Online Class: Home Inspection 101

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
-
18Lessons
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30Exams &
Assignments -
16Hours
average time -
1.6CEUs
Course Description
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.
Home Inspection History
Did you know that prior to the mid-1970s home inspections were not a popular procedure? After becoming popular during that time they have now become a must-have for most home buyers and according to the American Society of Home Inspectors, today around 77 percent of all the homes sold in the United States have a home inspection prior to the sale. When you consider the vast number of homes sold each year it's easy to see how home inspection has become big business.
Home Inspection Defined
A home inspection is literally a thorough examination of a home prior to a purchase. A home purchase is one of the largest investments that someone will ever make in their lifetime. It only makes sense that before someone makes such a large and lasting purchase they know the ins and outs of the home they are looking to buy. Think of it this way, if you go to the store to purchase a new outfit you can try it on before you buy it. In addition to that, you can return to the clothing to the store if you get it home and decide you don't like something about it. Many stores will even give you at least 30 days in which you can return products as long as you have a receipt.
However, home purchases aren't like that. When you buy a home you don't get to try it on to see how it "fits." And there are no return policies, or rather there is no way to return the home, even if you end up not liking it, or find that it needs more repair than you had ever thought possible. You can't simply call the prior owner up and say you are returning the home and you would like your deposit and closing costs back. It's because of this, that home buyers need to be completely comfortable making a purchase and they need to go in with their eyes wide open, knowing as many faults as possible that the home may have.
Since there is no return policy on buying a house, a home inspection gives the buyer a detailed view of the condition the home is in. Even though many homes may need a great deal of repair some buyers will still choose to go through with the purchase, but it's only fair that they know what they are getting and what they can expect within a reasonable amount of time after they buy.
Factoid – According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, nearly 100 percent of the people they surveyed believed their home inspection was a good value.
When Inspections are Performed
It is important to note that home inspections are not required by law. Currently there are no states that require home inspections. So many people get them because of the value and peace of mind they can bring to such a large purchase, not because they are required to do so. Home inspections are done prior to the actual purchase of a home. Most people find a home they would like to purchase and then the sale is pending the outcome of the home inspection.
Sellers of a home provide disclosures to purchasers in an effort to tell them certain things they know that are in need of repair. Laws regarding disclosures vary by state. Even those states that have laws requiring that homeowners disclose property conditions to potential buyers should still invest in the time and money it takes for a professional home inspection to be completed. Not everyone is honest about the condition of their property, and if they believe they can get away without disclosing something they may just do it, especially if they sense the buyer would back out of the sale.
Another option that should not be relied upon when purchasing a home is getting a warranty. While home warranties are great, they do not always cover everything and an inspection prior to purchase may help reveal some concerns with the property that are not covered under a warranty. Most home warranties only cover such things as heating systems and appliances. They don't cover bigger issues, like potential structural problems, such as conditions with the foundation, roof, or walls.
Factoid – The emotional condition of regret or remorse someone feels after making a purchase is called "buyer's remorse." Having a home inspection done before a purchase is one step toward helping to keep this from happening.
What to Expect
A home inspection will usually cost somewhere between $200 and $600 or so, depending upon the state, size of the home, and company conducting it. Factors that can impact the price for the home inspection include the square footage of the house, what the sales price is, how old it is, how many rooms it has, and even the market that it's located in. These costs are sometimes paid directly to the inspection company and other times it's taken directly out of escrow. This is something that will need to be discussed prior to the service being done.
