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
06 - STOOPS AND PORCHES
Stoops and porches provide access and outdoor living space, but they're also common sources of structural problems and safety hazards. This episode explains construction methods, materials, and critical inspection points.
We distinguish between stoops (small platforms serving as landings) and porches (larger outdoor areas, often covered). Both are frequently raised above grade and require proper foundation support—a common failure point.
Construction materials covered:
- Concrete and masonry construction
- Wood construction (evaluated as decks)
- Common column materials (wood posts, steel, boxed columns, masonry)
Construction techniques include:
- Foundation requirements and frost line considerations
- Various shell-building methods and their vulnerabilities
- Proper column sizing, materials, and attachment
- The critical step between landing and door (preventing water entry)
Typical defects include:
- Inadequate slope away from the house
- Settlement, rotation, and heaving (often foundation-related)
- Concrete problems (cracking, crazing, delamination, pop-outs)
- Column deterioration, especially at bases and material transitions
- Erosion and voids under foundations
We discuss the ¼-inch crack guideline and 1-inch separation standard, while noting that smaller issues may warrant reporting due to water infiltration risks. Safety standards for steps, handrails, and guards apply—topics we expand on in the deck episodes.
For complete training with visual materials, practice exams, and certification support, visit nhiexamprep.com
© 2025 National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast. All rights reserved.
