A major leap
in the home inspection industry was realized with the introduction of
the infrared camera and Thermal Imaging
sometimes referred to as
the FLIR (a name brand of one of the leaders in the industry)
Some detailed information on
the "FLIR" (pdf file) and pictures from HomeSafe
Home Services, one of the first national home inspection company to
incorporate Thermal Imaging. Link
to their site, notice the mice tunnels (sixth picture down, a
must see!).
Aluminum
Wire was used in homes in the mid 1960's to the early 1970's.
Saving on copper and using the cheaper alternative, aluminum
was
later abandoned in the general wiring of homes. It was discovered the
aluminum wire expanded and contracted and over time
caused previously secured connections to become less secure
thereby introducing a resistance in the connection. The
resistance causes heat and in some cases enough heat to
further cause combustion and a home fire. Aluminum wiring with
good "tight" connections
do not create this problem. Aluminum wire is still used in
single use higher voltage applications i.e. electric stove, HVAC, etc.
In these applications proper connectors are used to maintain
a
good connection. More information on aluminum wire can be
found
on the Aluminum
Wiring Information Site. Since most inspectors do
not check
for "loose" electrical connections Thermal Imaging
is a
great way to determine if a house with aluminum wire has a potential
problem.
Thermal Imaging besides showing electrical
over-heating, also shows insulation deficiencies, moisture intrusion,
Insect and rodent activity, structural damage caused by wooden framing
members and problems with air ducts especially if the duct system is
allowing air to vent into the attic.
ASHI, American Society of Home
Inspectors
"is North America’s oldest and most respected professional
society of home inspectors. ASHI’s goals have always been to
build customer awareness of the importance of a quality home inspection
and enhance the professionalism of home inspectors."
NAHI, National Association of Home
Inspectors, "established
in 1987 as a nonprofit association to promote and develop certified and
licensed home inspectors in the professional home inspection industry.
The National Association of Home Inspectors strives to promote
excellence and professionalism in the Home Inspection industry; to
provide a home inspector
standards of practice and a code of ethics for home inspectors in the
USA."
NACHI National
Association of Certified Home Inspectors, "the
world's biggest and best inspection trade association."
Alabama
Licensure (Act 2002-517 enacted in 2002)
Requires individuals performing home inspections to become licensed by
the Alabama Building Commission and publishes an online list of
licensed home inspectors.
The Alabama Standards of Practice and
Code of Ethics (see Home
Inspectors Rules and Applications)
is adopted from the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of
Ethics. The Building Commission adopted the National Home
Inspection Examination to assess minimum competence. The bill also
outlines educational and experiential requirements to become licensed,
sets license fees and
insurance requirements, and defines penalties under which licensure may
be suspended or revoked.
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