Overview

Inspect the construction of buildings and their overall existing condition. Provide impartial information so homebuyers can make informed decisions when making one of life’s largest purchases.

Approved across Canada, this program provides you with the technical expertise and skills to conduct visual exams of residential building areas. Learn to prepare written reports on the physical and operational condition of residential units. At your own pace, take ten courses that cover topics such as the systems and components of a house, communication skills and knowledge of professional practice, creating reports, and marketing your business to real estate agents.

This program is entirely online and self-paced, giving you a flexible learning schedule that fits your needs. A personalized training portal guides you through course modules. Videos, case studies and exercises, including illustrative readings, live webinars are all woven in to provide a comprehensive and interactive experience. Tutors provide support and hands-on activities, such as field exercises, give you hands-on experience and guidance. 

Become a professional consultant. Learn how to perform home inspections in compliance with industry standards. Gain the skills needed to identify common issues that arise during inspections, determine ways to address these issues, and learn how to report findings to clients. A construction background/experience is not necessary, but can be an asset. Each of our courses are designed for students with no pre-existing knowledge. The focus is on developing understanding first and then applying the knowledge to the home inspection process.

With the housing market continually growing, demand for housing inspectors has increased significantly. Graduates have a variety of options, including running an independent business, owning a franchise or being part of a larger inspection company. Licensing is currently not required in Manitoba, but is required in other provinces. This program is recognized across Canada. 

Admissions

There are no admission requirements for this program.

English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information.

NEXT STEPs

Apply online by visiting the Apply to a Program page. Choose “On-Campus and Distance Education programs for domestic students”. Create an account and select Home Inspection and preferred start date in your program choice.

 

Careers & Connections

In partnership with Carson Dunlop & Associates, Ltd.

Tools & Supplies

At-Home Computing

For this program, you are expected to have access to a computer at home with internet access.

At-Home Computing Information

Courses & Costs

To receive a Home Inspection certificate of achievement, students must successfully complete 24.5 credits.

Tuition, fees, and Students' Association fees total $5,490 for the program ($549 for each course).

All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.

2023-24 Course Offerings

Air Conditioning & Heat Pumps (WRKP-0068) | 1 Credit

In this course, complex mechanical systems are broken down into simple components. Starting with basic principles of operation and building on an understanding, considerable detail is provided on how these systems fail. Upon completion, students can inspect air conditioning and heat pump systems as a professional home inspector.

Students complete one midterm and one final exam and must obtain an overall grade of 70% to complete.

Communication/Professionalism (COMM-0406) | 1.5 Credits

Home Inspectors are required, both verbally and in writing, to describe the inspection process and communicate inspection findings to the client. It is important that home inspectors communicate clearly and effectively to ensure that clients understand the inspection results and the report. In this course, students develop their oral and written communication skills and learn the reporting requirements and proper conduct for a professional home inspector.

Students complete one midterm and one final exam and must obtain an overall grade of 70% to complete.

Electrical (WRKP-0069) | 2 Credits

This course starts with a description of house electricity and develops an understanding of the basics. The Course moves on to address getting electricity into the house and distributing it safely to its end-use points including switches, lights, and receptacles. The Course is designed to provide people who do not have an electrical background with the skills necessary to perform the electrical part of a professional home inspection.

Students complete one midterm and one final exam and must obtain an overall grade of 70% to complete.

Exterior (WRKP-0070) | 2.5 Credits

This course 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 covering and inspect all aspects of the exteriors named above.

Students complete one midterm and one final exam and must obtain an overall grade of 70% to complete

Heating 1 (WRKP-0071) | 3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to residential heating systems, starting with a description of various fuels. The Course then focuses on the different types of furnaces and boilers. Students get detailed instructions on operational tests, common failure modes and life expectancies of various systems are covered.

Students complete one midterm and one final exam and must obtain an overall grade of 70% to complete.

