03 sashi training manual guide distance learning course · 2018. 12. 23. · title: 03_sashi...

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All copy & design rights reserved. Under license to The South African Society of Home Inspectors (SASHI)

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You have chosen the home inspection profession as your new career and business respectively. Getting into the field was the first and easiest step. This Training Manual and the way in which you will be instructed, comprises the next and most difficult step. Forget anything you have heard or learned about the Home Inspection business and profession and clear your mind of all pre-conceptions. Now, welcome to the start of the rest of your life. Please regard THITA as your guide to self improvement and business success. We hope you will enjoy your period of instruction with us and that you – through your own home inspection business - will have the opportunity to enjoy the satisfaction of using your new skills and making money! This Training Manual Guide will assist your during your period of self study and thereafter – remaining as an easy to use referral guide to the profession, its guidelines, its role players, its rules, its pitfalls and its rewards. Since we at THITA promote, as all other progressive educational bodies do, training by means of “learning outcomes”, we have designed this guide to list our intended learning outcomes for each Module i.e. what the essence is that we expect you to glean from each particular Module. These are the new skills or knowledge that you should be able to apply upon completion of each Module. We have designed each Module to progressively allow you to put the new skills into practice as you go along and we have also included various self-evaluation tests which we would like you to carry out at times which best suit you. Since you are paying us for the privilege of imparting this knowledge to you, we trust that you will be willing to carry out these self-evaluation tests which are designed to increase your practical application of the theoretical information that we impart to you in each Module. Our Training Manual Guide introduces you to the attitudes and values you need to be able to meet THITA and SASHI final assessment criteria and to fulfil your role as a home inspector in a successful business. The author of the THITA training material, GMR Lourens, has designed it to make provision for 10 open book written self-evaluation test papers, the results of which you should send to us at THITA so that we can keep a record of your progress along with your final examination, practical inspection and its 2 follow up inspections that we expect you to send to us for record purposes. We have also summarised the Training Manual Guide in a recommended study schedule, which indicates when we advise you to complete a portion of the course.

TTTrrraaaiiinnniiinnnggg CCCooouuurrrssseee OOOvvveeerrrvvviiieeewww The duration of this course should be approximately 13 weeks. Since this is a self-study course you may set your own pace. We do recommend the time-table below in terms of which you should complete the course in 12 weeks and carry out the practical inspection with an accredited THITA inspector in the 13th week. The week after that should be spent in carrying out 2 inspections of your own, on your own time and you will be expected to submit them to THITA. You should also carry out the self-evaluation tests after each Module has been completed. Prior to embarking on this Course, you will also be required to complete a Skills Level Evaluation questionnaire which must be submitted to THITA as soon as possible. This questionnaire is also required for you to become a candidate member of SASHI and will be used as a measurement of your current level of skills so it is in your best interests to fill it in without resort to friends and colleagues – that would be defeating its purpose. Below is an example of how your timetable should look for the duration of this course: Weeks 1 & 2 - Theory – Module 1 --------------- Self-Evaluation Test Paper 1 Weeks 3 & 4 Theory – Module 2 ----------------- Self-Evaluation Test Paper 2 Weeks 5 & 6 - Theory – Module 3 --------------- Self-Evaluation Test Paper 3 Weeks 7 & 8 - Theory – Modules 4 & 5 --------- Self-Evaluation Test Papers 4 & 5 Weeks 9 & 10Theory – Modules 6 & 7 ---------- Self-Evaluation Test Papers 6 & 7 Weeks 11 & 12Theory – Modules 8 -10 --------- Self-Evaluation Test Papers 8 -10 Week 13 Practical Inspection completed with accredited THITA inspector - All Day

NB: Complete 2 inspections and submit to THITA along with your final exam answers.

PPPrrreeessscccrrriiibbbeeeddd RRReeeaaadddiiinnnggg Since we can only teach you what we know and impart our expertise in the inspection field, it is important that you take note of the fact that there is prescribed material which you will have to acquaint yourself with in order to make a success as a home inspector. This course provides all the prescribed material necessary to “pass” all the tests and the practical evaluation. We have divided the THITA training Course into ten Modules, which are listed below for easy reference.

