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Forensic investigation:
This article series aids building inspectors & building failure investigators & indoor environmental investigators with access to tools & methods useful across a range of disciplines ranging from forensic engineering & building inspections types of laboratory test methods and forensic microscopy.
While some of the forensic methods and microchemistry used in these techniques have their origins in criminal forensic investigative methods, our focus is not on crime but on buildings and the indoor environment. Page top: TNT crystallizing during a forensic test procedure in the classroom.
We also provide a MASTER INDEX to this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need.
Building Failures & Indoor Environment Investigation Tools, Methods, & References
Here we list key articles discussing methods & procedures for scientific and rigorous investigation of building conditions, defects, hazards.
To find what you need quickly, if you don't want to scroll through this index you are welcome to use the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX to search InspectApedia for specific articles and information.
Definition of Forensic Investigation of Buildings & the Building-Environment
The detection diagnosis, and identification of the cause, effects, and thus possible remedy of building defects or failures and of building-related environmental complaints or hazards using physical evidence and scientifically and mathematically sound methods, guided by a sufficiently-broad investigation scope as to reasonably-assure that key factors are not excluded.
The terms forensic and science imply the forming of opinions through a disciplined approach rather than just speculation. This approach to building investigation includes the disciplined professions such as architecture, engineering, chemistry, professional home inspection, as well as science, mathematics, and forensic microscopy but also the wealth of diagnostic information arising from the various building trades.
Experienced building failure and indoor environmental complaint investigators, and even home inspectors and contractors of more humble scope are likely to agree that in any such investigation (why did the foundation crack, why did one section of my roof blow off, why does my house smell, why is my basement wet, why does my heat keep going off) the most effective forensic investigation approach will combine at least the following:
Client & site information: the building forensic investigator conducts a careful interview of the building owners, occupants, or clients to understand the concern or complaint, and to consider, without pre-determined prejudice or conclusion, the observations of the client or others. Checklists, data logs, and similar documents can assist in this step.
Building construction materials, site conditions, and event history: by visual inspection and where available consultation of appropriate documentation, the building investigator considers the individual and the interrelated effects of the building's materials, site, exposure, architecture, and maintenance history.
For cases in which the known problem is not patently obvious, or where the investigator is open to discovery of less evident but important contributors to a building failure or environmental complaint, this process, especially when informed by information about the site & from client above, can identify targets for more in-depth or perhaps invasive inspection and testing.
Building & environmental physical measurements & tests where appropriate, such as tests of materials, contents, or samples that are conducted to identify contaminants, to study material failures, etc. However reliance on blind tests alone, without the other steps above, is likely to give unreliable results.
Diagnosis & recommendations: based on all of the information gathered, the forensic investigator constructs, tests, documents, and then provides a reasoned explanation of the cause, effect, and possibly the recommended remedy for the building or building environment concern under investigation.
Other Definitions of Forensic Investigation
As will be readily evident from formal definitions of fields of non-criminal-related or police forensic investigation work given below, the definition of forensic science and building investigation are somewhat confusing, sometimes contradictory, and often narrowly drawn to legal concerns or to confine its scope to performance within a specific profession. This narrowing is necessary for certain fields of investigation, particularly legal work. The more narrow definitions below also appear to reflect the protection of the turf of some practitioners.
Forensic Science
The application of scientific knowledge and methodology to legal problems and criminal investigations. - http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/ 11/15/2013
Forensic Architecture
The presentation of spatial analysis within the contemporary legal and political forums. Their practice combines the principles of property surveying, structural engineering, the physics of blast forces and the chemistry of composite materials.
