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. The text includes "Inspection Checklists that summarize the important components and problems home inspectors will encounter, and can be used for actual inspections.

This introductory overview of the major home systems gives students a solid foundation for beginning a career in home inspection. This comprehensive text gets students out into the field quickly while serving as a springboard for the 13 advanced electives in the Principles line. Systems & Standards focuses on system and component problems, their practical implications, and inspections strategies for finding them. No other single volume offers both the breadth and depth of this introduction.

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 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.

This text is organized into major sections on exterior cladding, exterior structures, and surface water control and landscaping. Wall surfaces are covered in a material- by-material organization, including thorough treatment of synthetic stucco (EIFS), a challenging issue for home inspectors.

This comprehensive book is designed to provide you with knowledge and skills you need to inspect air conditioning systems and heat pumps like an experienced, professional home inspector.

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 systmes and heat recovery ventilators (HRV's).