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After completing this Module you should be in a position to carry out the following outcomes: Outcome 1: Describe the home inspection industry in South Africa.

To show your competence, you should be able to:

• describe the problems that property buyers experience at present that could be solved through home inspections;

• give an opinion as to whether there is scope for a home inspection industry in South Africa; and

• explain how the voetstoots clause creates problems for potential buyers in South Africa.

Outcome 2: Describe the home inspection industry abroad.

To show your competence, you should be able to: • give a general description of the state of the home inspection industry

abroad; and • compare the scope of the industry abroad with the scope of the industry in

South Africa.

Outcome 3: Explain what a home inspection entails.

To show your competence, you should be able to: • define what a home inspection is; • give your considered opinion as to what the purpose of a home inspection is;

and • give good reasons why home inspection is a necessary service.

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After completing this Module you should be in a position to carry out the following outcomes: Outcome 1: Give the generally accepted definitions of terms used in the construction industry in South Africa. To show your competence, you should be able to:

• explain the meaning of each term and its definition; and • explain why generally accepted construction practices are necessary if one is to

achieve uniformity in the construction and related industries.

Outcome 2: Describe all the generally accepted building practices with regard to the construction of a home. To show your competence, you should be able to:

• explain the requirements with regard to each element of the superstructure of a home as well as of the systems and components surrounding the superstructure;

• give an opinion as to whether the SABS 0400 legislation has adequately addressed the specifications of the National Building Regulations; and

• explain why you need to know the correct construction practices with regard to a home in order to carry out a generally accepted home inspection.

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After completing this Module you should be in a position to carry out the following outcomes: Outcome 1: Describe the various types of home inspections currently performed in South Africa. To show your competence, you should be able to:

• explain the difference between the various types of home inspection; • explain why there is a need for inspections on new homes as promulgated by the

National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC); • give a reasoned opinion as to why it is advisable to have an overall inspection

methodology that can incorporate elements of the various types of inspection.

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Outcome 2: Explain and describe the requirements relating to construction that are prescribed by the NHBRC and which you have to keep in mind when inspecting a home. To show your competence, you should be able to:

• summarise the acceptable building practices as required by the NHBRC with regard to each component of a home;

• explain the basic requirements with regard to construction practices when building or inspecting a home, as reproduced in this course material from the NHBRC Home Building Manual;

• explain how the NHBRC warranty scheme works; and • explain why the NHBRC warranty scheme is necessary.

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After completing this Module you should be in a position to carry out the following outcomes: Outcome 1: Describe the similar elements of the ethical guidelines with regard to the home inspection industry around the world. To show your competence, you should be able to:

• do research on the Internet; • identify home inspection companies that operate in South Africa and abroad; • identify major home inspection associations or societies around the world; and • compare the codes of ethics of some of these associations, and see what guidelines

or elements they have in common.

Outcome 2: Describe the seven guidelines with regard to the suggested code of ethics for home inspectors as promoted by SASHI. To show your competence, you should be able to:

• explain why each ethical guideline exists; • give your opinion as to whether each ethical guideline is realistic or not; and • give your opinion as to whether any further ethical guidelines need to be added to

the code of ethics as adopted by SASHI.

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Once you have studied this Module you should be able to perform the outcomes listed below. Outcome 1: Describe the main elements of the suggested standards of practice for the South African home inspection industry as promoted by SASHI. To prove competence in this outcome, you must be able to do the following:

• explain why standards of practice are necessary; and • explain why it is necessary to have a formal body like SASHI, and why it is

necessary for such a body to lay down standards of practice.

Outcome 2: Give a detailed description of the standards of practice that you should follow when carrying out a home inspection. To prove competence in this outcome, you must be able to do the following:

• list the items and components in a home that will be inspected; and • list the items and components in a home that will not be inspected as part of a

standard home inspection.