The project undertakes research that maps, images, and models sites of violence within the framework of humanitarian law and human rights. - composite adapted from Wikipedia 11/14/13 & the Centre for Research Architecture, Department of Visual Cultures, U.K., http://www.forensic-architecture.org/ 11/14/2013
Forensic Engineering
The investigation of materials, products, structures or components that fail or do not operate or function as intended, causing personal injury or damage to property. - Wikipedia 11/14/2013
The application of the art and science of engineering in matters which are in, or may possibly relate to, the jurisprudence system, inclusive of alternative dispute resolution. - National Academy of Forensic Engineers - NAFE: 1991
Forensic Building Science & Investigation
The investigation, resolution and prevention of construction related defects and ensuing damage. - example drawn from a private engineering firm, http://forensicbuilding.com/ 11/14/2013
Forensic Building & Environment Investigation Topics at InspectApedia
Note: try using the InspectApedia search box in the light blue area near page top to find any building or indoor environmental topic inspection, detection, diganosis or repair topic at InspectApedia. CONTACT US if after a search you cannot find information you need.
Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss. John Wiley & Sons, 2006. ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, Hardcover: 320 pages, available from Amazon.com and also Wiley.com. See our book review of this publication.
Building Failures, Diagnosis and Avoidance, Ransom, W.H., E. & F.N. Spon, (19877), ISBN 0 419 14260 6
Building Pathology, Deterioration, Diagnostics, and Intervention, Samuel Y. Harris, P.E., AIA, Esq., ISBN 0-471-33172-4, John Wiley & Sons, 2001 [General building science-DF] ISBN-10: 0471331724 ISBN-13: 978-0471331728
Building Pathology: Principles and Practice, David Watt, Wiley-Blackwell; 2 edition (March 7, 2008) ISBN-10: 1405161035 ISBN-13: 978-1405161039
Construction Drawings and Details, Rosemary Kilmer
Dampness in Buildings, Diagnosis, Treatment, Instruments, Oxley,T.A., & Gobert E.G., Butterworths (1987), ISBN 0-40801463-6
Decks and Porches, the JLC Guide to, Best Practices for Outdoor Spaces, Steve Bliss (Editor), The Journal of Light Construction, Williston VT, 2010 ISBN 10: 1-928580-42-4, ISBN 13: 978-1-928580-42-3, available from Amazon.com
Diagnosing & Repairing House Structure Problems, Edgar O. Seaquist, McGraw Hill, 1980 ISBN 0-07-056013-7 (obsolete, incomplete, missing most diagnosis steps, but very good reading; out of print but used copies are available at Amazon.com, and reprints are available from some inspection tool suppliers). Ed Seaquist was among the first speakers invited to a series of educational conferences organized by D Friedman for ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors, where the topic of inspecting the in-service condition of building structures was first addressed.
Design of Wood Structures - ASD, Donald E. Breyer, Kenneth Fridley, Kelly Cobeen, David Pollock, McGraw Hill, 2003, ISBN-10: 0071379320, ISBN-13: 978-0071379328 This book is an update of a long-established text dating from at least 1988 (DJF); Quoting:
This book is gives a good grasp of seismic design for wood structures. Many of the examples especially near the end are good practice for the California PE Special Seismic Exam design questions. It gives a good grasp of how seismic forces move through a building and how to calculate those forces at various locations.THE CLASSIC TEXT ON WOOD DESIGN UPDATED TO INCLUDE THE LATEST CODES AND DATA.
Reflects the most recent provisions of the 2003 International Building Code and 2001 National Design Specification for Wood Construction. Continuing the sterling standard set by earlier editions, this indispensable reference clearly explains the best wood design techniques for the safe handling of gravity and lateral loads.
Carefully revised and updated to include the new 2003 International Building Code, ASCE 7-02 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, the 2001 National Design Specification for Wood Construction, and the most recent Allowable Stress Design.
