed points, from observed defects to areas that need further assessment. 

Additionally, this approach streamlines the time required to review and act upon the insights presented in your report findings. Upon understanding the core messages of your report, clients can begin formulating and implementing strategies to remedy any identified issues.

3. Maintain Professionalism by Being Objective and Thorough

Your clients depend on your good judgment and perspective to make key decisions about various properties. This is why you must maintain the highest level of professionalism in your work. Professionalism means your work must be objective, factual, thorough, and truthful. 

Maintain a focus on factual accuracy, steering clear of broad generalizations and personal opinions. Objectively present your findings, avoiding bias in your observations or repair recommendations. For instance, when detailing issues like foundation cracks, it is critical to specify their exact size and location for clarity and precision in your reporting.

In essence, endeavour to quantify your findings when necessary and to describe them with the relevant detail and perspective. As we do at NATS, any good home inspection college will teach you the value of objectivity; this knowledge always proves invaluable in the real world. 

Are you interested in our home inspection courses? 

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Buying a home is one of the most significant investments anyone can make in their lifetime. With so much at stake, there’s little, if any, room for error. Yet, the excitement of reaching such a crucial milestone can prevent home buyers from spotting defects in a home they’re interested in buying. This is where your training as a home inspector becomes crucial.

Far from being just another step in the process, a thorough home inspection can lead to substantial savings for the home buyer. This blog post highlights ways to save money for home buyers after your home inspection training.

Identification and Prevention of Issues

One of the primary duties of a home inspector after home inspector training is to uncover issues that may take time to be visible. These can range from faulty wiring to plumbing issues to structural problems. Catching these issues before finalizing the purchase can save the buyer from expensive repairs.

Beyond this, a comprehensive home inspection isn’t just about finding current issues; it’s also about helping homeowners prevent future problems. Inspectors are often required to provide tips on maintaining a home, which can save homeowners significant amounts in the long run. As an inspector, you might, for instance, need to advise home buyers on ensuring proper water drainage to protect the foundation.

If done correctly, newly installed features can save homeowners on energy bills. For instance, poorly sealed windows can leak heat in winter and cool air in summer. As an inspector, checking these installations can help save the buyer utility bills.

Home Inspection Training Provides Financial Leverage and Savings

Another effective way to save money for home buyers is by offering them negotiation leverage with detailed inspection reports. While it might look like it to potential buyers, there’s no such thing as a flawless house. Buyers can negotiate the purchase price more effectively with a detailed home inspection report. If the inspection reveals significant problems, buyers can request that the seller either make the repairs or reduce the price to compensate for the upcoming expenses.

Just as our home inspector courses emphasize, always remember to provide an estimation of the lifespan of the home’s major components, such as roofs, furnaces, or air conditioning units. With this knowledge, buyers can budget for future replacements or even factor them into their initial offer. Some insurance companies might also offer lower premiums for homes that have undergone a recent, thorough inspection, especially if potential hazards have been identified and rectified.

Avoidance of Bad Investments and Safety Assurance

In extreme cases, a home inspection might reveal that a property has so many issues it’s a potential money pit. Recognizing and pointing this out to buyers can save them from making a bad investment altogether. 

It’s hard to put a price on safety. One thing you should always look out for as a home inspector when evaluating homes is potential safety risks, like radon, carbon monoxide, or mould. Spotting and addressing these issues early can avoid health-related costs and offer peace of mind to the homebuyer.

Are you interested in our world-class home inspection program?

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Basements are an integral part of a home. They provide useful storage space, serve as a foundation for the entire structure, and house most of the home’s key functioning systems. Despite all of these, though, potential homebuyers tend to spend the least amount of time in basements and typically fail to notice issues with them.

As is often the case, this can be a mistake; a troubled basement is a fertile breeding ground for sickness-causing mould. It can also pose a fire hazard in the future, or, at the very least, cause homeowners to spend a lot on repairs. During your inspections, you’re responsible for making sure that your clients don’t fall into these types of traps. In this blog post, we will discuss four common red flags to look out for during basement inspections after your training.

1. Moisture and Water Intrusion Founded Through Home Inspection Training

One of the most critical issues to identify in basements is moisture and water intrusion. Excessive moisture can lead to mould growth, structural damage, and a host of other problems. Signs of moisture include water stains, dampness, musty odours, and efflorescence (white, powdery deposits on surfaces). During your inspection, pay close attention to the basement walls, floors, and ceiling for any visible signs of water intrusion. Additionally, inspect the perimeter for proper grading, functioning gutters, and adequate drainage systems.

2. Foundation Cracks and Structural Issues

Just as you’ve learned during home inspection training, basements are susceptible to foundation cracks and structural problems due to soil movement, settling, or poor construction practices. These issues can compromise the stability and safety of the entire home. During your inspection, carefully examine the basement walls, floors, and foundation for any visible cracks, bulges, or signs of shifting. Horizontal cracks, widening cracks, or stair-step cracks are particularly concerning and should be evaluated by a structural engineer to determine their severity.

