Seneca Polytechnic will be closed from the end of business day on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, to the reopening on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. Part-time classes for the Winter 2025 Term will begin on Friday, Jan. 10. During the holiday closure, you will still be able to access The Service Hub virtually through the online portal and chatbot.
Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Winter 2025. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.
This program provides an opportunity to enter an exciting and growing profession. Home inspection is a consulting service that helps homebuyers make informed decisions about their prospective new home.
Seneca Polytechnic, in partnership with Carson Dunlop and Associates and in cooperation with the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI), is offering a ten course Home Inspection program that incorporates the Standards of Practice of ASHI/CAHPI (American Society of Home Inspectors/Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors). The program is based on curriculum developed by ASHI in conjunction with Columbia Assessment Services Inc., as a result of their Role Delineation Study of the home inspection profession.
Standards of Practice define a minimum and uniform standard for private, fee-paid home inspectors. Home inspections performed to these standards are intended to provide the client with information regarding the condition of the systems and components of the home as inspected.
The Carson Dunlop and Associates program has been adopted by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), and is also recognized and recommended by the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI) in all provinces. The Carson Dunlop program complies with ASHI Curriculum and Standards of Practice. The program also meets the Professional Home/Property Inspector Occupational Standards developed by the Canadian Home Inspectors and Building Officials Steering Committee for National Standards (CHIBO).
The systems and components of a house include roofing, structure, electrical, heating, air conditioning/heat pumps, plumbing, exterior, insulation and the interior. The ten courses in this certificate have been organized to address each of these, as well as to provide students the communications skills and knowledge of professional practice required to be successful in this growing industry. Emphasis in this certificate is on very practical knowledge of the performance of the systems and components of a house, not on theory.
Curriculum has been organized into courses that describe the materials used in the construction of each house system and how they are assembled. Content covers what may go wrong as well as the causes and the implications of problems that result. The program gives students clear direction concerning what to look for during an inspection: signs of non-performance due to old age, deferred maintenance, weather damage, and poor workmanship. It is this aspect of the program that distinguishes it from the knowledge of contractors or other building professionals.
Students are invited to attend an information session.
Professional Home Inspectors report in an objective manner on the operation, condition, necessary repairs and safety of existing dwellings. Many home-buyers engage the services of a Home Inspector prior to purchasing or renovating a property. Inspectors are required to perform pre-renovation consultations or identify problems related to the structure and conditions of the property. Some Home and Property Inspectors perform other activities such as the inspection of commercial buildings, or phased and pre-delivery quality control inspections on new construction. The Home Inspection sector includes sole-operators, multi-inspector companies, consulting firms and franchised businesses. Recent Ontario government data indicates the demand for home inspectors is increasing, as 50-70% of resale homes now have home inspections as part of the real estate transaction.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, OR 19 years of age or older. A physical science background is desirable.
You do not need to apply to begin this program. Start by ensuring you meet the admission requirements listed above and then register for the courses listed on the Curriculum page when they are offered
Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.
The emphasis in this course is on typical defects of the various types of roof coverings, drainage systems, flashings, skylights, chimneys and other roof penetrations. Students apply their knowledge of roofing to inspections that focus on system performance, safety concerns, and compliance with existing codes and standards.
This course focuses on the following structural components of a residential dwelling: foundations and footings, floors, walls and roof/ceiling structures. Students learn to apply knowledge of structures to inspections that focus on system performance, safety concerns and compliance with good construction practices.
This course prepares students to inspect the performance of the following components of electrical systems within residential buildings: service drops, grounding systems, service panels, wiring systems, devices and fixtures.
This course covers installed heating systems (gas and oil furnaces and hot water boilers). Emphasis is on the inspector's ability to identify the energy source, type, material, condition, and safety concerns, as well as inspecting the heating equipment.
No prerequisite. However, CHI704 is recommended
This course covers vent systems, flues and chimneys, as well as fireplaces, other wood heating appliances, steam and electric heating systems. Students apply knowledge of these systems to the role of home inspector.
This course prepares students to inspect, in a residential dwelling, the interior water supply and distribution systems (including fixtures and faucets), as well as water heating equipment and drain/vent/waste systems and their related fixtures.
This course covers retaining walls, grounds, window wells, lot grading, driveways, patios, walkways, decks, balconies, stoops and steps, porches, railings, wall cladding, flashing trim, eaves, soffits, fascia, as well as exterior doors and windows. Students learn to describe the exterior wall coverings and inspect all aspects of the exterior named above.
