Home Inspection

Dangerous Mould: 3 Signs to Look For After Home Inspector Training

November 22, 2022

Are you looking forward to a career as a home inspector? If so, you will play a crucial role in the safety of the public. Your primary objective as a home inspector will be to serve as a consultant for home buyers seeking to make an informed decision about the residence they’re considering. Your expertise ensures that they don’t dig themselves into a financial hole, purchasing a home that will require expensive repairs or updates. Most importantly, you’ll make sure that your clients don’t purchase a home that poses a risk to their health and safety. 

What kinds of risks should you be on the lookout for? While there is plenty to be aware of, dangerous mould will be a chief concern. What exactly is mould? What signs will alert you to a mould problem in a house? Keep reading for the answers to all of these questions below. 

What Is Mould? 

Mould is a type of fungi that can easily grow and reproduce in oxygen. It thrives in damp areas. In a natural environment, mould actually serves an important purpose in the ecosystem, aiding the decomposition of dead plants, animals, and other organic materials. That being said, when mould spores attach themselves to a building, they can pose a serious risk to the health of inhabitants. 

Mould contamination can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies. Skin conditions, post-nasal drip, and flu symptoms are also not uncommon. There are multiple species of mould, but Penicillium, Cladosporium, and Aspergillus are most commonly found in buildings. Here are three signs to watch out for after home inspector training

A Rotten or Musty Smell in the Air Could Be a Sign of Mould 

Odour is one of the most obvious indications of mould–the smell of a mould-contaminated area is pretty distinct. You might notice a smell that resembles rotting or an odour that can only be described as damp. It’s common for the smell to come from carpets, cling to furniture, and spread from air conditioning and heating equipment, as these are all areas where mould spores can easily thrive and reproduce. Be sure to take a deep breath upon walking into a home you’re inspecting, and pay special attention to mould-friendly surfaces and basements, which are vulnerable to flooding and excessive moisture. 

After home inspector training, odour will be an obvious sign of mould contamination.

Watch Out for Warped Walls After Home Inspection Training

Warped walls are a visible clue you can easily spot after home inspector courses. You may see discoloration on walls and ceilings, bubbling paint, peeling wallpaper, the appearance of dark spots, cracks, and the loss of the wall’s original shape. These effects are a sign that mould is growing behind the walls. Over time, mould can weaken a home’s structure, making it more vulnerable to damage. As you can imagine, this will lead to a rather expensive repair process down the line.

After home inspector courses, warped walls will be a good sign that a house has mould.

Be Aware of Past Water Damage 

As a home inspector, you’ll learn that damage in a house can be sneaky, presenting very few evident signs like the ones discussed above. With mould, it can take years for any symptoms to show themselves. For this reason, it’s important to be as knowledgeable as possible of a house’s history to evaluate whether there is a risk of mould contamination. 

Sometimes, information from sellers is limited–intentionally and unintentionally–so watch out for signs of water damage during your inspection, like flooding, discoloured walls, and damp walls. If you’re excited to learn more about home inspections, you’re in the right place. The Home Inspection Program at NATS is designed to address inspection methods for roofing, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, exterior, interior, and insulation in accordance with the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI) standards. 

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Home Inspection

3 Signs of Aging Homes to Look for After Home Inspector Training

October 25, 2022

Homes are designed to last long and stand up to the elements, but even the most quality-built homes begin to falter as they age. Over time, these imperfections can seriously affect a house’s functionality and safety. If you’re considering a career as a home inspector, you will be responsible for finding these signs of aging for your clients during home inspections.

Throughout your training, you’ll learn all about the systems and components of a house, including roofing, structure, exterior, interior, insulation, and more. Upon completion, you’ll have a deep understanding of what you should look out for when you’re on the job–one of these things being signs indicating old age. Read on to learn 3 things you should watch for during home inspections that could signify old age.

1. Check For Water Stains When You Become a Home Inspector

As homes age, their roofs continually take the worst of the elements from outside. Over time, the roof may wear, and shingles may fall off, making way for leaks, which can cause significant damage to a home if they remain unchecked for too long. 

