Building Inspector Course

Lesson 1 • Regulatory Framework Overview

Introduces the hierarchy of building regulations, codes, and standards that govern inspections. Connects regulatory intent to on-site enforcement practice.

Lesson 2 • Inspection Documentation Basics

Introduces field notes, inspection reports, and record-keeping requirements. Accurate documentation underpins every inspection activity covered later.

Lesson 3 • Ethics and Professional Conduct

Covers impartiality, conflict-of-interest avoidance, and public safety obligations. Establishes the ethical baseline required throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Structural and Civil Drawing Sets

Covers foundation plans, framing plans, and site civil drawings. Connects structural intent to the field inspections covered in later chapters.

Lesson 2 • Specifications and Submittals

Explains specification divisions, material standards, and submittal review processes. Inspectors learn to confirm that approved materials are used in the field.

Lesson 3 • Reading Architectural Drawings

Teaches floor plans, elevations, sections, and detail drawings used on construction sites. Provides the visual literacy needed to compare drawings to built conditions.

Lesson 4 • Permit Documents and Approved Plans

Covers the approved permit set, plan check corrections, and field change procedures. Ensures inspectors enforce only the currently approved document set.

Lesson 1 • Underground Utilities and Excavation

Covers utility locating, trench safety, and backfill compaction requirements. Inspectors verify safe excavation practices before foundation work begins.

Lesson 2 • Site Preparation and Grading

Covers clearing, grubbing, cut-and-fill operations, and compaction requirements. Proper site prep is the prerequisite for all foundation work inspected later.

Lesson 3 • Drainage and Stormwater Management

Teaches surface drainage design, retention features, and stormwater compliance. Poor drainage causes long-term structural and habitability problems.

Lesson 1 • Foundation Types and Inspection Points

Compares spread footings, continuous footings, grade beams, and pile caps. Each foundation type has specific inspection checkpoints tied to structural drawings.

Lesson 2 • Reinforcing Steel Placement

Covers rebar size, spacing, cover, and lap splice requirements. Correct reinforcement placement is verified before concrete is placed.

Lesson 3 • Curing and Formwork Removal

Explains curing methods, minimum curing periods, and formwork stripping criteria. Premature stripping or inadequate curing reduces concrete strength.

Lesson 4 • Concrete Placement and Consolidation

Covers placement methods, vibration, and lift height limits. Proper consolidation prevents voids and honeycombing that compromise structural capacity.

Lesson 1 • Load Path and Lateral Systems

Explains how gravity and lateral loads travel through the structure to the foundation. Inspectors trace the load path to identify missing or undersized elements.

Lesson 2 • Roof Framing and Diaphragms

Teaches rafter, truss, and roof deck inspection including diaphragm nailing. Roof systems transfer lateral and gravity loads to the vertical framing below.

Lesson 3 • Steel Framing and Connections

Introduces structural steel members, bolted connections, and weld inspection basics. Steel framing requires verification of connection type, size, and torque.

Lesson 4 • Masonry Construction Inspection

Covers CMU, brick, and reinforced masonry wall systems and their inspection requirements. Mortar joints, grout fill, and reinforcement are critical inspection items.

Lesson 1 • Waterproofing and Dampproofing

Explains below-grade waterproofing, dampproofing, and drainage board systems. Below-grade moisture control protects foundations and occupied below-grade spaces.

Lesson 2 • Roofing Systems and Flashings

Covers shingle, tile, membrane, and metal roofing installation and flashing details. Flashing failures are the leading cause of roof-related water intrusion.

Lesson 3 • Thermal and Air Barrier Inspection

Covers insulation types, R-value verification, and air barrier continuity. Energy code compliance depends on correct installation of thermal and air control layers.

Lesson 4 • Window and Door Installation

Covers rough opening sizing, flashing, and sealant requirements for fenestration. Improper installation is a primary source of water and air infiltration.

Lesson 1 • HVAC System Inspection

Covers duct installation, equipment clearances, combustion air, and exhaust requirements. HVAC inspection ensures safe operation and energy code compliance.

Lesson 2 • Plumbing Fixture and Final Inspection

Teaches fixture installation standards, water heater requirements, and final plumbing checks. Final inspection confirms operational compliance and safety device installation.

Lesson 3 • Plumbing Rough-In Inspection

Covers drain, waste, vent, and supply piping installation requirements. Rough-in inspection occurs before walls are closed, making it a critical hold point.

Lesson 4 • Electrical Rough-In Inspection

Covers wiring methods, box fill, and grounding conductor requirements. Electrical rough-in is inspected before insulation and drywall conceal the wiring.

Lesson 1 • Deficiency Notices and Re-Inspection

Covers writing enforceable correction notices, tracking compliance, and conducting re-inspections. Clear notices reduce disputes and accelerate project completion.

Lesson 2 • Accessibility Compliance Inspection

Covers accessible route, parking, restroom, and signage requirements. Accessibility compliance is verified at final inspection as a condition of occupancy.

Lesson 3 • Certificate of Occupancy Process

Explains the documentation, approvals, and conditions required to issue a certificate of occupancy. Inspectors must confirm all agency sign-offs are complete.

Lesson 4 • Life Safety Systems Verification

Teaches inspection of fire detection, suppression, egress, and emergency lighting systems. Life safety systems must be fully operational before occupancy is granted.