BASEMENT for smells! Check both concrete walls and concrete slab floors for any indications or evidence of cracking. As a general rule,...

Collar Ties Collar ties span between and connect opposing rafters, and they are typically placed in the top third of the attic spaces. ...

A brick wall is not necessarily considered to be waterproof. Water can penetrate through a masonry crack that is hairline or as small as...

inspectors should look for and note: mortar joint condition; loose bricks; misdirected downspouts; overflowing gutters; horizontal...

nearby vegetation The inspector is required to report vegetation growing near the home according to the Home Inspection Standards of...

steep slope The home inspector should note if a home is on a steep slope and, therefore, subject to erosion or movement. The maximum...

There are two common styles of wood framing: balloon and platform. The main difference between balloon and platform framing is apparent...

A slab-on-grade foundation is a type of foundation consisting of a structural concrete slab poured onto the ground, but usually, there is...

Common Structural Terms In this section of the course, let's learn about some common terms or phrases that are used in the construction...

What's an Arc Flash? An arc flash occurs when a flashover of electric current leaves its intended path and travels through the air from...

All electrical systems require a means of disconnection so that the service can be shut down quickly if any dangerous conditions exist....

Many people use the name Romex® when referring to type-NM cable. Romex® is a trademarked name that has come into common usage for...

This is often seen by the home inspector as the supply conduit to outside installations, such as air-conditioning compressors. This...

Wire types for North American wiring practices are defined by standards issued by Underwriters Laboratories, the Canadian Standards...

Knob-and-Tube Knob-and-tube wiring is so named because of the porcelain fittings used to support and insulate the conductors from the...

Breaker Panels & Breakers Circuit Breaker Panels These are probably the most common type that home inspectors will come across, as they...

Moisture A crucial point to always bear in mind is that water can be a very good conductor of electricity. Any panel that is damp or wet...

Remote Distribution Panels Although this topic is covered in other areas, because the emphasis is on safety, it's important to review....

The purpose of bonding is to ensure the electrical continuity of the fault current path, provide the capacity and ability to conduct...

What Is Grounding? Generally speaking, the difference between grounding and bonding is: Grounding is a direct connection to the earth to...