Performing a Home Inspection & Writing an Inspection Report
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- čas přidán 28. 07. 2024
- Subscribe to our CZcams Channel: czcams.com/users/internachi?... Learn tips on performing a home inspection and writing a home inspection report using mobile software by following an InterNACHI® Certified Professional Inspector CPI® Ben Gromicko.
I am not a home inspector, I'm from Europe, this video has literally no relevance to me since I don't own a home, but I am about 2/3rds through this video and I'm enjoying myself.
Very nice presentation and I really like the way you present your thought process and value of the work.
Thanks for making this :)
Thank you for watching. I teach free online classes for inspectors at www.nachi.org/webinars. Free, online, and open to everyone.
I'm preparing to take the test at the moment, and this video was wildly helpful. The vast amount of information to absorb is astonishing. I didn't realize how robust Spectora was - gives me a sense of relief.
Glad it was helpful!
It's what we do! Thanks for being a customer!
just recently finished schooling to become a home inspector, this video definitely helps me picture all things to peek and look at. I love seeing the actual thing on a home rather than a diagram. thanks for the video!
Glad I could help! Check out internachi.edu/
Great video. Almost testing out after taking my sweet time learning to be a home inspector. Your recommendation for Spectora is a game changer. Confidence booster and their customer service is superb. I have a live webinar class with them next week to discuss and learn about Spectora. You have really benefited your fellow inspectors. SALUTE 😊
Thank you so much.
We appreciate the shout out! Definitely let us know how we can help, we got your back :)
Thank you Ben for all the work you do to make us successful in the field.
Thank you!
26:08 hello crew :D Great video! Every since I saw an inspection by Jim Crumm I regularly search for comprehensive videos such as this one. Thank you, I've enjoyed this inspection very much.
Thank you, Cassidy.
Great video! I'm interested in becoming a home inspector and your video was very helpful and informative. I appreciate the time you took to make this video.
Glad it was helpful!
@PerpetualTech how’s it going?
Ben I appreciate you and all the work you have done to help all of us be better inspectors
Thank you.
This report is a high value addition to the library of knowledge provided by InterNACHI. VERY useful and informative of a real inspection. Thanks and proud member of InterNACHI.
Thank you, Adolfo.
Hey Big Ben, really a great way to produce a professional inspection. Your style has really encouraged me to continue my quest for a new career where I too can come out looking and producing like a real pro. Thanks again
Good to hear, Jim. You may want to visit www.nachi.org/become-home-inspector.htm to get the 15 steps to become a home inspector.
OMG, I have hired home inspectors numerous times. Some have really stood out (like the guy who said I estimate you have 9-12 months on this heat pump-which then died at month 10).
NONE have ever suggested or offered an annual home maintenance inspection. I consider myself pretty good at this, I am maintaining and upgrading a 130 year old house, and yet this seems like a great idea. A trained set of eyes backing me up? A full home inspection around here is $450 for a house our size, even if an annual was $300 the thought of what I could be saving by catching electrical, plumbing, or dry rot conditions early? Thousands.
What a great idea.
Glad you think so. Every home should be inspected as part of a homeowner's maintenance plan.
I'm in the process of becoming a home inspector after a career of testing & inspections on the construction side. This video was packed with valuable info.
Wonderful to hear, Mark.
Thanks Ben! I'm looking to become a home inspector. Thanks for the video, and the encouraging tips.
Go here internachi.edu/
I use Tidy Trax (step in shoe covers)...had them 7 years...love them
Me too.
I am currently immersed in the home inspector course, O haven’t finished your presentation and I’m learning a lot! Thank you!
Great to hear!
Kinda wish I saw this before I started my training...would have saved me a lot of Googlin'. lol. Thanks for the very in depth coverage!
Glad it was helpful!
Really helpful videos!! Thank you very much for posting these. I can use these on my home inspections for the health department when we do get asked to come out =D
Thank you for watching.
I was watching Home Inspector Joe on HGTV and it looked like fun so I am thinking about getting my certificate to add to the repertoire, this job looks fun thanks for the video it was very informative!
Go for it!
Appreciate your skill and you put any concerns I may have had to rest. Thank you, hopefully an up and coming in Macon Georgia Home Inspector.👍
Thanks for sharing.