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After completing this Module you should be in a position to carry out the following outcomes: Outcome 1: Adhere to the unwritten rules of client etiquette when carrying out a home inspection. To show your competence, you should be able to:

• describe in all respects how you should interact with a client when you carry out a home inspection; and

• describe behaviours you should steer clear of when dealing with a client during the course of a home inspection.

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Outcome 2: Describe the steps you should take before doing an inspection. To show your competence, you should be able to:

• explain, step by step, how you should prepare to carry out a home inspection.

Outcome 3: Prepare and use an inspection instruction form correctly. To show your competence, you should be able to:

• prepare the inspection instruction form.

Outcome 4: Explain the important terms and conditions of the home inspection to the client before carrying it out. To prove your competence in this outcome, you must be able to:

• explain the relevant terms and conditions of the home inspection as required from THITA Inspectors which are based on those suggested by SASHI.

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After completing this Module you should be in a position to carry out the following outcomes: Outcome 1: Describe the negative and positive aspects of a home’s systems and components. To show your competence, you should be able to:

• explain how to look for visible “symptoms” of defects and how to record these in a home inspection report which includes photographs.

Outcome 2: Describe all the tools that you require to carry out an acceptable home inspection and to produce a home inspection report of an acceptable standard. To show your competence, you should be able to:

• explain why it is advisable to have specific tools for specific jobs when performing the home inspection; and

• give an opinion whether you think that a specific tool is required to carry out an acceptable home inspection and to produce a home inspection report which would comply with the standards as set by SASHI.

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After completing this Module you should be in a position to carry out the following outcomes: Outcome 1: Describe and detail the inspection criteria you would utilise to find out whether a home has any patent (visible) or latent defects. To show your competence, you should be able to:

• identify a component; • determine whether the component is in an acceptable condition or not; and • indicate whether, if the component is not in an acceptable condition, the defect is

of a structural nature.

Outcome 2: Describe the inspection criteria that are used on-site and off-site. To show your competence, you should be able to:

• explain how the SASHI standards of practice should be used as a guideline when carrying out an inspection; and

• explain which components of a home should and should not be inspected.

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After completing this Module you should be in a position to carry out the following outcomes: Outcome 1: Describe the steps you need to go through when performing an inspection. To prove your competence in this outcome, you must be able to:

• explain what the 'clipboard' method of doing an inspection is; and • explain the various systems, components, rooms and other items that are

inspected as part of a standard home inspection.

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Outcome 2: State the rules for generally accepted report writing and apply them when you compile a report on the various aspects of a home inspection. To prove your competence in this outcome, you must be able to:

• compile home inspection reports using correct terminology, spelling, sentence construction, punctuation, paragraphing and other aspects of grammar.

Outcome 3: Specify and use the SASHI endorsed THITA templates needed to compile an acceptable home inspection report and to produce a home inspection report along the lines of the SASHI draft sample inspection report. To prove your competence in this outcome, you must be able to:

• list the recommended templates and various sections of the SASHI endorsed THITA sample home inspection report; and

• describe the communication tools used to communicate the information that you gather when carrying out an inspection.

Outcome 4: Describe and follow the steps needed to produce the inspection report. To prove your competence in this outcome, you must be able to:

• call up the template for the SASHI endorsed THITA standard home inspection report on your computer;

• Print the template for the inspection report for use on-site as a “clipboard method” for each inspection;

• follow the step-by-step and page by page method of recording the information on the report template; and

• print the final report.

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After completing this Module you should be in a position to carry out the following outcomes: Outcome 1: Describe the benefits of working as a home inspector for an existing company as opposed to running your own company. To show your competence, you should be able to:

• Explain the benefits of working for an existing home inspection company/franchise;

• Describe in all respects what is advisable when working with follow employees and seasoned professionals.

Outcome 2: Describe the benefits of starting your own home inspection franchise/business. To show your competence, you should be able to:

• List the benefits of starting your own business; • Explain the disadvantages of starting your own business; • Describe the various forms of business that are available as an option if you

choose to start your own business; • List the facts you have to keep in mind when starting your own business; • Explain the different marketing targets and options available; and • Describe the various business practices to be kept in mind when starting your

own business.