Once you become a home inspector, it will be essential to inspect the roof for damaged or missing shingles. Aging shingles are more likely to have cracks that can allow water to pass through, while damaged shingles will begin to peel and curl as they wear down. These warning signs will let you know the roof needs to be repaired and provide insight into where water might have entered the home. 

Home inspector training provides a vital understanding of the major parts of a house.

When water damage is combined with a lack of good ventilation in the home, the atmosphere can allow mould to grow – which can be dangerous to the health of the occupants. A quick way to identify whether a house might have mould is by its musty smell. If you think there may be mould, look for evidence within the house’s interior, especially in bathrooms, laundry rooms and other areas that tend to be humid. Signs to look out for are water stains or discoloured spots and stains on the walls and the ceiling, as well as sagging in the ceiling.

2. Check All of the Windows

Much like the roof of a home, windows take a lot o the brunt from outside conditions, as well. Over time, a poorly flashed or failing window will begin to leak. When you become a home inspector, it’s vital to begin your inspection with the home’s exterior. This way, you’ll be able to spot an old window. It will be thicker on the bottom than a modern window. It may still be in its original frame, displaying its age.

When wooden window frames are exposed to water, they begin to show signs of decay. If the wear is bad enough, the house water stains may appear close to the window. As an inspector, you’ll know this can indicate that:

  • The window needs to be replaced.
  • You should check the foundation for water damage. If there are water stains in the house, there is a good chance there is water damage elsewhere.

When you check the home’s interior, ensure no mould or dry rot surrounds the windows. Replacing an old window is quite the task, so your clients will appreciate knowing it may be a considerable task. 

3. Look for Visible Cracks in the Foundation

In contrast to modern homes, older homes were mostly built using primitive concrete, which is more prone to breakage than the one that’s used today. As a result, when older homes move and settle, cracks can often form in their foundation, leading to issues further down the road.

Another issue to watch for after your home inspector training is the perimeter and underfloor drainage. In older homes, water can sometimes get stuck, often causing mould and decay to the foundation.

Learn to identify warning signs of more significant issues during your home inspector career.

You will be able to spot a failing foundation with a few warning signs. During your inspection of a home’s exterior, you may notice visible cracks on the outside of the house, and inside, you may see slanted or bouncy floors.

Your training will teach you the ins and outs of home inspections, preparing you to enter this in-demand career.

Are you ready to start your home inspector career?

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Home Inspection

Considering a Home Inspection Career? Signs of Poor Home Workmanship

September 15, 2022

The condition of a person’s home has the potential to greatly affect their quality of life, for better or worse. If you’re passionate about helping others, have a keen eye for detail, and are interested in the construction industry, a career in home improvement could be perfect for you. You can play an essential role in a client’s home buying process, highlighting issues that could guide price negotiations in addition to giving your clients an estimate for the repairs they’ll have to do once they move in. 

In many cases, home inspectors use their expertise to detect problems that could cause major safety concerns when left unfixed. If you’re considering this career path, you may be wondering what signs you should be looking out for. Here are some signs of poor home workmanship to take note of outside, inside, and in the foundation of your clients’ homes. 

Signs of Poor Workmanship on the Outside of a Home 

When you begin your home inspection on the outside of a client’s home, the windows, doors, patios, decks, and concrete surfacing should be your main focus. Look at the way windows are sealed; if you notice condensation between the glass on thermal windows, this is a sign of a failed seal. This can result in higher energy bills for your clients, mould and mildew growth which can affect air quality over time, and draftiness. Doors with seal failure might create the same energy efficiency problem as windows. 

Watch out for cracks in the walking surface of patios and where they intersect with the wall of the house. Throughout your home inspector career, watch for concrete cracks as well, as this can be an indication of soil that was not properly prepared before the concrete was installed. 

Check windows, doors, concrete, patios, and decks during your home inspection career.