3. Home Inspection Training Highlights Inadequate Ventilation and Poor Air Quality

Basements often lack proper ventilation, leading to poor air quality and potential health hazards. Insufficient airflow can result in a buildup of moisture, stale air, and the proliferation of harmful substances such as radon gas. During inspections after your home inspection training, check for proper ventilation systems, including vents and exhaust fans, to ensure adequate air circulation. Consider conducting a radon test as well, as it is a colourless, odourless gas that can be harmful if present in high concentrations.

4. Electrical and Plumbing Issues

In addition, it is crucial to inspect the electrical and plumbing systems housed in basements. Outdated or faulty electrical wiring, exposed wires, improper grounding, and overloaded circuits can pose significant safety risks.

Carefully examine the electrical components for any signs of wear or potential hazards. Similarly, inspect the plumbing system for leaks, damaged pipes, and indications of water damage, which can lead to costly repairs and structural issues. Don’t forget to ensure that sump pumps, if present, are functioning properly to prevent basement flooding, which can cause extensive damage to the property. To ensure the basement’s safety and functionality, it is imperative to thoroughly inspect these systems.

 Are you eager to learn more about a home inspection program?

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If you’re looking for a career that allows you to explore your interest in houses and construction with your desire to help others, home inspection is an excellent option to consider. This is a unique career path that will continue to be in high demand for the foreseeable future. People will always want to acquire property, and savvy buyers will typically seek a professional opinion to ensure that the condition of their prospective investment meets certain standards.

Home inspectors use their trained eyes to ensure that a house meets current standards for electrical systems, HVAC, plumbing, roofing, and structural codes. They identify danger signs or poor workmanship for home buyers seeking to make an informed decision about their purchase. 

If you think this career path could be right for you, but you’re unsure of what it takes to succeed in this role, keep reading to learn about the characteristics of an effective home inspector.

1. You Have Strong Ethics and Integrity

Purchasing a home is one of the largest investments a person will make in their lifetime. Many offers are contingent on a passing grade on the home inspection. For this reason, home buyers will want to hire an inspector they can trust, and this trust is earned. Many motivations are at odds during the sale of a house. For instance, home sellers will sometimes make efforts to conceal defects in order to get the highest profit, or realtors may pressure you to pass a home in order to secure their commission.

After Home Inspector training, it will be essential to focus on the best interests of the home buyer despite other pressures and remain honest about the condition of the house they’re considering. This ensures that you uphold a positive reputation and avoid legal action. By joining a professional home inspection alliance, you can bolster the trust of your future clients. Our Home Inspection training program is recognized and recommended by the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors in all provinces. By earning your diploma with us, you can start your career with reputability.

2. You’re an Effective Communicator 

Spotting warning signs in a home only represents half of your job as an effective home inspector. Your ability to communicate your findings to clients is crucial since the main objective throughout your Home Inspector career is to keep home buyers informed. Many of your clients will be unfamiliar with building codes, the many systems that make a house operate effectively, and your inspection process. Surely, clients will appreciate your efforts to transform an otherwise overwhelming process into an accessible learning experience. Be sure to focus on meeting all clients where they are in terms of their knowledge about houses and the systems within them. Adjust accordingly, using analogies and vocabulary they’ll understand, explaining concepts as you go, and checking in to ensure that all questions are answered.

3. You Aspire to Have Your Own Business After Home Inspector Training

Though some home inspectors work as part of a team, most often, they are self-employed. As your own boss, you’ll be able to enjoy the freedom of setting your own hours and controlling the terms of your work. With this freedom comes the responsibility to exercise excellent organizational skills, marketing savvy, and independence.

After completing our Home Inspection training program, you’ll be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on practice you’ll need to confidently and competently take on the demands of a career in this field. 

Are you ready to earn your Home Inspector diploma? 

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Home inspectors play an important role in the process of purchasing a home. They help buyers by ensuring that homes and investment properties do not contain serious issues–which could lead to expensive repairs down the road. After completing your home inspector training and earning your certification, you’ll be working with clients to examine all the details of homes–advising them accordingly. As a home inspector, it’s your responsibility to ensure that buyers are aware of the potential issues within their future home. Thus, it’s important to conduct a thorough inspection in which all problem areas are identified. Your findings will indicate the current living conditions of a home and will impact a buyer’s decision on whether to proceed with purchasing the home.

When conducting a home inspection, keeping a few important things in mind will enhance your ability to successfully account for all possible issues within a home. Check out the infographic below to discover five things you should remember once you begin your home inspector career.

