Eragorn Northe

New article on knob and tube wiring

Knob and tube (K&T) wiring is a very early system of wiring common in homes from 1880's - 1930's.

Some inspectors seem to think that there is something inherently dangerous about knob and tube wiring, but there isn't. As long as it was installed correctly it probably worked fine. The main problem with this early wiring system is the likelihood that it was improperly modified, often decades after it was installed. Also, building insulation was commonly laid down on top of the knob and tube wiring, interfering with its ability to cool down and presenting a fire hazard. K&T wiring is so feared that some insurers will not write insurance for homes that have the wiring. Inspectors should know what the NEC has to say about this wiring system, what to tell clients, and understand why the wiring is dangerous. For more information, check out our new article on knob and tube wiring.

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It's BIGGER and BETTER more pages, more illustrations, high-res pictures, improved cover, professionally edited, true-black text
The second edition is now 116 pages long and includes over 130 pictures and graphics.

Click to check out the table of contents in pdf form.

http://www.nachi.org/documents/ben-gromicko-folder/BOOK-TOC.pdf

Click to check out the first 32 pages in pdf form.

http://www.nachi.org/documents/ben-gromicko-folder/32-pages-book.pdf

Inspector Selection, A Real Estate Agent's Duty.

August 9th, 2009 By Nick Gromicko Former REALTOR
Founder, International Association of Certified Home Inspectors

The seller has accepted your clients' offer and now with your help, your clients must choose a home inspector. Should you steer them toward the inspector who writes the softest reports? Should you steer them toward the inspector that pays to be on your office's preferred vendor list? Should you help them find the cheapest inspector? The answers to these questions are of course no, no, and hell no.

You have fiduciary duty to your client and therefore must recommend the very best inspectors. If you recommend a patty-cake inspector, an inspector who indirectly pays for your recommendation, or a cheap inspector, you violate your fiduciary duty to your client.

The National Association of REALTORs defines your duties in their Code of Ethics. Article 1 requires you to protect and promote your client's interests. Article 6 requires you to disclose any financial benefit you may receive from recommending related real estate services (this includes benefit to your broker also).

Because most real estate agents only get paid if the real estate transaction successfully takes place, your personal interests and your fiduciary duties already conflict. Don't make your situation any worse. The best way to avoid negligent referral claims, operate ethically, and fulfill your fiduciary duty is to help your client find an inspector based solely on merit. And although no real estate agent can guarantee the thoroughness of any particular inspector, there is a strong correlation between an inspector's fees and his/her competence (you get what you pay for). Helping your client find a cheap inspector during the purchase of their lifetime, is a violation of your fiduciary duty. When in doubt, shop price, and seek out the most expensive inspectors for your clients. www.InspectorNow.com