Building Failures, Diagnosis & Avoidance, 2d Ed., W.H. Ransom, E.& F. Spon, New York, 1987 ISBN 0-419-14270-3
Domestic Building Surveys, Andrew R. Williams, Kindle book, Amazon.com
Defects and Deterioration in Buildings: A Practical Guide to the Science and Technology of Material Failure, Barry Richardson, Spon Press; 2d Ed (2001), ISBN-10: 041925210X, ISBN-13: 978-0419252108. Quoting: A professional reference designed to assist surveyors, engineers, architects and contractors in diagnosing existing problems and avoiding them in new buildings. Fully revised and updated, this edition, in new clearer format, covers developments in building defects, and problems such as sick building syndrome. Well liked for its mixture of theory and practice the new edition will complement Hinks and Cook's student textbook on defects at the practitioner level.
Guide to Domestic Building Surveys, Jack Bower, Butterworth Architecture, London, 1988, ISBN 0-408-50000 X
How Buildings Work, The Natural Order of Architecture, Allen, Edward, Oxford University Press (1980),ISB N 0-19-214952-6 (Great Britain)
Troubleshooting Guide to Residential Construction, The Diagnosis and Prevention of Common Building Problems, Bliss Steven, Ec., The Journal of Light Construction (Eds.), Builderberg Group (1997), IS BN 0-9632268-4-3
Articles & Products
"A Foundation for Unstable Soils," Harris Hyman, P.E., Journal of Light Construction, May 1995
"Avoiding Foundation Failures," Robert Marshall, Journal of Light Construction, July, 1996 (Highly recommend this article-DF)
"Backfilling Basics," Buck Bartley, Journal of Light Construction, October 1994
"Inspecting Block Foundations," Donald V. Cohen, P.E., ASHI Reporter, December 1998. This article in turn cites the Fine Homebuilding article noted below.
"When Block Foundations go Bad," Fine Homebuilding, June/July 1998
Texts on Microscopy, Microchemistry, Particle Identification
[special thanks to Ulrik Runeberg, (See PAINT ANALYSIS USES) Conservator, Laboratorio de Conservacion y Restauracion de Pintura y Escultura, Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Puerto Rico, for providing this superb text to our lab.]
Asbestos Identification, Walter C. McCrone, McCrone Research Institute, Chicago, 1980, ISBN 0-904962-11-3
"Asbestos Floor Tile, Examination of, by White Light Interference Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy," James R. Millett, R.S. Brown, W.M. Ewing, & T.A. Dawson, The Microscope, Vol. 50:4, 2002, pp. 173-178, McCrone Research Institute, Chicago, IL
Fibers, Microscopy of Textile, P.H. Greaves, B.P. Saville, Bios Scientific with the Royal Microscopical Society, 1995, ISBN 1-872748-24-4 (RMS Microscopy Handbook #32)
Forensic Microscopy, McCrone Research Institute, Chicago, course notes, exercises, tables, appendices
Hair: "The Basic Structure of Hair," Hair identification manual, John W. Hicks, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice, 1977
Handbook of Chemical Microscopy, Volume I, 4th ed., Clyde Walter Mason, John Wiley & Sons 1983, ISBN 0-471-57531-3
Handbook of Chemical Microscopy, Volume II, 2nd ed., Emile Monnin Chamot & Clyde Walter Mason, McCrone Research Institute 1989 (republication), ISBN 0-471-57531-3
Particle Manipulation: "An Organized Approach to Isolating and Mounting Small Particles for Polarized Light Microscopy," Anna Teetsov, The Microscope, Vol. 50, 4th Quarter, 2002, McCrone Research Institute, Chicago, 2000 [periodical]
Polarized Light Microscopy, Walter C. McCrone, Lucy B. McCrone, John Gustav Delly, McCrone Research Institute, Chicago, 1984, ISBN 0-250-40262-9
Polymers: "Polymer Identification by Microscopical Dispersion Staining," Stephen A. Skirius, McCrone Research Institute, Chicago
The Microscopical Characters of Artificial Inorganic Solid Substances: Optical Properties of Artificial Minerals, Alexander Newton Winchell, Horace Winchell, McCrone Research Institute, Chicago 1989
The Optical Properties of Organic Compounds, 2nd ed., Alexander N. Winchell, McCrone Research Institute, Chicago 1987 (republication)
Building Forensic Inspection & Testing Tools & Equipment
Building & Environmental Investigation Forensic-level Education
Forensic Science & Forensic Engineering
