While home inspectors aren’t required to diagnose problems concerning concrete that they may discover at an inspection, learning about the properties of their constituents and the variables of their placement can aid inspectors in understanding some of the causes of cracks in foundations, floors, and the other structural elements of a home.  This knowledge can give inspectors an edge over their competition.  Read about it in our new article:  Visual Inspection of Concrete.

It might surprise you to learn that millions of dollars are spent annually to repair damage caused by woodpeckers. Their natural target is trees, but woodpeckers sometimes prefer houses for the warm layers of insulation found beneath the siding and drill unsightly holes that allow heat to escape and rainwater to enter. Fortunately, there are ways to discourage woodpeckers from drilling into a house without harming them, but you must first find out whether they’re foraging for insects, excavating a nest site, or merely drumming to signal a mate. Each of these behaviors requires a different exclusion approach, which you can read about in our new article on Woodpecker Damage Prevention and Inspection.

For inspectors who have Spanish-speaking clients, post this InterNACHI article on your website, which has been newly translated into Spanish and explains the purpose, procedure and proper inspection of basic waterproofing of basements:  La impermeabilización básica para sótanos.

For inspectors who have Spanish-speaking clients, post this InterNACHI article on your website, which has been newly translated into Spanish and explains the proper maintenance, potential hazards and inspection tips for barns:  La inspección de granero.