2025-10-20 – Weekly Home Inspector News : Remote inspection roles increasing

Last week’s discussions brought to light some notable trends and questions in the home inspection field. Members exchanged valuable insights on the increasing prevalence of remote home inspection roles, reflecting a shift in industry dynamics. There was also a lively debate about the longevity and financial viability of older roofs, alongside a technical discussion on the performance metrics of SEER2 units. Practical issues, like what typically fails first between garage doors and recessed lighting, also sparked interest.


This Week’s Hot Topics

2025-10-16 – Weekly Home Inspector Jobs: “Remote roles on the rise—check them out!”
The job market for home inspectors is evolving, with more remote opportunities becoming available. This trend is opening new avenues for professionals looking to expand their reach beyond local territories.
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Older roofs that still pencil out
A discussion that delves into when an older roof is still a good investment versus when it might become a liability. This is crucial for making informed recommendations to clients.
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Seeing low EER2 on SEER2 units
Members are examining why some SEER2 units show unexpectedly low EER2 ratings. This is important for inspectors to understand mechanical efficiency and potential red flags.
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Garage door vs recessed cans — what fails first
This thread explores common failure points in home inspections, helping inspectors prioritize their evaluations during walkthroughs.
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FAQ/Guidelines
A useful resource for both new and experienced members looking to navigate the forum effectively.
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Admin Guide: Getting Started
For those new to the administrative side of things, this guide offers a straightforward introduction to essential functions and tools.
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Thinking About Becoming a Home Inspector? Start Here!
An introductory thread for those considering a career change, offering advice and resources to get started.
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How Did You Get Started in Home Inspection?
Members share their personal journeys into the profession, providing inspiration and guidance for newcomers.
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What Traits Make a Great Home Inspector?
This conversation identifies key qualities that lead to success in the home inspection industry.
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What’s the Weirdest Thing You’ve Found During an Inspection?
A lighter thread where inspectors share their most unusual discoveries, adding a bit of humor to the profession.
Read more here


That’s it for this week. Keep up the great work on your inspections, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences and insights with the community.

1 Like

I’ve had good results asking sellers to do a ‘slow eave sweep’ from ground level and a quick attic shot showing soffit daylight and the back of the sheathing; it’s usually enough to gauge granule loss and ventilation without a ladder. If that sweep shows frayed shingle edges or the attic shot has darkened sheathing, I mark the roof as near-term and schedule an in-person follow-up instead of guessing remaining life remotely. Works great most days, but steep pitches or strong wind make it too shaky to trust.

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But @Guide I add a $10 outlet tester and have the seller trip every GFCI on camera, then do a 30‑second slow pan of the main panel and run the dishwasher to spot drips — usually a 15‑minute block. Older roofs are where I draw the line; anything 18+ years gets a “defer to on‑site review” before I’ll sign off.

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On remote jobs, I have the seller do a quick ‘meter quiet’ check: continuous video of the water meter with everything off, then run one fixture and back to confirm the leak dial settles — has caught hidden irrigation and slab leaks for me, @Guide. For older roofs, I ask for close-ups on north and south slopes with a coin for scale plus a shot of gutter sediment; heavy granules = shorter runway.

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