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
09 - DECKS (PART 2)
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Part 2 continues our comprehensive deck coverage, focusing on support structures and framing—components that must work together to create a safe, durable deck.
Posts, footings, and beams:
- Recommended post materials (preservative-treated or naturally durable wood, Schedule 40 steel)
- Maximum post heights (14' for most wood, 8' for 4x4s)
- Beam construction (typically 2-3 members with joints over supports)
- Post-to-footing connections (post bases preferred over embedding in concrete)
- Footing sizing based on joist length and post spacing
- Frost line requirements (mandatory for attached decks)
- Beam support on top of posts (side attachment not acceptable by current standards)
Deck framing essentials:
- Floor joist span considerations (more restrictive than interior joists due to moisture)
- Joist attachment using appropriately-sized galvanized or stainless steel hangers
- Cantilever extension limits (span/4 or per joist span tables)
- Decking materials (2x6, 5/4x6, 5/4x4 wood; various composites, metal, plastics)
- Proper spacing (⅛" between boards for expansion and drainage)
- Attachment methods (screws preferred; ring shank nails acceptable)
- Special considerations for diagonal decking patterns
Bracing requirements:
- Parallel to beam: required for decks over 2' above ground
- Perpendicular to beam: required for free-standing decks
- Purpose: resist wind, seismic loads, and movement from use
Typical defects include improper joist attachment, inadequate fasteners in joist hangers, excessive spans, over-driven fasteners in decking, absent or improper bracing, deteriorated components, and rusted metal fasteners. Remember: cuts in pressure-treated lumber should be field-treated (though rarely done).
Intro
This episode is brought to you by GetSync.pro
This episode is hosted by Charlie Bellefontaine of Chicagoland Home Inspectors
For complete training with visual materials, practice exams, and certification support, visit nhiexamprep.com
© 2025 National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast. All rights reserved.
Season 1 - Electrical ⚡
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Season 10 - Structure
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Season 11 Insulation and Ventilation
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Season 12 Interiors
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Season 13 - Analysis and Reporting
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Season 14 - Professiona Responsibilities
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Season 2 - Cooling ❄️
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Season 3 - Heating 🔥
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Season 4 - Plumbing . 🚰
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Season 5 - Fireplaces and Chimneys 🔥
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Season 6 - Kitchen Appliances 🍳
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Season 7 - Site Conditions 🏠
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Season 8 - Exterior 🏠
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