Bones Beneath the Bling

Review your tools for looking at homes and predicting their likely assets and drawbacks from a structural point of view. Gain perspective on how to compartmentalize various problems that may be uncovered during a home inspection. This class will help with understanding and reporting a house's overall condition.

Basics of design:
- Core Systems
- Entrenched Systems
- Disposable systems
- Good VS vulnerable designs

Exposed envelopes – discussion of exposure
- Rooftop decks
- Atrium windows
- In-swing exterior doors
- Windows in shower enclosures
- Exposed wood chimney chases
- Flat roofs

Water is the enemy
- Discussion of fungal rot
- Different water sources that damaged buildings
- Wood destroying organisms – a function of water

Lot
- Steep slopes
- Low lots
- Tall trees
- Difficult driveways
- Walkups
- Lot exposure

If all Else Fails... Read the Directions

"If All Else Fails... Read the Directions" is a practical and engaging class designed to address a critical challenge for home inspectors: understanding and applying manufacturer installation instructions for the vast array of products used in residential construction. This course reviews installation requirements for some common systems and components found in modern homes, including CSST tubing, clothes dryers, roofing shingles, wood I-joists, and more. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, participants will learn to identify some critical proper installation techniques, spot deviations from standards, and gain familiarity with reviewing directions independently. By the end of the class, students will be better equipped with the knowledge and confidence to navigate modern complex buildings.  

Dylan Chalk is the owner of Orca Inspection Services LLC - www.orcainspect.com, the co-founder of ScribeWare LLC www.scribeware.com, and the owner of HouseTalk clock hour school #S1792. He is also the author of The Confident House Hunter - Cedar Fort Press 2016: www.dylanchalk.com. Dylan is a Washington State licensed home inspector #365 and a Structural Pest Inspector #65540, and a licensed real estate clock-hour instructor #I4978. Chalk is educationally certified by Inspection Training Associates (ITA), a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (AHSI), and has performed more than 6,000 structural home inspections since 2003. He has been certified as an Energy Star Tune-Up Verifier and a certified Tune-Up energy audit inspector. He served as the President of the Washington Chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) from 2018-2020. He was an adjunct professor at Bellingham Technical College teaching home inspection. He has earned a BA from The Colorado College. 

Mallick Plumbing & Heating 

• Life expectancy of different types of piping
• How to assess main sewer lines
• What to watch for when inspecting various materials
• Common defects, leak testing protocols and pressure readings
• Other issues that are often missed during the inspections
• Plumbing concerns homeowner should be made aware of

Chris Mallick – Residential Project Advisor (10+ Years of Experience)

Chris started as an apprentice at Mallick Plumbing & Heating and was one of the quickest employees in the history of the company to pick up the trade and become a technician. After a few years as a service technician and becoming a Master Plumber & Gas-fitter, Chris was promoted to the Residential Project Advisor where he helps homeowners with their larger projects and plumbing issues – such as main sewer replacements, large water heater replacements, tankless installs, water treatment installs, whole-home re-pipes and many more. Chris enjoys the plumbing trade, with over 10 years of experience, because it allows him to connect with customers and deliver meaningful projects for them and their families.

Inspecting Foundation Failures and Defects

Keystone Foundation Repairs 

Andrew Gray – Senior Foundation Repair Specialist

Andrew Gray has been a Senior Foundation Repair Specialist with Keystone Foundation Repair, Inc. for 20 years.  Prior to this, Andrew was a crew foreman with the company for two years.  His primary responsibilities include the inspection, diagnosis and repair design of various types of foundation failures both commercially and residentially.  Andrew also works as a structural consultant assessing the structural integrity and serviceability of various structural systems for various clients.  Additionally, Andrew regularly speaks as an expert on the topic of foundation failures and foundation repair procedures to home inspector associations and engineering firms within the mid-atlantic region.  

Register