National Academy of Forensic Engineering (NAFE), Contact: Marvin M. Specter, P.E., L.S., F.NSPE, Hon.M.ASCE, Executive Director NAFE, 174 Brady Avenue
Hawthorne, NY 10532, Tel: 866.NAFEORG, Email: nafe@nafe.orgWebsite: http://www.nafe.org [Focus appears to be on automotive accident investigation but the association aptly points out the shorcomings of any sort of forensic investigation performed by individuals who have only rudimentary training and education in the appropriate sciences and mathematics.] Note this NAFE definition of forensic engineering which is considerably more focused than our own: Forensic Engineering “...is defined as; —the application of the art and science of engineering in matters which are in, or may possibly relate to, the jurisprudence system, inclusive of alternative dispute resolution.“ - National Academy of Forensic Engineers - NAFE: 1991
The Forensic Engineering Curriculum Committee sets curriculum recommendations for universities & colleges offering a forensic engineering degree. There are numerous such programs, perhaps first approached by a simple web search or by contacting the FECC.
Forensic Architecture
Centre for Research Architecture, Department of Visual Cultures
Goldsmiths, University of London
8 Lewisham Way
London SE14 6NW
United Kingdom
General Project Enquiries
info@forensic-architecture.org
T: +44 (0)20 7078 5387
CONTACT us to recommend listing. No fees are involved.
McCrone Research Institute, 2820 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60616-3230, Website: http://www.mcri.org/home/, Email: info@mcri.org (Focus is on education; disclosure: numerous courses attended by the author - DF)
The McCrone Group, 850 Pasquinelli Drive, Westmont, IL 60559, Tel: 630-887-7100, Website: http://www.mccrone.com/, no email (Microanalysis, materials characterization, instrument sales, and education), this organization maintains Walter McCrone's original McCrone Atlas of Microscopic Particles http://www.mccroneatlas.com/ and provides an online microscopy journal http://www.modernmicroscopy.com/
Watch out: there can be public confusion between these two McCrone organizations, both stemming from the same original root.
Building & Environmental Forensic Investigation Supplies
IAQ & Mold Testing Instruments
Microchemistry
Judy and Don Doje, Doje's Forensic Supplies, P.O. Box 500, Ocoee, FL 34761
Microscopy
InspectAPedia is an independent publisher of building, environmental, and forensic inspection, diagnosis, and repair information provided free to the public - we have no business nor financial connection with any manufacturer or service provider discussed at our website.
We are dedicated to making our information as accurate, complete, useful, and unbiased as possible: we very much welcome critique, questions, or content suggestions for our web articles. Working together and exchanging information makes us better informed than any individual can be working alone.
Opinions here are the responsibility of the author. Most of this material has been subject to ongoing peer review but is without any professional engineering analysis. Building inspections may include the discovery of defects involving life, safety, and significant costs.
Building inspectors who are not both qualified and certain of the authoritative basis of their conclusions should obtain their own expert advice from qualified experts.
This work is also based on the author's construction & inspection experience, training, research, and survey of material from ASHI, and from N. Becker, R. Burgess, J. Bower, D. Breyer, A. Carson, J. Cox, A. Daniel, M. Lennon, R. Peterson, J. Prendergast, W. Ransom, D. Rathburn, E. Rawlins, E. Seaquist, and D. Wickersheimer. Some useful citations are in the article above and at REFERENCES.
Reader Comments & Q&A
On 2020-03-18 - by (mod) - coefficient of thermal expansion for marble
Thank you for the interesting thermal expansion, Jayantibhai
a search of our website using the on-page search box to find "thermal expansion of materials" finds
where you'll see that the thernal expansion of marble is about the same as granite -
Coefficient of Expansion in inches of expansion per inch of material per degree F.