Signs of Poor Workmanship to Look for Inside a House

Inside your clients’ homes, look for cracks in the drywall, as this can indicate soil movement or structural issues. Watch for uneven floorboards, tile cracks, water marks under the carpet or linoleum, and discoloration–these can all indicate water infiltration that occurs as a result of cracks in the foundation. Pay attention to the temperature inside the house. If there’s a problem controlling the temperature inside, faulty HVAC systems are likely to blame. Observe how the switches and electrical outlets work as well. 

Subtle signs inside a house may indicate foundation problems.

Signs of a Bad Foundation to Watch for During Your Home Inspection Career 

As you’ll learn in home inspection training, many of the most common and detrimental problems in a house are difficult to observe right away. For example, construction flaws in a house’s foundation can be difficult to spot at first. Check for sagging floors, peeling wallpaper, damp crawl spaces, protruding nails, doors that won’t close properly, and cabinets and countertops that separate from the walls. Here at the North American Trade Schools, we teach students about every component and system within a house, including roofing, structure, electrical, heating, air conditioning/heat pumps, plumbing, exterior, insulation, and interior so that their clients can rely on their consulting services. 

Ready to become a home inspector

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Home Inspection

In a Home Inspector Career? How Summer Weather Can Damage a Home

June 07, 2022

As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer in the Northern hemisphere, we’re getting excited for all the joy that summer brings. Homeowners might feel carefree after making it through a long winter. However, they often tend to forget that just like in the colder months, houses can experience plenty of damage during the heat of the summer. Issues can arise in roofs, piping systems, floors, foundations, furniture, and decor. 

At the North American Trade Schools, you’ll build the skills you need to provide clients with a professional and thorough home inspection. With your experience, you’ll also be able to offer your clients advice for protecting against and dealing with damage inflicted by summer temperatures and sun. Keep reading to discover four types of damage caused by warm summer weather. 

You May Identify Roof Damage After Home Inspector Training

Like snow and ice, the sun can also affect the condition of your client’s roof. In homes with attics, heat and humidity can get trapped due to poor air circulation, causing the hot air to build up under the roof. This humidity can cause damage to roofs by weakening them, causing shingles to deteriorate faster and creating mold growth. 

Students pursuing home inspector training learn about a variety of roofing topics, including how to inspect roofs and identify the warning signs of wear and tear. Students will also learn about sloped and flat roof construction, and the biggest causes of common roof problems, including heat and humidity. During your home inspector career, look out for signs of roof deterioration due to the summer weather.

Students at NATS will inspect roofs to make sure there are no damages caused by the summer heat

Dry Soil Can Ruin the Foundations of a House

If you’re working in places prone to extremely high temperatures, it’s essential to know how to inspect the foundation of a house for signs of heat damage. When the weather is hot and dry in the summer, the soil around a home may dry out and shrink. This causes the soil to separate from the footing, or the lowest component of the foundation located 12 inches beneath the frost line of the soil. In a home inspection program, you’ll learn how to spot the signs of soil separation, enabling you to help homeowners identify potentially dangerous damage to their house’s foundation once you begin your career.

High Water Usage Can Burst Pipes and Plumbing 

When temperatures rise, unfortunately, so does the risk of a pipe bursting. After you become a home inspector, your clients may experience summer plumbing issues, both due to the higher water usage or excessive dryness in the air which accompany summer. These factors can cause loosely-sealed pipes to leak or burst, leading to ruptured or disconnected water lines.

During your time at NATS, you will learn how to inspect plumbing systems in order to check for signs of leakage, wear and tear, or other issues. There are four major components to review when inspecting plumbing systems, these are:

  • Supply piping
  • Water heaters
  • Waste piping
  • Plumbing fixtures 

As an inspector, it will be your job to thoroughly examine each of these components, determining if anything needs to be fixed.

When you become a home inspector, check the piping systems for damage due to high water usage

Hardwood Floors Grow and Shrink as Temperatures Change

Hardwood floors are also susceptible to damage from summer weather. Similar to a living organism, hardwood floors grow and shrink as temperatures change. When it gets hot and humid, these floors will swell up, as the moisture in the air fills the gaps under the baseboards. 

