1. 9. The Roof is Inadequately Ventilated Poor ventilation can result in very high temperatures which will significantly decrease the service life of most roofing materials. Many bathroom exhaust fans discharge into the attic and can cause moisture/condensation. Installing roof ventilation is usually not very expensive.

2. 9. The Roof is Inadequately Ventilated

3. 10. House Has an Environmental Problem Environmental problems are a growing area of home defects. They include lead-based paint (common in homes built before 1978), asbestos, formaldehyde, fungus/mold, contaminated drinking water, radon and leaking underground oil tanks. You usually need to arrange a special inspection to determine the extent of environmental problems, and they're usually expensive to fix.

4. Questions to Consider How old is the roof? Where do the gutter downspouts discharge? Has there been moisture under the home? Is there a musty smell any time during the year? Does the snow disappear off one part of the roof faster than others? Have they done any improvements on their own? By a contractor? When was the last time the heating/air conditioning system was serviced? Has the chimney ever been cleaned? Has the septic system been inspected and or pumped? When was the last time the well water was sampled and tested?

5. Questions?

6. The Inspection Report What is Required to be Reported and Described (and what is not)?

7. Submit a written report to the client that shall, at a minimum: ■ Describe those systems and components required to be described in the Standards ■ State which systems and components designated for inspection in this rule have been inspected, and state any systems or components designated for inspection that were not inspected, and the reason for not inspecting ■ State any system or component so inspected that do not function as intended, allowing for normal wear and tear, or adversely affect the habitability of the dwelling ■ State whether the condition reported requires repair or subsequent observation, or warrants further investigation by specialist ■ State the name, license number, and signature of the person conducting the inspection

8. ■ The Home Inspector is not required to report on:  Life expectancy of component or system  The cause of the need for a repair  The methods, materials or costs of repairs  The suitability of the property for specialized use  Compliance with codes or statues  The market value of the property or marketability  Advisability of purchase of property  Presence or absence of pests such as wood damaging organisms, rodents or insects  Cosmetic damage, underground items or items not permanently installed

9. What’s required to be described ■ Heating/Air Conditioning –  The energy source of the system  The heating/cooling equipment and distribution type

10. What’s required to be described ■ Electrical–  Service amperage and voltage;  Service entry conductor materials;  The service type as being of overhead or underground;  The location of main and distribution panels;  The home inspector shall report the presence of any readily accessible single strand aluminum branch circuit wiring.  The home inspector shall report on presence or absence of smoke detectors. If the smoke detector is an individual (standalone) unit, the home inspector shall operate its test function. (If the smoke detector is incorporated into an alarm system, the entity that monitors the alarm system should test the smoke detector.)

11. What’s required to be described ■ Plumbing –  Water supply and distribution piping materials;  Drain, waste, and vent piping materials;  Water heating equipment;  The location of any main water supply shutoff device

12. What’s required to be described ■ Structural/Foundation –  Foundation;  Floor structure;  Wall structure;  Columns or piers;  Ceiling structure; ■ The home inspector shall:  Report the method used to inspect under floor crawl spaces and attics;  Report signs of water penetration into the building or signs of condensation on building components

13. What’s required to be described ■ Roof –  Describe the type of roof covering material;  Report the methods used to inspect the roofing ■ Exterior –  Describe the wall cladding material;  Report whether or not any garage door operator will automatically reverse or stop when meeting reasonable resistance during closing

14. What’s required to be described ■ Interior –  Report any signs of water penetration or condensation inside ■ Insulation/Ventilation –  Insulation in unfinished spaces;  The absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at conditioned surfaces

15. Questions?

16. Code of Ethics (How home inspectors conduct themselves)

17. Code of Ethics ■ License's shall discharge their duties with fidelity to the public and their clients (Fidelity – strict observance of promises or duty, loyalty) ■ Opinions expressed shall be based only on their experience, education and honest convictions ■ The inspector shall not disclose any inspection information without the clients approval ■ Licensee shall not accept compensation from more than one interested party without all consenting ■ Licensee shall not offer or accept commissions or other consideration from any other parties dealing with the client ■ No licensee shall express an opinion or appraisal on the market value ■ Before execution of a contact with the client, licensee shall disclose any interest in a business that may affect the client ■ Licensee shall not engage in any false or misleading advertising ■ Perform or offer to perform repair or maintenance work on a property the licensee has inspected in the preceding 12 months ■ Use a home inspection with the intention of obtaining work in another field or profession

18. Food For Thought ■ Is it ethical to offer to repair items you find during your inspection? ■ Is it ethical to get paid by a company who you refer to a client for repairs ■ Is it ethical to refer your clients to the affiliate members listing on the HITA website ?

19. Questions?

20. Working With Real Estate Professionals

21. Does the Agent have to be there? Buyer’s Agent ■ While it is not necessary for the agent to be present, they are welcome to join their client at the inspection. It is always recommended that the client make time to join the inspector. ■ This allows for observation of the inspector, the ability to ask questions and gain assurances that they are professional. ■ The agent and client will be able to learn together about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain them. ■ Accompanying the inspector makes the written report easier to understand.

