Small House Movement
A growing number of homeowners in the U.S. are downsizing to homes smaller than 1,000 square feet, and, in some cases, smaller than 100 square feet. This transition to smaller homes, known as the Small House Movement, is adhered to by people who believe American...
Seller’s Pre-Listing Inspection
Eventually, your buyers are going to conduct an inspection. You may as well know what they are going to find by getting there first. Having an inspection performed ahead of time helps in many other ways, such as: It allows you to see your home through the eyes...
Reverse Mortgages
Reverse mortgages are a means to convert part of the equity in a home into cash without having to sell the home or take on additional monthly bills, as required by home equity loans and second mortgages. Reverse mortgages are among the fastest-growing financial...
Pool Safety
Swimming pools should always be happy places. Unfortunately, each year thousands of American families confront swimming pool tragedies, drownings and near-drownings of young children. We want to prevent these tragedies. These are guidelines for pool barriers that can...
Moisture Intrusion
Moisture intrusion can be the cause of building defects, as well as health ailments for the building's occupants. Inspectors should have at least a basic understanding of how moisture may enter a building, and where problem areas commonly occur. Some common...
Ladder Safety
A ladder is a structure designed for climbing that consists of two long side-pieces joined at uniform intervals by rungs or steps. It's important to use the right tool for the job, and that includes ladders, which come in different types and sizes for different...
Home Inspection Reports: What to Expect
Influenced by the changes in the economic and legal environments over the past 30 years, home inspection reports have changed to accommodate increased consumer expectations, and to provide more extensive information and protection to both inspectors and their clients....
Estimating the Lifespan of a Water Heater
While the typical water heater has a lifespan of about 10 years, careful consideration of the factors that pertain to its lifespan can provide the InterNACHI home inspector and the homeowner with information about the potential costs that would be incurred by...
What is Eminent Domain?
Eminent domain, also known as compulsory purchase, expropriation and compulsory acquisition, is the right of a government to seize a citizen's property without their consent but with due monetary compensation. The property is taken either for government use or by...
Elements of an Energy Efficient House
Designing and building an energy-efficient home that conforms to the many considerations faced by home builders can be a challenge. However, at InterNACHI, we believe that any house style can be made to require relatively minimal amounts of energy to heat and cool,...