This comprehensive text explores the fill range of roofing materials and installation procedures.

 

Since most roof leaks are flashing related, this critical topic is covered in-depth, including valley, chimney, pipe, sidewall, hip and ridge, skylight, drip edge, and dormer flashings. For inspectors in cool climates, the important topic of ice damming also is thoroughly covered.

CONTENTS
An Overview of Steep Roofing · Asphalt Shingles · Wood Shingles and Shakes · Slate · Clay Tile · Concrete Tile · Fiber Cement Shingles · Metal · Roll Roofing · Steep Roof Flashing · Types of Flat Roofing · Flat Roof Flashings · Inspection Tools · Inspection Checklists · Inspection Procedure · Answers to Review Questions

The text explores the efficiency and life expectancy of various types of chimney and wood heating methods. Components and potential problems of wood furnaces are discussed for regions of the country where this heating method is common. Wood stoves and wood fireplaces, popular throughout North America, also are covered.

CONTENTS
Overview of Chimneys · Masonry Chimneys · Metal Chimneys or Vents · Overview of Wood Heating · Wood Furnaces and Boiler · Wood Stoves · Wood-Burning Fireplaces · Inspection Tools · Inspection Checklists · Inspection Procedure · Answers to Review Questions

The interior is often the portion of the home inspection of most interest to home buyers.

 

From floors to ceilings, this comprehensive text provides an in-depth introduction to the major components of a home’s interior. Interiors discusses strategies for inspecting floors, walls, ceilings, trim, counters, cabinets, stairs, windows, skylights, solariums, and doors. The text gives special consideration to the pervasive problem of wet basements.

CONTENTS
Floors · Walls · Ceilings · Trim, Counters and Cabinets · Stairs · Windows, Skylights and Solariums · Doors · Wet Basements and Crawlspaces · Standards of Practice · Inspection Tools · Inspection Checklists · Inspection Procedure · Answers to Review Questions

For many inspectors, the electrical inspection is the most difficult because of the invisible nature of electricity, the non-intuitive terminology, and the safety issues involved.

This thorough book addresses these difficulties both for beginners who need an in-depth introduction to electrical system inspection and more advanced practitioners looking to deepen their understanding.

CONTENTS
The Basics of Electricity · Service Drop, Service Entrance Wires, and Service Size · Service Box and System Grounding · Distribution Panels · Branch Circuit Wiring · Lights, Outlets, Switches and Junction Boxes · Smoke Detectors · Standards of Practice · Inspection Tools · Inspection Checklists · Inspection Procedure · Answers to Review Questions

Steam, electric and wall/floor heating methods are often neglected in other texts because they are not as widely used as other methods.

For home inspectors who do expect to see them in their practice, this book offers a solid introduction to the materials, components, operating principles, and safety controls of these heating methods.

CONTENTS
Principles of Steam Heating · General and Component Problems with Steam Boilers · Principles of Electric Heat · Space Heaters · Electric Furnaces, Boilers, and Radiant Heating · Wall Furnaces and Floor Furnaces · Room Heaters, Gas Fireplaces, and Gas Logs · Inspection Tools · Inspection Checklists · Inspection Procedure · Answers to Review Questions

Only half of a home inspector’s challenge is technical — the other half is effective communication with clients.

This text is designed both for beginners who need an in-depth introduction and more advanced practitioners looking for tips, sample dialogue and documents, and an understanding of the scope and ethical aspects of a home inspection. Inspection Checklists summarize the important components and problems home inspectors will encounter, and can be used for actual inspections.

CONTENTS
Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics · Inspections and Inspectors · Typical Clients · The Inspection Process · Liability · The Real Estate Transaction · Theory and Principles of Verbal Communication · Report Writing · The Step-by-Step Home Inspection · Inspection Tools · Inspection Checklists · Answers to Review Questions

Structural conditions are often the most serious and expensive area to correct, and are among the most difficult for home inspectors to identify.

This comprehensive text walks inspectors through challenging topics such as cracks, soil conditions, footings, and distinguishing solid masonry from masonry veneer walls.

CONTENTS
An Overview of Footings and Foundations · Conditions of Footings and Foundations · An Overview of Floors · Sills · Columns · Beams · Joists, Subflooring and Concrete Floor Slabs · Solid Masonry Walls · Wood Frame Walls · Masonry Veneer Walls · Arches and Lintels · Introduction to Roofs · Rafters, Roof Joists, and Ceiling Joists · Collar Ties, Knee Walls, and Purlins · Trusses, Wood “I” Joists, and Roof Sheathing · Seismic and Wind Resistance · Inspection Tools · Inspection Checklists · Inspection Procedure · Answers to Review Questions

This text is organized into major sections on exterior cladding, exterior structures, and surface water control and landscaping.

Wall surfaces — a challenging issue for home inspectors — are covered in a material-by-material organization, including thorough treatment of synthetic stucco (EIFS).

