What new inspection books would you like to see?

[Nick Gromicko]

We currently publish these inspection books but are hiring researchers to develop more.

Any suggestions?

The last time I asked this someone suggested Pool & Spa Inspection, which ended up being one of our most popular books.

[Nick Gromicko]

We have a commercial roofing one coming out along with a companion DVD.

[Bob Elliott]

How about Foreclosure and short sale inspections with how they effect us and our jobs.
Tips on what to expect and what to tell clients/agents.

Also include FHA/HUD discussion.

Should we adjust marketing ? Should we go back after utilities are turned back on? Do banks have obligations to get the utilities on?
What advice do you give clients on these properties? Is anything different?
That type of thing.

Modern times /mean modern issues.

[Stephen D. Schroetke]

How about a book that explains to customers that inspectors do not have x-ray vision, crystal balls, complete and expert knowledge on every system in every building? It should come with crayons, and maybe a few coloring exercises so I can be left alone during the inspection.

[George E. Russell]

Inspecting sealed envelopes/attics with Spray Foam Insulation. It's becoming rather popular here so would come in handy.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Inspecting Log Cabins/Structures

[Nick Gromicko]

How about a book that explains to customers that inspectors do not have x-ray vision, crystal balls, complete and expert knowledge on every system in every building? It should come with crayons, and maybe a few coloring exercises so I can be left alone during the inspection.

First half of your request: www.nachi.org/now.htm
Second half of your request: http://www.nachi.org/coloring-book.htm

[Randy L. Mayo, PE]

I second Jeffery's request for log cabin/house inspections

[Nick Gromicko]

I second Jeffery's request for log cabin/house inspections

OK, we'll work on it.

We do have a free, online Log Home Inspection course.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by gromicko

OK, we'll work on it.

We do have a free, online Log Home Inspection course.

Yes, you (we) do, but I like the books as a quick reference resource.

And with that in mind...

Potable water testing (private and public water sources),
Septic systems,
Scoping Lateral Sewer Lines,
EMF surveys/testing, (yes, I am very serious, I've had medical Dr's call me for testing patients homes, and cannot find any significant info of use to a home inspector)!

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by rmayo

I second Jeffery's request for log cabin/house inspections

Write Joe Farsetta for his very comprehensive CD on log home inspections.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by jbushart

Write Joe Farsetta for his very comprehensive CD on log home inspections.

I appreciate your reply James, but this is about books. Perhaps Joe could convert his cd to a book, or turn it over to Nick to convert.

When I interview my potential clients about the home to be inspected, I am mining for any unusual tidbits about the home. If the home has a feature I am not well versed on, I bring along any reference material I may need during the inspection. Basically a "field guide" of sorts. I no longer use my laptop in the field, so a cd is useless to me in the field. And lets face it, I can usually find the info in a book a heck of a lot faster than many training cd's I've seen.

[Daniel W. Levia, CMI]

manufactured homes

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by jjonas

I appreciate your reply James, but this is about books. Perhaps Joe could convert his cd to a book, or turn it over to Nick to convert.

When I interview my potential clients about the home to be inspected, I am mining for any unusual tidbits about the home. If the home has a feature I am not well versed on, I bring along any reference material I may need during the inspection. Basically a "field guide" of sorts. I no longer use my laptop in the field, so a cd is useless to me in the field. And lets face it, I can usually find the info in a book a heck of a lot faster than many training cd's I've seen.

But if you had a good smart phone you could get the info even faster.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by belliott

But if you had a good smart phone you could get the info even faster.

Tell you what Bob. When you keep and use the same phone for more than 6 months, I'll consider upgrading!

Until then, you are my guinea pig. You can spend all the $$$ doing the testing for me. Let me know when you find one you're happy with.

Besides, how would I get the info faster when I can hardly find any info at all on some issues... ie... EMF?

And on the subject of EMF, determining which meter is appropriate, is similar to choosing an IR camera. See this page for a taste of some info that would help... http://www.lessemf.com/guide.html