At NATS, our Insulation and Interiors course teaches our students how to inspect early signs of damage within interior housing elements, including flooring. As a home inspector, you can use your training to identify affected hardwood floors. Additionally, you can help your clients prevent damage to their flooring by advising them to close their windows and turn on their air conditioning during high-humidity weather conditions.

Interested in a home inspector career?

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Home Inspection

Insulation Problems Encountered During a Home Inspector Career

May 10, 2022

As an aspiring home inspector, you’ll be the go-to person when it comes to helping home buyers make informed decisions about their new homes. Your services will be needed to inspect the condition of homes and any signs of defects. Often, those signs will be around the insulation of a house. Knowing when the insulation needs replacing is important to ensure that the temperature is regulated properly throughout the house. 

At NATS, you’ll get hands-on training in home inspection. You’ll learn about the systems and components of a house, which include roofing, structure, electrical, air conditioning and heat pumps, plumbing, insulation and more. You’ll learn what problems to look for when performing a home inspection–and insulation problems are some of them. Read on for a look at some of the common insulation problems you’ll encounter. 

Expect to See Animal Damage to the Insulation During Your Home Inspector Career

Properly inspecting your customers’ homes for insulation can save them a lot of money down the line. It’s important to inspect the interior and exterior of the house when it comes to insulation, especially for damage caused by pests. Fiberglass insulation–the most common form of insulation found in homes–is at risk of becoming a shelter for unwanted visitors that roam around the walls of your customers’ homes. Throughout your home inspector career, you’ll become accustomed to the signs of insulation damage caused by animals. Many rodents like squirrels, mice and rats can create cracks or gaps in the insulation, causing heat to escape to the outside. To verify the source of the problem, look for signs of animal droppings and hair, as well as broken fiberglass outside and inside your customers’ homes.

You’ll probably notice insulation damage caused by animals throughout your home inspector career

Mould Build-Up in a Home’s Insulation

Another insulation problem you’ll probably encounter after you become a home inspector is mould build-up. Mouldy insulation is costly to fix if not caught early and can cause severe health complications for your customers, especially for those who suffer from respiratory problems or allergies. 

Mould can be caused by water damage to the walls, basement, roof or other parts of a house. The condensation and dampness of cold walls will eventually cause the insulation to develop mould, which can spread around your customer’s home. As you inspect your customer’s home, look out for any black, grey or green patches on the walls, floors and insulation. If these are visible, your customers have a mould problem on their hands that needs to be addressed right away. 

An insulation problem you’ll probably encounter is mould build-up

Out With the Old and In With the New

When inspecting your customers’ homes, you may also notice that the insulation has deteriorated over time. Insulation, just like anything else, doesn’t last forever. Insulation usually lasts between 15 years to 20 years, before it needs inspecting and replacing. You’ll probably notice drafts, mould and ineffective heating transfer throughout the house when it’s time for the insulation to be replaced. You should advise your customers not to take matters into their own hands when replacing fiberglass insulation, due to the health risks associated with breathing in asbestos and fiberglass particles. While inspecting your customers’ homes, ensure that you inspect the basement, attic and duct for any signs of wear and tear. 

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Home Inspection

Want to Become a Home Inspector? 3 Ways to Prepare for a Job Interview

April 12, 2022

It’s normal to feel a  bit nervous before an interview—especially if it’s for a job you really want. Preparing for any job interview can be stressful, but with the proper guidance and preparation, you can ace your interview with flying colours. In fact, we’ve collected a few helpful tips that you can use as you prepare to begin your new career.

Read on to learn how you can prepare for an upcoming home inspector interview!

1. Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail After Your Home Inspector Training

During a home inspector job interview, it’s a good idea to showcase your ability to pay attention to details. Paying attention to details is a pretty important aspect of working as a home inspector, since it’ll be up to you to spot any issues or red flags about the property. After you’ve completed your pre-apprenticeship home inspector training and have started interviewing for different jobs, you might be asked questions that have to do with this skill. If you can share examples of times when you paid careful attention to detail, then it’ll help you demonstrate why you would be a great fit for the position. 