Heating 2 (WRKP-0072) | 2.5 Credits

This course continues with a focus on chimneys, wood heating, fireplaces, steam heating, electric heating systems and space heaters. Each topic starts with a description of how the system works. Heating Course II concentrates on inspection strategies, test procedures and problem identification.

Students complete one midterm and one final exam and must obtain an overall grade of 70% to complete.

Insulation & Interiors (WRKP-0073) | 3 Credits

In this course, students learn to inspect thermal insulation, vapour barrier and ventilation systems. You also learn how to inspect interior elements of homes such as walls, ceilings, floors, basements, doors, windows, interior stairs/railings, countertops and cabinets, and garage doors/door operators.

Students complete one midterm and one final exam and must obtain an overall grade of 70% to complete.

Plumbing (WRKP-0074) | 3 Credits

This course is broken into four parts — supply piping, water heaters, waste piping, and plumbing fixtures. The physics of water is covered at the beginning in a simple, common-sense way. You will also learn how systems work and common failure modes. Again, the illustrations add significantly to the learning experience.

Students complete one midterm and one final exam and must obtain an overall grade of 70% to complete

Structure (WRKP-0076) | 3 Credits

In this course, all of the structural elements of a building from the footings and foundations to the floor, wall and roof assemblies are addressed in detail. Elements of good construction are illustrated, along with common failure modes and how to identify them.

Students complete one midterm and one final exam and must obtain an overall grade of 70% to complete.

Roofing (WRKP-0075) | 3 Credits

This course covers both sloped and flat roof coverings. Detailed descriptions and illustrations help to explain problems, causes and implications for common roofing materials. It also goes into detail on how to inspect roofs and what to watch for.

Students complete one midterm and one final exam and must obtain an overall grade of 70% to complete

Note: Timelines, applicable industry experience, and teaching methodology will depend on program delivery choice; program information sheets subject to change without notice.

Distance Education

The Home Inspection program is available for study through distance education.

  • If you are not an active Assiniboine student in the Home Inspection program, but wish to apply to the program, you may do so by applying online www.assiniboine.net/applynow
  • If you have been accepted into the program, you can register and pay for your course(s) online through MyACC - refer to your acceptance email which details the steps to register and pay. Or select your course(s), complete the Registration Form and email it to registration@assiniboine.net. Please ensure you include the course number, course name and start date for each course you wish to add (see Courses and Costs tab for the full list of courses and course numbers).

Courses are offered the 1st of every month. You have 4 months to complete the course from the start date of the course. The deadline to register is the 20th of the prior month however, you can register at any time - you don’t need to wait for the deadline. For example, for February 1st courses, the deadline to register is January 20th. 

Please ensure that you review our academic policies,  including policy A20: Registering, Adding and Dropping Courses, which explains the refund policy for distance education courses; and A10: Maintaining Active Student Status, which details how often you need to complete a course to remain active in your program. You have five years to complete a program

Fast Facts

Length
~330 hours
Program Start
Monthly
Credential
Certificate of Achievement
Credits
24.5
Course Load
Part-time
Program Details
Continuing Studies
Continuing Studies
204.725.8725
800.862.6307 ext 6002 (toll free)
Locations
Program Information Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to apply to the Home Inspection program?

Yes. Although there are no admission requirements, an application is required. Apply now!

Is the Home Inspection program eligible for student aid?

Due to the Home Inspection program being part-time, and not meeting designation criteria, it is not eligible for government student aid or scholarships/bursaries.

Students can contact a bank/credit union to see if they qualify for a line of credit.

When do courses start for Home Inspection?

Courses begin on the 1st of every month. Courses must be registered for by the 20th of the prior month. For example, to start a course for July 1st, you must register by June 20th.

Does the Home Inspection program require purchasing of textbooks or supplies?

No, the program does not require purchasing of textbooks or supplies.

How long is the Home Inspection Program?

The program is self-paced and takes approximately 330 hours to complete. Most students studying part-time can complete the program in about a year, while those studying full-time can complete it in as little as three months.

Are all courses for Home Inspection available for registration each month?

