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Child safety around pools and spas is paramount - approximately 400 children die annually in pool-related accidents. Though technically out of scope, many inspectors examine these critical safety barriers. Learn the specifications for fences, walls, and gates designed to prevent unauthorized access. Understand self-closing and self-latching requirements, proper gate swing direction, and height specifications. We'll cover house wall openings, window and door requirements, alarm systems, and common defects that compromise safety.

For complete training with visual materials, practice exams, and certification support, visit nhiexamprep.com

© 2025 National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast. All rights reserved.

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Master the inspection of horizontal exterior surfaces that provide access and recreational space. Learn recommended widths, proper materials, and construction techniques for concrete, asphalt, flagstone, and pavers. Understand the importance of subbase preparation, slope requirements, and crack control joints. We'll identify common defects including settlement, uplift, cracking, and surface deterioration. Discover safety issues like trip hazards, standing water, and steep slopes that create dangerous conditions.

For complete training with visual materials, practice exams, and certification support, visit nhiexamprep.com

© 2025 National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast. All rights reserved.

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Trees, shrubs, and landscaping can either protect or damage a home. Learn when vegetation is in scope for home inspections and how to identify plants that threaten wall coverings, roof systems, and foundations. Understand the dangers of tree roots to underground plumbing, walkways, and foundations. We'll cover proper clearances, fire safety in wildfire-prone areas, and the impact of irrigation systems. Discover safety hazards including obscured visibility, falling trees, and metal guy wires.

For complete training with visual materials, practice exams, and certification support, visit nhiexamprep.com

© 2025 National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast. All rights reserved.

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Water management around a foundation is critical for preventing costly damage. This episode examines how proper grading and drainage systems protect homes from water intrusion, soil expansion, frost heave, and foundation damage. Learn why earth should slope 6 inches in the first 10 feet and how to identify drainage defects. We'll explore common drainage systems including swales, French drains, catch basins, and underground pipes. Discover the relationship between natural slope, neighboring properties, and potential water problems.

For complete training with visual materials, practice exams, and certification support, visit nhiexamprep.com

© 2025 National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast. All rights reserved.

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Explore the world of retaining walls - structures that hold earth and prevent erosion while adding usable space to sloping lots. Learn about common materials including wood, masonry, poured concrete, precast blocks, and natural stone. Discover essential construction techniques, drainage requirements, and structural components like tiebacks and deadmen. We'll cover typical defects inspectors encounter including rotation, bowing, cracking, deterioration, and drainage failures. Understand when walls require engineered designs and how to identify safety issues.

For complete training with visual materials, practice exams, and certification support, visit nhiexamprep.com

© 2025 National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast. All rights reserved.

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Discover what home inspectors need to examine beyond the house itself. This foundational episode covers the essential inspection scope for site conditions including driveways, drainage systems, retaining walls, and vegetation. Learn critical terminology every inspector must know: barriers, culverts, deadmen, drainage systems, grading, landscape blocks, retaining walls, swales, and more. We'll clarify what's in scope versus out of scope, including swimming pool and spa access barriers, and explain why site conditions are crucial for long-term property integrity.

For complete training with visual materials, practice exams, and certification support, visit nhiexamprep.com

© 2025 National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast. All rights reserved.

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Conclude the series with guidance on inspecting refrigerators and freezers, appliances often considered personal property but crucial to evaluate when included in home sales. Learn why inspectors should never move these appliances, understand the sizing challenges with modern French door models in older homes, and discover proper electrical circuit requirements including why GFCI protection should be avoided. We cover door gasket inspection, interior temperature assessment, ice and water dispenser testing, and how to identify appliances nearing end of service life. Special attention is given to built-in models requiring anti-tip devices and the unique considerations for different door swing directions.

For complete training with visual materials, practice exams, and certification support, visit nhiexamprep.com

© 2025 National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast. All rights reserved.

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Explore the inspection of trash compactors, an appliance once common in higher-end homes but now less frequently encountered. Learn the difference between built-in and portable models, understand when inspection is required by Standards of Practice, and discover proper testing procedures. We cover pre-operation safety checks, proper bag installation for valid testing, and how to determine if the compactor is actually functioning. Understand electrical circuit recommendations, proper cabinet attachment requirements, and common defects including rust, deterioration, and failed compression mechanisms. Includes optional inspection guidance for door seals and control condition.

For complete training with visual materials, practice exams, and certification support, visit nhiexamprep.com

© 2025 National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast. All rights reserved.