Demonstrate your attention to detail during job interviews after your home inspector training

2. Showcase Your Communication Skills

Brushing up on your communication skills is also a good idea before any interview. Fortunately, your training will help you develop and improve your communication skills. Why? Turns out, having good communication skills is important for your home inspector career. Whether writing out reports or communicating with clients, your communication skills will serve you well throughout your career.

To help you prepare for your interview, you can do practice sessions with a friend or family member. You can practice your answers to common interview questions, as well as get comfortable talking about your education and work experience. By taking the time to practice a bit before your interview, you’ll improve your confidence. This can in turn help you feel more comfortable and less nervous during the interview, as well as improve your chances of leaving a good impression. 

Practice your communication skills before your interview

3. Take the Time to Research the Company

When preparing for an interview, it’s always a good idea to do a bit of research and preparation beforehand. In addition to the time you spend brushing up on your communication skills, you’ll also want to spend some time looking over the company website. You can make note of things like the work culture, the type of work involved, the team, and other important pieces of information. It’s also a good idea to look over the job description again. This will help you get a good idea of what you can expect if you were to take the job. It can also help you determine if there are any questions that you would like to ask the interviewer. The interviewer might also be impressed that you took the time to do your research, which can help you stand out against the competition.

Want to become a home inspector?

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Home Inspection

Identifying Spring Weather-Related Damage During Your Home Inspector Career

March 15, 2022

Spring weather is right around the corner, and with it comes certain types of weather known for causing certain types of damage. As an aspiring home inspector, you’ll help home buyers make informed decisions about their new homes. Your keen eye, in-depth training, and investigative skills will help you spot all kinds of potential issues, including damage that can spring up when the winter thaws. Spring weather brings with it storms, lightning, and hail. Temperatures might be milder, but the damage spring weather can bring may wreak havoc on a house. 

Read on to discover what damages to look for during the spring!

Spot Spring-Related Roof Damage After Your Home Inspector Training

When you go with your clients to inspect a new home, especially during the spring, it’s always important to thoroughly inspect the roof for potential issues. Spring weather can mean heavy storms, and the roof usually takes the full brunt of any damage caused by these weather events. If you notice any leaks or roof shingles missing during home inspections after you complete your home inspector training, then that’s an unfortunate indicator that spring storms have caused some damage. You’ll also have to inspect the home’s attic to check for any signs of dark water stains forming, as well as for any sunlight coming in through the roof.

After your home inspector training, you’ll know to check roofs for damage

Make Sure to Inspect a Home’s Siding 

When you become a home inspector, you’ll get to carefully inspect the exterior of many different homes. A home’s siding is there to prevent the exterior walls from the elements making their way to the interior side of the house. The siding keeps your client’s home insulated during the winter and summer. It also protects your client’s home from moisture and mold buildup that can rot the foundation of the house and cause structural damage in the process. A siding inspection is therefore necessary, to ensure that no damage was sustained during the spring thaw. Storms and heavy rain can sometimes cause cracking, denting, or splits in the siding. As a result, you’ll want to see if there are missing, damaged, or loose pieces. 

Clogged Gutters Are an Important Issue to Catch

In the event of a heavy spring storm, a house’s gutters have an important role to play. They help make sure that water drains properly and doesn’t damage the rest of the house. Gutters are an essential part of maintaining and protecting the exterior of a home and preventing rainwater from making its way into the interior. As a result, you’ll want to check gutters to make sure that they aren’t damaged or clogged. If they are, it’ll be important for you to check for signs of water damage and other issues that might be affecting the property. 

Clogged gutters during storms can cause foundation damage

When gutters are clogged, the property becomes susceptible to erosion, leaks, and other water-related damages during the spring season. If you notice any areas where the gutters are broken or sagging, causing water to build up, then advise your clients that immediate repairs need to be done.

