The casual observer might think that being a home inspector is a pretty easy and lucrative occupation. What most people do not realize is that it not only takes a lot of experience and training to become comfortable inspecting homes, but there are also hazards that I have to be aware of.
Fall hazards are just one example that I need to be cognizant of. Moving quickly through a house that I am not familiar with can be a little risky. Stairs that are not standard or damaged will be reported in the inspection report, however sometimes the hazards are not known till I start to put my weight on the tread. In some homes the electricity may be off or light bulbs may be burned out and the added issue of visibility comes into play.
Another area that is a danger is in the area of electricity. Removing a distribution panel cover for inspection can be scary. I do not know who last worked on the panel and if that person knew what they were doing. In some instances I have removed a panel cover to discover that the screws holding the panel in place were penetrating into the insulation of a wire.
Attics and roofs are examples of other hazard areas I face. It is good practice to inspect the attic space before climbing on the roof. By doing the inspection of the attic before the roof, I am able to see areas which may not hold my weight if I were to walk that part of the roof. While in the attic I need to be careful not to fall through the ceiling or to come into contact with any wires that may be exposed or loose. I also need to watch out for exposed nails coming in through the roof so as to not to poke my head.
When on the roof of course the primary danger is that of falling off on to the ground. I also need to remember to watch out for soft spots on the roof in which I could fall through and end up right back into the attic.
Crawl spaces pose a danger all to themselves. These areas, if wet, can be a serious hazard if coupled with poor electrical wiring. That is why when the crawl space is wet I will notate that in the report and inspect the area from entry. There is just too much risk.
With these examples of hazards, I need to take extra care so as to not injure myself but still provide a thorough inspection report to my clients. So if you see me wearing my hard hat, orange vest, and gloves when inspecting portions of your home, please be reminded that I have both my safety and yours in mind.
Fall hazards are just one example that I need to be cognizant of. Moving quickly through a house that I am not familiar with can be a little risky. Stairs that are not standard or damaged will be reported in the inspection report, however sometimes the hazards are not known till I start to put my weight on the tread. In some homes the electricity may be off or light bulbs may be burned out and the added issue of visibility comes into play.
Another area that is a danger is in the area of electricity. Removing a distribution panel cover for inspection can be scary. I do not know who last worked on the panel and if that person knew what they were doing. In some instances I have removed a panel cover to discover that the screws holding the panel in place were penetrating into the insulation of a wire.
Attics and roofs are examples of other hazard areas I face. It is good practice to inspect the attic space before climbing on the roof. By doing the inspection of the attic before the roof, I am able to see areas which may not hold my weight if I were to walk that part of the roof. While in the attic I need to be careful not to fall through the ceiling or to come into contact with any wires that may be exposed or loose. I also need to watch out for exposed nails coming in through the roof so as to not to poke my head.
When on the roof of course the primary danger is that of falling off on to the ground. I also need to remember to watch out for soft spots on the roof in which I could fall through and end up right back into the attic.
Crawl spaces pose a danger all to themselves. These areas, if wet, can be a serious hazard if coupled with poor electrical wiring. That is why when the crawl space is wet I will notate that in the report and inspect the area from entry. There is just too much risk.
With these examples of hazards, I need to take extra care so as to not injure myself but still provide a thorough inspection report to my clients. So if you see me wearing my hard hat, orange vest, and gloves when inspecting portions of your home, please be reminded that I have both my safety and yours in mind.
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