Did you know that cork comes from a species of oak tree found almost exclusively in Spain and Portugal?  The bark can be peeled off many times throughout the tree’s lifetime without causing any harm to the tree.  From there, much of it is used as sustainable building materials, especially flooring. Learn more about it in our new article on Cork Floor Inspection.

For Canadian and other French-speaking members, post this InterNACHI article on your website, which has been newly translated into French, that explains what home inspectors should look for in order to properly inspect aluminum wiring:  Câblage en Aluminium.

For Canadian and other French-speaking members, post this InterNACHI article on your website, which has been newly translated into French, that explains what home and commercial property inspectors should look for in order to properly inspect aluminum siding:   Inspection des Parements d’Aluminium.

Savvy inspectors know that how they present their inspection reports makes all the difference in their clients’ consumer confidence.  Read about the do’s and don’ts to discover how to make the most of your thermal imaging inspections in our latest article titled Thermal Imaging Reports.

For Canadian and other French-speaking members, post this InterNACHI article on your website, which has been newly translated into French, that explains how home inspectors can help seniors evaluate their homes in order to live there safely and functionally: Vieillir sur Place.

Just over the last few years, the U.S. has experienced record flooding, tornadoes and wildfires that have driven up the cost of property damage to the tens of billions of dollars, not to mention the loss of life in the hundreds.  Some disasters take us by surprise, leaving precious little time to grab essentials and head for safety.  But whether we’re given some lead time to evacuate or have to make split-second decisions, our choices are greatly enhanced by preparing for a disaster before it strikes.

InterNACHI inspectors can help their clients not only address the regular maintenance issues for their homes, but they can also help them prepare a checklist for an emergency.  After an emergency has passed, home inspectors can assess any property damage, even when insurance adjusters become involved.  Read about how homeowners can prioritize and prepare for an emergency evacuation in Emergency Preparedness:  How Home Inspectors Can Help Their Clients.

For Canadian and other French-speaking members, post this InterNACHI article on your website, which has been newly translated into French, that explains how AFCI testers/indicators work:  Instruments de Test AFCI.

Although its manufacture was discontinued in the U.S. in 1978, lead-based paint is more prevalent than most homeowners would suspect, especially in older homes whose construction is otherwise sound, making these older homes attractive to new home buyers.

To protect the public health and safety — as well as that of contractors and tradespeople who work in the renovation of such homes — the U.S. EPA has an ambitious program in place that requires that all contractors who disturb lead-based paint be trained to be Lead-Safe Certified.  The problem, as InterNACHI has discovered, is that fewer than 10% of those required to be certified actually are.  That leaves 90% vulnerable to hefty fines, as well as serious health risks.  InterNACHI has, therefore, proposed a partnership with the EPA so that inspectors can understand the simple steps that contractors must take to mitigate the spread of lead dust and other hazards to make sure that all parties — contractors, homeowners and inspectors — are safe and healthy during and after renovation projects.

Find out more about it in our latest article:  InterNACHI and the EPA Team Up to Monitor Lead Safety.

For Canadian and other French-speaking members, post this InterNACHI article on your website, which has been newly translated into French, that explains the purpose of adjustable steel columns for structural support:   Colonnes en Acier Ajustables.

For Canadian and other French-speaking members, post this InterNACHI article on your website, which has been newly translated into French,  explaining why it’s wiser to hire and pay for the quality service provided by an InterNACHI inspector:   Payer un peu plus pour un inspecteur InterNACHI, ça paie!