One book that I have found useful recently is "Structural Renovation of Buildings" by Alexander Newman.

Inspection is, in many respects, just the act of "looking".  Knowing what to look for is, of course, critical.  The "what" you will be looking for is primarily the design, so familiarity with design and the parameters of design will help you immensely.  Unfortunately, you also have to be able to decipher designs that were done many years ago and attempt to discern the "intent" of the designer, as codes and standards were less clear in many respects than today's codes and standards.

Read codes...old and new.  Read inspection manuals (ACI Manual of Concrete Inspection is a good start).  Read treatises on condition assessment of existing structures (ASTM E2018 (Property Condition Assessment) and ASCE 11 ( Guideline for Structural Condition Assessment of Existing Buildings).

also areas of minor/major distress... and why... some latent problems have a slight manifestation... while others are completely hidden...

Dik

forgot to add... and knowing where you might find these problems, helps...

Dik

Thanks everyone.

Kaiser

Watch a few detective shows.

I am only half kidding, inspections tend to be all about the detective work looking for the subtle signs of structural distress and covered up faults. There are some very goog UK publications by the IStructE but they would be of limited use to you.

I am not sure if the American Institute of Home Inspectors has anything - but you might check.

Search on Forensic Engineering - might get a few good hits there.

Check out ICRI.org.   They have some good information.   Also, if your area has a local chapter, get involved.    

csd72 had a good point about the detective shows. I have good engineer friend that is great with finding the real problems and sources. - His hobby was watching and collecting "olde" Sherlock Holmes movies, which made everything elementary. It is a matter of observing and thinking about basic principles from a design and construction standpoint.

Dick

 

Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.