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Continuing Education
Home Inspection Certificate Program
Distance Education
Program Overview
Distance Education Delivery Method
Program of Study
The Home Inspection Certificate Program is designed to address the skills and knowledge of professional practice needed to be successful in the home inspection industry. Home inspections performed to standards provide the client with information regarding the condition of the systems and components of the home as inspected.
The courses in this certificate are recognized by the Ontario
Association of Home Inspectors (
www.oahi.com ) as well as the American Society of Home Inspectors as
meeting Baseline Accreditation requirements.
To participate in this program, you must be a high school graduate, or
equivalent, or mature student status. Experience in some construction
oriented field is an asset.
Career Information
Earning Potential: 200 inspections/year = approx $57,800.
Is a licence required? No license is required to start a
practice. National certification, based on existing occupational
standards, may be required in the future.
Market information: Minimum 500 house sales per year
Future projections: Pre-purchase inspections are common now but
certification is not a requirement. Future will likely require
registration and certification to perform inspections.
Minimum Academic Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma with Grade 12 English (C) ENG4C or
mature student status.
Experience in some construction-oriented field is an asset.
Distance Education Delivery Method
The Home Inspection courses are available online and via Contact
North. Online courses (OL) begin every January, May and September. For more information on distance education and the delivery methods visit http://www.saultcollege.ca/distance.
For this program, you must enrol per course. Complete the Continuing Education Student Registration form or register by phone at 705 759-6700 or toll-free 1-800-461-2260 or by fax at 705 759-3273.
Course material must be ordered from Carson Dunlop and Associates, 120 Carlton Street, Suite 407, Toronto ON, M5A 4K2. Phone 1-800-268-7070, Ext. 251.
Note: Material fees are not refundable.
Online In-Class
OEL736 / HIC108 Roofing Inspection
OEL725 / HIC106 Exterior Inspection
OEL737 / HIC109 Structural Inspection
OEL535 / HIC100 Electrical Inspection
OEL577 / HIC101 Heating Inspection I
OEL578 / HIC102 Heating Inspection II
OEL579 / HIC103 Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Inspection
OEL580 / HIC104 Plumbing Inspection
OEL728 / HIC107 Interior/Insulation Inspection
OEL722 / HIC105 Communication and Professional Practices
Course Descriptions
OEL736 / HIC108 Roofing Inspection
The emphasis in this subject is on typical defects of the various types of roof coverings, drainage systems, flashings, skylights, chimneys, and other roof penetrations. Students apply their knowledge of roofing to inspections that focus on system performance, safety concerns, and compliance with existing codes and standards.
OEL725 / HIC106 Exterior Inspection
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 coverings and inspect all aspects of the exterior named above.
OEL737 / HIC109 Structure Inspection
This subject focuses on the following structural components of a residential dwelling: foundations and footings, floors, walls and roof/ceiling structures. Students learn to apply knowledge of structures to inspections that focus on system performance, safety concerns, and compliance with good construction practices.
OEL535 / HIC100 Electrical Inspection
This subject prepares students to inspect the performance of the following components of electrical systems within residential buildings: service drops, grounding systems, service panels, wiring systems, devices, and fixtures.
OEL577 / HIC101 Heating Inspection I
This subject covers installed heating systems (gas and oil furnaces and hot water boilers). Emphasis is on the inspector’s ability to identify the energy source, type, material, condition, and safety concerns, as well as inspecting the heating equipment.
OEL578 / HIC102 Heating Inspection 2
Prerequisite: Heating Inspection I
This subject covers vent systems, flues and chimneys, as well as fireplaces, other wood heating appliances, steam and electric heating systems. Students apply knowledge of these systems to the role of home inspector.
OEL579 / HIC103 Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps Inspection
Emphasis in this subject is on cooling systems and heat pumps. Students learn to identify typical defects and apply correct inspection techniques.
OEL580 / HIC104 Plumbing Inspection
This subject prepares students to inspect, in a residential dwelling, the interior water supply and distribution systems (including fixtures and faucets), as well as water heating equipment and drain/vent/waste systems and their related fixtures.
OEL728 / HIC107 Interior/Insulation Inspection
Focus is on the inspection of thermal insulation, vapour retarders 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 countertops and cabinets, and garage doors/door operators.
OEL722 / HIC105 Communication and Professional Practices
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 imperative that the home inspector be able to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding of an inspection, once conducted. Students in this subject develop their oral and written communication skills, and learn the reporting requirements and proper conduct required of a professional in this industry.