[Infographic] 5 Things To Remember When Conducting a Home Inspection

Examine the Roof

When inspecting a home’s roof, check for:

• Leaks
• Dirty or clogged vents
• Missing, damaged, or loose shingles
• The integrity of the chimney’s structure

Did you know? 39% of home insurance claims involve roof problems.

Look Out for Drainage Problems

Drainage issues can lead to water damage. Look for:

• Functioning gutters and spouts
• Water damage beneath a home’s floor (use an infrared camera)
• Moisture stains on the ceiling

Check for Electrical Hazards

Ensure that a home’s electrical system is functioning properly by:

• Checking that the system is up to code
• Verifying that all light switches work
• Testing each electrical outlet
• Testing circuit breakers

Determine Whether the Foundation is Stable

A home’s foundation is vital to its safety and stability. Look for:

• Cracks
• Signs of water damage
• Sloping floors

Investigate for Health Hazards

Test for the following using the appropriate device:

• Radon
• Asbestos
• Lead (may be present in paint)

When you remember to check for these five things, you’ll be sure to conduct a thorough inspection!

Sources: 

https://archive.curbed.com/2016/6/21/11925150/home-inspections-questions-checklist

https://www.cibc.com/en/personal-banking/mortgages/resource-centre/home-inspection.html

https://themortgagereports.com/37715/home-inspection-checklist-what-to-expect-on-inspection-day

https://www.classhomeinspection.com/what-are-the-common-problems-that-a-house-inspector-will-spot-and-you-cannot/

https://www.trulia.com/

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Once you become a Home Inspector, you will play an important role in a home buyer’s decision-making process, advising them on the home’s condition so they can make an informed purchasing decision. There are several best practices you should employ when advising future clients. These are rooted in excellent communication skills that your home inspector training will help you develop. Through them, you’ll be able to deliver the best possible service to your clients. 

If you want to learn about these best practices, keep reading! 

1. Don’t Overpromise and Underdeliver 

As a Home Inspector, there will be things that you won’t be able to do while on the job. During your Home Inspector course, you’ll discover what those things are. For example, you can’t destroy or damage any property to inspect an aspect of the home. If it’s inaccessible, then it remains so. It’s important to make this clear to clients so they understand the full scope of your work and capabilities. If you tell them that you can do something when in fact, you know you can’t, you will be over-promising. Be sure to be clear in your communication because if you aren’t, this will lead to disappointment on the client’s side.

2. Maintain Professionalism After Home Inspector Training

You will inevitably encounter challenging clients during your time as a Home Inspector, but it’s how you communicate with them that’s important. You need to maintain your composure and act professionally at all times. During your training, you will learn various beneficial communication techniques. With unhappy clients, it will be vital to draw on them to navigate the situations professionally. 

For example, if a client would like you to inspect an area that you’re unable to–whether it is unsafe or inaccessible–you can draw upon your communication skills to explain to the client that you’re not able to inspect that specific area and describe the reasons why. Providing a detailed explanation will allow the client to fully understand the scope of your work and why you’re unable to inspect some areas of a home. You may also suggest alternative options to the client, helping them get what they need without putting yourself at risk.

3. Ensure Clients Are Present During Home Inspections

This one might seem obvious, but it is important to try to do it with every client you have. When a client is there with you while you conduct the home inspection, they can ask questions and learn more about the process overall. If they only get the report, even if it is detailed and done thoroughly, it may not address a concern they would have had if they had been there. Utilizing the communication skills you mastered in training, you can accurately explain the situation to them during the inspection. This will help alleviate any concerns the client has and allow you to draw attention to what they should or should not be concerned about.

4. Always Be Transparent and Honest

When you become a Home Inspector, you will play a significant role in a client’s home buying decision. It’s essential to maintain transparency at all times about the situation of the home you’re inspecting. During Home Inspector training, you’ll be taught the value of transparency and clear communication with clients. 

For example, you may find yourself working alongside a realtor that’s eager to make the sale. Having integrity means that if the inspection report comes up with issues, you must always be transparent about them to the client–putting them first. While the realtor may want to make the sale despite the issues, it is your responsibility to bring them to the clients’ attention regardless, allowing them to make the final decisions with a complete understanding of the home’s condition. Transparency is important in any role, but especially so when clients are making one of the most significant purchases of their lives and are entrusting you to provide all of the details needed to make an informed decision.

Are you ready to begin a Home Inspector Diploma program?

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Home inspectors play a crucial role in the home-buying process by providing information to prospective home buyers about the conditions of the properties that they are interested in purchasing. These professionals carefully analyze every aspect of a property, including the electrical system, plumbing, roofing structure, heating, heating pumps, and the overall exterior and interior. A home inspector may also suggest solutions to problems they may see so that future homeowners can anticipate other costs associated with the house.

