Online Class: Home Inspection 101

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.

$95.00
no certificate
- OR -
$120.00
with CEU Certificate*
Start Right Now!
$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
Taking multiple courses? Save with our platinum program.
 
  • 18
    Lessons
  • 30
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 16
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.6
    CEUs
 
 

Course Description

Home Inspection Mastery: From Basics to Business

Dive into the comprehensive realm of home inspection with this meticulously crafted course, designed to elevate you from a novice to a proficient home inspector. As the real estate market continues to expand, the importance of home inspections has never been clearer. Since the industry's establishment in the mid-1970s, there's been a monumental surge in its significance. Integral to every real estate transaction, a thorough home inspection ensures both the buyer's peace of mind and the home's overall value.

Why Choose This Course?

This course is tailored to offer a holistic understanding of home inspections, catering both to individuals aiming to grasp the intricacies of the process and those intending to champion the profession. It promises an all-encompassing curriculum, starting from the rudimentary elements of home inspection and advancing to the nuanced domains of business establishment and maintenance.

Each lesson, supported by detailed checklists, vivid examples, informative videos, and resourceful links, strives to be an immersive experience. Whether you're a homeowner, real estate enthusiast, or an aspiring home inspector, this course ensures you walk away enriched and empowered.

Course Breakdown:

  • Lesson 1: Home Inspection 101 - Introduction to the world of home inspection, its relevance, and its impact on the real estate landscape.

  • Lesson 2: Basic Tools of the Trade - Delve into the essential tools every inspector needs, from moisture meters to thermal imaging cameras.

  • Lesson 3: The Role Ethics Plays in Home Inspection - Unravel the significance of ethics, ensuring transparency and trust in the inspection process.

  • Lesson 4: What's Included in a Home Inspection - An expansive overview of the components covered in a typical home inspection.

  • Lesson 5: Getting Started: Inspecting Outdoors - A deep dive into external factors like landscaping, drainage, and sidewalks.

  • Lesson 6: Inspecting Roofs and Crawl spaces - Explore the critical areas of roofs and crawl spaces, often indicators of a home's overall health.

  • Lesson 7: Inspecting Kitchens and Bathrooms - Understand the intricacies of these vital spaces, from plumbing to fixtures.

  • Lesson 8: Door and Window Inspections - Analyze the structural and functional aspects of doors and windows.

  • Lesson 9: Inspecting Ceilings, Floors, and More - Investigate the essentials of a home's interior spaces and potential issues.

  • Lesson 10: Garages, Attics, and Basements - Discover the challenges and considerations in inspecting these specialized areas.

  • Lesson 11: Plumbing Inspections - Delve deep into the world of pipes, faucets, and drains, identifying potential red flags.

  • Lesson 12: Inspecting the Electrical, Heating, and Cooling - Navigate the complexities of home systems, ensuring safety and functionality.

  • Lesson 13: Other Inspection Possibilities - From fireplaces to home theaters, this lesson covers it all.

  • Lesson 14: Red Flag Issues - Address concerns like mold, radon, and carbon monoxide that demand immediate attention.

  • Lesson 15: Routine Home Maintenance Issues - Learn how regular upkeep can significantly enhance a home's longevity.

  • Lesson 16: The Inspection Process - Master the art of conducting a systematic, efficient, and effective home inspection.

  • Lesson 17: Becoming a Home Inspector - Chart your path in the industry, understanding qualifications, certifications, and best practices.

  • Lesson 18: Starting and Running a Successful Business - Translate your skills into a thriving business, mastering the nuances of entrepreneurship in the home inspection realm.

In an ever-evolving real estate market, having a profound understanding of home inspections is an asset. This course promises not just knowledge but the skills to apply it effectively, making it a quintessential investment in your future. Join us and unlock the doors to a brighter, more informed tomorrow.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:

Course Motivation

Taking a course on home inspection means that you have an interest in how they are performed, what to look for, and why they are necessary. There are a variety of reasons why someone would be interested in learning about home inspection. There is no right or wrong reason and yours may differ from others taking the course. No matter what your mission is with taking the course, whether for personal knowledge, because you are buying or selling a home, or you are a real estate agent, you have made a wise decision. Home inspections are a popular procedure for most home purchases and sales. Knowing more about it, whether you are in need of one or wanting to go into the career field to do them, puts you in a better position to get the most out of the home inspection process.

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.

Even homes being sold "as is" should have inspections performed. While the "as is" label sends out a message from the seller that they are not interested in making repairs prior to selling, the buyer should know the condition of the property before making a purchase. If there are problems overlooked it can add up to thousands later and no matter what kind of "deal" someone got on the purchase price they may regret that they bought in the first place.
 
