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| Preface | |
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| Instructions to the Student | |
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| The Business of Home Inspection | |
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| An Introduction to the Professional Home Inspection | |
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| Key Terms / Learning Objectives | |
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| Home Inspection Defined | |
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| Your Questions Answered | |
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| Important Points | |
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| Chapter Review | |
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| Field Study Assignment | |
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| Review Questions | |
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| Answer Key | |
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| The Home Inspection Business | |
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| Key Terms / Learning Objectives | |
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| Owning Your Own Business | |
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| Types of Business Organizations | |
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| Protecting Yourself and Your Business | |
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| Employing Others | |
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| Operating a Home Inspection Office | |
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| Working for Others | |
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| Important Points | |
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| Chapter Review | |
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| Field Study Assignments 1-5 | |
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| Review Questions | |
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| Answer Key | |
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| Land Use Regulations | |
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| Key Terms / Learning Objectives | |
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| Private Land Use Controls: Deed Restrictions | |
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| The Residential Subdivision | |
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| Public Land Use Controls | |
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| Police Power | |
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| Taxation | |
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| Eminent Domain | |
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| Power of Escheat | |
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| Local Authority | |
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| Zoning Classifications | |
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| Local Land Use Planning | |
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| Standards, Laws, and Regulations | |
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| Building Codes | |
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| Important Points | |
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| Chapter Review | |
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| Field Study Assignments 1-3 | |
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| Review Questions | |
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| Answer Key | |
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| The Home Inspection Process | |
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| Home Inspection Procedure and Reporting | |
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| Key Terms / Learning Objectives | |
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| Gaining Experience | |
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| Learning from Others | |
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| Tools of the Trade | |
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| On-Site Equipment | |
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| Office Equipment | |
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| Home Inspection Procedure | |
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| Client Information Form | |
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| Pre-Inspection Agreement | |
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| Examining the Property | |
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| The Home Inspection Report | |
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| Checklist Report | |
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| Rating System Report | |
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| Narrative Report | |
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| Narrative Report with Checklist or Rating System | |
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| The Final Inspection Report | |
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| Important Points | |
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| Chapter Review | |
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| Field Study Assignments 1-4 | |
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| Review Questions | |
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| Answer Key | |
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| Inspecting the Site | |
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| Key Terms / Learning Objectives | |
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| Industry Standards | |
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| Site Topography | |
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| Drainage and Grading | |
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| Slope | |
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| Soil Quality and Grading of Land | |
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| Groundwater and the Water Table | |
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| Footing Drain Tile | |
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| Landscaping | |
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| Trees | |
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| Shrubs and Flower Beds | |
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| Retaining Walls | |
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| Walkways, Driveways, and Other Paved and Masonry Areas | |
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| Steps and Stoops | |
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| Patios, Porches, Attached Decks, and Balconies | |
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| Patios | |
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| Porches | |
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| Decks | |
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| Balconies | |
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| Important Points | |
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| Chapter Review | |
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| Field Study Assignments 1-3 | |
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| Review Questions | |
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| Answer Key | |
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| Inspecting the Exterior | |
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| Key Terms / Learning Objectives | |
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| Scope of the Exterior Inspection | |
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| Foundation and Footings | |
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| Foundation Walls | |
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| Slab-on-Grade Construction | |
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| Structure Framing | |
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| Flooring | |
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| Walls | |
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| Framing Types | |
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| Windows | |
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| Doors | |
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| Trim | |
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| Ceiling and Roof Framing | |
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| Flashing | |
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| Soffit, Fascia, and Frieze Board | |
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| Roofing Materials | |
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| Roof Projection Components | |
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| Chimneys | |
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| Skylights | |
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| Vent Stacks | |
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| Roof Vents | |
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| Exterior Covering | |
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| Aluminum and Vinyl Siding | |
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| Wood Siding | |
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| Brick | |
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| Stucco | |
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| Exterior Insulating Finish System | |
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| Important Points | |
