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How to become a home inspector?
Tell us everything we need to do to become a home inspector.
Given the growing interest in the home inspection field, we're inviting our experienced professionals to share their knowledge.
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3 answers
Cory Yeager, PE, SE, MsC, PPM
49
Answers
Updated
Cory’s Answer
I won’t go into detail for something I haven’t done all the way through. Prior to doing engineering work I considered a career or part time work in home inspection. But I had some experience in trying to start up.
Getting certified is the easier part. Google the inspection certification board in your state. In my state they only approve certain classes to get a certificate. I would also double check the law and see what is required not only for certification but continuing education. Side note; you may live in a state that doesn’t require certification or may not allow nontechnical professionals (ie need a degree).
In my state, anyone can get a certification and usually these courses cost a couple hundred dollars then you either pay the state a registration fee along.
If he hard part with home inspection is no one wants one until an event has happened. Keep in mind a home inspection by a non-engineer is mostly a function test for the homes mechanicals, electrical and plumbing (MEP). It will not and should not provide a safety component as this is an engineering determination.
Due to this last part home inspectors are usually limited to supporting home purchases and this is a hard market to crack cause you will need recommendations from real estate brokers. The safety or damage assessment component that gets assessed on homes is usually done by engineers cause it involves insurance claims and payment (ie serious and legal).
I could not establish a real estate broker network and therefore don’t have better advice. This is not meant to scare anyone off but to be some semblance of a path ahead. If you have connections or a person to shadow and get contract from this would be ideal intro into business. IMO. Good luck.
Getting certified is the easier part. Google the inspection certification board in your state. In my state they only approve certain classes to get a certificate. I would also double check the law and see what is required not only for certification but continuing education. Side note; you may live in a state that doesn’t require certification or may not allow nontechnical professionals (ie need a degree).
In my state, anyone can get a certification and usually these courses cost a couple hundred dollars then you either pay the state a registration fee along.
If he hard part with home inspection is no one wants one until an event has happened. Keep in mind a home inspection by a non-engineer is mostly a function test for the homes mechanicals, electrical and plumbing (MEP). It will not and should not provide a safety component as this is an engineering determination.
Due to this last part home inspectors are usually limited to supporting home purchases and this is a hard market to crack cause you will need recommendations from real estate brokers. The safety or damage assessment component that gets assessed on homes is usually done by engineers cause it involves insurance claims and payment (ie serious and legal).
I could not establish a real estate broker network and therefore don’t have better advice. This is not meant to scare anyone off but to be some semblance of a path ahead. If you have connections or a person to shadow and get contract from this would be ideal intro into business. IMO. Good luck.
Lewis Thompson
2
Answers
Updated
Lewis’s Answer
Most companies require home inspectors to have their high school diploma or GED. The first step to becoming a home inspector in the Golden State is to prepare for the main test, the National Home Inspector Exam, which includes taking approved courses. It's necessary to note California doesn't require home inspectors to hold a license, but there are specific practices and processes for this position. This means the state requires you to take home inspection courses recognized by the state. You can take classes online, via live stream or in person, whichever fits your schedule best.
To find approved courses, you can research classes online, which may require a fee, or enroll in InterNACHI, an organization providing free training, exams and certifications for residential and commercial property inspectors.
Once you finish your preparation courses, take the NHIE exam. This test requires you to pay a fee, and it's about four hours with 200 multiple-choice questions, and there are 25 questions the test doesn't score. The exam covers three areas which are:
* Property and building inspection and site review
* Findings and reporting analysis
* Specialist Responsibilities
There are no required hours for continued education once you're certified, but you may find it beneficial to learn on your own or take supplemental courses to stay up-to-date on the industry.
To find approved courses, you can research classes online, which may require a fee, or enroll in InterNACHI, an organization providing free training, exams and certifications for residential and commercial property inspectors.
Once you finish your preparation courses, take the NHIE exam. This test requires you to pay a fee, and it's about four hours with 200 multiple-choice questions, and there are 25 questions the test doesn't score. The exam covers three areas which are:
* Property and building inspection and site review
* Findings and reporting analysis
* Specialist Responsibilities
There are no required hours for continued education once you're certified, but you may find it beneficial to learn on your own or take supplemental courses to stay up-to-date on the industry.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6180
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear CVOH,
Embarking on a Career as a Home Inspector
Embarking on a career as a home inspector requires a series of steps to ensure you possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and qualifications to execute inspections effectively and professionally. Here's an actionable guide to set you on the path to becoming a home inspector:
1. Comprehend the Home Inspector's Role: Before setting your sights on a career as a Home Inspector, it's crucial to fully comprehend the responsibilities and duties this profession entails. Home inspectors are tasked with assessing the condition of residential properties, pinpointing potential issues or safety hazards, and delivering comprehensive reports to clients.
