I started with the safety course, and now I’ve paused and jumped over to this one as it seems like a better starting point!
Hi Ben - I am working my way through the course. One thing aspect I am curious of for Electrical that wasn’t covered was undergrounded services. While I am sure the How to do Electrical inspections course covers this, I am curious if ab overview will be added to the Standards of Practice course at some point?
Roofing course complete! Jumping back to the SOP course now. here I go!
I have a question regarding the state license question prior to taking the first exam. It asked for a license number, is this in regard to having a state inspector license? Want to make sure I didn’t overlook a step somewhere.
Completed the Safety course. Starting on the SOP course now!
Tony this is the way I have been doing it. I take pictures with my phone, send through a text to my email and save on my computer. For some reason my home laptop wont connect to my phone through blue tooth. You could also try to “link” phone and computer through your bluetooth. May have better luck than myself.
Going back through these courses and threads as I’m reviewing… almost finished with my pre-licensing!
Not sure what I’m suppose to say here. I have completed the Ethics, roof and electrical courses so far. I’m very impressed with this certification process.
Jim Coffey
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Research & Writing Essay Instructions
- Choose one inspection article from the Library of Inspection Articles OR choose one illustration from the Illustration Gallery that directly relates to the areas covered within the Home Inspection Standards of Practice.
- Study the article or illustration.
- In the box below titled “Your Essay," write an essay that describes what you’ve learned from reading the article or studying the image.
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 chosen article or illustration that is covered within the Home Inspection Standards of Practice.
- It must include a screenshot, an illustration, or an inspection image.
This research and writing assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--researching and studying inspection images and illustrations, 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.
You will submit your essay in the box that is titled “Your Essay.”
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.
Aluminum wiring and Identification: Wiring systems must have the proper installation by a qualified contractor and should be called for any problems found in residential home inspections. Solid aluminum wiring that has been substituted for copper wiring, mostly in homes built between 1965 and 1973, is inherently inferior as a metal for a multitude of reasons. The first major reason is that aluminum inherently decays faster than copper due to oxidation, exposure to moisture, and is less ductile so therefore is more susceptible to bending and fatigue when abused. Aluminum also has a higher electrical resistance to flow and will consequently need a larger diameter wire to complete the same flow as copper. Another negative aspect of aluminum is the greater malleability and thermal expansion and contraction of the metal which may produce loosening of connections to receptacles. The identifiers are the color of the metal and markings of "AL" or a brand. In summary: aluminum wiring can be a fire hazard due to heat building in bent, fatigued, or corroded areas and any inspector should be capable of identifying this type of wiring.
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To successfully complete this course, you must write two short essays.
On this course page are instructions for the first essay, which involves performing a home inspection. The second essay is described on the next course page.
In relation to this inspection and writing assignment:
- Perform an inspection of any system or component covered within the Florida Home Inspection Standards of Practice. Inspect the air conditioning system, for example.
- Take several inspection images of that system or component. It can either be in good condition or have a defect.
- Make observations and take notes. Use your inspection software or InterNACHI's checklist.
- Write and submit a short essay describing your inspection observations and inspection images. And upload at least one inspection image with your essay.
For example, you may inspect the hot water tank, a GFCI, or a window according to the Standards of Practice. Take inspection images while performing the inspection. Make observations. Take lots 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, taking inspection images, making observations, evaluating, writing notes, formulating opinions, and communicating observations in written form.
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
- It must be written in English.
- It must be at least 60 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 at least one inspection image.
You will submit your essay in the box that is titled “Your Essay.” You will also upload your inspection image(s). Once you submit your essay, it will reviewed and marked by staff.
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.
For the inspection and writing portion of the florida home inspection standard course I chose to inspect the dead front panel cover of my personal home. Before my inspection I tested the cover to insure no current was present using a voltage tester. During my inspection i found the cover to be in good working condition and properly labeled. However, there was one panel screw missing. I would note that in my inspection report as cosmetic and recommend finding a replacement screw.
I really enojyed this course, It clearly outlined what we are and are not responsible for as a certified home inspector. I was a bit overwhelmed with questions before starting the course on what we are and are not responsible for and I have a much clearer idea now.
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Starting the SOP course…wondering how if differs from the Illinois SOP.
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What a journey. Several inspections during my 12 hours, and now the standards of practice course. I can see a parallel between home inspection, and my former Realtor career. You can be a real estate agent without the Realtor designation, just like you can be a licensed home inspector without being InterNACHI certified. Looking forward to it.
Great to hear, @mmiller89. Thanks for commenting. Certification (in addition to a license) is highly recommended. Why? The answer is in this short video:
Looking forward to getting started
Great course. Easy to navigate
A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
View Question
Research & Writing Essay Instructions
- Choose one inspection article from the Library of Inspection Articles OR choose one illustration from the Illustration Gallery that directly relates to the areas covered within the Home Inspection Standards of Practice.
- Study the article or illustration.
- In the box below titled “Your Essay," write an essay that describes what you’ve learned from reading the article or studying the image.
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 chosen article or illustration that is covered within the Home Inspection Standards of Practice.
- It must include a screenshot, an illustration, or an inspection image.
This research and writing assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--researching and studying inspection images and illustrations, 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.
You will submit your essay in the box that is titled “Your Essay.”
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.