Are you interested in a home inspector career?

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Home Inspection

Red Flags to Watch for in Homes Once You Become a Home Inspector

February 22, 2022

Becoming a home inspector is a rewarding career that comes with many benefits. You’ll get to use your observation and critical thinking skills as you inspect different homes for problems. You’ll get to travel to different locations to do your inspections. And you’ll also have the satisfaction of seeing new homeowners make the right decision on their dream homes.

Some homes, whether new or old, may have some red flags that’ll have to be assessed properly before purchase. It’ll be up to you to help homeowners make informed decisions on what issues they can live with, what counts as a dealbreaker, and what may require essential repairs right away before moving in day.

At NATS, you’ll receive hands-on training in roofing, electrical, heating, and much more. This will prepare you to inspect homes with confidence.

Read on to discover what red flags to watch out for as a home inspector!

Watch Out for Cracks and Gaps After Your Home Inspector Training

Large cracks and gaps are one important red flag you should always look out for. They can appear around a home’s garage, deck, and patio—as well as in driveways, sidewalks, and several other spots.

Spotting these issues during an inspection can help uncover bigger problems affecting the property. For example, gaps between doors, pipes, or windows usually indicate a water intrusion. And when cracks are visible in concrete, that may indicate that there is an improper installation issue or soil problem. After your home inspector training, you might often find yourself on the lookout for these kinds of issues!

Cracks might indicate improper installation or a soil problem

Watch Out for Drainage Issues

Another major red flag to look out for when you become a home inspector is water drainage issues. During inspections, you’ll want to check that water drains away from the house rather than towards it. To do that, you’ll have to inspect all the gutters of the house to ensure that they’re set up correctly. Shoddy gutters with missing downspouts, for example, could indicate that the soil around the foundation might not be in the greatest shape, as water could have washed some of it away. Even if no deeper issues are present and the buyer does opt for the house, they’ll need to know that this is a problem that needs to be fixed sooner rather than later.

Unwanted Humidity Inside the House Could Be a Sign of Trouble

Moisture buildup inside of a house is another pretty important red flag to watch out for. Why? Because over time, moisture can cause rotting, mildew, and mold. Improperly insulated windows are one common culprit behind this issue. If during a home inspection you see water droplets building up on the inside of a window, that’s a telltale sign that there are issues with the window and maybe even other deeper problems going on. Of course, there are many other ways for humidity to accumulate in unwanted places, so this is one thing you’ll want to be on the lookout for when inspecting many different parts of a house.

Are you interested in a home inspector career?

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Home Inspection

3 Signs of Non-Performance to Look for After Launching Your Home Inspector Career

January 25, 2022

home inspector training

Home inspection comes with a long checklist for evaluating the condition and safety of a home and putting a home buyer’s mind at ease before they make their big purchase. For an aspiring home inspector, performing an evaluation of a property’s plumbing, electrical, mechanical and structural competency is of vital importance and can determine whether a property passes the inspection or not.

At the North American Trade Schools (NATS), we provide an aspiring home inspector with hands-on training in the materials used in the construction of each house system and what to look for during a home inspection. Read on to discover the three signs of non-performance to look out for when you start your career!

1. Inspect Electrical Problems After Your Home Inspector Training

Electrical problems sometimes go unnoticed by a home buyer, and it is up to a home inspector to assess the electrical system of the house. A house with working electricity does not mean that all electrical components are up to standard. As a home inspector, you’ll have to look at electrical issues that are considered fire hazards, which include worn out electrical wiring, overloaded electrical circuits and exposed wiring. After your home inspector training at NATS, you’ll be prepared to inspect and determine the safety of electrical systems and check for faulty or missing GFCI electrical outlets, which need to be placed in all garages, laundry rooms, washrooms and any area that may get damp around the house.

home inspector career
You’ll need to thoroughly inspect a home for any electrical issues

