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Re: Hello - New to the forum
Hi Mark
I recently started on this site as well. I also had many decades in commercial building and residential building as well as inspecting (most residential). I did find myself slipping somewhat by avoiding direct explanation about my findings other than just what I found wrong in a home with a brief explanation. I still will do not quote specifics about code other than what it has to do with my findings and then directing them to a specialist in the field for further technically exhaustive evaluation of that concern. My explanations started to become so simplistic that it was bothering me. I lived in 2 states that did not require licensing. Upon moving to Texas where there is licensing and particular guidelines we must follow and continuing ed that one must have I lost serious touch with going into the code books and keeping up with any association. Saying to myself, why do I need an association if all the rules and educational requirements are the same in my state.
I am now opening those books back up and also going on sites like this and getting back in touch with a slightly more technical report. No matter how much you are trying to maintain exactly what you are, a generalist and wish to stay a generalist as a home inspector you still have to be able to back your self up with the technical end of home inspection. When I first came on here (and even now) when I answer a question someone posted I will answer it like they are the happy home buyer client instead of a technical answer and admittedly sounding like an idiot. Most home buyers need an explanation they can grasp. I was finding just how simplistic I became. After hundreds of inspections a year since I moved to Texas and talking with so many home buyers I was loosing touch with my back ground verbally.
I find my head swimming at night trying to get to sleep after going on sites like this and literally looking up answers as if being tested. Most of the time I just read particular threads to see exactly what these folks are asking and then reading them later to see the answers given. I guess I am just recharging the brain cells. In fact I do know the answer to most of the posts but I hold back until I am sure I completely know the answer and feel comfortable that I could explain that answer to a home owner. Trying to find that happy medium between generalist, technical, legal protected and simplistic.
54 years old and untold, countless inspections over the years and being back in school. I guess the moral of this story is I should have never left school. Both myself and clients can only benefit from it.
Nice talking to you
Ted
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