Granite = 0.0000044 (also Limestone, Marble)
Keep in mind that the properties of your specific "composite" marble may make the expansion coefficient vary a bit from the general guideline.
On 2020-03-18 by Jayantibhai
What thermal expansion of composite marble dimensions 20ft by 30 ft at 40degree centigrade?
On 2018-07-27 - by (mod) - effect of weight of solar array on building structure
It would be unusual for the weight of a solar array itself to damage a building structure, Robb, but certainly a combination of troubles might have produced the damaged ceiling you show.
For example there could have been any or a combination of the following:
- pre-existing damage to the roof framing - for which you'd expect to have evidence such as prior leaks, sagging, cracking before the solar panels were installed
- point loading during construction, such as using a crane to lift all of the solar materials at once onto a single spot on the roof - for which I'd expect the damage to have appeared promptly during construction
Since the ceiling needs repair anyway and drywall is very inexpensive, I'd like you to cut a hole large enough to give good visual access to the attic space.
There you can look at the condition of the framing and sheathing, show us some more photos of what you see, as well as perhaps mapping just what failed.
On 2018-07-27 by Robb L. Robertson, PE
How common is interior ceiling damage the result of a solar installation? I could not access the attic, but the drywall break is in line with the rooftop array, and the window that is sticking. IMAGE LOST by older version of Clark Van Oyen’s useful Comments code - now fixed. Please re-post the image if you can. Sorry. Mod.
On 2018-04-07 - by (mod) - safety of building electrical wiring after a fire?
This is not my expertise, Wayne but I'm pretty confident in the basics:
electrical components (switches, receptacles, as well as motors etc.) that were wet or directly exposed to fire need replacement
Wiring or components exposed to heat from the fire may need replacement
You'll need an onsite inspection by a licensed electrician who is familiar with fire damage repair to start with a visual inspection of the extent of damage. More subtle and perhaps implied by your question is the worry about changes in the effectiveness of wire insulation in areas of high heat.
There are temperature limits given for every modern electrical wire. If your wiring was exposed at higher than the temp limits for the specific wiring types in your building it probably needs replacement.
See these
Research articles on effects of fire or heat on electrical wiring
Hirschler, Marcelo M. "Analysis of and Potential Correlations Between Fire Test for Electrical Cables, and How to Use This Information for Fire Hazard Assessment." Fire technology 33, no. 4 (1997): 291-315.
Tewarson, Archibald. "Nonthermal fire damage." Journal of fire sciences 10, no. 3 (1992): 188-242.
Hoffmann, John M., D. J. Hoffmann, E. C. Kroll, J. W. Wallace, and M. J. Kroll. "Electrical power cord damage from radiant heat and fire exposure." Fire technology 37, no. 2 (2001): 129-141.
Erlandsson, R., and G. Strand. "An investigation of physical characteristics indicating primary or secondary electrical damage." Fire safety journal 8, no. 2 (1985): 97-103.
On 2018-04-07 by Wayne
After a fire that has generated smoke throughout, what I method for determine if wiring has to be replaced?
On 2017-11-07 by (mod) - Fiberglass under UV light
Donna
Fiberglass under UV light will often display a green flourescence, a trick useful in circuit board repair (https://www.emsdiasum.com/microscopy/technical/datasheet/sfa-3.aspx)
But I'm not sure you could use that just to identify the presence of fiberglass in dust in your home as other fibers including plastics and synthetics as well as natural fibers also show up under UV or "black" light.
Under the microscope it's quite easy to identify fiberglass fragments greater than a few u in length as the ends of the fragments fracture in a peculiar concordial pattern. You can see that at https://inspectapedia.com/Fiberglass/Fiberglass_Identification_Lab.php
See https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/UV_Light_Use.php where we list many materials that can be shown up using a black light orUV light.
