Residential Home Inspection

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Overview

If you’d like a fast-track option to setting up your own professional home inspection business—or a career with a home inspection company—then you should consider this course.

As of September 1, 2009, Washington State requires all home inspectors in the state to be licensed. BTC’s Fundamentals of Home Inspection Course was the first to receive approval from the Department of Licensing. This intensive, full-time course combines classroom instruction with hands-on lab and inspection work, including training on the topic of identifying wood destroying organisms.

Home inspectors examine and report on a home’s systems and structure—from the roof to the substructure crawl space, basement or slab foundation. Typically, inspectors set up their own inspection business and work for real-estate purchasers or are hired by home inspection companies or firms specializing in architectural, engineering, and related services.

If you enjoy the challenge of working with homes of all ages, sizes, and conditions, this is the program for you!

This four-week course is offered several times during the year.

Program Outcomes

The goal of this program is to prepare entry-level home inspectors who are able to pass the state licensing exam and successfully work in the field of residential home inspection. Adhering to the core curriculum for residential home inspection, the student will gain expertise in the theory and application of professional methods of performing building inspections.

RHI 111 : Students will be able to describe the systems and components found in homes and be prepared to carry out noninvasive home inspections per WA State laws at residential properties while employing special training and education.

RHI 112 : Students will complete five thorough home inspection reports that meet state standards.

Additional Requirements

A Bellingham Technical College Admission Application is required before a student can register for the Residential Home Inspection Certificate.

A personal laptop that is Windows compatible with Wi-Fi and Word processing capability is required for participants.

It is recommended that students have good basic academic skills.

For field training (RHI 112 ), students must have flashlight(s), protective coveralls and basic respirators or face masks.

For questions, contact lead Instructor Steve Smith at ssmith@btc.edu or 360.752.8796.

Physical Requirements

Anyone interested in becoming a home inspector should be aware that it is a very physical job that requires some amount of dexterity and strength, as well as a willingness/ability to get in tight spaces such as crawl spaces and attics, within industry standards. Traversing roofs is expected of home inspectors when it is safe to do so and this sometimes requires moving cumbersome ladders around the home. Home inspectors must be able and willing to work in all kinds of weather conditions and be prepared to do so.

Degree and Certificate Requirements

Certificate completion requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and minimum grade of C/2.0 for required courses.

Programs

• Residential Home Inspection Certificate

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