Beneath the Surface: Understanding the Anatomy of a House

This course is designed to help real estate professionals better serve their clients and increase their confidence when asked questions regarding the construction of the homes they market. You will learn about the structure of houses, both new and existing, and focus on how floors, walls, and roofs are built. This course will empower real estate professionals to give accurate generic construction information to their clients without taking on personal liability while recognizing when to defer to the assistance of qualified experts.

The modules covered in this course are:

1. Basic Structural Principles
2. Floor Assembly
3. Wood Types
4. Floor Structure
5. Floor Surface Materials and Floor Problems
6. Wall Framing
7. Wall Part Names
8. Roof Structures
9. Roof Surfacing
10. Roof Problems Part I
11. Roof Problems Part II
12. Roof Problems Part III

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

• explain the importance of providing generic construction information without violating professional standards.
• explain the significance of soil, footings, and foundation as the basis of support for the constructed home.
• identify the four basic components of a home’s construction.
• communicate the probable cause of common problems of a house as they relate to its time of construction.
• describe and define Dead Load and Live Load.
• list the common uses of hardwoods and softwoods in residential construction.
• list three wood framed floor system types.
• outline sub‐floor surfacing materials and their features, advantages, and disadvantages.
• identify ways to fix squeaking floors.
• explain how wood’s dynamic characteristics regarding water, moisture content, and flammability affect wall systems.
• compare and state the benefits of the different wood frame wall assembly systems.
• list features and disadvantages of the different roof surfacing options.
• list signs of a roof leak from within a walk‐up attic.
• list the problems associated with front entry porches and other home additions.

Course Content

Each module will begin with an informational video lecture from the course instructor, followed by interactive activities to expand upon the module's subject. At the end of each module is a short quiz to help remember the important points you should now be better familiar with.

After completing all of the modules, a 25-question final exam will be given. The final exam is not timed and can be attempted as many times as needed to earn the minimum 80% passing score. A course completion certificate for Virginia real estate continuing education credit will be issued after passing the final exam.