One of the great things about becoming a home inspector is that you can work independently and start your own business. However, starting a home inspector business can be challenging, so a clear plan needs to be devised and executed for the business to succeed. Are you considering starting your own business after home inspector training? Read on for some essential tips to consider.

Develop a Plan for Your Future Home Inspection Business

Every new business should have a plan set up to help guide the journey. A clear outline and goals will help drive your business idea forward after home inspector training. Your training will provide the knowledge and expertise you’ll need to thrive when starting your own business since you will have the skills to carry out jobs successfully. 

A business plan will be useful for approaching banks and investors, walking them through your services, financial projections, marketing plans, and your overall strategy for achieving success. A good business plan must include the following components:

• An executive summary
• A description of your business
• Strategy and market analysis
• A good marketing and sales plan
• Your business management plan
• Descriptions of your services
• A thorough analysis of your competition
• Details on how you plan to operate your business
• Your financial needs and projections
• Documents and other items investors might want to see (permits, financial documents, marketing materials, etc.)

Effective Marketing That Sets Your Home Inspection Business Apart 

Marketing is an effective way to promote your home inspection business so that home buyers are more likely to find your business instead of a competitor. Utilizing social media and a well-designed website will allow you to stand out from the competition. 

Posting regularly and staying active on social media can help you build brand recognition as well as your following. Some ideas for social media posts include providing home buying and inspection tips to prospective clients and sharing customer reviews and testimonials. You can also share general content about your business and yourself, including any achievements from your home inspector courses. Some social media platforms you can make use of include Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

It’s also important to have a professional website for your business, where potential clients can find your contact information online, as well as other important details about your business, including prices, services, and more.  Additionally, once you have a website, you can delve deeper into your marketing by creating a blog page with helpful information for clients, and you can optimize your site for SEO so that your business will be easier to find on search engines.

Contact Real Estate Agents After Home Inspector Training 

Connecting with real estate agents can be mutually beneficial. Since real estate agents have access to multiple listings and clients interested in buying homes, they are in an ideal position to recommend your business to their clients. On the other hand, a home inspection is a critical part of buying a home, and real estate agents know that clients will need to have one conducted, so knowing a home inspector they trust and can recommend benefits them as well.

Maintain relationships with people you meet in your home inspector courses, as well as your clients and real estate agents you meet or have already worked with. This will help you meet more people in the industry and continue to build meaningful connections, and grow your network.

Do you want to become a home inspector?

Contact NATS to learn how you can get started.

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A roof is a solid financial investment, but it’s not one that homeowners typically want to make immediately after purchasing a new home. Unfortunately, some homeowners find themselves having to deal with the fallout of a hasty purchase long after the deed has exchanged hands. 

As a home inspector, it’s up to you to help your clients spot structural defects and other problems in any residence they’re looking to purchase. They will be counting on you to ensure that they don’t make a purchase that poses a financial and health risk to them. 

A roof can have a variety of problems, especially if it’s getting old. Here are some of the most common ones to be on the lookout for as a home inspector.

1. Your Home Inspector Training Will Help You Spot Minor Leaks

A roof is approaching the tail end of its lifespan when it starts to leak. During the rainy seasons, leaks in a roof are easy enough to spot. On the flip side, you’ll need the insights gained during your home inspector training to spot leaks when it is not raining or snowing.

A leaky roof can damage the ambiance of a home, as well as the properties in the home. Even worse, a leak constitutes a health hazard to all the occupants of that home. And since the roof in question will need replacing, it is a major financial drain. As a home inspector, you’ll need to examine the roof of any property for signs of leakage. Pay particular attention to discolorations on ceilings; these are indications that water has been trapped on that spot. If any part of the roof is sagging, it’s likely to have suffered water damage.

2. Dark Spots on Ceilings and Walls

Dark spots on the ceilings and walls are a big red flag. These discolorations are visible signs of the presence of mould on the roof of the property. Mould is hard on the eyes, but it can do much worse than pose aesthetic problems. It can exacerbate respiratory conditions and ultimately damage the structural integrity of a home. 

If you notice dark spots or damp smells in a house that your client is interested in purchasing, take a few extra moments to carry out a careful examination of those spots. Chances are those areas have been afflicted by a serious case of mould contamination. In that case, it would be in the best interest of your client to steer clear.

3. Granules in the Gutters

Granules coming off a newly-installed roof are nothing to worry about. However, if the roof is getting on in age, it should trigger warning bells during your home inspector career.

Granules appearing in the gutter indicate that the roof’s shingles are damaged. Without the granules, the shingles on a roof would deteriorate considerably faster, and the roof would need to be replaced earlier. Loose, curled, or damaged shingles provide the roof with inadequate protection against the elements–so it’s important to fix that problem earlier rather than later. 

Are you ready to become a home inspector?

Contact NATS to get started. 

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