I enjoyed the entire video, thanks Ben.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great job and great software, looking forward to learning more about it and using it in the future.😎
Great to hear! For more information about Spectora, visit www.nachi.org/certified-drone-pilot-training.htm
First off, great video. I am looking hard at becoming an inspector after decades as a builder and enjoyed your demo on how you integrate this software into your inspection. It's spendy software for sure, but it appears that it provides a good value with speed and finish quality.
Question that jumped out during the garage part. On your garage door reversing test where you put the broom under the door to see if the door bounces back, that doesn't give you any idea of how much pressure the door is applying downward. With that method of testing, it could be quite a bit of force before returning, which could injure a child. Is there a reason you don't use a hand or arm as it is about midway down to check for a general idea of return force?
Yes. There's a reason to be cautious in using a contact reversal test. You'll be interested in watching this short video at czcams.com/video/opPBVJVhlbE/video.html about inspecting the garage door opener in a more formal way.
Wow I’ll deff be getting this if I decide to become a home inspector!!
Nice. Feel free to reach out to us whenever you're ready at www.nachi.org/contact
Great video. Lots of good info. We just switched to Spectora and love it. I can't bring myself to use my phone for pictures though. Too valuable of a device to potentially drop from ground level, let alone from the roof. Not to mention getting it all dirty and nasty when crawling under a house.
Thank you for the feedback.
Excellent job Ben, I love the way you present. Keep doing these.
Thanks, will do!
dude good stuff man i start in 3 weeks for the home inspection license course and i've been sweating late nights thinking about how hard the job and school actually is.
You got this!
How’s it going ?
@@dramacrosby2130 meh it’s just a lot to remember for a test
@@mr4ak786 did you pass? How’s it going!
@@cristian_cervantes No i ended up giving up 3 months in due to teacher inactivity. He takes random vacations, and hosts 1 class like every 2 weeks lmao. I'm going the MRI Technician route ladies and gentlemen.
Great video and education Ben
I walked on the roof during summer and soon winter started I received phone call from client about roof leak stating that I was last one up there so after that I never walk on it again unless client is with me on the actual roof surface.
Right. Hard lesson. Last person always gets the blame.
That’s why it’s important to note in report weather conditions and/or recent rainfall
Nice sunny day. That roof is at best a 4 pitch. You can walk it and provide a full report. .
You bet.
Great video. The one thing I will say is that if you are a very serious and very busy property inspector, you will not have time to be hanging out with the clients all day and walking them around during your entire inspection and stopping in the middle and giving them some reason all of that mess. If you’re looking to be a top inspector and a top earning inspector and you’re willing to work really hard and do 3 to 5 inspections today, you just will not have time to mess with all of this stuff. You need to be a lean and mean extremely efficient machine. You need to have a pretty rigid program that you run on pretty much every inspection. The time to dillydally and hang out with the client and talk to the client should be at the end of the inspection during the run down. New inspectors may watch this and try it, but if you want to be a true $7000 a week Inspector, You will have to be extremely efficient
That's the point of the video -- time management to be efficient.
No ones doing 3-5 Inspections a day, give your head a shake.
@@solidgroundinspectionsinc.2251 I did five inspections Friday. I did three or four inspections each day Monday through Thursday
So well done, thank you. This is great!
Thanks for watching and commenting.
As for the furnace / water heater room, the door doesn’t appear to have vents to provide adequate air flow for both gas appliances. There should be addition to your report for the HVAC tech to review the air supply requirements as well, correct?
Good comment. This video was not teaching how to perform a home inspection. So there are many inspection topics that we do not teach and defects that we do not discuss. The video is more about how Ben Gromicko writes an inspection report while performing a home inspection.
That software looks great. Bookmarked the website...
Hope you enjoy it!
Thanks Ben! You da Man.
You rock!
Beutiful software Ben , think I'll need to get a few inspections under my belt before before making the investment though . Are the standard client recommendations included or did you add them?
My report template is at www.nachi.org/spectora.htm.
Another cool and useful assisting portable technology. 😉
Indeed!
Great video, love the software. One thing tho is the hand rail issue. You stated 4 risers requires handrail any less doesn't. While I agree that 3 steps could use a handrail, but I think it would be helpful to make note in the report that it meets code but is a safety concern as opposed to just saying its a defect. Not a defective of it meets code and the client won't know what code is unless you mention it.
