Foundation Inspections W/Engineer Mike Gandy / Tools for the Inspector

Foundation Evaluations with P.E. Mike Gandy

Tools for the Inspector & Best Use Practices

November 13th & 14th

Live In The Classroom

Real Estate Training Systems #580 is bringing you 16 HOURS of TREC Approved Continuing Education Courses to Arlington

November 13, 2026

Foundation Evaluation & Survey Readings

This course is intended to educate the TREC Licensed Inspector on the proper approach for evaluating the performance of a structures foundation and to make an educated decision when to refer a professional engineer.

TREC Approved Course #1075-INSC

The purpose of this course is to communicate the proper protocol for a TREC Licensed Inspector to take an interview with the client, record field notes, pictures and perform an elevation survey so a Home Inspector can make a determination on the "levelness" and performance of the foundation - both slab-on-ground and pier and beam.

Wither you use an elevation measuring tool or not, this course is loaded with useful information that will help you make an educated dissension on foundation performance.

Mike Gandy will teach the first four hours and provide insights as a Professional Engineer. Brian Murphy will teach the second fours hours. Brian will bring you the Experience of 30 years as a Professional Home Inspector and how he incorporates and uses his Zip Level during fee paid inspections.

You as a Professional Home Inspector have more experience than most Foundation Specialist out there selling foundation repairs. Come learn how to better protect your clients and how to educate them that 80% of the foundation work performed in Texas should have never been done.

Topics to be covered:

Introduction to the Standard Protocol of the American Society of Professional Engineers (ASCE) on the investigation of Foundation Performance including L/360 and 1% tilt.
Procedure for taking field notes: This includes, interview with the client, taking the required pictures, taking an elevation survey (including CAD) and delivering the information to the engineer.
Introduction on Deflection and Tilt Analysis to determine the criteria of foundation performance.
Pier and Beam inspections including critical factors such as drainage, ventilation, component performance, structural load path from attic to foundation.
Technical Discussion on Taking an Elevation Survey using a Zip-Level 2000.
Pictures and Examples of various types of cracking and what they indicate: vertical, horizontal and diagonal.

Course Instructor: Michael D. Gandy, P.E. , Professional Engineer

Principal owner and managing member of Lighthouse Engineering, LLC http://lighthouseeng.com
Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas - P.E. MEC #95672 (06/02/2005)
Licensed Professional Real Estate Inspector - TREC #8720 (10/01/2005 - inactive)
International Code Council Certified (Residential Combination) - ICC #8012008
Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, 1998
Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas Arlington, 2004
Performed as engineer-on-record for over 15,000 inspections since 01/2006
Design repair plans and forensic analysis for slab foundations, pier and beam foundations, retaining walls, attic structures, load bearing headers and columns for both residential and commercial properties.

LOCATION

Arlington Board of Realtors

3916 West Interstate 20, Arlington, TX 76017

Time: 8 am - 5 pm (Registration starts at 7 am)

Visit our Website

Shower Pan Testers

The ShowerPanTester is designed to help test shower pans for leaks in the pan and lower shower wall area without accidentally flooding a bathroom. Professional Home Inspectors have used this shower pan tester all over the country with good success.

Visit Website for More Details

November 14, 2026

Tools for the Inspector & Best Use Practices

TREC Approved CE Course #2320-INSC

Discover the tools, techniques, and best practices experienced Professional Inspectors rely on in the field. This interactive training features an inspector panel, candid discussion, practical demonstrations, and a show-and-tell session. Attendees are encouraged to bring a favorite tool and share how they use it—and why it belongs in their inspection kit.

This engaging, outside-the-toolbox course delivers practical value, industry insight, and 8 hours of TREC-approved CE credit.

As an added benefit, guest lecturer Aaron Menlove of InspectorPro Insurance will discuss properly written inspection agreements and appropriate coverage for optional inspections and ancillary services.

Deliver More Value with the Right Equipment

Beyond the tools needed to meet regulatory requirements, advanced equipment can help inspectors identify conditions that may not be visible during a standard inspection. Moisture meters, infrared cameras, and foundation elevation equipment can support more thorough evaluations and help differentiate your services in a competitive market.

Tools and Equipment Covered

Lighting: High-output LED flashlights, headlamps, and inspection mirrors.
Electrical: GFCI/AFCI testers, non-contact voltage testers, and screwdrivers.
Measurement and Diagnostics: Foundation elevation equipment, tape measures, levels, infrared thermometers, and moisture meters.
Safety: Gloves, respirators or dust masks, safety glasses, knee pads, coveralls, shoe covers, traffic cones, and warning signs.
Advanced Technology: Thermal imaging cameras, combustible gas detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, borescopes, and optional drone equipment.
Documentation: Digital cameras, tablets or laptops, and inspection software.
General Equipment: Step and telescoping ladders, multi-bit screwdriver sets, and telescoping magnets.

Meet the Inspector Panel

Greg House

Professional Inspector

TREC 9986, SPCB 0559963, MAC 2029

Greg began his career in home inspection in 2005, working with homebuyers while employed by a nationally recognized home builder. He earned his Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Professional Inspector license in 2008 and his Certified Applicator license from the Structural Pest Control Board in 2009. In 2012, he founded House Inspection Services. In 2026, Greg joined the ownership team of Property Inspection Group and helped launch the Dallas-based multi-inspector firm.

Alongside his inspection work, Greg teaches continuing education courses and serves on the TREC Inspector Committee. During his six-year term, he contributes his expertise to supporting and advancing the inspection industry. He earned his Mold Assessment Consultant license in 2024 and completed his commercial inspection certification through the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA) in 2026.

Guest Speaker: Aaron Menlove, InspectorPro Insurance

Aaron will explain key considerations for errors and omissions and general liability coverage. Many inspectors may not realize that gaps in coverage can leave their businesses and personal assets exposed when a claim arises—even when they believe they are not at fault.

One lawsuit could put everything you have built at risk. Is your current coverage sufficient?

Aaron will also address properly written inspection agreements and the coverage needed for optional inspections and ancillary services.

Craig Lemmon

Professional Inspector

Real Estate Inspections of Texas, LLC

TREC #5885

Craig Lemmon served as Lone Star ASHI President from 2010 to 2016 and on the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (TAREI). He is certified by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors® (InterNACHI®) as a Master Inspector. Craig has extensive experience with phase, new-construction, pre-listing, pre-drywall, anniversary, and commercial inspections. His credentials include EIFS Moisture Analyst certification from EDI Level 2, NAWT septic certification, TDI VIP certification, ITC Level III Thermographer certification, and ICC Certified Residential Inspector certification.

Brian Murphy

Professional Real Estate Inspector | TREC License No. 3948

Brian Murphy has served the real estate inspection industry since 1995 and has completed more than 13,000 inspections. He co-owns A-Action Realty Inspection Service, LLC, with his wife of 34 years. Based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, A-Action is a multi-inspector firm providing a broad range of inspection services. Brian’s extensive professional certifications and decades of field experience help guide the company’s commitment to thorough inspections, dependable service, and industry excellence.

This is one class you do not want to miss.

LOCATION

Arlington Board of Realtors

3916 West Interstate 20, Arlington, TX 76017

Time: 8 am - 5 pm (Registration starts at 7 am)

Visit our Website

Share This Email