Free Webinar: How to Perform A Home Inspection

Show Notes

Webinar summary for Free Webinar: How to Perform A Home Inspection (01/06/2026)

Quick recap
The webinar featured Certified Master Inspector Shawn Williams discussing InterNACHI home inspection standards and practices, including the scope of inspections and common findings across various systems. Shawn presented additional electrical and structural inspection topics, emphasizing safety concerns and proper documentation of material defects. The webinar concluded with Shawn showcasing value-added services and thermal imaging technology.

Summary

Home Inspection Standards and Practices
AJ introduced the webinar, which featured Certified Master Inspector Shawn Williams discussing home inspection practices according to InterNACHI standards. Shawn explained the scope of a home inspection, including structural components, roofing, exteriors, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, while noting that cosmetic issues and code compliance are not part of the inspection. He emphasized the importance of clear communication with clients about material defects that significantly affect a property’s safety or value. Shawn also highlighted common inspection findings, such as roof damage, electrical hazards, and improper grading, and shared techniques like using drones and thermal imaging to detect issues. He concluded by discussing electrical panel inspections, noting that while the InterNACHI SOP does not require removing dead front covers, he often does so for safety.

Electrical Safety and Inspection Overview
Shawn discussed electrical safety issues, explaining that single-strand aluminum wire is considered a deficiency due to its association with fires and its limited use in modern circuits. He described methods to identify false grounds, including the use of specialized testers and visual inspections of electrical panels. Shawn also covered various interior inspection topics, emphasizing the importance of checking handrails, window functionality, attic conditions, and fireplace safety, including the need for proper hearths to prevent fires.

Attic Ladder and Safety Guidelines
Shawn discussed ladder recommendations for accessing attics in Colorado, emphasizing the use of telescoping A-frame ladders and disclaiming when insufficient access is available. He addressed material defects, such as bathroom fan venting into attics, and safety concerns with gas fireplaces, including the absence of dampers. Shawn also covered foundation and structural inspection topics, highlighting moisture intrusion signs, foundation cracks, and inadequate structural supports, while emphasizing the importance of detective skills and documentation for hidden defects.

Home Inspection Safety Practices
Shawn discussed his inspection practices, including checking for creosote buildup, inspecting stoves for anti-tip devices, and testing sump pumps and radon systems. He emphasized the importance of referring clients to chimney sweeps for detailed inspections and using his own equipment to check radon system functionality. Shawn also shared examples of HVAC and plumbing issues he had encountered during inspections, highlighting the need for thorough checks of these systems. The webinar was not approved for CE credits, but attendees could manually log CE hours through their members-only dashboard. 

Advancing Home Inspection Techniques
Shawn presented a webinar on exceeding standards of practice in home inspections, highlighting the use of thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden issues like moisture leaks. He also discussed combustion appliance zone testing and shared a case study involving potential carbon monoxide poisoning due to inadequate combustion air. Shawn showcased various value-added services he offers, including radon testing and energy audits, and encouraged attendees to connect with him through his QR code. AJ inquired about the type of thermal imaging camera Shawn uses, and Shawn mentioned his FLIR E6. The webinar concluded with AJ expressing gratitude for Shawn’s participation and encouraging attendees to reach out with any questions.