CONTENTS
An Overview of Wall Surfaces · Brick, Stone and Concrete · Traditional and Synthetic Stucco · Wood, Hardboard, Plywood and OSB Siding · Metal and Vinyl Siding · Clay, Slate and Fiber Cement Shingles · Insulbrick and Asphalt Shingles · Wood/Soil Contact and Exposed Foundations · Soffits, Fascia, Windows and Doors · Trim, Flashings and Caulking · Porches, Decks and Balconies · Garages and Carports · Basement Walkouts · Lot Grading · Gutters and Downspouts · Window Wells · Walks, Driveways and Grounds · Retaining Walls · Inspection Tools · Inspection Checklists · Inspection Procedure · Answers to Review Questions

The inspection of insulation and ventilation systems is particularly challenging because so little of the systems can be seen.

This text discusses how insulation, air/vapor barriers and ventilations systems work to keep houses comfortable and structurally sound. Basics of heat transfer and vapor movement are covered first to lay the groundwork for discussion of insulation and ventilation materials, systems and applications. Thorough treatment of venting living spaces is provided, including balanced ventilation systems and heat recovery ventilators (HRVs).

CONTENTS
The Basics of Heat and Moisture Flow · Insulation Materials · Materials for Air/Vapor Barriers · Venting Roofs and Living Spaces · Attics · Flat and Cathedral Roofs · Basements and Crawlspaces · Walls Above Grade and Floors Over Unheated Areas · Ventilation Systems · Standards of Practice · Inspection Tools · Inspection Checklists · Inspection Procedure · Answers to Review Questions

Air Conditioning & Heat Pumps
(book)

Gas & Oil Furnaces
(book)

Hot Water Boilers
(book)

Inspecting air conditioners can be challenging, so the book provides a step-by-step description of normal air conditioner operation before delving into components, conditions and inspection strategies.

The text summarizes differences and similarities between air conditioners and heat pumps to help inspectors distinguish between these systems that share many components but perform different tasks.

CONTENTS
Principles of Air Conditioning · Compressor · Coils · Condensate System and Refrigerant Lines · Condenser Fan and Evaporator Fan · Duct System and Thermostats · Evaporative Coolers · Whole-House Fans · Heat Pumps in Theory and Practice · Problem Conditions in Heat Pumps · Air-Cooled Air Conditioning · Water-Cooled Air Conditioning · Evaporative Coolers · Whole-House Fan · Heat Pump · Inspection Tools · Inspection Checklists · Inspection Procedure · Answers to Review Questions

Home inspectors need to understand how heat is generated, how it is spread around, how it is controlled, how it is made safe.

This text discusses how to discard the waste products of heating, how much heat is needed, and why homes can be uncomfortable even when enough heat is provided. This in-depth book addresses these issues for two of the most common home heating methods — gas and oil furnaces.

CONTENTS
Introduction to Heating · Gas Meters and Piping · Combustion Air, Burners, and Heat Shields · Heat Exchangers and Furnace Cabinets · Fan Controls and High Limit Switches · Thermostats and Venting Systems · Distribution System · Improving Efficiency · Gravity, Combination and Variable Output Furnaces · Review, Sequence of Operations and Life Expectancies · Storage Tanks, Fill and Vent Pipes, Supply Lines, and Filters · Burner, Refractory and Primary Controller · Draft Regulator and Vent Connector · Efficiency and Sequence of Operation · Inspection Tools · Inspection Checklists · Inspection Procedure · Answers to Review Questions

This comprehensive text is designed both for beginners who need an in-depth introduction to hot water boiler inspection and more advanced practitioners looking to deepen their understanding.

Hot Water Boilers covers advantages and disadvantages of hot water heating, differences between boilers and furnaces, sequence of operation, efficiency, and life expectancy.

CONTENTS
Overview of Hot Water Boilers and Heat Exchangers · Controls · Distribution Systems · Radiators, Convectors and Baseboards · Radiant Heating and Tankless Coils · Mid- and High-Efficiency Boilers and Combination Systems · Life Expectancy, Capacity and Sequence of Operations · Inspection Tools · Inspection Checklists · Inspection Procedure · Answers to Review Questions

On your first day on the job, you should know how to inspect a house; but it could be years before you understand how the home inspection business works. This book saves you time (and money!) by offering practical insights on the basics of the home inspection business in one easy-to-read resource.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Interviews and testimonials from dozens of the industry's most respected home inspectors, addressing a variety of topics ranging from "getting started" and "tools of the trade" to "marketing your business," "liability and the courts," and "selling your skills to the do-it-yourselfer."
• Insight into industry politics from key inspectors working in the field
• First-hand testimonials on women working in the home inspection industry

CONTENTS
Come On In and Join Us · How Did You Get in Here? · What Do You Need to Know? · Home Inspection: It Isn't Just a Man's World · Tools of the Trade · Market Thyself ·  Where Do You Fit In the Deal? ·  Who Is Your Client? · Getting Paid · How Busy Can You Be? · How Far Does Your Inspection Have to Go? · How Dangerous Is This Job? · Working With Buyers · Getting Along Without You · Liability and the Courts ·  Everything Is About Ethics · The Organizational You · You're Involved in Politics · The Challenges Ahead · What Else Can You Do? · You and the High-Tech Home of the ... · Why Do People Fail? · Conclusions · Glossary · Index
 

This introduction to the major home systems gives students a solid foundation for beginning a career in home inspection.