April 9, 2025 Bathroom Outlet Inspection The outlet located in the secondary bathroom is a 20-amp receptacle equipped with integrated USB charging ports. A wiring test confirmed proper configuration. The outlet is protected by a GFCI breaker, which was tested to ensure compliance and functionality. During testing, the GFCI breaker tripped within the required response time and reset properly, confirming correct operation and safety compliance.Inspection Details: Location: Secondary bathroom. Outlet Type: 20-amp receptacle with integrated USB charging ports. Wiring Test: Confirmed correct wiring configuration. GFCI Protection: Circuit protected by GFCI breaker. Function Test: GFCI breaker tripped and reset within required time. Status: Outlet and GFCI breaker are functioning as intended
Code Reference:
According to NEC 210.11(C)(3) and 210.52(D): A minimum of one 20-amp dedicated circuit is required for bathroom receptacles.The circuit may serve multiple outlets within the same bathroom, but must not serve outlets outside the bathroom. Lighting and other loads may not be on the same circuit, unless the circuit serves only one bathroom in its entirety.
A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
View Question
Research & Writing Essay Instructions
- Choose one inspection article from the Library of Inspection Articles OR choose one illustration from the Illustration Gallery that directly relates to the areas covered within the Home Inspection Standards of Practice.
- Study the article or illustration.
- In the box below titled “Your Essay," write an essay that describes what you’ve learned from reading the article or studying the image.
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 chosen article or illustration that is covered within the Home Inspection Standards of Practice.
- It must include a screenshot, an illustration, or an inspection image.
This research and writing assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--researching and studying inspection images and illustrations, 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.
You will submit your essay in the box that is titled “Your Essay.”
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.
During a townhome inspection, the inspector discovered significant structural defects in the garage roof trusses after learning a nearby garage had collapsed under snow load. Obvious issues included improper alterations and bearing points—trusses were modified without engineering approval and were bearing on interior walls instead of exterior ones. Further inspection revealed inadequate metal connectors, fastened with weak deck screws through drywall, compromising shear strength. Additionally, gangnails had been damaged and replaced with ineffective nails, reducing structural integrity. The roof was at risk of failure, and all these issues were noted in the report, along with a reminder about GFCI protection requirements in garages. At first glance in the image I had missed the receptacle that was not GFCI protected. I have learned two main things from this report. First, it is a good idea if possible to know the area in which you’re inspecting. This inspector had gathered information from a neibors house which clued him in on a potential structural issue that may be present in the house he was about to inspect. A lot of times in my area, entire subdivisions are built by the same builder. If that builder takes shortcuts or neglects to build one component of the home to standard, then you can bet every house they erect will have the same issue. I’ve seen it dozens of times.
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View Question
To successfully complete this course, you must write two short essays.
On this course page are instructions for the first essay, which involves performing a home inspection and taking inspection images.
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:
- Inspect any system or component covered within the Home Inspection Standards of Practice. For example, inspect the front door.
- Take inspection images of that system or component. It can either be in good condition or have a defect.
- Make observations and take a lot of notes. Use your inspection software or InterNACHI's checklist.
- Write and submit a short essay describing your observations. Upload an inspection image with the essay.
For example, you may inspect the bathroom toilet, the air conditioner, or a GFCI and its tester. Make observations. Take inspection images while performing the inspection. Take lots 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, taking inspection images, making observations, evaluating, writing notes, formulating opinions, 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 photo.
You will submit your essay in the box that is titled “Your Essay.” You will also upload your inspection image. Once you submit your essay, it will reviewed and marked by staff.
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.
The Home Inspector Standards of Practice section 3.2 Exterior, I. The Inspector shall inspect: I. railings, guards and handrails. Section III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction: A. Any improper spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles and rails.Upon initial inspection, the materials and design of the handrail and spindle pictured is considered non-traditional, it is a design favored by those who prefer a clean modern look. Spindles or balusters can run horizontal or vertical.
During the inspection it was noted that the deck floor was 10 foot 9 inches high, the handrail measured exactly 37 inches above the decking, one inch above the 36 inch height minimum. The horizontal braided wire spindle/baluster material was designed with a 4 inch gap, over time the wire has stretched due to human intervention. The gap varied between 4 inches to 4 1/8 inches. The Standards of Practice States that decks, steps or platforms greater than 30 above grade should have a guard to prevent falls. I observed that the wire balusters flexed as much as 3/8’ of an inch.
I rated this as unsafe in need of correction, due to the safety aspect. The rail system is designed to prevent a fall from a height of over 10 feet, in the current state, the wires exceeded the 4 inch maximum gap requirement and the ability to withstand a 200 lbs of concentrated load anywhere along the guard system.
.
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View Question
Research & Writing Essay Instructions
- Choose one inspection article from the Library of Inspection Articles OR choose one illustration from the Illustration Gallery that directly relates to the areas covered within the Home Inspection Standards of Practice.
- Study the article or illustration.
- In the box below titled “Your Essay," write an essay that describes what you’ve learned from reading the article or studying the image.
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 chosen article or illustration that is covered within the Home Inspection Standards of Practice.
- It must include a screenshot, an illustration, or an inspection image.
This research and writing assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--researching and studying inspection images and illustrations, 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.
You will submit your essay in the box that is titled “Your Essay.”
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.
The article title "AFCI Testers" describes the role these devices play in the home inspection process and describes them as a complementary device. AFCI Testers should actually be referred to as "indicators" as they do not actually provide the same level of assurance that the test button on an AFCI receptacle does. These devices mimic an arc fault by creating a waveform that may trip the breaker. Unfortunately because of this, the efficacy of these devices is debated. Home inspectors are cautioned of the limitations of these devices. These tools cost substantially more than a GFCI tester and there is little assurance that they can effectively offer any kind of certainty on the proper functioning of an AFCI receptacle.