National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast
The Complete National Home Inspector Training Manual—In Audio Form
Welcome to National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast—the most comprehensive audio course for aspiring home inspectors preparing for the National Home Inspector Exam.
Your Complete Exam Preparation Resource
This is a complete professional training program based on the National Home Inspection Training Manual, transformed into detailed audio lessons you can study anywhere, anytime. Whether you're commuting, at the gym, or reviewing before bed, master the entire home inspection curriculum.
Complete 16-Discipline Coverage:
This training program covers ALL major areas tested on the National Home Inspector Exam:
📋 Analysis & Reporting - Professional report writing and communication
❄️ Cooling Systems - Air conditioning, heat pumps, and distribution
⚡ Electrical Systems - Service equipment, panels, circuits, wiring, safety devices
🏠 Exterior Components - Siding, trim, doors, windows, finishes
🔥 Fireplaces & Chimneys - Masonry and factory-built systems, venting, safety
📖 Complete Glossary - Essential professional terminology
🔥 Heating Systems - Furnaces, boilers, distribution, controls
🌬️ Insulation & Ventilation - Attic ventilation, insulation types, energy efficiency
🍳 Kitchen Appliances - Ranges, ovens, dishwashers, disposals, built-ins
🚰 Plumbing Systems - Supply, drainage, water heaters, fixtures
👔 Professional Responsibilities - Ethics, standards of practice, business practices
🏚️ Roof Components - Coverings, flashings, drainage, structural elements
🌳 Site Conditions - Grading, drainage, driveways, landscaping
🏗️ Structural Components - Foundations, framing, load paths, structural defects
🪟 House Interior - Walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, doors, windows
200+ Detailed Episodes
Each episode provides in-depth coverage of specific topics within each discipline. Episodes are designed to be studied in sequence, building your knowledge systematically from fundamentals to advanced inspection techniques.
Who This Is For:
✅ New home inspectors studying for the National Home Inspector Exam
✅ Career changers entering the home inspection profession
✅ Real estate professionals expanding technical knowledge
✅ Anyone preparing for state licensing exams
✅ Practicing inspectors seeking continuing education
Why This Training Works:
🎯 Exam-Focused - Aligned with National Home Inspector Exam requirements
🎯 Field-Tested - Based on real inspection scenarios and common defects
🎯 Code-Referenced - Current IRC standards and industry best practices
🎯 Comprehensive - Complete coverage, not just highlights
🎯 Audio Learning - Study while driving, working out, or multitasking
🎯 Sequential Structure - Logical progression builds expertise systematically
Study Approach:
For best results, listen to episodes in numerical order within each discipline. Take notes, pause to review complex topics, and re-listen to challenging sections. This is professional training designed for exam success.
Beyond the Podcast:
This podcast is part of our complete National Home Inspector Training program. For comprehensive training including visual materials, practice exams, hands-on demonstrations, and certification support, visit [YOUR WEBSITE URL].
National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast
07 - FIREPLACE INSERTS AND WOOD-BURNING STOVES
Explore the world of solid-fuel-burning appliances that retrofit into existing fireplaces or stand alone as heating sources. This episode begins with fireplace inserts—appliances installed into masonry or factory-built fireboxes that burn wood, pellets, or gas. Learn about installation requirements, the importance of manufacturer's instructions, and inspection limitations due to concealed components. Discover why direct chimney connection is permitted but not recommended, and why stainless steel liners with proper termination caps are the preferred venting method. The second half covers wood-burning stoves, including the differences between modern catalytic and non-catalytic stoves, and how they compare to older units. We'll examine stove cabinet requirements, hearth pad dimensions, refractory panel condition, door and gasket inspection, and the critical two-part chimney system: connectors and chimneys. Learn about single-wall vs. double-wall pipe, slope requirements, clearances, height specifications, and proper termination. The episode concludes with pellet stove basics and comprehensive defect lists.
KEY TOPICS:
• Fireplace insert types (wood, pellets, gas)
• Installation per manufacturer's instructions
• Inspection limitations
• Direct connection vs. liner systems
• Venting recommendations
• Wood-burning stove overview
• Modern stove efficiency and pollution control
• Catalytic vs. non-catalytic stoves
• Stove cabinet stability and clearances
• Hearth pad requirements (16" front, 8" sides/rear)
• Refractory panel condition assessment
• Door, gasket, and grate inspection
• Damper types and operation
• Chimney connector specifications
• Single-wall pipe gauge requirements
• Slope requirements (1/4" per foot)
• Chimney height and offset rules
• The 3/2/10 termination rule
• Pellet stove operation
• Typical defects for inserts and stoves
For complete training with visual materials, practice exams, and certification support, visit nhiexamprep.com
© 2025 National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast. All rights reserved.