Outcome 3: Describe the specific benefits of buying a franchise To show your competence, you should be able to:

• Explain the benefits of buying a home inspection franchise; and • List the foundations on which a home inspection franchise should be built.

This study course includes the following:

• the SASHI endorsed THITA Skills Level Evaluation which is designed to tell us what your level of expertise is;

• the prescribed reading material which is intended to provide you with a solid theoretical basis for the profession;

• the learning outcomes for the each Module which is designed to clarify what we intend you to learn from each Module;

• ten test papers, which are designed to test your skills as the course proceeds ; • a practical inspection, which is performed along with one of the THITA accredited

inspectors.

It is important to note what each one of the terms in italics above means since we will use these terms in this Training Manual Guide and in the various Modules. Skills Level Evaluation In this Training Manual Guide you will find a Skills Level Evaluation that you must complete and submit to THITA. It is important that you complete and submit it before embarking on the training course, since it will help you to form an idea of what we expect you to know at this early stage in your course. Prescribed reading Your prescribed reading refers to the Modules you must study in order to be in a position to write a particular. It is important to work through all the prescribed reading as well as complete the self-evaluations tests before writing the final exam. Learning outcomes Each Module contains learning outcomes, which indicate what you should be able to achieve after you have worked through the relevant Module.

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Self-evaluation Test papers In this Training Manual Guide you will find ten self-evaluation test papers that are designed to test your own knowledge. Do not attempt these self-evaluation tests until the relevant Module has been completed. These tests are designed to help you test your knowledge and to help you to evaluate your progress. Please give your results for the 10 tests to THITA so that we can keep it on record along with your exam and final practical inspection report which you produce along with an accredited THITA inspector and the 2 follow up inspection reports. When you do attempt the tests, read the questions carefully to find out exactly what is being asked of you. Then answer the questions in your own words. Use the knowledge and understanding that you have gained from the relevant study material to answer the questions. The total “marks” that you give yourself for your ten written self-evaluation tests will provide an average percentage which will eventually count 50% of your course evaluation score (which remains confidential). We also like you to allocate marks to the tests as a means to provide an indication as to the level of proficiency of each inspector that we train – whether for their own purposes or for their employer’s benefit. Practical Evaluation Once you have been allocated marks and written your ten self-evaluation test papers, you will be expected to attend a practical inspection along with an accredited THITA inspector. During this “practical evaluation” the accredited inspector will guide you through the inspection process. This inspection must be completed and sent to THITA. This inspection report and your performance in carrying it out will be evaluated by THITA and a mark out of 20 % allocated. You will also be expected to complete two more inspections on your own and to submit them to THITA for marking along with the final Examination answers within one week after you have completed the practical inspection. These two inspections and the Examination answers will be used to procure a mark with a total out of 30 %. Following the completion of your Course, if successful, you will receive a “Certificate of Completion” and become a full SASHI member (if you are not one already). Practical Inspection Once you have completed your ten written test papers, your practical home inspection will follow. You will carry out the home inspection at an identified property in the presence of an accredited THITA home inspector.

After you have finished the inspection you will be expected to produce the home inspection report and to send it to THITA for marking. You will be evaluated at the site by our accredited THITA inspector and on the actual file you produce. 2 Inspections & Examinations You will be expected to carry out 2 inspections on your own in the week following the completion of the course and send the reports to THITA. You will also be expected to complete the Examination and send it to THITA.

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Support:

If you have a query – please contact us at: THITA, PO Box 974, Stellenbosch, 7599 Phone: (061) 062 7321 Fax: (086) 77123 77 E-mail: [email protected] VISIT US ON THE INTERNET: www.thehomeinspectiontrainingacademy.com

4 Practical Valuations on

your own20%

Practical Valuation in

the presence of your

TRAINER30%

10 Written Tests50%

Practical Home Inspection in the

presence of SASHI member

and SASHI exam. 30 %

2 Practical Home

Inspections on your own

20%

THITA SKILLS LEVEL EVALUATION

Subject: Home Inspection

Time allowed: Unlimited No Marks

Name: FOR THITA USE ONLY

Address: EXAMINER: GRADE:

Date in: Date out:

Area of operation:

SASHI Membership no:

Please read the following instructions carefully.

