Thursday 3 May 2012

Online Courses in Home Inspection: Course & Class Descriptions


Individuals interested in conducting residential construction evaluations & home appraisals can gain valuable knowledge & skills through an online home inspection certification course. Various schools offer online programs which prepare graduates to take the state-mandated certification & licensing exams for home inspectors.

Overview of Online Home Inspection Courses

Home inspection certification courses can by found through the continuing education departments of several 2-year & 4-year colleges. The course offers comprehensive instruction on home construction practices, standard building design & traditional building materials. Classes consist of up to ten required lessons, each covering specific inspection points, such as structural dynamics, common defects identification & reporting methods.
Successful completions of the program enables graduates take state certification examinations & to apply for membership to several home inspection professional groups, including the National Association of Home Inspectors & the American Society of Home Inspectors. Not all states require licensing for home inspectors.

Course Requirements

Course materials for online home inspection courses include CD & DVD tutorials, textbooks & online examinations. Online coursework requires access to a personal computer with standard Web browser software & Windows 95 or higher operating software. Some course features are not designed to work with Macintosh operating systems. Email access & an Internet connection are also necessary, as are basic computer & Web navigation skills. A printer, CD & DVD player may also be required.

List of Online Home Inspection Classes

Structural & Roofing Inspection Class

This lesson provides an overview of inspection guidelines with a review of structural dynamics as affected by weight, movement & other stressors. Topics include foundation & slab construction, roofing materials & typical roof faults, chimney inspection & natural weather deterioration.

Exterior & Interior Inspection Class

This class focuses on the inspection of exterior & interior walls, entryways, balconies & porch or deck structures. Topics include asphalt driveway integrity, fireplace safety, weather damage to siding & pest control.

Electrical Systems Class

Basic electrical terms & elements are discussed. Details include electrical inspection & safety guidelines as well as inspection of wiring, switches & outlets.

Plumbing Systems Class

This class outlines inspection procedures for public & private water supplies, including a review of piping, functional flow & fixtures. Topics include hot water systems, corrosion, and drainage & waste management systems.

Heating & Cooling Systems Class

This lesson provides an in-depth look at safety issues surrounding gas & oil-fired heating systems, hot water boilers, steam systems & forced air furnaces. Cooling elements discussed include the refrigerant cycle, cooling capacity & water cooling systems.

Ventilation & Insulation Inspection Class

This class discusses the various types of home insulation, ventilation guidelines & crawl space inspection. Information on Radon gas, water penetration & weather-caused deterioration is also reviewed.

No comments:

Post a Comment