I don't understand what boric acid test you had performed, though it's true that boric acid is used in the *production* of fiberglass. (https://thechemco.com/chemical/boric-acid/) If you're concerned about a boric acid hazard associated with fiberglass dust in your home that sounds unlikely and would need more specific supporting objective data to be worth pursuing.
See
Bolt, Hermann M., Nurşen Başaran, and Yalçın Duydu. "Human environmental and occupational exposures to boric acid: reconciliation with experimental reproductive toxicity data." Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A 75, no. 8-10 (2012): 508-514.
Use the page bottom or top CONTACT link to send me reports and more information an I may be able to comment further.
On 2017-11-07 by Donna R.
- Does fiberglass insulation (house built in 2003) show up under a black light?
Does fiberglass insulation (house built in 2003) show up under a black light? Had fiberglass insulation replaced with cellulose last December. Techs torn holes in duct work. Did not tell us. Family started having health issues. They sent tech back out and he found the tears.
Had some samples tested for boric acid (only) that insulation was treated with...took 3 months and came back negative. Could it possibly be that when they were vacuuming out the old and tore the holes, that the fiberglass particles are the ones we are seeing under UV light? They look like micro filaments of blue, pink, orange and green. Can you please help?
On 2017-05-08 - by (mod) - finding information on a chemical toilet or porta potty
Len:
Take a look at our article series on types, brands, uses of Porta Potties starting at CHEMICAL TOILETS http://inspectapedia.com/septic/Chemical_Toilet_Guide.php
and you may find your model; you'll also find general use and cleaning and emptying instructions.
You can also use the page top or bottom CONTACT link to send us sharp photos of the toilet and any labels or markings on it and that may help identify it, thus producing specifications and a manual.
On 2017-05-08 by len
please help!! does ANYBODY know where I could finds the complete specs or manuals for single trailer mounted porta potty?? I would REALLY appreciate it!!! thank u!!
On 2017-05-08 - by (mod) - tiny jelly bubbles on the laminate flooring
Anna:
From just your e-text and no information about what foods, cleaners, activites, materials are use din or comprise the building I can't make a useful guess.
On 2017-05-02 by Anna
When I run my hand over my clean laminate floor, my hand has very fine dusts and when I wash my hand, I found tiny jelly bubbles on my finger tips. what is this?
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The Home Reference Book & illustrations from The Illustrated Home. Carson Dunlop Associates' provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material.
The ILLUSTRATED HOME illustrates construction details and building components, a reference for owners & inspectors. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Illustrated Home purchased as a single order Enter INSPECTAILL in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
TECHNICAL REFERENCE GUIDE to manufacturer's model and serial number information for heating and cooling equipment, useful for determining the age of heating boilers, furnaces, water heaters is provided by Carson Dunlop Weldon & Associates Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Technical Reference Guide purchased as a single order. Just enter INSPECTATRG in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
The HOME REFERENCE BOOK - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
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HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION: HOME STUDY COURSES - ASHI@Home Training 10-course program. Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on these courses: Enter INSPECTAHITP in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
The Horizon Software System manages business operations,scheduling, & inspection report writing using Carson Dunlop's knowledge base & color images. The Horizon system runs on always-available cloud-based software for office computers, laptops, tablets, iPad, Android, & other smartphones
Forensic Investigation of Buildings
Building construction materials, site conditions, and event history: by visual inspection and where available consultation of appropriate documentation, the building investigator considers the individual and the interrelated effects of the building's materials, site, exposure, architecture, and maintenance history.
Note: try using the InspectApedia search box in the light blue area near page top to find any building or indoor environmental topic inspection, detection, diganosis or repair topic at InspectApedia. CONTACT US if after a search you cannot find information you need.
Photo at left, demonstrating thermal imaging by Paul Probett, is discussed at THERMAL IMAGING, THERMOGRAPHY
Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: info@carsondunlop.com. The firm provides professional
HOME INSPECTION SERVICES and also extensive HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION and home inspection-related PUBLICATIONS. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
The HOME REFERENCE BOOK - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. 
