Looking to start my own business this spring doing inspections, Radon and thermal imaging. Been doing a lot of looking at the various “schools” that do home inspection training and while I can see what they offer as far as materials, on-line, support, cost, etc., the choices are many and there’s nothing like hearing from someone that has been to one. Just wanting your opinion on which one you would recommend and any criteria I should use to choose one. I find it interesting that classes range a lot in length - some a week, some two, etc. Am I missing something by going to the 1 week class?? Seems they all say they cover the same material so…
Thanks everyone. Hope to be a regular here and will join when the time is right.
1 week or 2 week. Some are more extensive than others.
I’ve seen training where they spend 2 hrs on structural or foundations
OR 2.5 hrs on electrical OR roofing.
Pathetic.
Do they have 1 inspector pretending to be an expert on EVERYTHING or do they use several inspectors with backgrounds in … HVAC, electrician, engineer, foundation repair, etc. Hands on training combined with classes is preferable to most people vs just powerpoints.
Impossible to give an honest opinion without knowing anything about YOU. What is your background? Do you have any experience in the trades? Obviously, someone with a construction background will require less in depth training than a retired burger flipper!
Very true statement. IMHO, if you don’t already know your way around a home, you will be lost in most schools. Yes, they will teach how to answer the questions and get a license but that by itself will not make you a home inspector. If you don’t believe me, just look at some of the questions that are asked on this MB by so called licensed home inspectors.
Yup, you’re right, should have given a little background. Grew up on a farm, dad was a tool and die maker and he taught me everything mechanical. 55 now and want out of my dead end job. Had a career in electronic design then went into management, project management, customer service. That went away after 2009. Background is mechanical, electronic, a do it yourselfer. Not a home construction guy but can build stuff, fix stuff. Also went to college for electrician but switched to electronics. Worked for a master electrician for a while so know what I’m doing there. I did the inspection for both of my daughter’s houses last summer after watching a guy do it for three others and thinking I’m paying this much for him to do this? Don’t have a background in construction but understand it. Given all this, i believe I can easily attend any of the schools and complete their program.
So I am looking for your opinions on which ones will give me a quality education.
Pardon me if I ask an ignorant question here. So I looked at the classes offered by InterNACHI - all free with a membership costing $499, that will give me the knowledge I need to become certified. I looked at NAHI - they offer a 9 day intensive training class costing $2,500 + expenses (total cost somewhere around $3,700). The curriculum looks very thorough, etc. I don’t mean this in a sarcastic way at all, but why the huge difference? Does the NAHI training do more for me than InterNACHI? And there are a lot of other places that offer HI training in the $500 - $800 range and their curriculum looks quite thorough as well. That’s what is making this hard to get my hands around - the wide variance of what is offered. Setting cost aside for a minute, what I want is quality instruction that gives me real knowledge, more than just enough to pass an exam (my state does not require licensing so theoretically I could go out tomorrow and start inspecting). Any guidance any of you folks could give me would be very appreciated.
If you really want to be a home inspector, and cost of education is not an issue, then why are you having such a difficulty in comparing curriculums? The differences between them should be overly evident. I’m worried that this isn’t a profession you’ll excel at. I can help you by posting each course outline I suppose. How about I do that for you?
The course covers the following topics:
Introduction to Inspector Safety
Welcome
A Brief Word Regarding OSHA’s Role
Inspector Liability
InterNACHI Residential Standards of Practice
The Limitations of a Home Inspection
To Exceed or Not to Exceed
12 Steps That Help Inspectors Avoid Lawsuits
Basic Tools and Tips
Apparel for Safety and Professionalism
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Inspection Signage
Tools of the Trade
Tools of the Business
Avoiding Common Back Injuries
Ladder Operation and Safety
What is a Ladder?