This text gets students into the field quickly while serving as a springboard to the 13 advanced electives in the Principles line. Systems & Standards covers system and component problems, their practical implications, and inspection strategies for finding them. No other single volume offers both the breadth and depth of this introduction.

1. Hundreds of detailed illustrations bring the text descriptions to life and enhance student learning
2. Inspection checklists summarize the important components and problems and can be used for actual inspections
3. Multiple learning tools reinforce key concepts and simplify the teaching process
4. Bonus Question and Answer Booklet with hundreds of review questions allow students to monitor their progress while providing instructors a platform for class assignments

CONTENTS
Communication and Professional Practice • Exteriors • Roofing • Structure • Insulation • Interiors • Electrical Systems • Gas Furnaces • Oil Furnaces • Hot Water Boilers • Other Aspects of Heating • Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps • Plumbing • Appliances

Plus BONUS Questions and Answers Book!

This text is organized into major sections on supply plumbing; water heaters; drain, waste, and vent plumbing; and fixtures and faucets.

The mechanics and practical implications of water flow and pressure are covered first, to prepare for discussions of specific problems that can occur. Summary tables of piping materials help readers keep track of the variety of components they will see in practice. The text also delves into safety and efficiency issues.

CONTENTS
Principles of Supply Plumbing · Private Water Sources · Public Water Service · Supply Piping Distribution System in the House · An Overview of Water Heaters · Fuel Supply and Venting Systems for Water · Conventional Tank-Type Water Heaters · High Efficiency Systems, Combination Systems and Tankless Coils · Public and Private Sewage Disposal · Drain Piping Materials · Traps and Floor Drains · Venting Systems · Pumps · Components and General Strategy · Fixtures and Faucets · Septic Systems · Inspection Tools · Inspection Checklists · Inspection Procedure · Answers to Review Questions

Hundreds of pages of training and reference materials gathered from a variety of sources. The manuals on this CD cover all types of construction.  MSI staff members have spent hundreds of hours researching and collecting the manuals on this CD. Most of the manuals on this auto-loading CD are in the public domain but the manuals have been edited and/or reformatted for easier reading.

Carson Dunlop. Featuring over 1,500 technically precise illustrations of a home’s major systems, The Illustrated Home provides a one-of-a-kind resource to home inspectors, homeowners and real estate professionals alike. Each image in the book is referenced by number, which can then be accessed on the CD-ROM and used in your home inspection reports.

This must-have reference book provides an impressive collection of detailed home illustrations developed by expert home inspectors and engineers.

HIGHLIGHTS

• CD-ROM contains JPEG clip art of the book's 1,500 illustrations

• Your computer accesses the illustrations right off the CD-ROM, without having to save to the hard drive

• Images are stored at 300 DPI, which means they are photo-print quality

• Image index makes searches quick and easy

• The perfect companion to XL Pro Platinum Edition.  Insert illustrations directly into your inspection report for greater clarity and an impressive look

• Detailed notes on each image enrich understanding of systems and components

CONTENTS
Structure · Roofing · Exterior · Heating · Air Conditioning · Plumbing · Electrical · Insulation · Interiors

Two comprehensive manuals of roofs and roofing and more than 150 original photographs from actual home inspections.  This CD is a browser's delight.  The photographs and manuals are a perfect supplement  to the Carson Dunlop Roofing textbook that is included in this set. 

Three comprehensive Electrical training manuals
Five Electrical Calculators
(Microsoft Excel or 100% compatible required)

Featuring more than 200 Photographs from actual home inspections performed by Best Inspector Network members, depicting some of the most common electrical problems found during home inspections.

Each of the eleven sections of the exam is a separate self-scoring exam.  As you answer each question with the click of the mouse, you immediately learn whether or not you have answered the question correctly.  Your total number of questions answered is shown at the top of the screen in each section along with the percentage that were answered correctly, and the number answered incorrectly.

Easy to understand and use Whether you are a home inspector, first year apprentice electrician, master electrician, engineer, electrical inspector, or a homeowner, you can use this software and learn from it.

Termites and Powder Post Beetles. Featuring more than 500 original photographs from actual home inspections performed by Best Inspector Network members, of wood destroying insect evidence and damage found during home inspections.