Lesson 1Safety devices and indicators: smoke/CO detectors, GFCI outlets, ground wires, odours or stains indicating leaks or mouldReview essential safety devices and warning signs that protect occupants. You will learn how to test smoke and CO detectors, check GFCI outlets and earthing, and recognise odours, stains, or corrosion that may indicate leaks or mould growth.
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 tap, laundry cupboard connections, under-sink areasConduct a focused review of visible plumbing points inside and outside the unit. You will learn to check outdoor taps, laundry hookups, and under-sink areas for leaks, corrosion, missing supports, and early signs of water damage.
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, cupboard interiors, appliance hookupsExamine the kitchen for plumbing, cupboard, and appliance issues that affect daily use. You will learn to inspect sinks, supply lines, traps, cupboard interiors, and visible appliance hookups for leaks, damage, and basic safety concerns.
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: bath/shower enclosure, grout/caulk, tap operation, drainsInspect bathroom fixtures and finishes for leaks, moisture damage, and safe operation. You will learn to evaluate baths, showers, grout, caulk, taps, drains, and ventilation so you can flag issues before they cause structural damage.
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 stoep: door operation, thresholds, loose railingsExamine entry doors, stoeps, and steps for safe operation and weather resistance. You will learn to test locks, thresholds, railings, and exterior lights, and to recognise conditions that can cause water intrusion or trip and fall risks.
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 how to systematically document inspection findings using simple tools, clear photos, and concise notes. You will practise assigning basic priority levels so owners and tenants understand what needs attention and when to act promptly.
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/outletsPerform a quick visual scan of key mechanical systems without opening sealed equipment. You will learn how to identify basic issues at the water heater, HVAC filter access, and electrical panels and outlets that may require licensed service.
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 draughts or damageFocus on living rooms, bedrooms, and halls by checking walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors. You will learn to spot cracks, stains, trip hazards, draughts, and minor damage that can grow into costly repairs if left unaddressed.
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, cladding, foundation cracksWalk the exterior to assess how well the building envelope sheds water and protects the structure. You will learn to observe roof edges, gutters, cladding, and exposed foundation areas for cracks, gaps, and drainage 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
