Lesson 1Safety devices and indicators: smoke/CO detectors, GFCI outlets, ground wires, odors or stains indicating leaks or moldLook over key safety items and signs that keep people safe. You will learn to test smoke and CO alarms, check GFCI plugs and earth wires, and spot smells, marks, or rust that might show water leaks or mould growth in the home.
Locating and testing smoke detectorsChecking CO detectors and replacement datesTesting GFCI outlets in wet locationsConfirming visible ground wires where accessibleIdentifying odors, stains, and rust from leaksLesson 2Plumbing visible checks: outdoor faucet, laundry closet connections, under-sink areasDo a close look at plumbing spots you can see inside and outside the house. You will learn to check outside taps, washing area pipes, and under sink spots for water leaks, rust, missing holds, and first signs of water harm to avoid bigger issues.
Inspecting outdoor hose bibs for leaksChecking laundry supply valves and hosesReviewing washer drain standpipe and trapInspecting under-sink piping and shutoff valvesSpotting corrosion, stains, and soft materialsLesson 3Kitchen inspection: sink, supply lines, cabinet interiors, appliance hookupsCheck the kitchen for pipe, cupboard, and machine problems that affect daily life. You will learn to look at sinks, water lines, traps, inside cupboards, and machine connections for leaks, harm, and simple safety worries to keep things working well.
Inspecting sink basins and countertops for damageChecking supply lines, shutoffs, and P-trapsReviewing cabinet interiors for leaks or pestsInspecting dishwasher and disposal connectionsChecking range, fridge, and hood hookupsLesson 4Bathroom inspection: tub/shower enclosure, grout/caulk, faucet operation, drainsLook at bathroom fittings and covers for water leaks, wet harm, and safe use. You will learn to check baths, showers, grout, sealants, taps, drains, and air flow to spot problems early before they harm the building structure in your home.
Inspecting tub and shower enclosures for damageChecking grout and caulk for gaps or mildewTesting sink, tub, and shower faucet operationObserving drain flow and signs of slow drainageVerifying bathroom fan airflow and timer useLesson 5Entry points and porch: door operation, thresholds, loose railingsCheck front doors, verandas, and steps for safe use and weather protection. You will learn to test locks, door bottoms, handrails, and outside lights, and notice conditions that let water in or cause falls in the home area.
Testing exterior door swing, latch, and deadboltInspecting thresholds and weatherstrippingChecking porch surfaces for rot or loose boardsEvaluating handrails and guardrails for loosenessReviewing exterior lighting and doorbell functionLesson 6Documentation and reporting: how to record findings, photos, simple priority categoriesLearn to write down inspection notes using easy tools, clear pictures, and short writings. You will try giving basic levels of importance so house owners and renters know what needs fixing and when to do it right away.
Setting up an inspection checklistTaking clear, useful inspection photosWriting concise, factual inspection notesUsing simple priority categories (now, soon, monitor)Organizing digital records for easy retrievalLesson 7Mechanical systems quick scan: water heater, HVAC filter access, visible electrical panels/outletsDo a fast eye check of main machine systems without opening closed parts. You will learn to find basic problems at the water heater, air system filter spot, and electric boards and plugs that might need expert help soon.
Reading water heater labels and leak signsChecking water heater piping and safety valveLocating HVAC filter access and conditionScanning electrical panel labels and clearancesSpotting damaged or overloaded outlets and cordsLesson 8Living spaces: walls, ceilings, flooring, windows and doors for drafts or damageLook at sitting rooms, sleeping rooms, and passages by checking walls, roofs inside, floors, windows, and doors. You will learn to see cracks, marks, fall risks, air leaks, and small harms that can turn into big fixes if not handled early.
Checking walls for cracks, stains, and holesInspecting ceilings for sagging or water marksEvaluating flooring for wear, gaps, and trip hazardsTesting windows for drafts, locks, and smooth travelInspecting interior doors, latches, and weatherstrippingLesson 9Exterior envelope: roof edge, gutters, siding, foundation cracksWalk around the outside to see how well the house cover keeps water out and guards the frame. You will learn to watch roof sides, water channels, wall covers, and base areas for breaks, spaces, and water flow problems.
Scanning roof edges and visible shinglesChecking gutters, downspouts, and extensionsInspecting siding for gaps, rot, or loose panelsReviewing caulk and trim at windows and doorsObserving grading and drainage near foundation