Ladder Injury Statistics
Protecting Yourself
OSHA’s Requirements for Ladders
Ladder Sizing and Ratings
Inspecting a Ladder
Setting Up and Using a Ladder
Ladders and Electricity
Review
Roofs
Inspecting Roofs & Risk Factors
Gaining Access to the Roof
Fall-Arrest Systems
Alternatives to Walking a Roof
The Exterior
Asbestos Cement Siding Inspection
Lead Paint Hazards
Heating Systems
Gas-Fired Combustion Appliances
Gas-Fired Wall and Floor Heaters
Oil-Fired Combustion Appliances
Electric Heating Systems
Electrical Systems
PPE for Electrical Inspections
Using a Voltage Detector
Removing Panel Screws
Removing the Dead Front
Inspecting the Panel Interior
Replacing the Dead Front
Confined Spaces
What is a Confined Space?
Permit-Required Confined Spaces
Attic Inspection
Attic Pull-Down Ladders
Crawlspaces, Cellars & Other Confined Spaces
Unseen Hazards
Unusual Hazards in Problem Homes
Hydroponics Inspection
Marijuana Grow Operations
Meth Labs
Post-Disaster Inspections
Inspecting After an Emergency
Animal and Pest Hazards
Dealing with Dogs
Arthropods and Snakes
What to Do in Case of an Injury
General First-Aid Information and Disclaimer
What to Do If You Fall from a Ladder
Skull Fractures
Closed-Head Injuries
Broken Bones
Electrical Burns
Puncture Wounds
Severe Bleeding
Animal Bites
Snake Bites
Animal Bites
Bee Stings
Minor Cuts and Scrapes
The course topics include:
Introduction
Elements of Success
Build Success
Chapter 1: Do You Have What It Takes?
Comfortable with Taking Risks
Independent
Persuasive
Able to Negotiate
Creative
Supported by Others
20 Questions Before Starting
Chapter 1 Checklist
Chapter 2: 17 Steps to a Successful Home Inspection Business
Step 1: Choose a Business Location
Step 2: Write a Business Plan
Step 3: Choose the Legal Structure
Step 4: Choose the Business Name
Step 5: Undertanding the Business Laws and Regulations
Step 6: Get Business Assistance, Inspection Training, and Marketing Services
Step 7: Finance Your Business
Step 8: Calculate Pricing and Billing
Step 9: Use Inspection Agreements
Step 10: Work on Branding
Step 11: Work on Marketing
Step 12: Conduct Business Online
Step 13: Provide Great Customer Service and Communication
Step 14: Hire Employees
Step 15: File and Pay Taxes
Step 16: Build Your Business and Hire Inspectors
Step 17: Get Legal Help
Chapter 3: Home-Based Inspection Business
Before You Begin
Factors to Consider
Advantages
Disadvantages
Chapter 3 Checklist
Chapter 4: Choose a Business Location
Zoning Laws
Determine Your Needs
Is the Area Business Friendly?
Zoning Ordinances
InterNACHI Vehicle Magnets
How’s the Property is Zoned?
Home-Based Business Zoning Laws
Leasing Commercial Space
The Bottom Line
Buy or Rent?
Chapter 4 Checklist
Chapter 5: Write a Business Plan
Executive Summary
What to Include in Your Executive Summary
If You Are an Established Business
Mission Statement
If You Are a Startup or New Business
Company Description
What to Include in Your Company Description
Market Analysis
What to Include in Your Market Analysis
Organization & Management
Organizational Structure
Ownership Information
Board of Directors’ Qualifications
Services
A Description of Your Services
Marketing & Sales
Marketing and Promotional Items
Overall Strategy
Funding Request
Financial Projections
Historical Financial Data
Prospective Financial Data
Appendix
Be Clear About What You Have to Offer – Be Unique
Don’t Become a Jack of All Trades
Identify Your Niche
Chapter 5 Checklist
Chapter 6: Choose a Legal Structure
Sole Proprietorships
Partnerships
Corporations
Subchapter S Corporations
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Chapter 6 Checklist
Chapter 7: Choose the Business Name
Important Step
Available?
