Soft Skills, Footings, and Foundations
Course
Module 1
Plumbing and HVAC inspections can feel different from other parts of the building.
You’re not just looking at structure or layout. You’re trying to understand how systems are installed, how they function, and whether anything has been missed along the way.
There are all kinds of questions that come up on site, especially when work is still in progress.
That’s exactly why RSM developed the Inspectors' Technique Suite in partnership with the Ontario Building Officials Association.
To help inspectors better understand what they’re looking at and how to approach these inspections with confidence.
The Inspectors' Technique Suite: Plubming and HVAC walks through how to approach plumbing and HVAC inspections in a clear and practical way.
It focuses on what to look for, how systems are typically installed, and where issues are most likely to show up.
- Instructor-led lessons that break down key concepts
- On-site walkthroughs showing real plumbing and HVAC installations
- Common deficiencies and details that are easy to miss
Plumbing Inspections
- What to look for during rough-in inspections
- Identifying common deficiencies and incomplete work
- Understanding layout and installation of plumbing systems
- Areas that are often overlooked during inspections
HVAC Inspections
- What to look for in HVAC system installations
- Understanding system components and layout
- Common issues and deficiencies
- Areas that can impact performance and compliance
If you’re just getting started, this training helps you feel more comfortable in the field.
You’ll learn what to look for, how to approach inspections, and how to handle real situations that come up on site. It’s designed to give you a clear starting point so you’re not figuring everything out on your own.
Inspectors building confidence in the field
Maybe you’ve done a number of inspections but still feel unsure in certain situations.
This suite helps you develop a more consistent approach, so you’re not second-guessing what you’re seeing or how to respond.
Experienced Inspectors & Mentors
If you’re responsible for training others, this gives you a structured way to explain how inspections are actually carried out.
It can also help you refine your own process and make your approach more consistent across your team.
Municipal teams looking for consistency
For departments training new staff or trying to align inspection approaches across the team, this provides a practical, consistent foundation everyone can follow.
You’ll have access to the course for your full access period, giving you time to move through the material at your own pace and revisit sections as needed.
1 course = 45 days
2 course bundle = 90 days
4 course bundle = 180 days
6 course bundle = 270 days
You’ll get both.
The module includes instructor-led lessons to explain key concepts, along with real on-site inspection walkthroughs so you can see how inspections are carried out in practice.
No. This course is designed to meet you where you’re at.
If you’re new, it will help you build a foundation and feel more confident on site. If you already have some experience, it will help you refine your approach.
Yes, and this is where most people see the biggest value.
Knowing the code and applying it on site are two different things. This module focuses on what that looks like in practice.
If you’ve ever had to train someone or explain your approach, it likely is.
Many experienced inspectors use this module to refine how they communicate and to build a more consistent way of mentoring newer staff.
No. The modules are all designed to be standalone to suit inspectors with a variety of needs.
However, we offer bundle pricing if you'd like to take multiple.
Yes. A certificate of completion is provided, and CPD credits are available.
This course was developed by RSM Building Consultants in partnership with the Ontario Building Officials Association, with a focus on practical, field-based learning.
Check out the rest of the Inspectors' Technique Suite
Course
Module 1
Description
Learners will join instructor Gerald Moore, a certified building official with over 25 years experience in the building inspection field as he takes new and experienced inspectors alike through the process of inspecting single and multi unit houses. In this first of a five part series, participants will learn the necessary soft skills and tactics for inspecting excavations, footings, and foundations. Using a combination of videos, checklists, and quizzes, the technical content of the building code is brought to life in real-world applications focusing on the inspection stages and process.
Prerequisites
Recommended OBOA prerequisites:
Course Affiliations
Ontario Building Officials Association
Instructor
Course
Module 2
Description
Learners will join instructor Gerald Moore, a certified building official with over 25 years experience in the building inspection field as he takes new and experienced inspectors alike through the process of inspecting single and multi unit houses. In this second course of the ITS series, participants will learn the necessary process and skills for conducting framing and fire separation inspections. Using a combination of videos, checklists, and quizzes, the technical content of the building code is brought to life in real-world applications focusing on the inspection stages and process.
Prerequisites
Recommended OBOA prerequisites:
Course Affiliations
Ontario Building Officials Association
Instructor
Course
Module 3
Description
Learners will join instructor Gerald Moore, a certified building official with over 25 years experience in the building inspection field as he takes new and experienced inspectors alike through the process of inspecting single and multi unit houses. In this third course of the ITS series, participants will learn the necessary process and skills for conducting insulation, air barrier, and vapour barrier inspections. Using a combination of videos, examples, and quizzes, the technical content of the building code is brought to life in real-world applications focusing on the inspection stages and process.
Prerequisites
Recommended OBOA prerequisites:
Course Affiliations
Ontario Building Officials Association
Instructor
Course
Module 4
Description
Learners will join instructor Gerald Moore, a certified building official with over 25 years experience in the building inspection field as he takes new and experienced inspectors alike through the process of inspecting single and multi unit houses. In this fourth course of the ITS series, participants will learn the necessary process and skills for occupancy and final inspections. Using a combination of videos, checklists, and quizzes, the technical content of the building code is brought to life in real-world applications focusing on the inspection stages and process.
Prerequisites
Recommended OBOA prerequisites:
Course Affiliations
Ontario Building Officials Association
Instructor
Course
Module 6
Description
This course trains students on the techniques and processes to complete on-site sewage system inspections under the building code.
Course Affiliations
Ontario Building Official Association
Instructor
Description
Learners will join instructor Gerald Moore, a certified building official with over 25 years experience in the building inspection field as he takes new and experienced inspectors alike through the process of inspecting single and multi unit houses. This bundle includes all six inspector technique suite courses, covering topics from soft skills and footing inspections to occupancy, mechanical, on-site sewage systems and final inspections.
The ITS is Ontario's most comprehensive building inspector training suite, combining on-site walkthroughs with lessons, quizzes, and checklists that teach new inspectors the essentials, and reinforce best practices for those with experience.
Instructor
Description
Learners will join instructor Gerald Moore, a certified building official with over 25 years experience in the building inspection field as he takes new and experienced inspectors alike through the process of inspecting single and multi unit houses. This bundle includes all six inspector technique suite courses, covering topics from soft skills and footing inspections to occupancy, mechanical, on-site sewage systems and final inspections.
The ITS is Ontario's most comprehensive building inspector training suite, combining on-site walkthroughs with lessons, quizzes, and checklists that teach new inspectors the essentials, and reinforce best practices for those with experience.
Prerequisites
Recommended OBOA prerequisites:
Course Affiliations
Ontario Building Officials Association
Instructor
Description
This bundle covers inspection techniques for Plumbing, HVAC, and On-Site Sewage System Inspections.
The ITS is Ontario's most comprehensive building inspector training suite, combining on-site walkthroughs with lessons, quizzes, and checklists that teach new inspectors the essentials, and reinforce best practices for those with experience.
Instructor