Home Inspection
Home inspectors provide an objective, independent and comprehensive analysis of a home's major systems and components.
- The courses fulfill the core academic requirements for Candidate Membership in the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI)
- Benefit from supportive and experienced facilitators who are active in their industry
- Courses are built with flexibility in mind and can be accessed anytime and from anywhere
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Availability varies by course. Click here to view availability for courses in this program.
Schedule
Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Code
Area of Interest
The program delivers the authorized curriculum as developed by Carson Dunlop and Associates. The courses fulfill the core academic requirements for Candidate Membership in the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI), which is one step towards the "Registered Home Inspector" (RHI) designation that is granted by OAHI. The RHI designation incorporates the Standards of Practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI).
To qualify for this certificate, you must complete the program within three years....(read more)
Overview
Home inspectors provide an objective, independent and comprehensive analysis of a home's major systems and components. Students in this College Certificate program learn the technical skills to assess and report on the condition of a home and its systems, as well as the business communication skills to build a successful practice in the home inspection field. Topics include roofing, insulation, structural, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning and interior/exterior structures and systems in residential dwellings.
The program delivers the authorized curriculum as developed by Carson Dunlop and Associates. The courses fulfill the core academic requirements for Candidate Membership in the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI), which is one step towards the "Registered Home Inspector" (RHI) designation that is granted by OAHI. The RHI designation incorporates the Standards of Practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI).
To qualify for this certificate, you must complete the program within three years.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Are self-directed.
- Possess an applied technical and computer aptitude.
- Are willing to work in a variety of challenging work settings and are physically mobile.
- Have an interest in engineering, construction and related building trades.
Courses
Registration Note:
If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".
Online  |
| Course Number | Hours | Course Name | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| HRA0004 | 42.0 | Roofing Inspection | |
| HRA0005 | 42.0 | Structural Inspection | |
| HRA0006 | 42.0 | Electrical Inspection | |
| HRA0007 | 42.0 | Heating Inspection I | |
| HRA0008 | 42.0 | Heating Inspection II | |
| HRA0009 | 42.0 | Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps Inspection | |
| HRA0010 | 42.0 | Plumbing Inspection | |
| HRA0011 | 42.0 | Exterior Inspection | |
| HRA0012 | 42.0 | Interior Insulation Inspection | |
| COM0007 | 45.0 | Communication - Professional Practices | |
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
HRA0004 Roofing Inspection
The emphasis in this subject is on typical defects of the various types of roof coverings, drainage systems, flashings, skylights, chimneys, and other roof penetrations. Students apply their knowledge of roofing to inspections that focus on system performance, safety concerns, and compliance with existing codes and standards.
HRA0005 Structural Inspection
This subject focuses on the following structural components of a residential dwelling: foundations and footings, floors, walls and roof/ceiling structures. Students learn to apply knowledge of structures to inspections that focus on system performance, safety concerns, and compliance with good construction practices.
HRA0006 Electrical Inspection
This subject prepares students to inspect the performance of the following components of electrical systems within residential buildings: service drops, grounding systems, service panels, wiring systems, devices, and fixtures.
HRA0007 Heating Inspection I
This subject covers installed heating systems (gas and oil furnaces and hot water boilers). Emphasis is on the inspector's ability to identify the energy source, type, material, condition, and safety concerns, as well as inspecting the heating equipment.
HRA0008 Heating Inspection II
This subject covers vent systems, flues and chimneys, as well as fireplaces, other wood heating appliances, steam and electric heating systems. Students apply knowledge of these systems to the role of home inspector.
HRA0009 Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps Inspection
Emphasis in this subject is on cooling systems and heat pumps. Students learn to identify typical defects and apply correct inspection techniques.
HRA0010 Plumbing Inspection
This subject prepares students to inspect, in a residential dwelling, the interior water supply and distribution systems (including fixtures and faucets), as well as water heating equipment and drain/vent/waste systems and their related fixtures.
HRA0011 Exterior Inspection
This subject covers retaining walls, grounds, window wells, lot grading, driveways, patios, walkways, decks, balconies, stoops and steps, porches, railings, wall cladding, flashing trim, eaves, soffits, fascia, as well as exterior doors and windows. Students learn to describe the exterior wall coverings and inspect all aspects of the exterior named above.
HRA0012 Interior Insulation Inspection
Focus is on the inspection of thermal insulation, vapor retarders and ventilation systems, as well as the inspection of interior elements of residential dwellings such as walls, ceilings, floors, basements, doors, windows, interior stairs/railings, installed countertops and cabinets, and garage doors/door operators.
COM0007 Communication - Professional Practices
The professional home inspector is required, both verbally and in writing, to describe the inspection process and communicate inspection findings to the client. It is imperative that the home inspector be able to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding of an inspection, once conducted. Students in this course develop their oral and written communication skills, and learn the reporting requirements and proper conduct required of a professional in this industry.
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Employment opportunities may include practising as a private home inspector providing consulting services to buyers or vendors of existing and new residential homes and advising on the condition of buildings and building components for valuation, maintenance or insurance purposes.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Conduct a home inspection in accordance with accepted standards and practices.
- Identify and use correct terminology for the various components of a building.
- Perform visual assessment of a residential property including, roofing, structure, electrical, heating/air conditioning and heat pumps, ventilation, plumbing, insulation, interior and exterior.
- Identify conditions and defects affecting residential property performance, and recommend corrective actions.
- Use inspection tools and resources common to the profession.
- Communicate with clients during all stages of an inspection and provide a written report documenting a description of the building systems and components as well as conditions requiring attention.
- Comply with legislation, regulations and business practices related to the home inspection industry in Ontario.
- Conduct a hazard free home inspection and ensure the safety of inspector, clients and others.
- Identify and describe the role, responsibilities and limitations of authority associated with the home inspector role.
Tuition & Fees
2024/2025 Academic Year
Fees are subject to change.
Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page. For questions related to fees, please call the Registrar's Office at 613-727-0002.
Graduation Fee:
Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application (https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/certificationgraduating/). A graduation fee is charged when the application is submitted. After your credential application has been approved, you will be invited to Convocation.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
The following requirements are recommended to ensure success in the program:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program).
Program Eligibility
The following requirement is recommended to ensure success in the program:
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- It is recommended applicants with international transcripts have the following IELTS or TOEFL scores to ensure success: IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Application Information
Registration Note:
If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".
Additional Information
Program Resources
International students wishing to study online should visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/international for information related to International online students and for International fees information prior to registering. Please note that AC Online programs do not qualify international students for new study permits or study permit extensions.
Students interested in obtaining the Registered Home Inspector (RHI) designation with the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI), are encouraged to review the information on the OAHI website at https://www.oahi.com.
Note that OAHI requires that you have achieved a minimum grade of 70% or higher in each course. OAHI also requires students to complete a Defect Recognition and Reporting course, offered directly through OAHI, as well as residential building code training comprised of the successful completion of the Building Code qualification exam (House 2012) available through Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) at https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-municipal-affairs-housing.
Each course in this program requires students to purchase the relevant textbook directly from the publisher, Carson Dunlop, via the College Bookstore at https://www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials/students/.
PRIOR LEARNING AND RECOGNITION (PLAR):
Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all of the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.
AC Online ACADEMIC PLANNER:
The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is, therefore, essential that all part-time students declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. The tool is available on ACSIS, located under 'Part-time Students' on the left-hand toolbar.
PROGRAM PROGRESSION:
As per policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed).
Contact
For additional information, please contact AC Online at online@algonquincollege.com or 613-727-4723 ext. 3330.