Courses are available to start the 1st of each month however not every course is offered each month. Once you are accepted to the program, you will receive an email instructing you on how to view available courses, as well as register and pay for your course(s), online through MyACC.

Courses must be registered for by the 20th of the prior month.

What are the system requirements for the Home Inspection program?
  • Desktop, laptop or tablet with Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS or Android operating system.
  • High speed internet access.
  • Webcam, microphone and speakers.
  • Internet browser – Safari, Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.
How do I register for a Home Inspection course?

Once you have been accepted to the program, you will receive email instructions on how to register and pay for your course(s) online through MyACC.

Are there prerequisites for any of the courses in Home Inspection?

Only one course requires a prerequisite (Heating l is required for Heating ll).

Can I take a few courses in the program without applying?

If you are not an active Assiniboine student in a certificate program, but you are interested in taking a few courses, you may do so up to a maximum of 12 credits. To register, contact Registrar’s Office by calling 204.725.8701 to register with a credit card.

How long do I have to complete a course in the Home Inspection program?

The length of each course varies. The start and end date is visible in MYACC when registering for a course and can also be referenced in your MYACC class schedule.

I've successfully completed the required courses for this program. How do I receive my credential?

Students that have successfully completed all the program requirements can complete an Application to Graduate form and email to registration@assiniboine.net to receive their credential.

What exactly is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a professional consulting service that determines the present condition of the home’s major systems, based on a visual inspection of accessible features. It focuses on the performance of the home, rather than cosmetic, code or design issues. Inspections are often performed during a real estate transaction but may be done anytime.

Do I need a construction background to go into home inspection?

No. A construction background can be an asset but is not necessary. Home inspectors need to have a broad understanding of homes. Specific knowledge of a single home system such as plumbing or electrical is helpful in that area, but there is much more to a professional home inspection. Experience with new work and modern building materials and systems may not expose people to older materials and systems commonly found during home inspections.

An understanding of building science and how houses act as a system is critical to being an accomplished home inspection professional. A home inspection is an analytical process and requires deductive reasoning based on incomplete information. It is different from building things.

Each of these courses are designed from first principles, assuming no pre-existing knowledge. The focus is on developing understanding first and applying the knowledge to the home inspection process.

Who hires home inspectors?

Buyers, sellers, homeowners, real estate salespeople. Sometimes lawyers, appraisers, lenders, insurers, etc.

Do home inspectors ever work outside of a real estate transaction?

Yes. A few examples are problem-solving inspections, annual maintenance inspections, pre-renovation inspections/consultations, and construction dispute inspections (expert witness).

What percent of resale homes get inspected?

Typically, 65 to 90% depending on the region, market and market conditions.

What is a typical home inspection fee?

Between $350-$700. It varies by region and market. Fees are higher for older, larger homes. Many home inspectors offer ancillary services which result in significantly higher fees. These include mold, thermographic imaging inspections, indoor air quality, swimming pools, radon, lead, well and septic systems, asbestos, etc.

How long does a home inspection take?

Typically, two and a half hours, plus or minus 30 minutes. Older and larger homes take longer. Newer inspectors take longer than experienced inspectors.

The report writing process is often about the same length of time as the inspection. Reports are routinely sent to clients the same day as the inspection. Home inspectors are unique in their ability to produce high-quality, technical yet readable reports in a very short time frame. Sophisticated report writing software facilitates this process.

What hours do home inspectors work?

You can choose your hours; however, we do not recommend inspecting homes without daylight. You need to be able to see the exterior.

Do home inspectors report on code issues?

No. There are many codes and they change every couple of years. Resale homes do not generally comply with the most modern version of every code. A home inspection is a performance-based evaluation, not a code compliance inspection.

Should I join a professional association?

Absolutely. Here are four reasons why you should:

  • Credibility — credentials help
  • Education — stay up to date
  • Networking with peers
  • Preferred pricing on several goods and services
What kind of insurance do I need?

We recommend errors and omissions and general liability insurance, in addition to coverage for auto, office contents, health, and dental, etc.