1. You should submit this Skills Level Evaluation to THITA before attempting the course.

2. You can post your Skills Level Evaluation to THITA, PO Box 974, Stellenbosch, 7599, or fax it to (086) 77 123 77 or save it on your allocated Dropbox. Please cut out this page and attach it to your answers and indicate the number of pages if you fax your answers to us.

3. Alternatively, you can e-mail your answers to [email protected]. Include your name and area of operation in the subject heading of your e-mail.

4. Answer the questions in your own words. The purpose of this evaluation is to find out where your strengths and weaknesses lie.

5. Write your name on all pages.

6. Draw a margin on the right-hand side of each page for our comments – unless you complete the questionnaire electronically. Also, please leave two lines open after each question for our comments.

7. You can answer the questions in any order, but make sure that you staple them together in the correct order if you print and send the document.

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QUESTION 1 Descriptive skills

The objective of this question is to test your basic language skills. Choose the correct words between brackets in the passage below. WRITE DOWN ONLY THE NUMBER AND YOUR ANSWER.

Dick Finn (1. use to / used to) appear (2.at / on / by) the doorstep of fellow home

inspectors without any warning. He was (3. the / a / an / nothing) thin, untidy, man

wearing (4. the / a / an) old, tatty denim jacket. He would announce, (5. with / in) a

thick foreign accent, “I good inspector”. Then, (6. in / for / to) a day, or a week or a

month, the man or woman (7. who / whom / whose) answered the knock would have to

take non-stop care (8. for / with / of) (9. her / him / them). This clever man could not

even work out how to peel (10. the / a / an) oranges or wash (11. our / their / his /

her) underwear. (12. On / In / At) return the host would be (13. aloud / allowed) the

(14. excited / exciting) experience (15. for / to / of / at) sharing the thought

processes of this home inspector. Happily, after undergoing the SASHI Home Inspection

course, Finn became (16. the / a / an / nothing) most productive and cleverest home

inspector in the country.

Even so, Finn was a strange man. He did not have the discipline to record what he

saw until he was trained how to do so. He had no home, no possessions and no life aside

from the inspection industry. He spoke a language all his own: “died”, meant someone

had stopped doing inspections; “left” meant someone had died. As many as half a dozen

(17. interested / interesting) home inspectors would sometimes gather to listen to his

stimulating ideas about houses and construction methods. Instead of keeping all his

ideas (18. to / for / with) (19. he / himself / his / him), Dick Finn shared all his

astonishingly acute insights with them. (20. At / In / For / By ) the time he “left” at

the age of 83, Finn had helped SASHI to perfect the revolutionary Home Inspection

course and presented himself as a model inspector who executed thorough inspections at

all times.

QUESTION 2 BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS

The objectives of these questions are to test the following computer skills:

• The basics of computers; • How the computer works; • The difference between hardware and software; • Computer hardware and peripherals; • Software applications; • Word processing; • Spreadsheets; • Databases.

1) The physical parts of a computer you can touch are called:

a) Software b) Hardware c) Programs d) Instructions

2) All personal computers must have at least three hardware components. Two of them are a keyboard and the system unit. What is the third required item?

a) Mouse b) Printer c) Video monitor d) Modem

3) A hard disk (hard drive) is used to:

a) Call other computers b) Print out your work c) Store data as a series of punched holes d) Store data magnetically

4) Word processing, spreadsheets, database management and data communications are all examples of:

a) Artificial intelligence b) Hardware c) Software d) Types of computers

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5) Spreadsheet software packages are electronic versions of:

a) Money transfer systems used by banks b) Tables of rows and columns used for accounting c) Manual typewriters once used by almost everyone d) Desktop publishing systems used by writers

6) The best definition for an online service is a service that:

a) Takes airline reservations b) Appeals to special interest groups c) Delivers information to a customer by modem as requested d) Allows users to share data files

7) A modem is used to connect:

a) Many PCs in the same building b) Two computers using a piece of special computer cable c) Two computers via the existing telephone network d) A PC to various printers

8) What is the first question you should ask yourself before buying a new computer system?

a) What will the bottom line cost be? b) Which system has a track record for giving reliable, trouble-free service? c) What tasks do I want this system to perform? d) Is the system expandable?