.COM
Search for Names
Suggestions
Future Growth
Check for Trademarks
If You Intend to Incorporate
Pick a Name That’s Web-Ready
Claim Your Social Media Identity
Apply for Trademark Protection
Register a Business Name
What is a “Doing Business As” Name?
Do I Need a “Doing Business As” Name?
How to Register your “Doing Business As” Name
Chapter 7 Checklist
Chapter 8: Understand the Business Laws and Regulations
Advertising and Marketing
General Offers and Claims Products and Services
Protecting Consumers’ Privacy Online
CAN-SPAM Act: A Compliance Guide for Business
eNewsletter for Inspector Clients
Need more information?
Chapter 8 Checklist
Chapter 9: Get Business Assistance, Inspection Training, and Marketing Services
Business, Training, Certification, Continuing Education
Training Videos
Inspection-Related Articles
Legal Documents
Marketing Team
Chapter 9 Checklist
Chapter 10: Finance Your Business
Estimating Startup Costs
Using Personal Finances
Preparing Financial Statements
Current Liabilities
Developing a Cash Flow Analysis
Breakeven Analysis
Breakeven Analysis: How to Know When You Can Expect a Profit
Borrowing Money for Your Business
Chapter 10 Checklist
Chapter 11: Calculate Pricing and Billing
Pricing
Two Ways
Billable Hours
Billable Hourly Rate
Market-Based
Combination
Fee Calculator
Outsourcing Inspections
Chapter 11 Checklist
Chapter 12: Use Inspection Agreements
Contract Basics
Oral vs. Written
InterNACHI’s Standardized Contracts
Basic Contract Items
Attachments
Addendum
Electronic Contracts
Chapter 12 Checklist
Chapter 13: Work on Branding
Marketing vs. Advertising
Branding, Marketing, and Advertising
Branding
Your Brand
Tagline
Trademarked Taglines
Business Logo
Free Logo and Marketing Design
Everything Looks the Same
Questions to Help Develop Your Brand
Business Experience
What Makes You So Special?
Target Market
Elevator Pitch
Branding Summary
Chapter 13 Checklist
Chapter 14: Work on Marketing
Business Cards
Free Business Card Designs
Freely Hand Cards Out
Flyers
Advertisement in the Local Paper
Home Maintenance Book
Inspection Vehicle Decals
InterNACHI ID Badge
Sew-On Emblems
Coloring and Activity Book
Client Satisfaction Survey
Homeowner Newsletter
Leave-Behind Letter
Logos, Images and Taglines
Commercial Inspector Marketing Pack
Sample Letter to Mail to Past Clients
Handwritten Notes
Define Your Market
Target Clients
Not Focusing is a Waste
Who’s Your Competition?
What’s Going On in the Inspection Industry?
Market & Marketing Research
Before You Start Marketing
Marketing Tools
Networking
Press Release
Sponsoring an Event or Team
Direct Mail
Free Stuff
Home Maintenance Inspection
Print Marketing
Websites and Social Media
Homeowner Newsletters
Chapter 14 Checklist
Chapter 15: Conduct Business Online
Setting Goals
Website
Online Marketing
Email and Newsletters
Blogging
Rich Blog Content
Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, and More
Website Builders
Website Guidance
InterNACHI-Certified Websites
Informative Architecture of a Website
Website Color
Website Images
Test Your Website
SEO and Driving Traffic
Driving Traffic Using Facebook
Facebook for Business
LinkedIn
Sharing Content
Message Board for Inspectors
Lead-Generation Websites
Domain Name
Chapter 15 Checklist
Chapter 16: Provide Great Customer Service and Communication
First Impressions
Dress Chart
Effective Communication
Communicating Information About Your Inspection
Jargon
Pace
Chapter 16 Checklist
Chapter 17: Hire Employees
Hire Your First Employee
Step 1. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Step 2. Set up Records for Withholding Taxes
Step 3. Employee Eligibility Verification
Step 4. Register with Your State’s New Hire Reporting Program
Step 5. Obtain Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Step 6. Post Required Notices
Step 7. File Your Taxes
Step 8. Get Organized and Keep Yourself Informed
Chapter 17 Checklist
Chapter 18: File and Pay Taxes
Is It A Business or a Hobby?