22. Does the Agent have to be there? Listing Agent ■ It is not required for them to be present for the inspection. However, if the buyer’s agent is unable to be present, it is important that someone who can authorize entry be present. Some inspectors will not perform an inspection alone to avoid potential liabilities. ■ Their presence can allow them to observe the inspector and insure the service being provided is impartial and enables the opportunity to provide information about any issues that come up that can be satisfied on the spot. ■ Asking clarifying questions during a prelisting inspection can help assist the listing agent on how to better prepare the home for selling with little obstacles to over come in the event the buyers have a home inspection as well.

23. Potential Limitations ■ Weather conditions can limit both visual inspection and the ability to operate some equipment ■ Goods present can prevent access to rooms and equipment

24. Pitfalls and Problems What can go wrong with the Inspector?  The Inspector can be unprofessional and an alarmist  Inspection is far from thorough.  The report is confusing, difficult to read and understand.  Issues are over emphasized or mis-quoted.  Inspector functions outside his scope

25. Pitfalls and Problems What can go wrong with the Agent?  Seller does not prepare the listing with proper disclosure.  Agent does not inform client properly about Home Inspection scope and procedure.  Agent becomes an Inspector during the Inspection.  Seller is not prepared for the Inspection properly if they are to be present.

26. Preparing the Home for Inspection ■ All utilities are on (elect., water, gas) ■ Pilot lights are lit ■ Attic access is clear of all goods and clothes for access ■ Crawlspace access is not locked, blocked or nailed shut ■ Water heater and furnaces are all accessible ■ Sinks, showers and bath tubs are clear of all personal goods ■ Built-in appliances are free of stored items and can be operated ■ Electric panels are accessible and not locked (covers will need to be removed and paint may be marred) ■ Pets are secured ■ Having everything ready for the inspection can prevent unnecessary delays. For liability reasons home inspectors do not move personal belongings. Most home inspectors will charge an additional fee if they must return to the property to inspect item which were not accessible. (Seller should be responsible for this fee).

27. Preparing the Home for Inspection

28. Questions?

29. Summary

30. What is a home inspection? ■ A thorough visual examination of the readily accessible areas of a home (inside and out, from foundation to roof). ■ Includes an examination of all major systems. ■ Consists of an objective evaluation of the condition of hundreds of items. ■ Provides a printed or written report covering all findings and identifying potential concerns.

31. A Home Inspection is Not… ■ A home inspection does not detect every conceivable flaw. ■ A home inspection does not include cosmetic items. ■ A home inspection is not an appraisal. And vice versa. ■ A home inspection is not a warranty. ■ A home inspection is not technically exhaustive ■ A home inspection is not a code compliance review

32. What does a home inspection include? A standard home inspection summarizes findings from a visual inspection of the condition of the home. Some of the items inspected include:  Heating system  Central air conditioning system  Interior plumbing  Electrical systems  Roof  Attic and visible insulation  Walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors  Foundation and the visible structures of the home

33. Purpose of a Home Inspection ■ A home inspection summarizes the condition of a property at the time of the inspection ■ Points out the need for major repairs ■ Identifies areas that may need attention in the near future. ■ Buyers and sellers depend on an accurate home inspection to maximize their knowledge of the property in order to make intelligent decisions before completing their sale or purchase.

34. ■ If you are planning to sell the home, an inspection prior to placing the home on the market provides a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's inspector. A home inspection can provide an opportunity to make repairs that will make the home more desirable to potential buyers. ■ For homeowners, an inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and to learn about preventive measures, which might avoid costly future repairs. Purpose of a Home Inspection More than Just for Real Estate Transactions

35. What if the Inspection Reveals Problems? ■ No house is perfect. ■ When the inspector identifies problems, it does not indicate that the transaction should not occur. ■ The findings serve to educate the client, usually in advance of the purchase, about the condition of the property. ■ A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are discovered during an inspection. ■ Any repair recommendations should not be addressed by the Inspector. Repairs should be reviewed and conducted by a third party not related to or referred by the Inspection Company. ■ Estimates should be considered budgetary and not definitive. True costs for corrections should come from the contractor/technician performing the work.

36. Can a House Fail a Home Inspection? NO ■ A home inspector can not pass or fail a house. A home inspection describes the physical condition of a property and indicates what may need repair or replacement ■ A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of the home the day of the inspection. ■ Only the client can decide if a home fails an inspection.

37. If the house proves to be in good condition or new, did the client really need an inspection? ■ Yes. The Inspection should be more than just simply a “Witch Hunt”. Inspections should be an educational experience. ■ They can now complete the home purchase with confidence about the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. ■ From the inspection, they will have learned many things about their new home, the maintenance required, and will want to keep that information for future reference. ■ Client has “Peace of Mind”

38. “Jack of all trades” Why a Professional Home Inspector? ■ Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a Professional Home Inspector. ■ A Professional Home Inspector has the experience, depth of knowledge and training to make an unbiased and informed report of the condition of a property. ■ An Inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, and the proper installation and maintenance of major systems. Inspectors are like a General Practitioner in the medical field.

39. Home Inspector Requirements Requirements for Tennessee state inspectors ▪ Inspectors must have: ❑ Active State License ❑ General Liability Insurance at least $500,000 ❑ Errors and Omissions Insurance ▪ Inspectors should have: ❑ Hands on experience ❑ Strong interpersonal and communication skills ▪ Inspectors are required to obtain 32 hours of approved continuing education classes every 2 years

40. Questions?