Dearborn Principles of Home Inspection: Systems and Standards, 3rd Edition (Paperback)—Comprehensive Home Inspection Book with Updated Material

This is an excellent book for anyone studying to become a Home Inspector and for anyone that is already a Home Inspector. It covers all of the systems that are required to be inspected under the ASHI Standards of Practice. The first unit covers the ASHI SOP and Code of Ethics. The next 12 units cover all of the individual systems that are required to be inspected. Each unit has a quiz at the end with a full answer key in the back of the book.Each Unit has individual topics that are clearly explained. Each topic has a learning objective followed by an explanation of how the system functions when in good condition and implications (potential damage) for a faulty system. These are followed by a strategy for inspecting that area and what to look for. There are illustrations throughout the book to help clarify more complex topics.I'm simplifying a book that is much more comprehensive than I can explain in this review. It isn't cheap but, in my opinion, It's well worth the extra cost. I gave the unit titles below, since they aren't listed in the description and there is no preview for the book. (Just FYI: I also have "The Complete Guide to Home Inspection" by Robinson and Litchfield. It's a very good book if you're looking for something that is a quick read (311 pages) and a fraction of the price.)The unit titles are as follows:Unit 1- Standards and ReportsUnit 2- ExteriorsUnit 3- RoofingUnit 4- StructureUnit 5- Insulation and VentilationUnit 6- InteriorsUnit 7- Electrical SystemsUnit 8- Gas FurnacesUnit 9- Oil FurnacesUnit 10- Hot Water BoilersUnit 11- Other Aspects of Heating (this is chimneys, vents, fireplaces)Unit 12- Air Conditioning and Heat PumpsUnit 13- PlumbingAppendix A- Planning and MarketingAnswer KeyGlossary

Mike Holmes would be proud. One of the problems with any home inspection is that the inspector isn't allowed to tear into the ceilings or walls or rip up the toilet to see that the flange is broken. It's a visual inspection only. And lots of home buyers mistakenly think their Realtor is there to help them, so they ask for a referral for an inspector. I'm sure not EVERY inspector is in cahoots with the Realtor, but it's never a good idea to go with the Realtor's recommendation without vetting the inspector. The Realtor is there to sell the house. Yes, the book is expensive, but if it saves you a penny over what it cost, you've saved money.

The resource book is an exhaustive and complete text to prepare for the national examination. The system approach gives the potential candidate measure for measure information for familiarization and studying. The end of unit questions provide a valuable learning tool. Recommend this book, highly.

Loads of information and very well drawn pictures/ illustrations. I can see why it is THE textbook for home inspection students. Using this book in conjunction with a class.

Very well constructed book. Only one thing about it that I find concerning…the length…this book is over 1,000 pages of material. Lol. It is NOT for the faint of heart or the occasional reader. This is a serious book with serious views on each subject and will take time to study..but, it is a great precursor to a formal class or testing. Highly recommend this book to anyone looking to become a home-inspector or increase their knowledge on home structures and how they work.

This manual is a complete overview of what a Home Inspector should be aware of when doing the job. It does not have state or local regulations but its a solid education.

Paid $158 for a damaged book!!! Extremely FRUSTRATING!

A good long read