Originally published as The Complete Book of Home Inspection, this book has been updated to cover current building materials; construction techniques; and home-heating, electrical and plumbing systems. The book guides the reader through the house and shows them how to determine the soundness of many of its components. There is a new chapter on important environmental and energy concerns, and illustrations designed to help readers identify common household structural problems. It also includes inspection checklists and worksheets. The author is president of a home inspection firm and was instrumental in the formation of the American Society of Home Inspectors.