Awesome.
Hi Ben, I enjoyed the video. I’m curious about the drain line on the water heater TPR valve. It appears to be PVC. Can you confirm the material of that drain line and comment on the use of PVC in hot water applications? Thank you.
There are 14 requirements for a TPR discharge pipe. 14! The code is at the IRC P2804.6.1.
great video. Thanks. What are your in and outdoor shoes?
Soft sole shoes (like tennis shoes) for the roof. Boots for the ground. Slip-ons for interior.
Do you happen to know if there is a way to add external images, such as drone or thermal images, into the application or do they need to be added via the device that is running the application?
There are a couple ways to upload images that are not captured from your device upon which the software is running. In the video, I show how easy it is to drag and drop images into the software using a laptop. The images were taken previously. You could drag them from an infrared camera or some other camera like a drone, maye wirelessly or by direct connection, or from a memory card. Using a laptop is a good way to handle that type of transfer and drag/dropping task. I'm trying out GooglePhotos with Spectora to see how fast I can grab images and videos from multiple devices. Still learning this software.
Great videoo thank so much ben i like that software
You're welcome! Spectora is one of the best at www.nachi.org/spectora
Great Video! Do you have a video or a way that I could find your format for Spectora software? Your software is set up very well
Yes. My template is in the Spectora template area. Not sure where that is, but ask Spectora.
Great information.
Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Enjoyed this video, Ben, even as a longtime homeowner. As for GFI plugs in the kitchen, would they only be necessary near the sink?
GFCI-protection are required at every receptacle located at all kitchen counters, and more.
When you take all those photos on your phone through the Spectora app do they get stored in the cloud or do they take up your phone storage?
In the cloud.
For the outside condenser unit, obviously this one was blank, but in general do you write the brand name/energy type/seer rating into the report, or do you just put a picture of the tag and let that do the talking for you?
I just take a pic. For my records usually. Maybe it's for the report.
Does the Spectora Software store the pictures from each inspection on the Cloud, or do you maintain these pictures on your phone storage? If they are not maintained on the Cloud, how do you manage your phone storage with all the pictures?
Great questions. I recommend contacting the Spectora folks for those technical details that I'm not sure of.
What a great video , very detailed you insight and info make seem so simple. I've been interested in becoming a home inspector since I purchases my house , I loved all the info my inspector provided me, he help me make an informed home buy. Where can I find more info on how to start up , please help it would be much appreciated.
Glad it was helpful! Visit Step #1 at nachi.org/everything
First I need to learn how to talk like Ben!
Thank you master, this video was the great one. I like to know what is your ladder?
You can email ben@internachi.org.
alright, hold up! fast forward to 1:01:41 - where did they get a door bell sounding detector!? that's friggin awesome.
BUT, is that per code? Don't they have to be rated for a certain decibel rating? I can't imagine that smoke detector alarm got that loud. I could be wrong though.
Thanks for watching, Shawn.
Could you use a drone to inspect the ceiling instead of raising the stake? Would it be the same?
Yes. Home inspectors can get trained and certified to perform roof inspections using drones. You may be interested in checking out www.nachi.org/certified-drone-pilot-training.htm
Ok, cool. I’m going to need the new iPhone for this.
Love these videos! Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed watching the video.
You can use any newer android phone also
"It would be great to find an ant head in the sawdust!" :) Love it!
That would be cool! And I did do a video where there were ant parts: czcams.com/video/RqPdhIwwI1g/video.html
Hello Ben, We liked the details of your work! What is the software you use with the iPhone and is it compatible with an android phine? Happy New Year! Thanks and Blessings, Joe E
In relation to report writing software, I like HomeGauge, HomeInspectorPro, and Spectora. For discounts, click the link at Step #11 on www.nachi.org/become-home-inspector.htm#step11.
Those software vendors provide free trials and discounts for InterNACHI members.
For InterNACHI's free checklist software and lots of inspection checklists, I recommend visiting www.nachi.org/home-inspection-checklist.htm.
This would be “Being a Master!” feels us Home Inspection is a respectfull job but an easy peasy! 90 minutes video passed in the blink of an eye.
Right. Not sure what you're saying actually, but I agree.