2. Roofing Problems Are a Major Concern

Roofs can usually last 15 to 50 years before they start to deteriorate–depending on the material used, the weather conditions and ventilation. Therefore, a thorough roof inspection is of major importance when you become a home inspector. It will help prevent any serious issues from occurring, like pest infestation or water leaks through ceilings, and can save a homeowner time and money on major repairs down the line. You’ll be prepared to inspect roofs after completing our Home Inspection Program and identify when a roof needs repairs or replacement. Some of the signs to look out for during your inspection include cracks and rust on flashing, moisture in the attic or ceiling, loose or missing shingles and unevenness or soft areas.

become a home inspector
When you become a home inspector, you’ll be responsible for inspecting roofs for any damages

3. Water Leaks Due to Plumbing Issues

Plumbing issues can be hard to identify and require a professional home inspector to thoroughly investigate the plumbing system around the property. The home inspector will be able to assess any issues or damages caused by the plumbing system installed inside the house by checking for minor leaks and rusted pipes. If you discover leaks of clogging in the pipes, you should investigate whether the plumbing around the house has polybutylene piping, broken or rusted pipes, high water pressure, galvanized pipes or sediment build-up. That way, you can make an informed recommendation on whether to repair or replace a home’s plumbing system.

Interested in starting a home inspector career?

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Home Inspection

Signs of Retaining Wall Damage to Look Out for After Home Inspector Training

December 28, 2021

As a home inspector, you’ll be able to identify any issues facing a house buyer as you help them to make informed decisions about their prospective home. One issue home buyers usually face is the issue of retaining walls, and as a home inspector, it will be up to you to look out for the signs of retaining wall damage. Retaining walls are designed to support soil from drifting downwards–which if ignored, will create extensive damage in landscaping and lead to costly repairs.

At North American Trade Schools (NATS), we provide you with training in the skilled field of home inspection. Our training programs equip students with the most current theoretical and practical training required to become successful in the field. Read on to discover what signs to look out for in retaining wall damage when you become a home inspector.

Watch Out for Bowing or Cracking

As a home inspector, you’ll be able to identify common retaining wall damages when inspecting a property. Some of these signs may include cracking, bowing, leaning, bulging, and buckling. Identifying these problems requires the proper hands-on training, which NATS can provide through our home inspector training program, in which you’ll learn under experienced instructors and inside real world labs that simulate a working environment.

Our training program will prepare you to identify these signs of retaining wall damage and provide you with the expertise to advise home buyers on when it’s time to retrofit the wall with anchor bolts to prevent the wall from collapsing.

After your home inspector training, you’ll be able to identify the early signs of retaining wall damage

Become a Home Inspector and Identify Poor Drainage That Saves Home Buyers Money

One of the main signs of retaining wall damage is poor drainage. Weep holes are small holes that facilitate the flow of water after rain, and if these holes are clogged due to draining aggregate or improperly graded soil, they result in poor drainage. The hydrostatic pressure that builds up behind the retaining wall will end up saturating the soil, and the retaining wall itself will eventually break, as it won’t be able to handle such a heavy load build-up. When you become a home inspector after graduating from a training program, you’ll be able to predict and assess any issues that may arise with the retaining walls.

Poor Quality and Lack of Reinforcement is a Bad Combination for Retaining Walls

When you choose a career as a home inspector, you should always have the home buyer’s best interest at heart. By making careful assessments and recommendations, you can save your client a lot of money in the long run. Sometimes, retaining wall damage can occur due to improper use of materials, a lack of reinforcements, or both.

Through our home inspector training, you’ll be able to recognize poor qualities in a retaining wall structure

When the retaining wall is built using cheap methods to cut corners, such as the use of a poor concrete mix or improper steel reinforcement, the wall will be unable to handle the expected load it was designed for.

When you attend the home inspection program at NATS, you will become an expert in identifying faults due to old age, deferred maintenance, weather damage, and poor workmanship. At the same time, knowing how to remedy these problems will help to distinguish your skills in the field of construction and home maintenance.

Interested in starting a home inspector career?

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