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 30-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 90% passing score. A course completion certificate for Kansas real estate continuing education credit will be issued after passing the final exam and completing a course feedback survey.

Instructors

Although this course is largely self-guided, you may contact your instructor, Barry Stranz, at barrystranz@gmail.com if you have questions or concerns about the course content.

Issuance of Credit

You will receive a digital Kansas continuing education completion certificate (PDF) after the completion of this course. This certificate can be printed or kept digitally with your records.

The Kansas Association of REALTORS® (KAR) will upload your CE course completion record to the Kansas Real Estate Commission (KREC) within 5 days of course completion. You do not need to send the course completion certificate to KREC unless requested to by the commission.

Technology Requirements

This course is compatible with all major web browsers and operating systems. This includes Internet Edge and current versions of Chrome, Safari, Opera, and Firefox. Current Android and iOS mobile devices are supported.

Course Access

Access to this course is allowed for 45 days, and up to 180 days after completion, whichever is greater. The course will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, unless there is scheduled system maintenance. If this course is not completed within the given amount of time, a reinstatement fee may be charged.

Cancellation and Refund Policies

No refunds are available for this course. Cancellation requires no notification and students may discontinue the course at any time.

Policies on Cheating and Misrepresentation

Misrepresentation of personal identity is strictly forbidden for all courses. Falsifying personal information, forgery, and misrepresentation may result in immediate suspension. Additional actions by state and federal agencies may include loss or suspension of a license, failure to grant a license, fees, or criminal prosecution.

Cheating on courses that supply completion certificates, designations, or official credit is not tolerated. Keynote is not obligated to continue to furnish credit or continued support for students caught cheating on any part of the coursework or testing.