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| Chapter Review | |
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| Field Study Assignments 1-2 | |
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| Review Questions | |
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| Answer Key | |
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| Inspecting the Interior | |
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| Key Terms / Learning Objectives | |
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| Scope of the Interior Inspection | |
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| Basic Inspection Procedure | |
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| Doors and Locking Mechanisms | |
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| Walls, Ceilings, and Floors | |
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| Walls | |
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| Ceilings | |
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| Floors | |
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| Insulation and Vapor Barriers | |
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| Insulation Types and Locations | |
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| Vapor Barriers | |
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| Attic | |
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| Opening and Accessibility | |
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| Insulation | |
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| Wiring | |
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| Ventilation | |
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| Garage | |
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| Detached Garage | |
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| Doors and Door Operators | |
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| Basement | |
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| Crawl Spaces | |
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| Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances | |
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| Types of Fireplaces and SFB Appliances | |
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| Fireplace and SFB Appliance Components | |
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| Important Points | |
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| Chapter Review | |
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| Field Study Assignments 1-2 | |
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| Review Questions | |
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| Answer Key | |
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| Inspecting the Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Systems | |
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| Key Terms / Learning Objectives | |
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| Scope of the Inspection | |
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| Plumbing System | |
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| Water Supply Systems | |
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| Sanitary Waste Systems | |
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| On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems | |
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| Pipes | |
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| Heating Systems | |
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| Heating Fuel and Power | |
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| Air-Conditioning | |
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| Major Components | |
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| Combination Systems | |
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| Heat Pumps | |
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| Water Heaters | |
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| Types of Heaters | |
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| Kitchens and Bathrooms | |
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| Plumbing Fixture Types | |
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| Important Points | |
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| Chapter Review | |
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| Field Study Assignments 1-2 | |
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| Review Questions | |
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| Answer Key | |
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| Inspecting the Electrical System | |
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| Key Terms / Learning Objectives | |
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| Scope of the Electrical Inspection | |
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| Inspection Procedure | |
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| Electricity | |
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| Conductors | |
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| Voltage and Amperage | |
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| Incoming Service | |
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| Service Entrance Cable | |
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| Grounding | |
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| Meter | |
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| Main Panel Board | |
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| Main Disconnect | |
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| Circuit Breakers and Fuses | |
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| Wiring Materials | |
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| Wire Size | |
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| Aluminum Wiring | |
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| BX Cable | |
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| Romex Cable | |
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| Conduit | |
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| Junction Boxes and Outlets | |
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| Outlets | |
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| Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter | |
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| Smoke Detectors | |
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| Important Points | |
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| Chapter Review | |
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| Field Study Assignments 1-2 | |
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| Review Questions | |
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| Answer Key | |
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| Recognizing Environment Issues | |
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| Key Terms / Learning Objectives | |
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| Environmental Testing Liability Issues | |
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| Air Quality | |
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| Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation | |
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| Biological Agents and Allergens | |
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| Water Quality and Flow | |
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| Toxic Elements and Real Property | |
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| Radon | |
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| Lead | |
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| Asbestos | |
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| Electromagnetic Fields | |
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| Underground Storage Tanks | |
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| Wood-Eating Pests | |
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| Termites | |
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| Powderpost Beetles | |
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| Carpenter Ants | |
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| Carpenter Bees | |
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| Important Points | |
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| Chapter Review | |
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| Field Study Assignments 1-2 | |
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| Review Questions | |
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| Answer Key | |
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| Workbook and Study Guide | |
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| Instructions to the Student | |
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| Chapter-by-Chapter Review | |
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| 50-Question Home Inspection Diagnostic Exam | |
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| Workbook Answer Key | |
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| American Society of Home Inspectors Standards of Practice | |
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| National Association of Home Inspectors Standards of Practice | |
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| National Association of Certified Home Inspectors Standards of Practice | |
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| Home Inspection Organizations | |
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| Glossary | |
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| Index | |