Goal:

This course teaches the inspector to perform residential wood deck inspections according to the InterNACHI® Home Inspection Standards of Practice. It includes a review of common deck defects. The course references standards and code. Home inspectors are not code inspectors. 

Objectives: 

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: 

• list and describe the major components of a deck; 

• distinguish between proper and improper installation techniques; 

• identify and describe common major structural and safety problems; and 

• communicate to a client indications of defects observed at the deck during a home inspection.

Course includes:

• 3 InterNACHI CE credit hours;

• 8,408 words;

• 2 minutes of instructional video;

• inspection and writing assignment;

• research and writing assignment;

• 17 quiz questions in 5 quizzes;

• 25-question final exam (drawn from a larger pool);

• instant grading; and

• a downloadable, printable Certificate of Completion.

Inspectors will learn the following:

• Course Objectives

• Decks and Similar Structures

• Decks Defined

• Porches

• Verandahs

• Balconies

• Patios

• From the Ground Up

• Deck Load

• Footings and Posts

• Wood Decay

• Moisture and Wood Decay

• The Pick Test

• Support and Connections

• Girders and Beams

• Ledger Connections

• Overhangs

• Framing Around

• Cantilevered Decks

• Bracing

• Connections and Fasteners

• Posts and Rails

• Guardrails and Supports

• Decking

• Board placement and Support

• Stairs

• Stringers, Risers and Treads

• Lighting

• Handrails

• Electrical Receptacles

• Receptacle Requirements

• Weatherproof Receptacles

• Other Considerations

• Location and Egress

How to Perform Deck Inspections Course

Course # 3602

nachi.org/deck-inspections-course

Activity

Assignments

Estimated hours for the average student

Academic Engagement

Reading online course instructional material at 140 words per minute

1.0

Watching and listening to instructional video

0.1

Taking quizzes

0.5

Taking the exam

0.7

Conducting a directed and independent inspection study performed according to the Standards of Practice, including the development of an inspection report 

4.0

Submitting an inspection and writing assignment

0.5

Submitting a research and writing assignment

0.5

Total

7.3

Preparation

Studying & reviewing instructional material in preparation for taking quizzes and exam

6.0

Reading the downloaded student course book including taking the quizzes with the book

1.0

Reading, research, and studying related to completing the research and writing assignment

4.0

Studying and preparing for inspection processes according to a Standards of Practice, including capturing and storing digital images with a camera or device, making observations, evaluating conditions, deducing, formulating opinions, communicating observations in written form, attaining competency in performing inspections and using an inspection checklist or software and other inspection tools in producing a report.

10.0

Total

21.0

Sub Total

28.3

Overall Total

• 28.0 clock hours

• 28.0 InterNACHI CE credit hours

• 2.8 CEU