Editor

Plano, TX - November 2 Dallas based software developer, Onclarity Inc., has just launched what it claims is the world’s first hands-free voice-activated home inspection software. According to Onclarity, the new program – Interspect Voiceâ„¢ – eliminates the need for other hand-held devices, enabling inspectors to document their findings via a wireless headset. Many inspectors document their on-site findings using digital voice recorders, but Onclarity says that this is much more than that. The program is said to use an inspector’s voice commands to quickly and accurately indicate inspection status, transcribe voice comments, record inspection notes, and insert pre-defined comments and issues, commonly known as “boilerplate,â€

JLC LIVE leads the residential construction industry with its innovative mix of conference seminars, intensive training programs, and a dynamic expo featuring how-to job-site workshops, hands-on installation clinics, hundreds of new tools, products, services, and more! Where: Washington State Convention & Trade Center, Seattle, WA When: November 7-10. Pre-Conference: November 7, 2006 Conference: November 8-10, 2006 Expo: November 9-10, 2006 JLC LIVE is the most complete, interactive construction tradeshow ever developed. Experience all the aspects pertinent to your business from start to finish. Attend over 50 conference sessions available to inspire and enlighten you with more effective and efficient business practices, then get up close and personal with our Industry experts as they invite you to get hands-on with our exclusive how-to clinics and workshops. Now get the tools to get the job done; see, try and buy the latest, cutting edge products available at the Industry's original interactive Expo. Show Schedule November 7, 2006 Pre-Conference Sessions, Certification/Designation Sessions November 8, 2006 Full-Day Intensives & Expert Tutorials JLC LIVE Happy Hour November 9, 2006 Conference Seminars Expo 9 am - 5 pm Networking Party November 10, 2006 Conference Seminars Expo 9 am - 3 pm

As homes sales and regular home inspections slow, inspectors are looking for more ways to expand their range of services and some are now doing energy audits. This article in the Belleville News Democrat describes one such program. To learn more, click here.

Inspectors whose services include mold inspections and sampling as well as indoor air quality assessments, can sometimes find it difficult to obtain insurance at a reasonable cost. With this in mind, the Indoor Air Quality Association launced a new insurance program last year. The IAQA program, which includes pollution coverage, general liability and professional liability/errors and omissions coverage is available to home inspectors, IAQ contractors as well as consultants and other IAQ professionals. According to IAQA, its members saved an average of 22% over comparable coverage through other sources last year. The hitch? To be eligible for the IAQA insurance program, a firm must belong to the association. To learn more click here.

This article in the online edition of the Port Huron Times Herals clearly illustrates how the media and the home-buying public that hires inspectos still can't seem to comprehend the meaning of "exposed to view and accessible at the time and date of the inspection."

This article in the Greenwood Commonwealth online edition, explains why modular homes, which would be ideal to speed up the process of rebuilding on the Mississippi gulf coast, are still not being seen in large numbers in Mississippi. In a related story in the Insurance Journal, Mississippi lawmakers weigh tax breaks for modular homes, in order to speed-up rebuilding.

In this Inman News Q & A column featured on Mortgage101.com, Barry Stone explains to a real estate agent why a home inspection is always a good idea - even in a very hot, competetive market. To read the entire article, click here.

Need to make your client or that obstinate contractor understand why through-wall flashings and weeps are used with brick veneer and why they are necessary? Direct them to this short explanatory video on HGTVPro.com. For other Best Practices Videos click here.

This Woodbits article in the August 2006 Building Safety Journal written by Ted J. Osterberger, P.E.; David M. Nelson, P.E.; and Frank E. Woeste, Ph.D., P.E., explains the importance of proper lateral support for engineered lumber beams used as window and door headers. There are some very important considerations here for those inspectors who inspect a lot of new homes built with engineered lumber products. To read the entire article click here.

Hi Al, That generates a log-in box and subscription cost notice for me. That's OK, David Bauner, Working RE's Editor, is one of TIJ's sponsors, I'll see if I can get the article and post it. Thanks for pointing us to it. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Jeez Kurt! Shhhhh! OT - OF!!! M.

Looking for partners & investors to found the first American Institute of Building Science & Home Inspection in beautiful downtown Herkimer, N.Y.

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