ASHI@School

ASHI School of Home Inspection through Kaplan Professional Schools/ITA
Become a skilled professional home inspector with the ASHI@School Curriculum and Standards of Practice.

Kaplan Professional Schools-ITA enhanced training program includes "hands-on" inspection of displays, report writing, setting up your business, and running a successful inspection company. These key areas of study will prepare you with success along with the following topics studied during the enhanced training program.

The Scope of Inspections

The scope of a residential home inspection, with inclusions, limitations, and exclusions, according to the ASHI Standards of Practice.
The history of the home inspection profession.
The home inspector's role in a real estate transaction.
Basic tools for a home inspection.

The Home Inspection Business

Overview of starting the business.
Telephone inquiry and booking the inspection.
Presentation of the inspections and report delivery.
Insurance options and availability.
Payment and pricing structures.
Who will buy or refer inspections to you.
Hidden business you must know about.

Report Writing

Report writing options.
Exercise: creating a report that meets standards.
Advantages of different reporting formats.
Sample reports will be provided and reviewed.

ASHI@School

Structure

Basic structural components, including
Foundations
Floors
Walls
Structural component inspection.
Problem identification (You will view hundreds of examples of structural defects).
The real art of the structural inspection.
Home inspection versus engineering.
Concise and accurate reporting of your findings.

Exterior and Interior

Exterior walls, flashiness, and trim.
Doors and windows.
Problem identification.
Decks, balconies, steps, porches, and railings.
Eaves, soffit, and fascia.
Driveways, walkways, and landscaping
Retaining walls.
Walls, ceilings, and floors.
Stairwells, balconies and railing.
Cabinets and counters.
Windows and doors.
Dwelling units/garage separation.

Roofing

Asphalt shingles (composition) roofs.
Wood shingle and shake roofs.
Tile roofs, including clay and concrete.
Flat roofs, including built-up roofs and single ply roofs.
Other roofing systems, including metal and slate.
Roof drainage systems.
Flashings, skylights, chimneys and roof penetrations.
Detection of leakage and condensation.
Hands-on field inspection and report writing exercise.

Field inspection

Field inspection of local area home.
Inspection process.
Technical demonstrations.
Report presentation.

Plumbing

Supply piping system.
Drain, waste and vent system.
Fixtures and faucets.
Functional flow and functional drainage.
Leaks and corrosion.
Water heater equipment
Practical demonstration: Hands-on inspection

Electrical

Service entrance wires and equipment.
Main disconnect.
Grounding equipment.
Distribution panels.
Distribution wiring.
Fuses and breakers.
Light switches and receptacles.
Ground fault circuit interrupters.
Practical examination: Hands-on inspection of electrical panels and components.

Heating

The combustion system (fuels, burners, etc.).
Combustion air supply.
Normal operating controls.
Safety controls.
Exhaust flues, vents and chimneys.
Furnaces.
Boilers and steam heat.
Electric Heating.
Distribution systems.
Insulation, ventilation and vapor retarders.

Central Air Conditioning

Principles of operation.
Evaporators and Condensers.
Normal operating controls.
Distribution systems.
Hands-on demonstration.

Marketing and Sales

Marketing strategies.
Do's and Don'ts for building a successful business.
Client relationships.
Allied organizations and how to build credentials.
Diversification opportunities.

Final Examination

Home inspection.
Standards and report writing.
Defect identification.

Upon successful completion of the course and final examination students will receive an official Certificate of Completion documenting their achievement.

inspectors

Materials Included in the Course Fee

Getting Started in the Home Inspection Business Book
Systems & Standards Book Set, Principles of Home Inspection
Getting Started in the Home Inspection Business DVD Set
Matrix Advantage Report

Note: Course materials may be substituted, added or deleted at the discretion of the instructors. Prices subject to change without notice. Kaplan handout binder and Matrix Advantage Sample are provided in class as opposed to being shipped prior to class.

Course Fees
Registration - $2,899* plus applicable tax and shipping for course materials

* Price includes books and materials. Register early to complete the pre-class homework.

Click here for a current course schedule and to register online. You can also call Kaplan Professional Schools/ITA with any questions at 1-888-525-5482.

Additional Field Training
Actual inspection experience is one of the most valuable things you can do to enhance your confidence. Kaplan offers one-on-one ride along inspections. Accompany an inspector on one or a series of inspections performed for buyers, sellers and agents. These are real paid inspections where you can watch first hand the inspection process and apply everything you learned in class.

Arizona and Connecticut Inspectors: Please be advised to become a state of Arizona Licensed Home Inspector, students are required to conduct 30 home inspections, and to become a state of Connecticut Licensed Home Inspector, students are required to conduct 100 home inspections under the supervision of another licensed home inspector and pass state exams. Such inspections and are not included in this course. For details on purchasing additional ridealong inspections please contact Kaplan's Education Department at 1-800-694-7369.