Customer Reviews

Inspecting a House (For Pros By Pros)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Although subtitled "For Pros, by Pros," I think any homeowner or home buyer can benefit from Inspecting A House. This winter it saved me potentially thousands of dollars in repair costs by pointing out the danger of snow build up along the eaves and dormers of my house. It's also helped me identify areas of potential concern where a little preventative maintenance can save me a lot of money down the road.

Inspecting A House's strengths include its in-depth information, easy to understand conversational tone, clear illustrations, and revealing four-color pictures of what to look for (and look out) for. Each chapter concludes with a handy checklist which you can easily photocopy and take with you as you examine your own house or go house shopping.

Inspecting a Book would be a bargain at twice the price.

If you are looking for a book that will teach you how to become a home inspector, this is not that book. In fact, I don't think there is an adequate book anywhere that can make you a great home inspector. The only thing that teaches you how to inspect houses is being in the field for a while and seeing the amazing world of property flaws, and delving into housing systems. I am a former Naval pilot, and I wouldn't expect to be able to land on an aircraft carrier after reading one book. The true value in this book, much like the introductory courses I took as a fledgling pilot, is that it gets you familiar with the terminology used around construction and real estate, and gives you just enough information to be dangerous. I am now a real estate investor who helps other new investors get started and this is one of the first books I make them go buy. It is just enough to get you a basic nuts and bolts education on the guts of a house, without getting mired down in minutae of building code and the millions of things that can actually be wrong with a house.

I work as a handyman, and wanted to educate myself to what home inspectors look for in their work. This is one of the most interesting, informative books I've read in a while about home maintenance. If you ever hire a home inspector to make sure you know what you are buying, this is the guy you want going in there with you! His sections on electrical and plumbing code and problems taught me alot.

Common sense says to thoroughly inspect a house before buying since it is the most expensive purchase most people ever make. Inspecting a House show you how to do it like a pro. Designed as a reference for home inspectors, Rex Cauldwell's easy-to-understand style of writing and richly illustrated text provide an A-Z checklist that home buyers and real estate agents alike will find indispensible. The small purchase price of this useful book can literally save you thousands in costly repairs by teaching you the warning signs of hidden problem areas, such as foundations, roofs, kitchens, bathrooms, water heaters, electrical wiring, heating and cooling systems, and water supply sources. These areas and more are covered in detail from an expert's perspective. I strongly recommend Inspecting a House as a Must-Have for anyone concerned with purchasing and maintaining real estate.

I am a real estate investor, and this book is saving me hundreds and hundreds of dollars on inspections. After consuming this book, it has enabled me to do my own inspections on potential real estate investments. I can decide if I want to make an offer or not. If I do, then I have potential negotiating areas with the seller. If we agree on a price, then I bring in a certified inspector as a formality, especially if you're applying for a loan. Most lending institutions require that the property be professionally inspected.
This book is loaded with color photographs. Amazing for the price it is being offered for. Cauldwell is meticulous, and extremely detailed in his approach. I recommend this book to inspectors, any person that wants to become an inspector, or someone who just wants to look out for their own investment/home.

I am a degreed engineer w/ 25yrs. experience in the residential / commercial construction industry. I found Mr. Cauldwell's book to be informative, professional and enjoyable to read. I would highly recommend this book to professionals in the construction field who are considering the Home Inspection profession. Yet anyone interested in home inspection would greatly benifit from this book and it's a terrific value for the money.
Thank you Mr. Cauldwell
Ed Szajna Bayport, NY

This is a great starter book for a general introduction into the field of home inspection. It is widely used and recommended for the Humber College - online home inspection certificate program.

Over 100 online course participants have commented on the easy reading style, and excellent photographs that accompany this book. Its also used in our face to face delivery. Its personally one of my favourites.

Informative and easy to read. A great tool for first time inspector and experienced ones. Also a great resource for homeowners to avoid costly problems.

I found this book to contain good fundemental information for anyone looking to enter the home inspection field. You will obviously need professional training if you are serious about entering this field, but it does provide some good insight on the profession.

Rex Cauldwell has produced a clear, concise, well-written introduction to home inspection that should be easily read and understood by even those with no background in construction.

Not what I would consider a "bible" of inspection, but this book is an excellent place to start.

Highly recommended.