Building Inspection Course

Lesson 1 • Documentation and Record Keeping

Covers permit files, inspection logs, and notice-of-violation records. Accurate documentation supports enforcement and protects the inspector legally.

Lesson 2 • Safety on the Job Site

Addresses personal protective equipment, site hazard recognition, and inspector safety protocols. Safe field practices are prerequisite to all subsequent inspection work.

Lesson 3 • Types of Inspections and Occupancies

Categorizes inspection types by construction phase and occupancy class. Students match inspection scope to project type accurately.

Lesson 4 • Regulatory Frameworks and Codes

Introduces model building codes, adoption processes, and enforcement hierarchies. Students understand how regulations translate into field inspection criteria.

Lesson 1 • Masonry and Concrete Construction

Examines concrete mix design, reinforcement placement, and masonry unit assembly. Students verify structural integrity indicators during poured and laid construction.

Lesson 2 • Insulation and Thermal Envelope

Covers insulation types, installation methods, and energy code requirements. Students assess thermal envelope continuity and vapor management during inspections.

Lesson 3 • Wood Framing Systems

Covers platform and balloon framing, lumber grading, and fastening requirements. Students recognize compliant framing assemblies during rough inspections.

Lesson 4 • Roofing Systems and Assemblies

Reviews roofing materials, underlayment, flashing, and drainage requirements. Students evaluate roof assemblies for weather resistance and code compliance.

Lesson 1 • Crawl Spaces and Basements

Addresses ventilation, moisture control, and structural requirements for below-grade spaces. Students identify common deficiencies in crawl space and basement construction.

Lesson 2 • Site Preparation and Grading

Covers excavation, compaction, and drainage grading requirements. Proper site prep prevents settlement and moisture intrusion in finished structures.

Lesson 3 • Retaining Walls and Drainage Structures

Covers retaining wall design indicators, drainage provisions, and inspection checkpoints. Students assess lateral load management and drainage adequacy.

Lesson 4 • Foundation Walls and Waterproofing

Reviews poured concrete and masonry foundation walls, damp-proofing, and waterproofing systems. Students distinguish damp-proofing from waterproofing applications.

Lesson 1 • Openings, Notching, and Boring

Addresses allowable notching and boring limits in structural members. Students prevent field modifications that compromise framing integrity.

Lesson 2 • Roof Framing and Trusses

Reviews rafter sizing, ridge board requirements, and engineered truss installation. Students confirm truss placement, bracing, and connection compliance.

Lesson 3 • Floor Framing Systems

Covers joist sizing, spacing, bearing, and engineered lumber requirements. Students verify floor system compliance before subfloor installation conceals framing.

Lesson 4 • Wall Framing and Shear Walls

Examines stud sizing, header design, and shear wall construction. Students identify load-bearing walls and verify lateral resistance provisions.

Lesson 1 • Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems

Examines DWV pipe sizing, slope, cleanout placement, and venting requirements. Students trace drainage paths and confirm vent termination compliance.

Lesson 2 • Water Supply Systems

Covers pipe materials, sizing, pressure requirements, and backflow prevention. Students verify supply system integrity and cross-connection control measures.

Lesson 3 • Fixture Installation and Clearances

Reviews fixture rough-in dimensions, clearances, and accessibility requirements. Students confirm fixtures are installed per approved plans and code minimums.

Lesson 1 • Exhaust and Combustion Venting

Covers flue sizing, vent termination, and Category I–IV venting distinctions. Students verify venting systems prevent backdrafting and carbon monoxide hazards.

Lesson 2 • Mechanical Rough and Final Inspections

Sequences mechanical inspection phases from rough-in through operational testing. Students apply systematic checklists to confirm full system compliance.

Lesson 3 • Fuel-Gas Piping and Appliances

Reviews gas pipe materials, pressure testing, and appliance connection requirements. Students detect unsafe gas installations before systems are placed in service.

Lesson 4 • Heating and Cooling Equipment

Covers furnace, heat pump, and air handler installation requirements. Students verify clearances, combustion air, and equipment listing compliance.

Lesson 1 • Service Entrance and Panels

Covers service conductor sizing, panel installation, and grounding requirements. Students verify service equipment is properly rated and safely installed.

Lesson 2 • Outlets, Switches, and Devices

Reviews outlet spacing, GFCI and AFCI protection requirements, and device installation. Students verify protection devices are installed in all required locations.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Rough and Final Inspections

Sequences rough-in, cover, and final electrical inspection phases with systematic checklists. Students apply phase-appropriate verification techniques efficiently.

Lesson 1 • Means of Egress

Examines exit access, exit, and exit discharge components and dimensional requirements. Students confirm occupants can safely evacuate under emergency conditions.

Lesson 2 • Fire Alarm and Detection Systems

Covers detector types, alarm initiating devices, and notification appliance placement. Students confirm alarm systems meet occupancy-specific coverage requirements.

Lesson 3 • Accessibility and Life Safety Integration

Addresses accessible egress, areas of refuge, and signage requirements. Students verify life safety systems serve all building occupants including those with disabilities.

Lesson 4 • Automatic Fire Suppression Systems

Reviews sprinkler system types, coverage requirements, and inspection checkpoints. Students verify sprinkler installations protect required areas without obstruction.