9) Microsoft created “Windows” to:

a) Make financial calculations on PCs faster b) Make education on PCs more fun c) Make it easier to anyone to use a PC d) Substitute words for pictures on the PC

10) What happens when you save your work?

a) It goes into the computer’s volatile memory b) It goes onto a disk for permanent storage c) It is gone forever d) It appears printed on paper

11) Which project can you use word processing software for on the job?

a) Financial record keeping b) Designing a floor plan c) Preparing form letters d) Recording and playing back music

12) The main purpose of an electronic spreadsheet is to:

a) Create documents b) Manage data c) Perform numerical calculations d) Transfer data between computers

13) Of the following, which one is the best application for a spreadsheet on the job?

a) Performing large customer mailings b) Preparing a sales report c) Tracking invoices d) Maintaining a customer mailing list

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QUESTION 3 DIRECTIONS

The objective of this question is to test your ability to determine directions.

Study the map and answer the questions that follow:

(a) Cathy walked from the pre-‐school to the station.

In which direction did she walk? (b) When Kelly left the pre-‐school she walked home.

What direction is Kelly’s home from the pre-‐school?

QUESTION 4 MEASUREMENT & MATHEMATICS

The objective of these questions is to test you basic measurement skills and your ability to perform mathematical calculations. QUESTION 4.1 M2 CALCULATION Place the area formula next to each shape.

Shape Area

a) Square (i.) ½ x base x perpendicular height

b) Rectangle (ii.) average of parallel sides x distance between them

c) Triangle (iii.) Length x length

d) Parallelogram (iv.) length x width

e) Trapezium (v.) �r2

f) Circle (vi.) Base x perpendicular height

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QUESTION 4.2 Use the house plan in FIG A below and answer the questions that follow.

a) Label the features (i) to (vi).

b) How many doors are shown on this plan?

c) What is the length of the house?

d) Calculate the width of the kitchen

e) Determine the floor area of the house.

f) Determine the floor area of bedroom 3.

g) What percentage of the area of the house is the area of bedroom 3?

h) The guttering across the front of the house needed replacing and the ABD Gutter Company charges R19,75 excl VAT per metre to supply and install guttering. How much did the company quote to supply and install this guttering (incl. VAT)?

FIG: A HOUSE PLAN

(ii)

(i)

QUESTION 5 GENERAL PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

The objective of these questions is to test your practical experience in the property field.

QUESTION 5.1 Indicate two reasons why a local authority must be involved when an owner wants to erect a dwelling.

a) To enforce all Building regulations b) To monitor the progress of the building c) To plan ahead for future infrastructure.

QUESTION 5.2 Name the two most important functions of concrete foundations.

a) To anchor the structure in the ground to prevent sliding b) To distribute the load evenly across the foundation c) To even out the ground level

QUESTION 5.3 What does a building line mean?

a) The line that separates the Municipal boundary to the site Boundary b) The line that cannot be encroached when building a structure inside the erven. c) The centreline of the building.

QUESTION 5.4 What does the following term mean? “Curing”

a) To fill in bits of plaster where it fell out b) A type of concrete mix specially designed for bridges c) The chemical reaction when cement reacts with water

QUESTION 5.5 What is the function of a pressure-reducing valve in a geyser?

a) To control the pressure from the supply tank b) To reduce the pressure form 400kPa to 100kPa c) Controls water pressure in whole system.

QUESTION 5.6 List the colour codes for the pressure ratings 100kPa, 200kPa, and 400kPa

a) Black, Red, Blue b) Blue, Black, Red c) Blue, Black, Brown

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QUESTION 5.7 From the drawing below, calculate the following: The wall is 200 mm thick and built in English bond with stock bricks. (Use standard brick sizes). Note: The foundation extends 190 mm over both ends of the wall.

