The home inspection field is one that has been rapidly growing since its inception in the mid-1970s. Not only are they an important part of every home buying purchase, but the industry also relies upon people that are knowledgeable in the field. This course covers all aspects of home inspections and is a great educational tool for anyone considering hiring a home inspector, and more importantly, someone looking to become one. Lessons in this course cover everything from the basics of what is included in an inspection, and in-depth information as to what inspectors look for when it to comes to plumbing, electrical, and all other areas of the home, both inside and out. Students taking this course can expect to learn home inspection 101, the basic tools of the trade, the role ethics play in home inspections, and how to conduct an inspection.
Students will also learn about red flag issues such as mold, radon, and carbon monoxide, as well as how routine maintenance can extend the life of a home. The course rounds out with everything one needs to know in order to start their home inspection business and keep it successfully running.
This course features helpful checklists, examples, links to sites of interest and videos, and an introduction to everything one needs to know about the home inspection field. Whether you are someone interested in knowing more about what it takes to be a home inspector, how it can help you in the home purchasing process, or are ready to start your own home inspection business, this course has you covered!
I. Home Inspection 101
A. What is a home inspection
B. Why and when they are done
C. Who does them
D. What to expect, etc.
E. Who uses home inspections and in what way
i. Home owners
ii. Home buyers
iii. Realtors
iv. Professional home inspectors
II. Basic Tools of the Trade
A. Tools that will needed to do the job
1. hardware tools
2. software or forms if doing it professionally
III. The Role Ethics Plays in Home Inspection
1. honesty, disclosure
IV. Starting outside
A. What to look for outside of the house
B. Landscaping (broken sprinklers, soft spots, etc.)
C. Concrete cracks, uneven, etc.
D. Driveway, porches, patios, steps
- Inspecting the structure
A. Starting with the roof
B. Structural inspection
C. Crawl spaces
VI. Inspecting Interiors
D. Kitchens and Bathrooms
VII. Doors and windows
VIII. Walls, floors, ceilings and stairs
IX. Garages, Attics, Basements
X. Plumbing Inspections
E. Electrical Inspections
F. Heating & Cooling Inspections
XI. Other possible areas to inspect
A. Fireplaces, chimney’s
B. Siding
C. Swimming pools
XII. How insects, vermin and decay play a role
H. How to identify the problems
XIII. Red Flag Issues
a. Mold
b. Leaks
c. Fire hazards
d. Radon or other chemical issues
e. Asbestos in older structures
XIV. Routine Home Maintenance Issues
a. How they help
b. What to keep up on
XV. Conducting an Inspection
a. Following a checklist
b. Documenting findings
c. Remaining neutral
XVI. Entering the Home Inspection Career Field
a. What the career entails
b. Field outlook
c. Necessary experience and other requirements
d. Working for others versus starting your own business
XVII. Starting and Being Successful with Your own Home Inspection Business
a. How to get your own business started
b. State laws and requirements
c. Keeping it legal
d. Having insurance
e. Business basics
f. Getting business
g. Promoting your business
h. Setting your price
XVIII. Questions to ask an inspector or be prepared to answer if you are doing the inspection
a. Frequently asked questions in home inspection