You said that the vent from the furnace went into the chimney. What material is the chimney? It should have a flue liner so the acidic moisture doesn't deteriorate the chimney.
It's a B-vent.
Not taking credit away from you or second guessing your work at all. Just curious if it free vents into the chimney. I'm in hvac and free venting isnt allowed.
Well described and great info
Glad it was helpful!
I know this video is a couple years old now, is this still your go to software to use? Also, I'm in an area where cell service can be spotty. Will I be able to build a report with this software without cell service? Thanks!
Try www.nachi.org/home-inspection-checklist
This is a great video. I’m enrolled to get my license to be a home inspector after being an NDE inspector for 5 years for the power company. Do you have any tips on getting in with a company? Do most companies hire individuals with no actual “home inspections” under their belt?
Proud of you keep pushing through its good money and you be your own boss
Thank you.
Hello it would be great to get Ben or someone to do an inspection with the Buyer and/or Seller-Homehowner present to show exactly how that is presented.
Great suggestion!
Weriod question I have...what kinda shows do you have on? They look comfortable...
Soft bottoms. I like sneakers or boots that are not really hard-bottom, but soft. Don't want to damage stuff with the soles.
Internachi sop says we are not supposed to run appliances... Dishwasher and cooking top or microwave are appliances.. right?
Correct. Not required, but many home inspectors will check the permanently installed ones out of courtesy. www.nachi.org/sop.htm
Is it a defect if there is no personnel door to the garage when it is an automatic door? The issue i see is that if the power goes out theres no way to get your car.
I do not see a building code requirement for a door to the garage in addition to the vehicle garage door.
@@internachi Thanks! Good thing we're not code inspectors. 👍
You need a long pole for your phone or a harness so you're not afraid to go on the roof or a drone to properly survey the customers you are working for
Right.
You’re so awesome
Thank you.
What app do you use to find slope?
Not sure. I think it was just on a search and found a decent one.
Hello, I thought with your software you finish the whole inspection when you leave the job? That you won't have to go home and do more work. I was a little confused while you had to go add more from a computer.
It's just a presentation on how the software can work. I do all of my report writing from my phone. All of it. But you can also use your laptop.
Whats the lifespan of a condo in the US? Would you buy a 50 years old condo if the price is reasonable? THX
Sure.
I'm currently interested in a career as a home inspector, how did you learn all this.? Will it be in the course .?
Yes. Go to a home inspector college - internachi.edu/
The window on the stair way wasn't mentioned? I understand it should be tempered glass.
This wasn't a full home inspection. Just a video to give you an idea of how to use software during an actual home inspection.
29:00
Not required to remove cover.. but you did...
Question: Can you be held liable if owner does repairs and says you weren't required to...
Correct. Not required. There is a Standards of Practice that lists the minimum requirements (what to do and not to do). www.nachi.org/sop.htm
Awesome job Ben! I always learn a lot after watching your videos. I am using the Insect-it software, and it seems a little cumbersome. I am sure with over 10,000 inspections under your belt, you've tried may programs. Why do you choose to use the software that you are using?
I like any home inspection software that provides an exclusive discount to InterNACHI members. So pick a software, and ask what their discount is.
@@internachi I am leaning towards Spectora. Your thoughts?
Do you have a full home video inspection with a customer as you walk through with them?
Yes. Check out www.nachi.org/introduction-home-inspection-course.htm
Can you use a drone to take pictures of the roof penetrations? Is that a good use of modern day technology?
Yes. Drones are a great inspection tool. Learn more about flying drones by visiting www.nachi.org/webinars.
What flashligh were you using?
Can't recall. Try inspectoroutlet.com/collections/flashlights
Is it required to go onto the roof or do alot of inspectors and yourself just climb the ladder and or use binoculars from the ground
It is not required to walk upon any roof according to www.nachi.org/sop.htm
Thanks for the video =)
Thanks for watching.
GOOD VIDEO I AM BECOMING HOME INSPECTOR NOW
Do it. Yes!
My only question is storage? Where do you store all these pictures and videos? Do you delete them after a certain time? Do they stay with the report as a digital copy on the Spectora cloud or something?
iPhoto, iCloud, Google Drive
53:10 what about missing labels at the garage door?
