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.
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  • 18
    Lessons
  • 20
    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:
  • 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: The Critical Role of Home Inspections in Real Estate Transactions

A home inspection serves as a crucial preventative measure against buyer's remorse, providing detailed insights that can influence the decision-making process. While not legally required, the choice to invest in inspection services reflects their significant perceived value among home buyers. 11 Total Points
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2: Gadgets and Gear: Your Guide to Home Inspection Tools

To conduct thorough home evaluations, inspectors utilize hardware like binoculars and AWL tools, while also leveraging software for report formatting. Customization and ease of use in inspection software significantly enhance an inspector's workflow and client communication. 9 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3: Upholding Trust: Ethical Practices in Home Evaluation

Home inspections require ethical conduct due to the high stakes involved in purchasing a home. Unethical practices, such as bias or conflicts of interest, can harm buyers, making it crucial for inspectors to adhere to moral standards and for buyers to choose inspectors wisely. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: Understanding the Home Inspection Spectrum

Key aspects like plumbing and roofing are routinely inspected, while items like carpets and appliances are typically outside the inspection's purview unless specially included. Buyers should use inspection findings judiciously for negotiating adjustments with sellers. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: Outside Matters: Ensuring External Home Integrity

Outdoor inspections encompass essential components like gutters, grading, and stairs to ensure water management and structural safety are effective. Identifying these issues early can save significant costs and protect against hazards like flooding and erosion. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: Roof and Crawl Space Checks

A solid roof is essential for safeguarding a home's interior from damage, and inspecting for leaks, missing shingles, and aging is critical for preventing costly repairs. Roof condition varies by region, with different concerns in snowy, hurricane-prone, or high-wind areas necessitating specific inspection and maintenance strategies. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: Kitchen and Bathroom Checks

Kitchens and bathrooms are pivotal in home sales, often influencing buyer decisions based on their condition, as they are areas that endure significant wear and impact daily living. Proper inspection of each component, from countertops and sinks to ventilation and electrical elements, can prevent costly renovations and future issues. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: Mastering Home Inspections: A Detailed Guide to Evaluating Doors and Windows

Evaluating doors and windows in a home is crucial due to their roles in light, ventilation, and energy efficiency. Regular inspections help identify issues that can lead to costly repairs or increased energy bills. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: From Ceiling to Floor: A Comprehensive Guide to Home Inspections

Ceilings should be checked for water stains and structural issues, though some defects might be hidden beneath fresh paint. Inspectors can only evaluate visible conditions but home sellers are expected to disclose known problems. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: Assessing Hidden Corners

Inspections of garages, attics, and basements are crucial for revealing potential issues. Spaces like attics and basements can serve multiple purposes but require thorough checks for leaks, pests, and structural integrity. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11: The High Cost of Plumbing Problems

Plumbing inspections help ensure quiet and efficient systems by checking for potential noise issues from high water pressure, known as water hammer, and suggesting solutions. Understanding pipe materials—from steel to plastic—enables inspectors to provide clear reports, aiding homeowner decisions during repairs or renovations. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12: Electrical and HVAC: A Closer Look

The electrical system demands professional oversight, as improper setups or repairs can present significant safety threats and costly code violations. Heating and cooling assessments ensure that these systems meet climate demands and function efficiently, saving on future repair costs. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13: Additional Inspection Features

Despite being common in certain locales, features like stucco exteriors and swimming pools usually demand extra scrutiny, ensuring the buyer is aware of any pre-existing conditions. Outbuildings also require separate evaluation due to varied structural concerns. 9 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14: Pest and Mold Concerns

Fire hazards, including faulty electrical wiring and inadequate smoke detectors, are key considerations for home inspectors. The presence of asbestos and lead paint in older homes also demands attention due to their serious health implications. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15: Maintaining Your Home: A Preventative Approach

Homeowners often overlook maintenance once they move in, potentially risking property value. Systematic upkeep, from cleaning chimneys to checking window seals, helps prevent future frustrations and ensures comfort. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam

Lesson 16: Organizing the Inspection Process

The inspection process requires careful planning, starting with a checklist tailored to vary by states and companies to ensure nothing is missed. Home inspectors often document findings with software that saves time and ensures future accessibility. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 16 Exam

Lesson 17: Navigating the Path to a Home Inspection Career: A Comprehensive Guide

With opportunities accelerating, home inspection is recommended for detail-oriented individuals with solid communication skills who wish to command a pivotal role in real estate transactions. Professional certification through respected organizations enhances career longevity and income potential, aligning with the dynamic needs of homeowners and realtors. 9 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 17 Exam

Lesson 18: Home Inspection Business 101

Starting a home inspection business offers flexibility and minimal start-up costs, allowing operators to work from home and reduce overhead expenses significantly. Successfully growing the business involves strategic planning, marketing to realtors, and expanding services like pool inspections. 94 Total Points
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 18 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
262
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.
 

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