Determine Your Federal Tax Obligations
Federal Income Taxes
Determine Your State Tax Obligations
Employment Taxes
Determine When the Tax Year Starts
Chapter 18 Checklist
Chapter 19: Build Your Business and Hire Inspectors
Employee vs. Independent Contractor
Special Tasks for Employers
Training and Certification
Chapter 19 Checklist
Chapter 20: Get Legal Help
Chapter 20 Checklist
Introduction to Roofs
Common Roof Terms
General Roof Terms
Roof Styles and Details
Common Roof Issues
Gutters and Drainage
Roof Drainage and Gutters
Downspout Terminations
Framing and Trim
Roof Framing From Outside
Roofing Trim
Roof Coverings
Asphalt Shingles I
Asphalt Shingles II
Slate Tile Roofing
Clay and Concrete Tile
Asbestos Cement Tiles
Wood Shingle and Shake I
Wood Shingle and Shake II
Flat Roofs: Roll Roofing
Flat Roofs: Built-up
Flat Roofs: Membranes
Metal Roofing
Roofing Oddities
Roof Flashings
Edge and Ridge Flashings
Valley Flashings
Roof-to-Roof Flashings
Roof-to-Wall Flashings
Chimney Flashings
Vents and Other Penetrations
Roof Ventilation
Basic Ventilation
Inspecting Chimneys
Masonry Chimneys
Manufactured Chimneys
Introduction
Electrical Safety
Basic Terms
Simple Theory
Conductor Sizes
Service Entrance
Service Drop
Service Mast
Service Lateral
Electric Meter
Service Entrance Cable
Quiz on SEC
Grounding and Bonding
Grounding Systems
Bonding
Panels and Enclosures
Service Panels
The Main Disconnect
Service Amperage
Inspecting Enclosures I
Inspecting Enclosures II
Inspecting Enclosures III
Fuse Panels
Breaker Panels
Problem Panels
3-Phase Panels
Panel Oddities
Electrical Distribution
Wiring Types
Aluminum Wiring
Branch Circuit Connections
Protection of Wiring
120-Volt Terminations
Testing Outlets
240-Volt Terminations
GFCI Circuits
AFCI Requirements
Lighting Circuits
Introduction
Observe and Report
What You Need to Know
Common Structural Terms
Common Foundation
Common Framing
Inspector Safety
What to Look For Outside
Lot
Exterior
Decks and Porches
Roof
What to Look For Inside
Roofing Structure and Attic
Basement and Crawlspace
Floors
Walls and Ceilings
Windows, Doors and Mouldings
The Report
Report Writing
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
Introduction to Residential Structural Design
Introduction
Structural Design Basics
Conventional Residential Construction
Industrialized Housing
Alternative Materials and Methods
Building Codes and Standards
Role of the Design Professional
Housing Structural Performance
Common Performance Issues
Housing Performance
Hurricane Andrew
Hurricane Opal
Northridge Earthquake
Summary
Quiz
Structural Design Concepts
Introduction
What is Structural Design?
