Bathroom plumbing gets a lot of wear and tear, and is the most likely place in the house for leaks to develop. That's why bathroom plumbing is one of the most scrutinized items on the home inspector's checklist. Moreover, much of the plumbing in the bathroom, particularly for the shower and bathtub, is inaccessible, so that if and when leaks do occur they can go unnoticed for a long time. This can result in unwanted moisture damaging wood and/or attracting infestations of wood-destroying organisms.

I inspect bathroom plumbing methodically, deliberately, and thoroughly because of this significance and these ramifications. I have completed proper training, been the recipient of invaluable mentorship, and picked up some plumber secrets along the way. Allow me to share my approach to inspecting a bathroom and all of its varied plumbing.

The home inspection trade sees many different kinds of clients, but the overwhelmingly predominant type is the homebuyer. The successful home inspection business is good at identifying its target audience and at marketing to it. Historically, the marketing target was almost exclusively the real estate agent, as his or her referrals were the only source of clients. This meant that the needs of the client were subordinate to the desires, whims, and dictates of the agent. Modern technology enables the home inspection firm to gear its marketing directly to the public, thereby gaining some independence from agents and allowing the home inspector to focus on serving the client primarily, who is, after all, paying him.

Most home inspection clients are motivated, if not by caution, by prudence. They want to avoid getting stuck with a money pit. But a home inspection typically helps the buyer in ways other than simply allaying fear. With his training, proper licensing, and insurance, the home inspector gives the client an idea of what to expect down the road, explains how to maintain and service the appliances and systems in his new home, and in general brings the homebuyer an assurance, a satisfaction, a peace of mind. Let's examine certain aspects of the business to see how this is accomplished specifically.

As a home inspector who wants to stay in business, I have a plan that covers important aspects such as marketing, advertising, and target audience, and I track performance to that plan. As a home inspector who cares about ethics and reputation, I diligently try to avoid compromising situations that could tarnish my name and/or result in a disservice for my clients. Unfortunately, these two goals or missions sometimes seem to be at odds. What keeps me going is the sincere desire to be not just a good home inspector but one the client trusts and who is recognized as an expert, an authority.

Traditionally, the home inspector relied exclusively on referrals from real estate agents. To keep the referrals coming, pleasing the agent was primary and meeting the needs of the client, secondary. Thoroughness took a back seat to precautionary measures not to "kill the deal." In a way, the agent really worked for the seller (whence his commission) and the home inspector really worked for the agent; neither put the client at the top of their lists. In my book, such did not deserve the label, "good." Fortunately, today's laws are stronger and opportunities exist to break the traditional mold. Let's examine some of the ways a home inspector can distinguish himself and earn that "good" label.