I'm considering College courses this Fall and am interested in opinions as to what you all think I should study that pertains to our industry. My intention is to attain various certifications in things like HVAC, Electrical etc. But I'm also open to other things that might improve my business/ make me more money.

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Principles don't change with circumstances. That's what makes them principles.
-George Colombo

Vince
I would check your local community college for courses to see if they have any building code classes and perhaps a class in composition/writing. (think report writing)
We have an entire division at our local community college (Building Inspection Technology) and the course instructors are all seasoned building dept. building officials and/or long-time inspectors. Our college (College of San Mateo) also gives a diploma if a student takes and passes all the required core courses. Many a jurtisdictional inspector, facility managers and home inspectors went through our division and they have been successful in their various fields. It's also good training for anyone who wants to obtain their ICC combination inspectior certificate. I really think that ticket should be a requirement for all home inspectors, but who would listen to me?

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Jerry McCarthy
Construction Consultant
www.expertbuildingconsultants.com

Thats some good stuff Jerry.

Vince you may want to look into Infrared. I think this is going to play a big part in the Home inspection Industry.

Thats my 2 cents.

Best

Ron

I've had great luck with classes at my local CC... Pretty much just like Jerry describes it.

Just my $.02.... the electrical and HVAC classes are good stuff but you'll find much more everyday HI stuff in the structural classes if you haven't already taken them.

Current building practices/codes may be a lot different than older homes like we're often in but it sure helps you understand how an old house was put together once you know how a new one is supposed to be. I've taken four basic code classes and can't emphasize enough how much I use the information every day.

Vince:

International Code Campus

Post-Tensioning Institute

Masonry Institute of Washington - Education Seminars

The Brick Online Training Center

Building Science Seminars

http://crc.uta.edu/16thBPI.pdf

home building technical information resources builders construction remodeling innovations

NRCA University | NRCA, National Roofing Contractors Association

The list is nearly endless.

Aaron