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Home Inspection terms, defined

Plain definitions of the home inspection words that come up on estimates, inspections and supplier calls, written for home inspectors. Each term says where it matters on the job and links the Koira calculator, cost guide or template that goes with it.

B

Shared with InsulationBlower door testA blower door test uses a calibrated fan in a doorway to pressurize or depressurize a house and measure how leaky it is.

C

Home InspectionCarbon monoxide alarmA carbon monoxide alarm senses the odorless gas from fuel burning appliances, attached garages and blocked vents and sounds an alarm.

D

Shared with ElectricalDouble tapA double tap is two wires under one breaker terminal that is only made for one.

E

Shared with WaterproofingEfflorescenceEfflorescence is the white, powdery salt deposit left on concrete, brick or block when water moves through it and evaporates at the surface.

G

Shared with ElectricalGFCI outletA GFCI is a ground-fault circuit interrupter: a receptacle or breaker that shuts off power in a fraction of a second when current leaks to ground, such as through a person.

H

Home InspectionHome inspection reportA home inspection report is the written findings of a visual inspection of a house's systems and condition, usually with photos, for a buyer, seller or owner.

M

Shared with RestorationMoisture meterA moisture meter reads the water content of wood, drywall or concrete, either through pins pushed into the material or with a pinless sensor on the surface.

P

Shared with PlumbingPolybutylene pipePolybutylene is a gray or blue plastic supply pipe used in many homes decades ago that is prone to failing at fittings and from within.Home InspectionPre-listing inspectionA pre-listing inspection is a home inspection the seller orders before putting the house on the market, to find and fix problems before buyers see them.

R

Home InspectionRadon testA radon test measures the level of radon, a radioactive gas from the ground, in a home's lowest lived in level with a short or long term test device.

S

Shared with PlumbingSewer camera inspectionA sewer camera inspection runs a waterproof camera on a cable through the sewer line to see cracks, roots, bellies and blockages.Home InspectionSmoke alarmA smoke alarm is a self contained device that senses smoke and sounds an alarm.

W

Home InspectionWDO inspectionA WDO inspection looks for termites and other wood destroying insects and fungus, often required by lenders in some areas, and is done on a set state form.Shared with Masonry and HardscapeWeep holesWeep holes are small openings at the bottom of a brick or stone veneer wall, right above the flashing, that let water out of the air space behind.

More for home inspectors: free home inspection tools, templates and guides and how the trade runs on Koira. Or browse the whole glossary.

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Standard⚡ Turbo

● Koira did it● You by hand

Today $9,300$8,100 / $1,200

This week $25,050$18,570 / $6,480

This month $69,300$46,150 / $23,150

Money, just now

Reminded Sean Love, $1,850. Polite reminder with the pay link.

Bids, 9:44 am

Nudged Dana on the kitchen bid. Day 3 follow up. She opened it at 9:12.

Convos, 9:41 am

Texted back a missed call. Walk through booked Thu 10:00.

Home Inspection Glossary: Terms and Definitions | Koira