2. Secure Appropriate Education and Training: While educational prerequisites may differ by state, most home inspector hopefuls typically undertake a training program or course to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. These programs delve into subjects such as building codes, construction methods, inspection techniques, and report composition.
3. Accumulate Practical Experience: To become adept at conducting home inspections, it's vital to accumulate hands-on experience in the field. Numerous home inspector aspirants opt to work as apprentices under seasoned professionals or partake in internships to gain a firsthand understanding of the inspection process.
4. Acquire Licensing and Certification: In the majority of states, home inspectors must be licensed or certified to practice legally. Licensing prerequisites differ by state but commonly involve passing an exam and fulfilling specific education and experience criteria. Furthermore, securing certification from esteemed organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) can boost your credibility as a home inspector.
5. Launch Your Business: After securing the necessary education, training, and certifications, you're ready to start your own home inspection business or join an established inspection firm. Cultivating a strong reputation for professionalism, dependability, and thoroughness in your inspections is key to thriving in this field.
6. Keep Abreast of Industry Changes and Pursue Continuing Education: The home inspection field is perpetually evolving, with fresh technologies, regulations, and best practices cropping up regularly. It's crucial for home inspectors to stay informed about industry trends and regulations through continuing education courses and professional development opportunities.
By adhering to these steps and dedicating time and effort to your education and training, you can set off on a fulfilling career as a home inspector.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI): ASHI is among the premier professional organizations for home inspectors in North America. They offer resources, education, and certification programs for both aspiring and seasoned home inspectors.
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI): InterNACHI is another esteemed organization that provides training, certification, and continuous support for home inspectors globally. Their resources assist individuals in navigating the path to becoming a certified home inspector.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS supplies valuable data on the job outlook, earning potential, and educational prerequisites for various professions, including home inspectors. Their information can provide insights into industry trends and the demand for home inspection services.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
Embarking on a Career as a Home Inspector
Embarking on a career as a home inspector requires a series of steps to ensure you possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and qualifications to execute inspections effectively and professionally. Here's an actionable guide to set you on the path to becoming a home inspector:
1. Comprehend the Home Inspector's Role: Before setting your sights on a career as a Home Inspector, it's crucial to fully comprehend the responsibilities and duties this profession entails. Home inspectors are tasked with assessing the condition of residential properties, pinpointing potential issues or safety hazards, and delivering comprehensive reports to clients.
2. Secure Appropriate Education and Training: While educational prerequisites may differ by state, most home inspector hopefuls typically undertake a training program or course to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. These programs delve into subjects such as building codes, construction methods, inspection techniques, and report composition.
3. Accumulate Practical Experience: To become adept at conducting home inspections, it's vital to accumulate hands-on experience in the field. Numerous home inspector aspirants opt to work as apprentices under seasoned professionals or partake in internships to gain a firsthand understanding of the inspection process.
4. Acquire Licensing and Certification: In the majority of states, home inspectors must be licensed or certified to practice legally. Licensing prerequisites differ by state but commonly involve passing an exam and fulfilling specific education and experience criteria. Furthermore, securing certification from esteemed organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) can boost your credibility as a home inspector.
5. Launch Your Business: After securing the necessary education, training, and certifications, you're ready to start your own home inspection business or join an established inspection firm. Cultivating a strong reputation for professionalism, dependability, and thoroughness in your inspections is key to thriving in this field.
6. Keep Abreast of Industry Changes and Pursue Continuing Education: The home inspection field is perpetually evolving, with fresh technologies, regulations, and best practices cropping up regularly. It's crucial for home inspectors to stay informed about industry trends and regulations through continuing education courses and professional development opportunities.
By adhering to these steps and dedicating time and effort to your education and training, you can set off on a fulfilling career as a home inspector.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI): ASHI is among the premier professional organizations for home inspectors in North America. They offer resources, education, and certification programs for both aspiring and seasoned home inspectors.
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI): InterNACHI is another esteemed organization that provides training, certification, and continuous support for home inspectors globally. Their resources assist individuals in navigating the path to becoming a certified home inspector.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS supplies valuable data on the job outlook, earning potential, and educational prerequisites for various professions, including home inspectors. Their information can provide insights into industry trends and the demand for home inspection services.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.