This course identifies proper roof construction for both sloped roofs and flat roofs. Detailed descriptions and rich illustrations help to explain flashing details and the intersections that are often problems on roofs. Included are sections on how to inspect roofs and what to watch for with various roofing materials.

All the elements of a building from the footings and foundations to the floor, wall and roof assemblies are addressed in considerable detail. Elements of good construction are explained and illustrated, along with common failure modes and how to identify them.

This program starts with a description of house electricity and develops an understanding of the basics. The course moves on to address getting electricity into the house, and distributing it safely to its end-use points including switches, lights and receptacles. The discussion is designed for people who do not have an electrical background. The learning objective is to provide the learner with the skills necessary to perform the electrical part of a home inspection.

This course provides an introduction to residential heating systems, starting with a description of fuels and then focusing on furnaces and boilers. Detailed instructions on operational tests, common failure modes and life expectancies of various systems are included.

The heating discussion is continued with focus on chimneys, wood heating, fireplaces, steam heating, electric heating systems and space heaters. The information is presented in a straightforward fashion with clear diagrams. Again, this course concentrates on inspection strategies, operational test procedures and problem identification.

These complicated mechanical systems are broken down into simple components. The course starts with basic principles of operation and builds an understanding. Considerable detail is provided on how these systems fail. Upon completion, the learner is able to test and inspect air conditioning and heat pump systems as a professional home inspector.

The plumbing course is broken into four segments - supply piping, water heaters, waste piping, and plumbing fixtures. The basics of the physics of water are covered at the beginning in a simple, common sense way. Instruction on how systems work and common failure modes is provided. Again, the illustrations add significantly to the learning experience.

This course starts with an interesting illustrated description of architectural styles. Descriptions of wall systems, windows and doors are included, along with a discussion about how to inspect and identify problems. Exterior structures and landscaping features are also addressed.

This course focuses on two different parts of the home. The first section addresses home insulation and ventilation systems. Modern building standards are explained along with the principles of heat transfer. The Interior section addresses floor, wall and ceiling finishes as well as stairs, windows, doors and wet basements.

This is the only non-technical course, and as such is not accompanied by a CD-ROM. The focus here is the activity of home inspection and how the business works. There are discussions about how home inspections are arranged, and how to conduct an inspection. We address such issues as communicating your findings to clients verbally and in writing. There is excellent coverage of the elements of professional technical reports and sample checklists are included.