• Calculate the materials and the cost of the following:

A. Amount of soil excavated a) 3.74 m³ b) 3.59 m³ c) 1.31 m³

B. Amount of concrete used for the foundation a) 1.36 m³ b) 1.31 m³ c) 3.75 m³

C. m ² of the wall

a) 23.71 m ² b) 22.8 m ² c) 19 m ²

230x600

200

9500

2000

630

GL 190mm 190mm

QUESTION 5.8 From the list below give the names of the elements as shown in the sketch (choose from the answers given)

1. a) Beam b) Pillar c) Foundation

2.

a) Foundation wall b) Superstructure c) Plaster

3.

a) Foundation wall b) Pillar c) Superstructure wall

4.

a) Timber rails b) Plaster c) Glazing

5.

a) Chimney b) Column c) Pier

6.

a) Ant Guard b) Railing c) Quarter Round

7.

a) Joist b) Bearer c) Wall plate

8.

a) Beam b) Floor Joint c) Bearer

9.

a) Beam b) Floor Joist c) Bearer

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10. a) Shuttering b) Skirting c) Floor Boards

11.

a) Skirting b) Quarter Round c) Ground Level

12.

a) Skirting b) Quarter Round c) Ground Level

13.

a) Ground Level b) Ant Guard c) Damp Proof Course

14.

a) Ground Level b) Ant Guard c) Damp Proof Course

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Please read the following instructions carefully. 1. You should send this examination to THITA for marking upon completion of your

training course – preferably within one week. It is intended to provide you with an idea of your performance and abilities to be a home inspector.

2. You will only be able to adequately address the questions in this examination if you have studied the THITA Training Manual or attended the training course. Answer the questions in your own words. Marks will be deducted if you copy directly from any other printed material.

3. You can post your examination answers to THITA, PO Box 974, Stellenbosch, 7599, or fax them to (086) 77 123 77. Please cut out this page and attach it to your answers. When you post your examination answers, ensure that you have paid sufficient postage – otherwise your answers will be returned unmarked. Please indicate the number of pages when you fax your examination answers. Alternatively you can save your examination on the dedicated Dropbox we have provided to you.

4. Write your name on all pages. 5. Draw a margin on the right-hand side of each page for the marks being awarded or

our comments – unless you are submitting the exam electronically. Also, please leave two lines open after each question for our comments.

6. You can answer the questions in any order, but make sure that you staple them together in the correct order if you post it to us.

7. E-mail: Alternatively, you can e-mail your answers to [email protected]. Include your name and area of operation area in the subject heading of your e-mail.

When you are ready, turn over the page and start your examination.

If you are submitting your answers by post or fax, fill in your details above, cut out the page, attach it to your answers and send them to THITA.

THITA FINAL EXAMINATION

Time: 4 hours Total marks: 200

Name: FOR THITA USE ONLY

Address: EXAMINER: GRADE:

Date in: Date out:

Area of operation:

SASHI Membership no:

Question 1 Explain in your own words what a home inspection involves. [5] Question 2 Give a short description of the voetstoots clause. [2] Question 3 In your own words, describe what a latent defect is and give two examples of a latent defect. [3] Question 4 What is the name of the association that has been registered to entrench standards of practice and a code of ethics for the home inspection industry? [1] Question 5 The NHBRC Home Building Manual is applicable to structures with ___________ storeys or less. [1] Question 6 For what period of time following occupation must the builder undertake, at his/her own expense, to repair any roof leaks that occur? [1] Question 7 What is the minimum regulated height from the finished floor level to the finished ground level of a house? [1] Question 8 Explain in your own words what “Dolomites” and “limestone” is. [3] Question 9 Explain the difference between “controlled fill” and “engineered fill”. [2] Question 10 What is the maximum span of roof trusses or rafters between supporting walls allowed in single storey buildings. [1] Question 11 Cavities in cavity walls shall not be less than _________mm [2] Question 12 In what circumstances is it necessary to seal between the upturn and downturn of adjoining fibre cement sheets? [2] Question 13 What is the minimum allowed thickness of timber treads on stairs? [1] Question 14 Describe a conservancy tank (in a drainage installation) and how it operates. [1] Question 15 Explain in your own word what the SABS0400 is. [1]

