'Structural Issues for Home Inspectors' course

[Ben J. Gromicko]

This thread is dedicated exclusively for those students currently enrolled in the InterNACHI course titled, "Structural Issues for Home Inspectors" located at http://www.nachi.org/structuralcoursereleased2007.htm.

Students are free to pose questions and comments here and join in the conversation with other students. The thread will be monitored by the course program manager.

Contact: Director of Education, Ben Gromicko ben@internachi.org

Thank you.

[Ian Buchanan]

Hello everyone
In the past I have taken many courses in community colleges in Ontario, Canada and have learned lots of good stuff but I have to say I am learning so much more with INTERnachi. I find I retain the information much better and the exam questions are not all about tricking you. I am actually enjoying being a member.

Ian.B.

[Bobby Hamilton]

Originally Posted by ibuchanan

Hello everyone
In the past I have taken many courses in community colleges in Ontario, Canada and have learned lots of good stuff but I have to say I am learning so much more with INTERnachi. I find I retain the information much better and the exam questions are not all about tricking you. I am actually enjoying being a member.

Ian.B.

Welcome aboard Ian, you'll find that this message board is a wealth of info, just don't be afraid to ask.

[rrebera]

There is a tremendous amount of information and many things that I thought I knew, that I did not know or just forgot.

[William S. Carr]

Ben, hello.....
I'm going to take your Structural Course now, see how this goes......
Have a different opinion on several questions......Weep hole spacing, length of a cantilever, max lot slope, and a couple of others...No biggie, just leave the structural to guys like me.
Your friend, William S Carr, Jr. PE, CGC

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by wcarr

Ben, hello.....
I'm going to take your Structural Course now, see how this goes......

Okay.
Keep us informed.

[Peter A. Farrell]

Peter Farrell

I am starting a home inspection business and want to be able to do the best inspections for my clients. Making sure their home is sound and sturdy is one of the items on an inspectors check list. As in all homes, the foundation is most importent.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by pfarrell

Peter Farrell

I am starting a home inspection business and want to be able to do the best inspections for my clients. Making sure their home is sound and sturdy is one of the items on an inspectors check list. As in all homes, the foundation is most importent.

Welcome, Peter.

Here's a good video about inspecting the structure of a house http://www.nachi.tv/structural/struc...inspection.htm. NACHI.TV is free for all InterNACHI Members.

[Richard L. Overton]

Hey Ben, there is some conflicting information about the clearance from soil in crawl spaces between the drawings and text content in the course. One reference 12 and 18 inches, the other 18 and 24 inches.

Additionally, I thought all garage fire walls separating the house from an attached garage had to be a minimum of 5/8 type X. Perhaps this is just in California.

[jstephan]

hello - i've been negligent in completing the requirements for membership this year. I have however, been taking the classes and exams as I can get them done. My renovation business has been steady and has been keeping me busy. I have not had any calls for home inspection, but I've been spreading the word to people I know and meet - it will happen.

Question - do I have to be a Nachi member to remain licensed in Florida, or can I join another organization that's certified? thanks - js

[Joe Farsetta]

Bill,

No biggie, just leave the structural to guys like me.

No disrespect intended, but I work day in-day out with AE firms. I see some of the most incompetent designs coming out of these firms, and specifically from those with PE licenses. Designs are clearly flawed, with some to a degree which is mind-boggling. I am actually beginning to go after a number of them via those in charge of professional licensing and through their E&O carriers.

So, when I see a comment such as the one you made above, I have to believe that your intention is noble, but your ego may get the best of you. Even with regard to structural engineers, some are quite slopppy and un-disciplined in their approach and work product. Please pardon my skepticism when it comes to your alleged prowess and that of those with real-world experience in OUR profession.

I see you are a PE. What is your specific degree in, civil or structural. Does your practice revolve around the residential, commercial, or industrial arenas. How much experience do you actially posess, and why the hell would you ever want to be a HI if yoou are a PE?

[Steven C. Winchester]

I appereciate all the info offered by InterNachi. It has been very helpful.

Steve Winchester

[Lance Berens]

I think I have to make a post here to continue to the course...

so, here it is.

[Leonard Inkster]

This should be an interesting exercise for me as after 20+ years renovation of old homes I am simultaneously finding I have to take Structural Courses both for NACHI and CAHPI, so comparison of the NACHI to Carson Dunlop should be interesting with respect to what is needed for Inspections and what is just ancillary fluff.

[Leonard Inkster]

Attention to spelling needs to be tightened up. In the Walls & Ceilings section, are the external walls not load bearing also?