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call 800-268-7070 Ext 251
email education@carsondunlop.com

Course Outlines

ready-to-get-startedbrget-our-free-home-inspectionbrtraining-catalogue-nowEach of the ten courses includes a richly illustrated binder with course text, quizzes for self-evaluation, field exercises, Inspection procedures and Inspection checklist. For each of the ten technical subjects, there is a CD-ROM with annotated photos and voice-over that take textbook learning to the next level. You see what things look like out in the field.

Our education program was forged from years of applied knowledge. It is not a one or two week introductory program. No one can learn a complex consulting profession in a couple of weeks. It is a complete career training program. We use the program to train our own people. We keep it elegantly simple, providing exactly what you need.

Comprehensive 10 Course Program

This course discusses both sloped and flat roof construction. Extensive descriptions and illustrations help to explain flashing details and the intersections that are often problems on roofs. Roof problems, causes and implications are identified for all of the common roofing materials. Included are sections on how to inspect roofs and what to watch for with various roofing materials. All the structural elements of a building from the footings and foundations to the floor, wall and roof assemblies are addressed in detail. Elements of good construction are illustrated, along with common failure modes and how to identify them.
All the structural elements of a building from the footings and foundations to the floor, wall and roof assemblies are addressed in detail. Elements of good construction are 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 course is designed to provide people who do not have an electrical background with the skills necessary to perform the electrical part of a professional 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 a focus on chimneys, wood heating, fireplaces, steam heating, electric heating systems and space heaters. Each topic starts with a description of how the system works. Again, this course concentrates on Inspection strategies, test procedures and problem identification.
 
These complex 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 physics of water is covered at the beginning in a simple, common sense way. Instruction on how systems work and common failure modes are provided. Again, the illustrations add significantly to the learning experience.
 
This subject covers retaining walls, grounds, window wells, lot grading, driveways, patios, walkways, decks, balconies, stoops and steps, porches, railings, wall cladding, flashing trim, eaves, soffits, fascia, as well as exterior doors and windows. Students learn to describe the exterior wall covering and Inspect all aspects of the exterior named above.
 
Focus is on the Inspection of thermal insulation, vapor barrier and ventilation systems, as well as the Inspection of interior elements of residential dwellings such as walls, ceilings, floors, basements, doors, windows, interior stairs/railings, installed counter tops and cabinets, and garage doors/door operators.
 
The professional Home Inspector is required, both verbally and in writing, to describe the Inspection process and communicate Inspection findings to the client. It is important that the Home Inspector be able to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure that clients understand the Inspection results and the report. Students develop their oral and written communication skills, and learn the reporting requirements and proper conduct for a professional Home Inspector.
The Home Reference Book, Carson Dunlop’s essential homeowner’s manual, is included free of charge with the program. This book has become the gold standard in the profession and is used as a report writing system as well as a reference manual for homeowners. The 500 colour illustrations and clearly-worded text provide great learning tools.

Sample content

Provided below are samples of the Structures module focussing on flooring. Click on any of the links below to view the sample content.