State Certification vs. Professional Association This course was created specifically for our Virginia students. We will review the entry requirements, working standards and ethical guidelines of the major professional associations and compare them to the Virginia Certified Home Inspector Regulations. We discuss the benefits and drawbacks of membership in a professional association as well as the pros and cons of becoming a Virginia Certified Home Inspector.

Communication and Professional Practice In this course we discuss the home inspection process from beginning to end. The pre-inspection routine, the need for reports, report writing and styles as well as the closing discussion are all reviewed. Selecting a vehicle, necessary tools and proper clothing are also reviewed.

TUITION: $99 (+ optional text)
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Various wall claddings including brick, brick veneer, wood siding, conventional stucco and synthetic stucco products are all among materials examined. Windows and doors, flashings and caulking details are reviewed. Porches, decks, garages and carports are among the topics as well. Gutters, downspouts, driveways, retaining walls, lot grading and surface water control are also discussed.

TUITION: $180 (+ text)
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Asphalt shingles, wood shingles and shakes, slate, clay tile and many more roofing materials are among the topics reviewed during the roofing session. Sloped roof and flat roof system installation and inspection techniques are discussed. Flashing concerns for valleys, chimneys, skylights and other roof penetrations are also among the topics discussed.

TUITION: $180 (+ text)
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Basic structure inspection, settlement issues and crack analysis are among this course's topics. Bowing and bulging foundation walls, wall surface issues and concrete deterioration, along with columns, sills, beams, joists and sheathing will be reviewed. Trusses and I joists as well as other engineered components commonly used in construction today are among the specialty products reviewed and their specific concerns are examined.

TUITION: $180 (+ text)
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During this course we will study various insulating materials, R-Value and vapor barriers. Roof, attic and living space ventilation systems and methods are reviewed. Basement, crawl space and exhaust fan inspections are a part of this block as well.

TUITION: $120 (+ text)
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During the interiors course we review floor, ceiling and wall construction techniques and concerns. Cabinets, counters and trim are discussed. Stuck windows and scrubbing doors can be a minor issue or a major concern. The wrong call can be a costly mistake. We’ll show you how to determine which call to make.

TUITION: $120 (+ text)
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Because electrical issues are among the more serious and even life threatening systems that are found in our homes, this block begins with electrical basics. Safety concerns for the homeowner and the inspector are discussed. We will review the electrical components from the pole or lateral and proceed throughout the house discussing a number of different wiring systems, modern safety devices and components along the way.

TUITION: $240 (+ text)
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Basic heating principles begin this course. Gas and oil furnaces and boilers will be thoroughly examined during this session. Learn why a cracked heat exchanger can be among the most difficult defects to find yet is among the most serious items home inspectors inspect. Dating furnaces will be discussed. What components can help you determine if a furnace is a mid-efficiency or high efficiency model? We’ll show you during this important session. Fuel distribution systems, duct systems and hot water heat distribution systems are also explained.

TUITION: $200 (+ text)
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In this course we will focus on fireplaces, wood stoves and other devices that do not traditionally fall under the category of central heating systems. Chimney and vents are studied. Several types of electric heat such as radiant ceiling heat and electric baseboard heaters are examined as well.

TUITION: $160 (+ text)
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This course begins with air conditioning theory and principles. Following this session students will be able to identify and will understand the function of the compressor, condenser and evaporator. Condensate disposal is discussed. Basic inspection techniques are examined and duct system issues are discussed. As well as air conditioning “cooling only” equipment, heat pumps are a major part of this course.

TUITION: $120 (+ text)
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Basic plumbing systems and inspection techniques are reviewed. Procedures for inspecting all the major fixtures in a home including toilets, sinks, bidets and jetted tubs will be reviewed as well. Do you know why plumbing traps are installed? How can a simple piping mistake turn a water heater into a bomb and how can an outside faucet contaminate the drinking water for an entire city block? During this course we will answer these important questions and much more.

TUITION: $180 (+ text)
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