Load Conditions and Structural Systems
Vertical Loads
Lateral Loads
Structural Systems
Load Path
Vertical Load Path
Lateral Load Path
Summary
Quiz
Structural Design Loads
General
Load Combinations
Dead Loads
Live Loads
Soil Lateral Loads
Wind Loads
Determination of Wind Loads
Steps 1 – 5
Special Considerations
Special Considerations
Building Durability
Tips to Improve Performance
Snow Loads
Earthquake Loads
Determination of Earthquake Loads on Houses
Seismic Shear Force Distribution
Special Seismic Design Considerations
Other Load Conditions
Quiz
Structural Design of Roof Framing
Roof Styles
Roof Framing, Part 1
Roof Framing, Part 2
Roof Framing, Part 3
Quiz
Structural Design of Lateral Resistance to Wind and Earthquake
General
Overview of Whole-Building Tests
LFRS Design Steps & Terminology
The Current LFRS Design Practice
Lateral Force Distribution Methods
Tributary Area Approach (Flexible Diaphragm)
Total Shear Approach (“Eyeball” Method)
Relative Stiffness Design Approach
Shear Wall Design Approaches
Segmented Shear Wall Design Approach
Basic Perforated Shear Wall Design Approach
Enhancements to the PSW Approach
Basic Diaphragm Design Approach
Design Guidelines
Shear Wall Design
Wood Structural Panels
Portland Cement Stucco
Gypsum Wall Board
1x4 Wood Let-In Braces and Metal T-Braces
Other Shear-Resisting Wall Facing
Combining Wall Bracing Materials
Shear Wall Design Capacity
Perforated Shear Wall Design Approach
Segmented Shear Wall Design Approach
Shear Capacity Adjustment Factors
Species Adjustment Factor
Nail Size Adjustment Factor
Opening Adjustment Factor
Dead Load Adjustment Factor
Aspect Ratio Adjustment Factor
Overturning Restraint
Shear Transfer (Sliding)
Shear Wall Stiffness & Drift
Perforated Shear Wall Load-Drift Relationship
Segmented Shear Wall Load-Drift Relationship
Empirical, Non-Linear Load-Drift Equation
Portal Frames
Diaphragm Design Values
Diaphragm Design
Shear Transfer (Sliding)
Diaphragm Stiffness
Quiz
Structural Connection Design
General
Types of Mechanical Fasteners
Nails
Bolts
Specialty Connection Hardware
Lag Screws
Wood Connection Design
Adjusted Allowable Design Values
Nailed Connections
Bolted Connections
Lag Screws
System Design Considerations
Sheathing Withdrawal Connections
Roof-to-Wall Connections
Heel Joint in Rafter-to-Ceiling Joist Connection
Wall-to-Floor Connections
Design of Concrete & Masonry Connections
Concrete or Masonry Foundation Wall to Footing
Friction Used to Provide Shear Transfer
Key Used to Provide Shear Transfer
Dowels Used to Provide Adequate Shear Transfer
Anchorage and Bearing on Foundation Walls
Bearing Strength
Evaluating Problems with Fasteners
Summary
Quiz
General Comments
InterNACHI Standards of Practice
Glossary of Terms
Fixtures
General Comments
Minimum Number of Plumbing Fixtures
Access for Cleaning
Clearance for Water Closets, Lavatories
Connections, Flanges and Joints
Overflows
Automatic Clothes Washer
Bathtubs
Glazing
Bidets
Dishwashing Machines
Floor and Trench Drains
Food Waste Grinders
Laundry Tubs and Trays
Lavatories or Washbasins
Showers
Sinks
Urinals
Water Closets
Whirlpool Tubs
Faucets and Other Fixtures
Faucet and Fixture Temperature Control
Fixture Tailpieces
Water Heaters
Water Heater as a Space Heater
Sacrificial Rod
Drain Valves
Access
Water Heater Labeling
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless Coils from Boilers
Water Heater Tank Locations
Confined Space and Combustion Air
Seismic Supports for Tanks
Water Valves for Tanks
Dip Tube Hole Inside Tanks
Fuel Shutoff Valves or Electric Disconnect
TPR Valves
Expansion Tank on Boiler
Discharge Pipe on TPR Valve
