Home inspection Course

Lesson 1 • Inspection Tools and Equipment

Introduces essential hand tools, diagnostic instruments, and safety gear used on every inspection. Students learn proper selection, calibration, and care of equipment.

Lesson 2 • Industry Standards and Ethics

Covers nationally recognized standards of practice and codes of ethics governing inspectors. Grounds students in professional obligations before field work begins.

Lesson 3 • The Home Inspector's Role

Defines what a home inspector does, who they serve, and what falls outside their scope. Sets the professional context for all subsequent technical content.

Lesson 4 • Safety Practices in the Field

Establishes hazard awareness and safe work habits for inspectors entering unfamiliar structures. Directly reduces risk of injury throughout all field chapters.

Lesson 1 • Building Codes as Minimum Standards

Explains the purpose and hierarchy of building codes without referencing specific code identifiers. Students learn to use code intent as a benchmark during inspections.

Lesson 2 • Building Envelope Principles

Explains how walls, roofs, and foundations work together to control heat, air, and moisture. Provides the physics basis for diagnosing envelope failures in later chapters.

Lesson 3 • Loads and Structural Behavior

Introduces dead, live, wind, and seismic loads and how structures transfer them to the ground. Inspectors use this knowledge to assess structural adequacy and distress signs.

Lesson 4 • Residential Construction Methods

Surveys platform, balloon, and post-and-beam framing systems and their visual signatures. Enables inspectors to recognize structural logic before evaluating defects.

Lesson 1 • Roof Coverings and Materials

Examines asphalt shingles, tile, metal, slate, and flat-roof membranes for condition and installation quality. Students learn material-specific defect patterns and service life indicators.

Lesson 2 • Attic Ventilation and Insulation

Evaluates attic ventilation ratios, insulation depth, and air sealing as they affect roof longevity and energy performance. Links roof system health to interior building conditions.

Lesson 3 • Roof Structure and Framing

Covers rafter, truss, and hybrid roof framing and the defects each system commonly exhibits. Structural assessment precedes covering inspection to ensure safe access.

Lesson 4 • Flashings and Penetrations

Focuses on step, counter, and base flashings at chimneys, walls, and penetrations as primary leak sources. Proper flashing evaluation is critical to accurate moisture intrusion reporting.

Lesson 1 • Basement and Crawl Space Inspection

Addresses moisture intrusion, efflorescence, drainage, and structural concerns in below-grade spaces. These areas concentrate the most consequential and frequently missed defects.

Lesson 2 • Decks, Porches, and Attached Structures

Evaluates ledger connections, post bases, guardrails, and decking for structural integrity and safety. Deck failures cause serious injuries and are a high-liability inspection area.

Lesson 3 • Grading and Site Drainage

Assesses lot grading, surface drainage, and landscaping proximity as contributors to foundation moisture. Site conditions are evaluated before interior structural findings are contextualized.

Lesson 4 • Floor, Wall, and Ceiling Framing

Inspects joists, beams, columns, studs, and headers for proper sizing, bearing, and defects. Framing deficiencies directly affect structural safety and are often hidden by finishes.

Lesson 1 • Garage Inspection

Covers garage structure, fire separation, door operation, and vehicle door safety features. Garages present unique fire, carbon monoxide, and mechanical hazards requiring specific evaluation.

Lesson 2 • Windows and Exterior Doors

Evaluates window and door operation, sealing, glazing, and frame condition for weathertightness and safety. Failed seals and improper installation are among the most common exterior defects.

Lesson 3 • Exterior Trim and Appurtenances

Assesses fascia, soffits, vents, and exterior fixtures for deterioration and proper installation. These components protect the building envelope and are frequently overlooked.

Lesson 4 • Wall Cladding and Siding Systems

Covers wood, vinyl, fiber cement, stucco, and masonry veneer cladding for installation and condition defects. Cladding failures are the primary pathway for moisture into the wall assembly.

Lesson 1 • Water Heaters and Hot Water Systems

Inspects tank and tankless water heaters for installation, safety devices, and condition. Improper water heater installation is a leading cause of scalding and explosion hazards.

Lesson 2 • Water Supply Systems

Covers pipe materials, pressure, shutoff valves, and supply line conditions from meter to fixture. Understanding supply system layout enables efficient and thorough inspection sequencing.

Lesson 3 • Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems

Evaluates drain slope, trap conditions, cleanout access, and vent terminations for proper function. DWV deficiencies cause sewer gas intrusion and slow drainage complaints.

Lesson 4 • Fixtures and Faucets

Tests all plumbing fixtures for operation, leaks, water flow, and proper installation. Fixture defects are the most visible plumbing findings and directly affect client satisfaction.

Lesson 1 • Electrical Panels and Subpanels

Inspects main and subpanel enclosures, breakers, wiring, and grounding for safety and capacity. Panel defects are high-priority findings with direct fire and shock implications.

Lesson 2 • Service Entrance and Meter

Covers overhead and underground service entrance conductors, weatherheads, and meter base conditions. Service entrance defects affect the entire electrical system and pose serious hazards.

Lesson 3 • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Covers required locations, interconnection, and testing of life-safety detection devices. Alarm deficiencies are among the most consequential safety findings an inspector can report.

Lesson 4 • Outlets, Switches, and Fixtures

Tests receptacles, switches, and light fixtures for proper operation, grounding, and protection. Device-level defects are numerous and directly affect occupant safety.

Lesson 1 • Writing Professional Inspection Reports

Teaches report structure, defect classification, narrative writing, and photo documentation standards. A well-written report is the inspector's primary professional and legal deliverable.

Lesson 2 • Heating Systems Inspection

Inspects forced-air furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and supplemental heaters for operation and safety. Heating system defects affect occupant comfort, safety, and energy costs.

Lesson 3 • Cooling Systems Inspection

Evaluates central air conditioning, heat pump cooling, and ductwork for performance and condition. Cooling system findings are among the most client-sensitive items in warm climates.

Lesson 4 • Interior Rooms and Components

Covers walls, ceilings, floors, doors, stairs, and built-ins for defects, safety, and functional issues. Interior inspection synthesizes findings from all building systems into visible evidence.