Looking forward to the course!
The exterior can tell you so much about what you may fins inside the home
I like the redundancy and overlap that each course provides as I progress through the topics.
Hi all, starting the exterior inspection course today. Looking forward to it.
I found many problems on the exterior of my home before and after getting through the brick section I was pleased to find I wasn`t crazy when I was concerned about a few major cracks that even when fixed, they kept growing.
Just finished up this part of the course.
Mooresville North Carolina here. Just finished my CPI certification now to finish the last few remaining courses. Let’s go exterior!
Getting ready to start the course in the morning. I’ll be halfway done after this one.
Exterior course. This is the last one for me to get! Lets get it.
Just starting the Exterior inspection course!
A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
View Question
To successfully complete this course, you must write two essays.
This course page contains instructions for the first essay, which involves performing a home inspection, taking inspection images, using checklists, and writing a report.
This assignment may take 8 hours to complete.
The second essay is described on the next course page.
In relation to this inspection and writing assignment:
- INSPECTION: Perform a visual-only inspection according to the Home Inspection Standards of Practice. Inspect a system or component that was covered in the course.
- IMAGES: During the inspection, take several inspection images of that system or component. Use your phone, mobile device, or digital camera. It can either be in good condition or have a defect.
- OBSERVATIONS: Make observations and take notes while inspecting. Use the InterNACHI® Home Inspection Standards of Practice to guide your inspection. Use your own inspection software or InterNACHI's inspection checklist.
- ESSAY: Write and submit an essay describing your observations and the inspection images. Upload an inspection image along with the essay.
For example, you may inspect the exterior siding that is on the outside of your house or a friend's house. Take several inspection images while performing the inspection. Make observations. Take a lot of notes. Then, prepare to communicate your observations in written form. This will be your essay.
This inspection and writing assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--performing an inspection, studying and referring to and applying a Standards of Practice, taking inspection images, making observations, describing components, determining the condition of those components, formulating opinions, making recommendations to correct (if needed), proposing the implication of not making corrections to a defect (if observed), writing notes, and communicating observations in written form.
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
- It must be written in English.
- It must be at least 80 words in length.
- It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.
- It must sufficiently comment upon the system or component inspected.
- It must be submitted with an inspection image.
You will submit your essay in the box titled “Your Essay.” You will also upload your inspection image. Once you submit your essay, staff will review and mark it.
Please continue with the course after submitting your essay. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.
An inspection of the deck on the Northeast side of the house was conducted. All observations were noted and photographed.Ledger Board Flashing Issue: Ledger board flashing is not visible. Deck ledger flashing is designed to keep water from getting behind the ledger. Improper flashing could lead to premature deterioration. Consulting with a professional contractor is recommended.
Mechanical Fastener Issue: More than one fastener issue was observed, including all posts (2) sitting in the soil (lacking fasteners and footings), missing fasteners from posts to beams, and rust/corrosion on several joist hinges and fasteners. I recommend consulting with a professional contractor to have these issues evaluated.
Handrail Issue: Rusted handrail fasteners were observed. This issue should be evaluated by a professional contractor.
Steps & Stairs Issue: The guardrail height does not meet the safety requirements for this flight of stairs. I recommend consulting with a professional contractor regarding this issue.
Deck Issue: The guardrail height does not meet the minimum safety requirements for the height of this deck. Spacing between balusters also exceeds the maximum safety allowance. Additionally, one or more detached and loose balusters were observed. Consulting with a professional contractor is recommended.
Wood & Paint Issue: Visible peeling paint, weathering, and suspected rot on one or more surfaces. Exposed wood can cause rot and or damage from insects, leading to premature failure of the structure. I recommend consulting with a professional contractor to have these issues evaluated.
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Hello! Looking forward to the exterior course! Hope everyone is enjoying it as much as I am
same here. $ courses to go.
looking forward to this class and getting one step closer to getting certified!
I enjoyed this course. I inspected my home and found a few things I need to take care soon, Carpenter Ants entering the attic through a hole near the sofit, A hole in the side of the house with a cover over it but there’s no purpose… This can allow many things in like mice, bugs, ect. We’ll be covering that. Our down spouts need to have their extensions reattached from when we painted last year. We need to cut trees back away from the house soon before the hurricaines come. Great course even for home owners.
Looking forward to this course. I have experience in home inspections from 2002- 2004. The industry has changed, Im learning so much and how to put it all together properly. The essays are my toughest part. After reading other students essays, they are not how I expected and I plan on following other students format. I appreciate every ones input. After all, we are all just trying to help eachother out in the long run.