Water Leak Catch Pan
Hot Water Tank Defects
Potable Water
Wells
Potable Water Contamination
Solar Energy
Water Service Pipe
Water Distribution Pipe Material
Water Pressure Regulator
Water Pressure, Friction and Others
Water Consumption
Size of Water Supply Pipe to Fixture
Thermal Expansion Control
Gridded and Parallel Water Distribution
Lead Content of Pipes and Fittings
Water Distribution Pipe
Valves
Hot Water
Sanitary Drainage
Trenching
Separate Sewers
Sewage Treatment
Sanitary Drainage Pipe Material
Slope of Drainage Pipe
Change in Drain Pipe Size
Breakage and Corrosion of Pipes
Fittings
Prohibited Joints
Cleanouts
Drainage System Sumps and Ejectors
Vents
Air Valves
Vent Distances
Vent Terminations
Traps
Minimum Trap Size
Prohibited Traps
Trap Cleanout
Trap Defects
Protection
Protection Against Pipe Damage
Plumbing Support
Storm Drainage
Dryer System
Dryer Exhaust System
Oil Storage Tanks
Underground Fuel Gas Piping
Support for Fuel Gas Piping
Fuel Gas Sediment Traps
Shut-off Valves for Fuel Gas Appliances
Fuel Connectors
Fuel Gas Venting Systems
Insulation Shields
Factory-Built Chimney Serving Fuel Gas
Chimney Connection
Fuel Gas Vent Terminations
Automatic Dampers
Procedural Inspection Checklist
Checklist for Bathroom Fixtures
The course covers the following categories:
Learning Objectives
Inspection Tools
Inspection Procedure
Residential Standards of Practice
Identification
Doors
Common Problems with Doors
Egress Doors
Windows
Common Problems with Windows
Windowsills
Putty
Weatherstripping
Shutters
Awnings
Fogged Windows
Window Wells
Siding
Insulation Value of Siding
Siding Materials Chart
Siding Types
Wood Siding
Solid Wood and Lumber Siding
Plywood Siding
Shingles and Shakes
Hardboard
OSB Siding
Particleboard Siding
Considerations
Finish Problems
Chalking
Rot
Aluminum and Steel Siding
Grounding Metal Siding
Vinyl Siding
SIPs
Brick
Stone
Stucco and EIFS
Asbestos Cement-Based Siding
Clay and Slate Shingles
Asphalt Shingles
Masonry Exterior Wall Covering
Concrete Blocks
Manufactured Stone
Load-Bearing or Veneer?
Common Problems with Masonry Exterior
Foundation Cracks and Water
Inspecting the Visible Masonry and Foundation
Checking the Masonry
Masonry Foundation and Piers
Shrinkage Cracking
Sweeping or Horizontal Cracking
Above-Ground Masonry Walls
Eaves, Soffits and Fasciae
Wall Assembly
Housewrap
Waterproofing and Damp-Proofing
Permanent Wood Foundations
Common Problems with Walls
Inadequate Clearance from the Roof Cover
Dense Vegetation
Wood and Soil Contact
Water Intrusion
Flashing of Wall Components and Moisture Problems
Understanding and Inspecting Flashing
Flashing
Flashing and Caulking
Sealants for Through-Wall Penetrations
Kickout Flashing
Exterior Drainage Systems
Site Surface Drainage
Foundation Drainage
Roof and Surface Drainage
Roof Overhangs and Projections
Roof Drainage, Gutters and Downspouts
Checking the Site and Foundation
Inspection of Drainage Slope
Property Drainage
Sump Pumps
Landscaping
Fences
Ramps
Stairways
Risers and Treads
Guards
Spheres
Handgrips
Attachment
Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings
Basement Walkouts
Exterior Decks
Inspecting a Garage
Garage Door Opener Inspection
Chimneys
Defensible Space
Retaining Walls
Driveway, Walkways and Pavements
Buried Oil Tanks
Other Exterior Considerations
Additional Exterior Systems and Structures
Yards and Courts
Flood Zones
Exterior Water
GFCI-Protection for the Exterior
Clothes Dryer Exhaust
Private Wells
Septic Systems
Other Exterior Factors
Guide for Homeowners: Water Management and Water Damage Prevention
and more