Focus is on the inspection of thermal insulation, vapor retarders and ventilation systems, as well as the inspection of interior elements of residential dwellings such as walls, ceilings, floors, basements, doors, windows, interior stairs/railings, installed countertops and cabinets, and garage doors/door operators.
The professional home inspector is required, both verbally and in writing, to describe the inspection process and communicate inspection findings to the client. It is imperative that the home inspector be able to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding of an inspection, once conducted. Students in this course develop their oral and written communication skills, and learn the reporting requirements and proper conduct required of a professional in this industry.
The following courses may be of interest to those who have already achieved the Home Inspection Certificate, or who are working in the field and who require ongoing professional education. Some of these courses are linked to membership in the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors.
At least four courses in the Home Inspection Certificate Program.
This CAHPI approved course is perfect for current students and graduates of the Home Inspection Certificate Program. Hands-on experience working with an experienced inspector/instructor in three different homes is provided in a low stress, non-threatening, coaching environment. Students inspect the homes and write reports as well as learn best inspection practices, tricks of the trade, and mistakes to avoid.
Study the theory and gain technical practice in identifying the broader factors that influence urban household floods in Canada. We will examine the impact of climate change, municipal engineering and practices, government land development policies and building and electrical codes on the risk of floods. We will provide insight into how the availability of flood risk insurance for homeowners has evolved. You will gain an in-depth understanding of how to complete a visual assessment of overland, infiltration and sewer backup risks at homes built during different eras of development, identify opportunities to reduce these risks and where further investigation is needed. You will be able to practice and demonstrate proficiency in the use of a nationally recognized flood risk assessment tool by completing one full flood risk assessment at a home of your choosing at the end of this course.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to, for each of the following components of a residential dwelling (structure, roofing, heating, electrical, exterior, cooling, plumbing, insulation, interior):
Earn college credits for what you already know.
Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to
college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work
experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained
meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.
How does the PLA process work?
Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning
through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews,
demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a
Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program
Coordinator.
The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.
Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to PLA website or contact your Program Coordinator.
Many students who enter Seneca Polytechnic will have earned academic credits in postsecondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca Polytechnic program.
Requests for Transfer Credit must be for a specific course and must be accompanied by an official transcript and course outline. A minimum grade of "C" (60 percent) is generally required for a course to be considered for Transfer Credit.
Download a Transfer Credit Request form. An official copy of your transcript and applicable detailed course outlines should be attached and submitted. Please note it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a Transfer Credit decision.
Please visit the Office of the Registrar.
When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October), Spring (June) and Winter (February).
For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.
A student will be eligible to graduate from a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or graduate certificate program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.0.
A student will be eligible to graduate from a degree program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.5, which includes a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the courses in their main field of study and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in breadth courses.
A faculty of Seneca Polytechnic may recommend a student for a certificate, diploma or degree only after the student has earned a minimum of twenty-five percent of the credit for that program at Seneca.
Courses are all offered online
OR
in hybrid* format; in which students attend seven, three-hour classroom sessions held every
other week, combined with directed self-study in alternate weeks.
Online students are required to identify and inspect homes in completion of the program learning outcomes
Successful completion of this program fulfills the academic entrance requirements of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) provided that a 70% average is maintained in each of the courses being submitted to OAHI for consideration. Students must still complete the Defect Recognition and Reporting Course, which must be taken through the OAHI directly, as well as the following Ontario Building Code Courses:
Standards or Practice and a Code of Ethics for the Home Inspection Profession can be found through the CAHPI.
The Carson Dunlop and Associates program has been adopted by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), and is also recognized and recommended by the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI) in all provinces. The Carson Dunlop program complies with ASHI Curriculum and Standards of Practice. The program also meets the Professional Home/Property Inspector Occupational Standards developed by the Canadian Home Inspectors and Building Officials Steering Committee for National Standards (CHIBO).
Ramya Kottapalli
Program Assistant
Ramya.Kottapalli@senecapolytechnic.ca
416.764.0975
Jacqueline Gage
Manager, Academic Programs
jacqueline.gage@senecapolytechnic.ca
416.764.0984
For more information about this program, fill out the following form.
Students are invited to attend an information session.