OC: Inspecting Historical Structures

When inspecting a Historical Structure, you're taking a step into the past.  It is a simple fact that America's housing inventory is growing older while the average age of home inspectors is getting younger. Many inspection challenges are associated with this, the main one being knowledge transfer in inspecting an aging structure and the unique items/systems/components encountered. There is risk versus reward for the newer inspector when you get the call to inspect that 100+-year-old structure, which has likely gone through several modernizations or has been recently “flipped.”   
This course will examine what an official “historical structure” is, how it is defined and registered, and some pre-inspection/risk management considerations using unique disclaimers. It will also include the identification of American Historical Structure Styles so you can identify the style you are inspecting.
Not all properties will have an official historic designation, so we will draw a line in the sand for any structure built before 1960 and consider them as historical.  This is because many of these structures, designated or flipped, will expose the inspector to unconventional construction methods (not up to code) and outdated yet fascinating never-before-seen components and materials, making the inspection exciting and possibly risky.
No single course can address the age-old craftsmanship of theses beauties or some of the hidden deficiencies to be encountered after a renovation (flip).  With this course we hope to expose you to some of the basics of aging foundations and framing designs by using Case Studies and share what Senior Home Inspectors have to say on the inspection of historic / flipped structure.  Further, we will address proper Risk Management for business protection, all while leveraging your current inspection knowledge and experience.
Any structure that has been around for 100+ years has been exposed to years of potential neglect/decay, coupled with multiple owners, poor maintenance workmanship, concealed defects. All this presents inspection risk; therefore, we will conclude with not only the charm of these structure but also a look at hidden deficiencies, aging materials, and how you can follow many of the clues to draw conclusions in inspection findings. 
Your client is likely looking at their dream home, which makes the results of your inspection even more critical. This course is designed to expose you to unique historical structure designs and very possibly unique inspection methods, allowing you to provide a quality inspection and successfully answer your clients’ questions.