Course Description:

This course, which consists of 48 hours of intensive, fast-paced instruction, is delivered through a combination of classroom and hands-on instruction. The student will gain a working knowledge of all the systems and technical areas required to complete a home inspection. Students complete the course by successful completion of the take home computer based final examination.

Day 1: Structural Systems

Learning Objectives: Foundation types and materials, signs and symptoms of normal wear, signs of structural issues, identification of defects, performance deficiencies and appropriate inspection techniques. Framing types and materials, (walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs) signs and symptoms of normal wear, signs of structural issues, identification of defects, installation practices, performance deficiencies and appropriate inspection techniques.

Structural Systems 8 hours

• Standards Review
• Soils, Grading & Retaining walls
• Foundation types
• Types of Settlement & Failures
• Floor framing systems & defects
• Wall Framing Systems
• Masonry Walls

Day 2: Heating Systems

Goal: Upon completion of this class students will be able to perform an inspection and write and inspection report compliant with recognized Standards of Practice on a residential heating system and its components.

Learning Objectives:

Identify types of equipment, materials, signs and symptoms of normal wear, defects, performance deficiencies and appropriate inspection techniques.

Heating Systems 8 hours

• The combustion system (fuels, burners, etc.).
• Combustion air supply.
• Normal operating controls
• Safety controls.
• Exhaust flues, vents, and chimneys
• Furnaces
• Boilers
• Electric heating
• Distribution systems

Day 3: Electrical & Air Conditioning

Electrical Systems 5 hours

Goal: Upon completion of this class students will be able to perform an inspection and write and inspection report compliant with recognized Standards of Practice on a residential electrical system and its components.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify types of materials, signs and symptoms of normal wear, defects, performance deficiencies and appropriate inspection techniques.
• Service entrance cables and equipment.
• Main disconnect, grounding equipment
• Equipment location and clearances
• Fuses, breakers and panels
• Wiring methods
• Branch Circuits
• Ground fault and Arc Fault circuit interrupters.

Air Conditioning Systems 3 hours

Goal: Upon completion of this class students will be able to perform an inspection and write and inspection report compliant with recognized Standards of Practice on a residential Heating and air conditioning system and its components.

Learning Objectives: Identify types of equipment, materials, signs and symptoms of normal wear, defects, performance deficiencies and appropriate inspection techniques.

• Principles of operation
• Condensers.
• Normal operating controls
• Distribution systems
• Air Conditioning
• Evaporative coolers

Day 4: Interior & Plumbing Interior Systems 4 hours

Goal: Upon completion of this class students will be able to perform an inspection and write and inspection report compliant with recognized Standards of Practice on interior system and its components.

Learning Objectives: Identify types of interior components, finish materials, signs and symptoms of normal wear, defects, performance deficiencies and appropriate inspection techniques.

• Interior walls, ceilings
• Safety glazing
• Stairways and railing.
• Interior systems and appliances
• Exhaust systems

Plumbing Systems 4 hours

Goal: Upon completion of this class students will be able to perform an inspection and write and inspection report compliant with recognized Standards of Practice on a residential Plumbing system and its components.

Learning Objectives: Identify types of plumbing materials, signs and symptoms of normal wear, defects, performance deficiencies and appropriate inspection techniques.

• Supply piping system and its installation
• Drain, waste, and vent system.
• Fixtures and faucets.
• Functional flow and functional drainage..
• Leaks and corrosion
• Fuel systems
• Water heating equipment & venting
• Defect identification with use of slides

Day 5: Exterior Systems & Fireplace and Solid burning Systems Exterior Systems 6 hours

Goal: Upon completion of this class students will be able to perform an inspection and write and inspection report compliant with recognized Standards of Practice on a residential exterior system and its components.

Learning Objectives: Identify types of exterior finish materials, signs and symptoms of normal wear, defects, performance deficiencies and appropriate inspection techniques.

• Exterior wall coverings
• Flashings and trim
• Decks, balconies and railings
• Exterior stairs and handrails
• Windows and Glazing
• Garage Door Operator Inspection & Safety

Fireplace and Solid Burning Systems 2 hour

Goal: Upon completion of this class students will be able to perform an inspection and write and inspection report compliant with recognized Standards of Practice on a residential exterior system and its components.

Learning Objectives: Identify types of Fireplace and Solid Burning systems and components, signs and symptoms of normal wear, defects, performance deficiencies and appropriate inspection techniques.

• Fireplace and Solid fuel appliances
• Chimney Termination & Defects

Day 6: Roofing Systems & Insulation and Ventilation Systems Roofing Systems 6 hours

Goal: Upon completion of this class students will be able to perform an inspection and write and an inspection report compliant with recognized Standards of Practice on a residential roofing system and its components.

Learning Objectives: Identify types of roofing materials, signs and symptoms of normal wear, defects, performance deficiencies and appropriate inspection techniques.

• Terminology, components, designs
• Flashing, skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations.
• Asphalt shingles (composition) roofs.
• Wood shingle and shake roofs.
• Tile roofs, including clay and concrete.
• Low-sloped roofs, including built-up roofs and single ply roofs.
• Roof drainage systems.
• Detection of leakage and condensation.
• Defect identification with use of slides

Insulation & Ventilation 2 hour

Goal: Upon completion of this class students will be able to perform an inspection and write and an inspection report compliant with recognized Standards of Practice on insulation and ventilation system and their components.

Learning Objectives: Identify types of insulation and ventilation materials, signs and symptoms of normal wear, defects, performance deficiencies and appropriate inspection techniques.

• Types and typical locations
• R value
• Ventilation requirements
• Vapor retarders, air barriers & moisture barriers

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