More Than Clutter

When I transitioned from a full-time carpenter into a career as a home inspector, I quickly realized how little I actually knew about buildings and their systems. It was humbling to feel insecure about building terminology and to be unable to answer basic questions about common appliances. Drawing on my experiences in college and graduate school, I knew the solution was research—and that meant books.

I started by requesting every book on home inspections that my library could obtain through interlibrary loan. I also scoured discount book websites like ThriftBooks.com and bought every home inspection book I could find. I even sifted through the outdated pamphlets in my state organization’s library.

The result? I’ve accumulated, read, and annotated most books on the topic—from the NHIE Home Inspection Manual (cover to cover!) to The Mystical Guide to Home Inspection by Faith Ranoli.

Here, I’d like to share some of the most useful books I’ve come across. These are the books I keep within arm’s reach at my desk. Whether I’m seeking answers to a tough question or a quick refresher, these books never fail to deliver.

Please note that this list reflects my personal opinion and is not the product of an exhaustive study. If you know of other books worth adding, I’d love to hear your recommendations.

Books About the Home Inspection Process

There are plenty of books about home inspections. In my experience, they can be grouped into books about aspects and systems of buildings, books for homebuyers to understand the process, and books trying to sell a marketing system.

Very few books clearly and effectively explain the inspection process and exactly what we’re looking for. Many books just list information. 

Here are my top picks for worthwhile reads:

Inspecting a House
By Rex Cauldwell

When I started as a home inspector my mentor recommended this book, and it has been invaluable since. It covers all the usual inspection areas and includes sectional checklists that formed the backbone of my report writing method.

What sets this book apart is the abundance of large, color photos showcasing problems to watch out for. If you enjoy the Reporter’s Postcards from the Field section, this book will have you rolling your eyes and shaking your head at some of the pictured catastrophes. I still pick it up during downtime and always learn something new (or “remember” something I had forgotten, more likely).

The Complete Book of Home Inspection
By Norman Becker

This book covers all aspects of a home inspection but uses a longer written style that includes engaging anecdotes. While some parts feel dated, it’s an excellent resource and has been helpful for identifying components in older homes.

Each chapter concludes with a checklist. I compiled these checklists into a single document and sometimes use it during an inspection (when clients aren’t shadowing me) to remind myself to check everything.

Books Providing a Closer Look
at Home Systems

The sheer volume of knowledge required for home inspections can be overwhelming. My family contains a number of Navy pilots, and when I was a kid I remember asking my uncles why there are so many buttons in a cockpit and how they remember what they all do. They told me that everything is grouped—that one panel and all its associated buttons and dials is for the engines, another for landing gear, etc. That sort of compartmentalization has helped me with home inspections, where I often feel like a computer pulling up information. These books break down complex systems into digestible parts, making them an indispensable resource for both troubleshooting and learning.

How Your House Works: A Visual Guide
to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home
By Charlie Wing

This book excels at explaining whole systems and how their components interact. The illustrations are clear, with ample cross-sections. It’s reminiscent of The Way Things Work by David Macaulay but tailored for home inspectors.

Because it’s picture-based, it’s easy to quickly locate needed information. While much of the content isn’t essential for a general inspection, it’s priceless for understanding and troubleshooting appliances and systems—and for impressing clients with your detailed explanations. I’ve even brought it out during inspections to clarify issues for clients.

The Illustrated Home
By Carson Dunlop

This book is saturated with visual information, focusing on how things should be built. It’s more detailed and specific than How Your House Works, offering guidance on temperatures, wire sizes, and more. While the layout can make information harder to find, it’s an incredible resource for precise details.

Home Systems Illustrated
By Tom Feiza

If The Illustrated Home is saturated with information, this book is overwhelming. Packed with illustrations of specific issues, it presents information in a very clear way, and the pictures are ideal for including in reports. You’ll likely find a picture for any situation you encounter. It’s not as focused on whole systems, but it is invaluable for pinpointing detailed problems.

Books About Architecture
and House Styles

Early in my career I focused on systems, and I grew confident about my mechanical understanding of buildings. I quickly realized, however, that I lacked knowledge of architectural styles. Nothing made me lose confidence in myself faster than being asked about a “Queen Anne” or “Colonial” home and not knowing what they meant and/or not being able to compare them to other house styles. To address this, I dove into researching architectural designs, periods, and evolutions. The following books have been the clearest, most useful, and most interesting.

A Field Guide to American Houses: The Definitive Guide to Identifying and Understanding America’s Domestic Architecture
By Virginia and Lee McAlester

This book chronologically explores American architecture, starting with indigenous structures. It’s excellent for identifying house styles and understanding their defining characteristics and historical context. This book uses a mix of illustrations and photographs to illustrate building characteristics.

American Homes: The Landmark Illustrated
Encyclopedia of Domestic Architecture
By Lester Walker

This book uses illustrations to explain how buildings evolved. It’s particularly strong on floor plans and why styles changed. If you’re curious about how a “hall-and-parlor” became a “Saltbox,” this book has the answers. The architectural drawings are top-notch.

Books About Applied Building Science

Building science is a rapidly evolving field. New materials, methods, and climate considerations continually reshape best practices. Many books talk about construction styles over time (basically fads) and are mostly useless as soon as a new trend comes along. 

Buildings Do Not Lie
By Henry Gifford

This book offers scientific perspectives on building issues, especially regarding water and air movement through buildings. Filled with spectacular visuals, it will change how you view buildings, moisture, and building materials. This book goes beyond the building and will make you feel like a real detective. And as an inspector who is a stickler for details, I really appreciated the three-page explanation of proper step flashing on a roof.

Final Thoughts

These books have been invaluable in my journey as a home inspector. I regularly recommend this book list when talking to someone interested in becoming a home inspector. If you haven’t read any of these books, please do; I think it will make you a better inspector. If you have any book recommendations, I’d really appreciate it if you let me know. Remember: We’re all in this together. 

Ray Mayo, ACI, is a home inspector living in Freeport, Maine, and serves on the ASHI Board of Directors. He is usually better at buying books than reading them.