A home inspection is scheduled prior to the purchase of a home. Buyers should start out by contacting several people to get rate quotes and compare qualifications. Many realtors have working relationships with home inspectors that they can refer buyers to. However, the buyers will need to evaluate their options to see who they feel is the most qualified, professional, and whom they can trust the most to do the work. Some realtors may receive a bonus or incentive for referring a particular inspector, and buyers should never feel pushed into using an inspector. It is the buyer's discretion to choose the inspector(s) that will evaluate the condition of the home.
Once an appointment is made for the inspection, the buyer has every right to be present and should be there for it. That doesn't mean they should drag the entire family there, because that could hinder the inspection progress. But it's acceptable for one or two of the buyers to be at the house during the inspection and keep tabs on the progress. While not getting in the way or slowing down the inspector, they can ask questions and bring up concerns. Home buyers and inspectors are also usually free to take a camera and take pictures of potential problems that are discovered.
The inspection process usually lasts a couple of hours, and includes various areas of the home. At the end of the inspection, the buyer will be presented with a report of the findings. They can use that report in their decision making process regarding the purchase (e.g., decide not to buy because repairs are excessive, request that the seller make repairs prior to closing on the house, accept the conditions as is and proceed with the sale, etc.).
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1: Home Inspection 101
Take Survey: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: Lesson 1: Significance of Home inspection
Complete: Lesson 1 Exam
Lesson 2: Basic Tools of the Trade
Review Article: Home Inspection Tools
Complete Assignment: Lesson 2: Home Inspection Hardware
Complete: Lesson 2 Exam
Lesson 3: The Role Ethics Plays in Home Inspection
Complete Assignment: Lesson 3: Ethics of Home Inspector
Complete: Lesson 3 Exam
Lesson 4: What's Included in a Home Inspection
Complete Assignment: Lesson 4: Standard Home Inspection
Complete: Lesson 4 Exam
Lesson 5: Getting Started: Inspecting Outdoors
Complete Assignment: Lesson 5: Outdoor Inspection
Complete: Lesson 5 Exam
Lesson 6: Inspecting Roofs and Crawl spaces
Complete Assignment: Lesson 6: Identifying Leaks in Roofs
Complete: Lesson 6 Exam
Lesson 7: Inspecting Kitchens and Bathrooms
Review Article: InterNACHI Inspection Graphics Library
Complete: Lesson 7 Exam
Lesson 8: Door and Window Inspections
Complete Assignment: Lesson 8: Inspections in Both Sides
Complete: Lesson 8 Exam
Lesson 9: Inspecting Ceilings, Floors and More
Complete: Lesson 9 Exam
Lesson 10: Garages, Attics and Basements
Complete: Lesson 10 Exam
Lesson 11: Plumbing Inspections
Complete: Lesson 11 Exam
Lesson 12: Inspecting the Electrical, Heating and Cooling
Complete Assignment: Lesson 12: Electrical, Heating and Cooling inspections
Complete: Lesson 12 Exam
Lesson 13: Other Inspection Possibilities
Complete: Lesson 13 Exam
Lesson 14: Red Flag Issues
Complete Assignment: Lesson 14: Insects and Vermin
Complete: Lesson 14 Exam
Lesson 15: Routine Home Maintenance Issues
Review Article: Home Maintenance Checklist
Complete: Lesson 15 Exam
Lesson 16: The Inspection Process
Complete Assignment: Lesson 16: Sample Checklists
Complete: Lesson 16 Exam
Lesson 17: Becoming a Home Inspector
Complete: Lesson 17 Exam
Lesson 18: Starting and Running a Successful Business
Take Poll: Getting started with home inspection business
Take Survey: Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
Complete Assignment: Lesson 18: Get Started with Home Inspection.
Complete: Lesson 18 Exam
Complete: The Final Exam
Learning Outcomes
- Describe basic tools of the trade.
- Describe the role ethics plays in home inspection.
- Summarize what's included in a home inspection.
- Describe how to inspect roofs and crawl spaces.
- Describe how to inspect kitchens and bathrooms.
- Describe door and window inspections.
- Describe how to inspect ceilings, floors, garages, attics, and basements.
- Describe plumbing inspections.
- Summarize how to inspect the electrical, heating and cooling.
- Identify red flag issues.
- Summarize routine home maintenance issues.
- Describe the inspection process, and
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

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Time to complete | 6 months |
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Includes CEUs |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |

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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 500+ |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 500+ courses
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | Monthly |
No. of courses | 500+ |