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Question 16 Describe the difference between the Regulations and the “deemed-to-satisfy” rules as contained in the SABS0400. [2] Question 17 Why is it not advisable to give a client an opinion as to the value of the property? [1] Question 18 Do you think it is necessary to have a Code of Ethics for the inspection industry? Explain your answer. [2] Question 19 What is the purpose of the Standards of Practice, which SASHI promotes? [2] Question 20 Name six components of the roof system that a home inspector is required to inspect. [6] Question 21 Is a home inspector required to inspect solar water heating systems? Explain your answer. [2] Question 22 Yes or No. Is the inspector required to inspect the carpeting? [1] Question 23 Explain the term “structural component”. [1] Question 24 Name three goals you should have in mind when carrying out an inspection. [3] Question 25 Name three of the aspects of a property you should do research on or get information about before performing an inspection. [3] Question 26 Before doing an inspection, you are expected to explain the purpose of the inspection, the method you will follow as well as the approximate time the inspection will take place. True or False [1] Question 27 It is advisable to have the client attend the inspection. True or False [1] Question 28 As an inspector, you are expected to report on whether the property complies with legislation or other regulations. True or False [1] Question 29 List six things that you as an inspector will not be expected to do when performing an inspection. [6]

Question 30 List five basic pieces of equipment you will need in order to carry out a successful home inspection. [5] Question 31 What is meant by the term “topography of a property”? [1] Question 32 What are the two basic categories into which inspection criteria can be divided? [2] Question 33 What are the visible indicators that can point towards a foundation deficiency? [3] Question 34 What is a patent defect? [3] Question 35 Explain in your own words why you think there is a need for home inspection in South Africa. [9] Question 36 Explain how the “voetstoots” clause creates problems for potential buyers in South Africa and how a home inspection can alleviate these problems. [9] Question 37 Explain in broad terms what the NHBRC warranty scheme is and how it works. [4] Question 38 Explain why you think it is necessary (or not) for SASHI to strive towards entrenching a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for the home inspection industry in South Africa. [5] Question 39 Explain in your own words the steps and precautions which should be taken by an inspector when preparing for an inspection. [3] Question 40 Name four expectations that a client may have with regard to the home inspection. [4] Question 41 Name any but at least 5 (five) basic equipment items needed to perform a successful home inspection. [5] Question 42 Explain what an inspector’s most important reporting tool is and why. [2] Question 43 Before carrying out any inspection, name the off-site inspection criteria that you need to address before carrying out an inspection. [6]

Question 44 Please provide the description of each item numbered in the picture below. [14] 1. _________________________

2. _________________________

3. _________________________

4. _________________________

5. _________________________

6. _________________________

7. _________________________

8. _________________________

9. _________________________

10. _________________________

11. _________________________

12. _________________________

13. _________________________

14. _________________________

Question 45 When inspecting a ceiling in a residential house, name 4 signs or conditions that you will look for and report on in the inspection report. [4] Question 46 When inspecting a roof covering on a residential house, name 5 signs or conditions that you will look for and report on in the inspection report. [5] Question 47 Write a two page essay in which you describe to a friend how you completed a fictitious inspection for a very difficult client at a house which was in a state of near-collapse. Your essay should pay particular attention to spelling and grammar as well as sentence construction since the purpose of this question is to test your report writing skills. [15] Question 48 Describe in your own words how home inspection fits into the picture as far as the sale of property is concerned. [8] Question 49 Give your opinion as to whether standardised home inspection templates are advisable and/or necessary to the profession of home inspection? [6]

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Question 50 In your own words explain what the advantages of a career in home inspection are. [6] Question 51 Detail the steps that you would go through or have gone through to start up your own home inspection firm or franchise – as a sole trader. [10] Question 52 Provide your opinion as to whether it is advisable to legislate the way in which home inspectors operate AND the inspection of all second hand homes as a pre-requisite to a sale. [12] ________________ TOTAL: [200]

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