Good point. This video was not a training video on the specifics of finding defects, but more on how the software works on a home inspection.
6:25 does anybody have a link so I can buy this book. Or I guess the authors name would help at the very least
Yes. It's on inspectoroutlet.com/collections/reference-guides
What happens if your inspection is perfect like on a new house. What do you tell your client?
Yes. Even if there are no defects, that's valuable information for a client to have. Right?
In Pennsylvania, do I need to pay $225 to the exam ? Is the exam include in the package?
No. www.nachi.org/licensing-and-certification/us/pennsylvania
I'm signed up on their website and I am mostly done with the HVAC course on the website but have questions regarding what I am studying and no one can help me. I need your help Ben. I have questions as a student. Can you help me please. How can I contact you?
Not on CZcams, I can't. CZcams commenting is for fun primarily. To help you, please email your Education Team at www.nachi.org/contact or directly at education@internachi.org. My email is ben@internachi.org.
Thanks for lead-in music.
Thanks for listening.
Hi, which software program are you using, how can I find it?
Glad you enjoyed watching the video.
Thank you for this informative video! I am also looking to become a Home Inspector. I own a DJI mavic Mini 2 drone for videography work. Do you think it is a good idea to use a drone for detailed photo/video of the roof instead of a ladder?
Yes. I fly one of those drones in czcams.com/video/VKy3J0PHkR4/video.html
If not certified for WDO's do you just completely ignore the carpenter ants? I'm just starting out and it's a touchy issue around here (Florida) as far as liability goes.
I appreciate that! Thanks for watching. I teach free online classes for inspectors at www.nachi.org/webinars. Free, online, and open to everyone.
@@internachi you appreciate what?
Do you unplug personal electronics and touch personal items?
No.
Dude was very clear about not walking on the roof lol ppl must be talking
PPL?
So I would use ladder stand off cause gutters are expensive
Right. Thank you for watching and commenting.
How do you import the pics from your phone to laptop. I email them but can only do 8-10 at a time. Is there a better way? I'm using Samsung S22 / Dell Inspiron Windows 11
I appreciate that! Thanks for watching. I teach free online classes for inspectors at www.nachi.org/webinars. Free, online, and open to everyone.
What is the software you have on your phone?
It's a link at www.nachi.org/become-home-inspector.htm#step3
you said you don't inspect fences but wouldn't it be in the clients best interest to recommend replacing that old wood fence, otherwise your client may incur repair costs in the near future
Yes. Home inspectors are permitted to go beyond the standards of practice.
What is the mobile app that you are using?
Thank you for watching and commenting.
Not important to look on other side of roof? When he was in attic i could tell it's a regular peaked roof
It's important. But it's not accessible. It's a tiled roof with foot damage already on it. And it's not a full home inspection video, but rather a brief summary of how to inspect with software.
were are the thermal photos you talk about ///
nachi.org/ir
If I were his client, I'd approach the seller saying: "look, I'll give you a grand for the property cuz I'm looking at about 160k in repairs."
Thanks for watching.
1500 is the best I can, can’t go any higher otherwise I’m losing money
Lol 😆 🤣
I did my first and only home inspection in 2008. Instead of a pick up, the guy showed up in an old convertible BMW. Missed all the defects and recommended replacing everything that was working. He's still in business in Georgia.
Sorry to hear about your experience, Amir. That's one of the reasons we exist. InterNACHI School works hard to properly train and certify inspectors at www.nachi.org/certified-inspectors
As a realtor I've been surprised to see how little inspectors go into checking things out. I always assumed they checked and crawled into every nook and cranny they could get to, until I noticed inspectors in my area sometimes didn't even go on the roof or into crawl spaces. Should they not be worried about missing material defects? I had one inspector recommend to replace the entire houses water lines because he saw galvanized plumbing at the crawl space opening, but did not enter to see that the majority of the plumbing was already converted to pex. Not that that is a huge issue, but just an example.
Find good certified home inspectors at www.nachi.org/certified-inspectors
How tough has it been the past year or so to get business? Since the market is so crazy and people are buying homes without inspections and over asking...
There are about 5-6 million existing-home sales per year. The market is strong, consistently.
Depends on your location, it's been horrible for the last 2 years in Ontario Canada. It's a tough market to break into be because most Realtors already have their go to Inspector.