 

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
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 

Course Lessons

Lesson 1: Home Inspection 101

This lesson defines what a home inspection is, why and when they are done, and who does them. This lesson also explains what to expect and who uses home inspections. 35 Total Points
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: Lesson 1: Significance of Home inspection
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2: Basic Tools of the Trade

This lesson looks at the basic tools of the trade. It will explain what tools the inspector may need to do the inspection, as well as those tools one may need if they are looking to become an inspector. 34 Total Points
  • Complete Assignment: Lesson 2: Home Inspection Hardware
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3: The Role Ethics Plays in Home Inspection

This lesson explains the role that ethics plays in home inspection. It will give you insight as to possible ethical issues that can arise and what the professional standards are for home inspectors. 35 Total Points
  • Complete Assignment: Lesson 3: Ethics of Home Inspector
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: What's Included in a Home Inspection

Lesson four explains what is and is not covered in a basic home inspection and the various reasons why it may vary depending upon the structure being inspected. 35 Total Points
  • Complete Assignment: Lesson 4: Standard Home Inspection
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: Getting Started: Inspecting Outdoors

This lesson explains in more detail some of the things that are included in the outdoor part of a home inspection. You'll learn what the inspector will be looking for and what to expect. 35 Total Points
  • Complete Assignment: Lesson 5: Outdoor Inspection
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: Inspecting Roofs and Crawl spaces

This lesson explains some of the most important aspects of inspecting the structure, such as the roof and crawl spaces. In this lesson students learn what an inspector will be looking for in each of those areas. 35 Total Points
  • Complete Assignment: Lesson 6: Identifying Leaks in Roofs
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: Inspecting Kitchens and Bathrooms

This lesson focuses on two of the most important rooms in the house; the kitchen and bathroom. Students learn what the inspector is looking for and why it's so important in the process. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: Door and Window Inspections

This lesson explains what inspectors will be evaluating when inspecting doors and windows. Students learn why they are an important part of the inspection and what to look for. 35 Total Points
  • Complete Assignment: Lesson 8: Inspections in Both Sides
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: Inspecting Ceilings, Floors and More

This lesson explains what an inspector looks at when evaluating walls, floors, ceilings, and stairs. Students learn what inspectors look for in each of the areas. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: Garages, Attics and Basements

This lesson looks at areas of the garage, attic, and basement that are evaluated during a home inspection. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11: Plumbing Inspections

This lesson focuses on plumbing inspections and discusses what will be inspected and possible problems that can arise. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12: Inspecting the Electrical, Heating and Cooling

This lesson focuses on doing a home inspection on the electrical system, as well as the heating and cooling systems. The focus of each area will be on what the inspector will be looking for. 35 Total Points
  • Complete Assignment: Lesson 12: Electrical, Heating and Cooling inspections
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13: Other Inspection Possibilities

This lesson focuses on other possible areas that may be conducted during a home inspection, such as chimney's, fireplaces, and swimming pools. 9 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14: Red Flag Issues

This lesson looks at problems that can be red flag issues, such as insects, vermin, decay, chemicals, and mold issues. Each of these areas are discussed regarding their relationship to a home inspection. 35 Total Points
  • Complete Assignment: Lesson 14: Insects and Vermin
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15: Routine Home Maintenance Issues

This lesson looks a routine home maintenance issues and how keep up on repairs can help when it comes to inspections. The lesson also offers a checklist of maintenance areas that should be addressed. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam

Lesson 16: The Inspection Process

This lesson examines the routine of conducting the home inspection, including following a checklist, documenting the findings, and remaining neutral and professional. 35 Total Points
  • Complete Assignment: Lesson 16: Sample Checklists
  • Assessment: Lesson 16 Exam

Lesson 17: Becoming a Home Inspector

This lesson looks at the process of becoming a home inspector, including what the career includes, the job outlook, requirements, and starting an inspection business. 9 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 17 Exam

Lesson 18: Starting and Running a Successful Business

This lesson explains how one can go about starting a home inspection business and what it takes to make it successful. Such things as small businesses, marketing, and legal issues are discussed. 119 Total Points
  • Lesson discussions: Getting started with home inspection business; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Complete Assignment: Lesson 18: Get Started with Home Inspection.
  • Assessment: Lesson 18 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
536
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • 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.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • 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
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Home Inspection 101
Course Number: 7550108
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and Washington.
Last Updated: July 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.6 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

Choose Your Subscription Plan

Course Only
One Course
No Certificate / No CEUs
$95
for 6 months
 
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate X
Includes CEUs X
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Certificate Course
One Course
Certificate & CEUs
$120
for 6 months
 
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Platinum Yearly
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$189
per year
 
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 12 Months
No. of courses 600+
Platinum 2 Years
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$299
for 2 years
You save $79.00!
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 24 Months
No. of courses 600+
 

Related Courses