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Investigate the professional practice of home inspection
Assessment Strategies
on a written evaluation
Criteria
you identify the goal of a home inspection
you recognize the scope of a home inspection
you identify the tolls typically used by a home inspector to perform a standard inspection
you identify the home inspection process including pre-inspection routine, introductory discussion, actual inspection, closing discussion, and written report
you identify the sections of the American Society of Home Inspectors' Standards of Practice
you determine whether a given building component is covered in the Standards
you identify seven issues addressed in the American Society of Home Inspectors' Code of Ethics including applying each of these principles
you recognize how the home inspection process fits into residential real estate transactions
you recognize the home inspector's need for continuing education styles
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Examine the structural systems and components of buildings
Assessment Strategies
on a written evaluation
Criteria
you recognize the effect of expansive soils on foundation systems
you identify likely causes of common foundation cracks and failures
you recognize basics of masonry chimney construction
you identify considerations in allowable span of framing members
you recognize common terms used to describe foundation types
you recognize terminology and basic function of truss components
you identify common framing components and recognize terminology
you identify styles of wood framing
you recognize function of seismic and wind-resistant construction and hardware
you use common terminology in identifying problems associated with masonry construction
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Examine the exteriors of buildings
Assessment Strategies
on a written evaluation
Criteria
you recognize types of wall sheathing and cladding
you recognize techniques for ply wood siding installation
you identify installation techniques and terminology for stucco construction
you identify installation techniques for EIFS, hardboard, and other cladding
you identify installation techniques for masonry walls and masonry veneer
you recognize effects of defective installation of cladding materials
you identify appropriate dimensions for stair rise and run
you recognize terminology and components of area drain systems
you identify locations for safety glazing and times first required
you recognize failures in insulated glass
you identify common defects in windows
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Examine roofing of buildings
Assessment Strategies
on a written evaluation
Criteria
you identify proper installation techniques for wood shake roofing
you identify proper installation techniques for wood shingle roofing
you identify proper installation techniques for tile and slate roofing
you recognize defects and terminology for metal roofing
you identify the characteristics of different roofing material
you distinguish proper from defective valley installations
you identify common defects in single ply roof systems
you recognize terminology and characteristics of single ply roof systems
you evaluate installations of rain gutter and downspouts
you identify corrective actions needed for common defects in built-up roofing
you identify slope requirements for different types of roofing materials
you identify deck and sheathing requirement for different types of roofing material
you identify the areas of a roof system most likely to wear or require maintenance
you recognize common terminology used to describe roofing systems and styles
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Examine the electrical components of buildings
Assessment Strategies
on a written evaluation
Criteria
you identify main shutoff requirements at electrical service
you recognize signs of inadequate electrical service capacity
you recognize ampacity and voltage ratings of service
you explain the basic function of grounding at electrical services
you identify appropriate grounding of panels
you identify the basic function of GFCIs
you identify the proper location of GFCIs
you recognize improper installation of wire and cable systems
you determine the minimum requirements for lighting locations
you identify types of fuses used in older homes
you recognize installation requirements for electric air conditioners
you recognize defects in circuit breaker or fuse installations
you determine the function of circuit breakers
you identify problems with aluminum wire
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Examine the interior of buildings including insulation and ventilation
Assessment Strategies
on a written evaluation
Criteria
you recognize defects in clothes dryer venting systems
you identify methods of measuring stair headroom
you recognize defective stairway construction
you recognize defective installations of thermal insulation
you recognize preferred locations for smoke detectors
you identify causes of condensation in attics and other areas
you identify appropriate types of insulation for different applications
you recognize construction of separation walls
you identify safety glazing
you recognize locations where safety glass is required
you identify ventilation screening and duct requirements
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Examine the plumbing of buildings
Assessment Strategies
on a written evaluation
Criteria
you recognize cause of common interior plumbing fixture problems
you identify proper techniques for origin piping systems
you identify proper materials and methods for gas piping installations
you identify ranges of excessive or inadequate water pressure or flow
you recognize defective intermixing of piping systems
you identify proper piping support spacing
you identify purpose of traps and vents
you recognize defective traps
you recognize signs of defective venting or drain slope
you identify basic components of gas appliance valves and their fucntion
you recognize defective gas connector installations
you identify defective locations for gas water heaters
you recognize installation defects in water heaters
you identify techniques for water heater inspection
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Examine the heating of buildings
Assessment Strategies
on a written evaluation
Criteria
you recognize common terminology used to measure heating capacity
you identify fuel sources for heating equipment
you differentiate the characteristics of fossil fuel types
you recognize improper locations and installation of heating equipment
you identify accessory items and components of furnaces
you identify components of all major types of heating systems
you differentiate between high efficiency and low efficiency furnaces
you determine operating temperature ranges of modern furnaces and boilers
you recognize common furnace inspection techniques
you recognize defective flue and chimney installations and terminations
you identify termnology for appliance vents
you recognize venting requirements for direct vent appliances
you identify principles and recognize types of electric resistance heating
you recognize defective furnace installations and components
you identify combustion air requirements for different types of heating systems
you recognize proper installations and defects in duct systems
you identify pressure ranges in warm water and steam systems
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Examine heat pumps and air conditioning of buildings
Assessment Strategies
on a written evaluation
Criteria
you identify air conditioning and heat pump components
you identify refrigeration cycles in air conditioners and heat pumps
you recognize defects in condensate drains
you identify required alterations when a system is retrofit with air conditioning
you recognize effect of different types of duct systems on overall system performance
you differentiate between heat pumps, furnaces, and air conditioners
you identify the functioning of evaporative coolers
you recognize proper performance parameters for AC and heat pump systems
you recognize terminology used in describing sizes of AC and heat pump systems