The inspection of insulation and ventilation systems is particularly challenging because so little of the systems can be seen. This text discusses how insulation, air/vapor barriers and ventilations systems work to keep houses comfortable and structurally sound. Basics of heat transfer and vapor movement are covered first to lay the groundwork for discussion of insulation and ventilation materials, systems, and applications. Thorough treatment of venting living spaces is provided, including balanced ventilation systmes and heat recovery ventilators (HRV's).

This introductory overview of the major home systems gives students a solid foundation for beginning a career in home inspection. This comprehensive text gets students out into the field quickly while serving as a springboard for the 13 advanced electives in the Principles line. Systems & Standards focuses on system and component problems, their practical implications, and inspections strategies for finding them. No other single volume offers both the breadth and depth of this introduction.

This comprehensive book is designed to provide you with knowledge and skills you need to inspect air conditioning systems and heat pumps like an experienced, professional home inspector.

Structural conditions are often the most serious and expensive area to correct, making this an important topic for potential homeowners. They are also among the most difficult for home inspectors to identify. This comprehensive test carefully walks inspectors through challenging topics such as cracks, soil conditions, footings, and distinguishing solid masonry from masonry veneer walls.

This comprehensive text is designed both for beginners who need an in-depth introduction to hot water boiler inspection and more advanced practitioners looking to deepen their understanding. Along with boiler components and conditions, the book covers advantages and disadvantages of hot water heating, differences between boilers and furnaces, efficiency, sequence of operation and life expectancy.

Virtually every home heating system requires a chimney or vent, making this an important topic for both home inspectors and homeowners. The text explores the efficiency and life expectancy of various types of chimney and wood heating methods. Components and potential problems of wood furnaces are discussed for regions of the country where this heating method is common. Wood stoves and wood fireplaces, popular throughout North America, are also covered.

This text is organized into major sections on exterior cladding, exterior structures, and surface water control and landscaping. Wall surfaces are covered in a material- by-material organization, including thorough treatment of synthetic stucco (EIFS), a challenging issue for home inspectors.

The interior is often the portion of the home inspection of most interest to home buyers. From floors to ceilings this comprehensive text provides an in-depth introduction to the major components of a home's interior. The book discusses strategies for inspecting floors, walls, ceilings, trim, counters, cabinets, stairs, windows, skylights, solariums, and doors. The text additionally gives special consideration to the pervasive problem of wet basements.

This text is organized into major sections on supply plumbing; water heaters; drain, waste, and vent plumbing; and fixtures and faucets. The mechanics and practical implications of water flow and pressure are covered first, to prepare for discussions of specific problems that can occur. Summary tables of piping materials help readers keep track of the variety of components they will see in practice. The text also delves into safety and efficiency issues.