The course covers the following categories:
Inspector Safety Equipment and Inspection Tools
InterNACHI Standards of Practice
General Inspection Comments
Heat Movement
Moisture Movement
Moisture Can Be a Problem
Four Things Your Client Can Do
Protection From Water Damage
Introduction to Insulation
R-Value of Insulation
Compressed Insulation
Thermal Bridging
Inspecting the Insulation
Precautions About Adding Insulation
Check the Attic
Attic Access
Attic Pull-Down Stairs
Attic Insulation Rulers and Thicknesses
Difficult Areas to Check in the Attic
Check the Exterior Walls
Airtight
Control Moisture
OVE Techniques
2x6 Wall Construction
Wall Sheathing
Check Under the Floors
Floors and Crawlspaces
Check the Ductwork
Types of Insulation
Blankets
Blown-In Loose-Fill
Foam Insulation
Rigid Insulation
Reflective Insulation
Radiant Barriers
Insulation Labels
Where to Look for Insulation
Roof Ventilation and Insulation
Roof Vents and Insulation Clearance
Ventilation Required
Some Roof Ventilation Definitions
Inspecting the Roof Ventilation in 10 Steps
Ice Dams
Roof Ventilation Based on Climate and Insulation Amount
Rule of Thumb
Roof Height at the Eave
How Basement Walls Should Dry to the Interior
Finding Interior Foam Insulation and a Fire Hazard
Look for Holes That Allow Air Leakage into the Basement Wall
Check for Moisture at Bottom of Basement Finished Walls
Slab on Grade Construction
Is the Slab on a Mound with Clearance?
Required Vapor Diffusion Retarder with a Capillary Break Beneath It
Cracks in the Slab and Moisture Problems
Rebar Reduces Cracking
Insulation on the Exterior Slab-On-Grade Foundation
Frost Protected Shallow Foundations and Insulation
Slab-on-Grade Insulation and Finishes
Slab with Moisture-Resistant Finishes
Slab with Moisture-Sensitive Finishes
Missing Slab Insulation
Signs of Moisture Problems
Crawlspaces, Insulation and Moisture Problems
Crawlspace Floor Might be a Mud Slab
Crawlspace Floor Covered with Plastic
Crawlspace Wall is Damp-Proofed
Vented vs. Non-Vented Crawlspaces
Understanding Vented and Non-Vented Crawlspaces
Air Leakage and Major Moisture Problems
Air Sealing
Look for Big Air Leaks
Air Sealing from the Attic
Cathedral Roofs and Air Leaks
Cathedral Ceilings and Insulation
Why Would an Inspector Recommend Controlling Air Leakage?
Blower Doors – Useful Tool Checking Air Leaks
Air Barriers
Examples of Air Barriers
Four Types of Air Barriers
Vapor Diffusion Retarders
For Hot/Humid Climates, Walls Dry Towards the Inside
Inspecting “Warm Walls” in Cold Climates
For Cold Climates, Walls Dry Towards the Outside
Ventilation of the House Interior Air
Purpose of Ventilation
Three Ways to Ventilate
Natural Ventilation
Whole-House Ventilation
Energy-Recovery Ventilation Systems
Spot Ventilation
Bathroom Ventilation Ducts and Fans
Windows
Condensation in Double-Paned Windows
Safety Glass for Inspectors
Doors
Sectional Garage Door Inspection in 10 Steps
Garage Door Labels
Egress, Steps, Handrails and Illumination
Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings
Floors, Walls and Ceilings
and much more!
Objectives
Inspection Tools
Inspection Procedure
InterNACHI Standards of Practice
Introduction to HVAC
Heat Fundamentals
Identify and Describe Heating Systems
Gas, Gas Meters and Gas Pipes
Combustion Fundamentals
Furnace Fundamentals
Warm-Air Heating Systems
Ducts
Gas Furnaces
Oil Furnaces
High-Efficiency Heat Exchangers
Coal, Wood and Multi-Fuel Furnaces
Hydronic Heating Systems
Steam Heating Systems
Electric Heating Systems
Steam and Hot-Water Space Heating Systems
Air Conditioning
Heat Pumps
Air Cleaners and Filters
Humidifiers
Electric Furnaces