Home Inspection Course Features

We use a step-by-step training process to make home inspection simple to learn. All of our online home inspection training options include the same lessons, field inspection assignments and report writing as our classroom course. We even include free home inspection report software so that you can practice inspecting and documenting while taking the course. Our experienced, on-site instructors are always here to help you every step of the way. Plus we include lessons on mold and allergens, radon, and commercial inspections so you can learn how to expand your business by offering new services.

PHII's online home inspection course delivers all of the advantages of our classroom training course for a fraction of the cost. We use a proven interactive learning solution with lesson pre-tests and post-tests, flash cards, audio instruction, video, and feedback along with the human support element that is so critical to success. Our home inspection training course is self-paced, but you are never alone.

As you go through the course, you will master the learning objectives for each lesson that correspond to a national standard of practice for home inspection that applies to home inspectors. No previous experience is required to understand the components and systems of a home and learn how to visually inspect them. You can take as long as you need, however those with experience in the building trades will generally finish faster.

As you complete each lesson, you will use interactive flash cards and take practice quizzes that will test your knowledge, generate instant feedback and provide opportunities to correct mistakes, re-learn information and re-test. Our system keeps track of your progress, so you can take a break at any time, even turn off your computer and the course will return to where you left off. You can perform the hands-on field activities on your own home or any residential building to test your knowledge in a real world setting.

• Introduction to Home Inspection Terminology - Overview of the common language used throughout the home inspection industry by licensed home inspectors
• Limits and Exclusions for Home Inspection - Pre-inspection agreements and liability during a home inspection, understanding home inspector responsibilities
• Site, Grounds and Grading - Components outside the home including paving, vegetation, ground slope and drainage, decks, steps and porches that apply to a home inspection
• Exterior and Structure - Foundation, chimneys, trim and siding, doors and windows, eaves, soffits, and down spouts
• Roof Components - Types and styles, roof materials and home inspection methods, flashing and gutters, skylights for a typical home inspection
• Plumbing Systems - Water and fuel service type, size and location, waste and vent pipes, kitchen and bathroom faucets and fixtures, water heaters
• Electrical Systems - Service entrance location and capacity, inspecting panels and branch circuits, wire gauges, determining grounding and bonding, ground fault interrupters (GFIs), outlets, fixtures, switches and smoke detectors
• Attic Inspection - Attic access methods, roof framing and sheathing, insulation types, ventilation methods, roof vent pipes, defects and moisture issues
• Insulation & Ventilation - R Factor, vapor retarders, crawl space and below-grade ventilation, theory of exhaust and plumbing ventilation as it applies to home inspection
• Interior Components - Home inspection methods and standards for walls and rooms, bedroom egress, windows, types of doors, stairs and railing, defects, fire places.
• Bathrooms and Kitchens - Toilets, sinks, ventilation, bathtubs, showers, flooring, GCFI protection, defects and moisture damage, cabinets, counters, flooring, built-in appliances following home inspection industry standards
• Basement & Crawlspace - Type and entry methods, evaluating foundation and supports, stairs, flooring, walls, ceiling, exposed insulation, vapor barriers, evaluating joists, trusses, sub floors, floor drains and sump pumps
• Heating and Air Conditioning - Location(s), fuel type(s), age, capacity, distribution methods, heat exchangers, combustion venting, humidifiers, air filters, evaporator and condenser coils, supplemental heat, electrical disconnect home inspection standards
• Garage and Carport - Home inspection standards for identifying structure type, attached, detached, door openers, floors ceiling walls, ventilation, safety features, separation wall, door to a living space, ventilation, GFI protection
• Conducting a Home Inspection - Pre home inspection agreements, professional behavior, procedures with clients, home inspection methodology, home inspection tools, written report, follow-up
• Home Inspection Business Start-Up - Registration for home inspection business, website set-up, payment processing, pricing services, business vehicle, ladders and basic tools, electronic tools, sales tax and write-offs, filing requirements, state tax I.D. number, records, profit, cash flow, advertising, brochures, tracking ads, customer service
• Mold and Allergens - Mycotoxins and pathogenic molds, sources and outbreaks, collecting samples during home inspection, client agreements, findings, common allergens, health effects, mitigation procedures, how to become a mold certified home inspector
• Radon in Air and Water - Properties of radon, health effects, how radon enters buildings and water supplies, measurement, elevated/unsafe levels, seasonal effects, mitigation methods, how to become a radon certified home inspector
• Commercial Inspections - Types of commercial home inspections, challenges, ASST. E2018-01 guidelines, property condition assessment (CPA) reports, walk-through survey, home inspector vs. a field observer, entering the market, referrals, liability, how to become a home inspector with commercial certification