Blog Uncategorized Become a Home Inspector: Essential Skills and Strategies

Become a Home Inspector: Essential Skills and Strategies

If you are interested in a career in real estate, there are many paths you can take. An agent is likely the most obvious real estate-related profession, but they have commissions hanging over their head and may have to keep an unorthodox schedule. If you love real estate but don’t necessarily want to buy or sell, you may be interested in becoming a home inspector. 

Home inspectors are responsible for inspecting a newly purchased home to look for signs of damage that may affect the property’s value. They earn a set income as opposed to having to rely on sales. The position is a good side hustle for agents who may be going through a slow period, or it can be a main source of income. 

This article will review how to become a home inspector (and why you might want to). 

 

Key Takeaways: 

• Home inspection is an attractive career in today’s market. It’s not only lucrative but flexible with plenty of opportunity. 
• A licensing exam is required to become a home inspector. Make sure you are familiar with your state’s unique rules and regulations (some ideas below). 
• You can become a home inspector by following simple steps – read up on the 7 things you need to do below. 

What Does a Home Inspector Do? 

Before you buy a home, you may do a visual inspection of its structure and systems. However, a complete inspection will be necessary before the final purchase occurs. An inspector will be brought in for this part of the sale process.

The inspector will examine the building from top to bottom. They will report on the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems, windows, doors, walls, and insulation. Only items that are visible and accessible by normal means will be inspected (ie, inspectors don’t look under floors or behind walls). 

Inspections typically take place after an offer is made. If any damage is found without being reported by the owner, it may affect the purchase price or interrupt the deal.

The owner and buyer may negotiate to come up with a price that covers the damage. If an agreement isn’t reached, the buyer may cancel the deal without penalties. This makes the home inspection a key element of the home-buying process. 

Requirements for Becoming a Home Inspector 

Becoming a home inspector can be a rewarding career, offering the chance to help home buyers make informed decisions while enjoying flexibility and autonomy in your work life. What do you need to focus on to become a home inspector? 

Educational Prerequisites 

Most states require home inspectors to have a high school diploma or equivalent. While a college degree is not mandatory, coursework in construction, engineering, or architecture can be beneficial. Understanding building codes, safety regulations, and general home maintenance is crucial for success in this field. 

Training Hours Needed 

Aspiring home inspectors typically need to complete a specific number of training hours, which can vary by state. Many states require 60 to 120 hours of formal training in home inspection practices. This training often includes classroom instruction and hands-on experience, covering essential topics such as structural systems, electrical systems, plumbing, and HVAC systems.

Licensing Exams 

After completing the required training hours, candidates must pass a licensing exam to become certified home inspectors. Not all states require home inspectors to take a test before they are licensed or certified, but many will.

The exam usually consists of multiple-choice questions that assess knowledge of building codes, inspection techniques, and safety standards. Each state has its licensing requirements, so it’s important to check local regulations for specific details.

Most states use the Home Inspection Licensing Exam which is a four-hour exam that includes 200 multiple choice questions. The exam is scored between 200 and 800 with 500 being a passing score. There is a fee to take the test which is generally around $200 or $300, depending on your location and other specifics. 

Tests are provided through platforms like PSI/AMP and Pearson VUE. You will need to schedule your test on one of their portals and then go to a testing site and take the test on their computers on the selected date.

Currently, the home inspection exam has a pass rate of only 55%. It might be a good idea to explore extra exam preparation. The CompuCram course is recommended and costs around $99.

Obtaining a Home Inspector Certification: 7 Steps

• Step 1: Confirm the licensing requirements in your state. Not all states have the same regulations. 
• Step 2: Find the right courses and training for your unique needs. Assess location,  reputation, reviews, the types of courses offered, and the cost to find the best fit. 
• Step 3: Pass the Home Inspection Licensing exam – more details below. 
• Step 4: Choose your home inspection career path (working independently or for an established company). You could even consider buying a home inspection franchise. 
• Step 5: Acquire Errors & Omissions & General Liability insurance. This is an essential part of protecting yourself in this industry.  

• Step 6: Get your home inspection business off the ground. Start by forming relationships with real estate agents and mortgage brokers for referrals. 

• Step 7: Take advantage of continuing education opportunities. This will help you to stay sharp, qualified, and credible. 

Getting Started: Your Own Home Inspection Business

If you choose the DIY route it may be challenging to start building a clientele. The easiest way to get your business off the ground involves forming relationships with real estate and mortgage lending agents. They are typically the ones who recommend inspectors to be brought in for their transactions.

Remember that many agents already have relationships with inspectors making it difficult to get your foot in the door. It will take some time and effort to build these connections, but they are important to generating leads. 

Another suggestion is to showcase your unique skills. For example, if you have expertise with a certain neighborhood or certain types of homes, you can advertise your skills in a marketing campaign to set yourself apart. You should also attend networking events to meet potential clients.

Joining industry and networking associations can also help to bring in business. For example, the American Society of Home Inspectors provides members with networking opportunities, continuing education courses and opportunities to earn additional certifications that may impress clients.

It’s also important to keep in touch with agents after you have met with them or worked with them. This will help you earn repeat business, and it will get you more referrals.

The Importance of Continuing Education 

Continuing education is vital in the home inspection industry. As building codes and technologies evolve, home inspectors must stay updated on new practices and regulations. Many states require inspectors to complete a certain number of continuing education hours every few years to maintain their licenses, ensuring they remain knowledgeable and competent.

Some states require home inspectors to take continuing education courses to maintain their licenses and some do not. Either way, it’s a good idea to consider other courses you can take to move your career forward. Here are some you may want to add to your resume.

• Wood Destroying Organisms (WDO): This course helps you identify wood damage in homes due to termites, beetles, and other wood-decaying fungi.
• Garage Inspector: Take this course to learn how to identify structural damage around the garage.
• Deck Inspector: Become certified as a deck inspector to learn how to inspect decks for construction issues.
• Radon Tester: This course will prepare you to perform radon detection in a home.
• Mold Inspector: This certification will enable you to identify different types of molds and how they affect a home’s integrity.
• Commercial Inspector: Take a course for commercial inspection to learn how to identify issues with wiring, construction, plumbing, and framework in commercial and industrial spaces.

When it comes to additional certifications, the possibilities are almost endless. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors offers over 60 certification options.

Understanding Home Inspector Insurance 

Home inspector insurance is crucial for protecting yourself and your business. Understanding the types of insurance available and selecting appropriate coverage will help you to build a successful career. 

Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, can safeguard against claims of negligence or inadequate work. Additionally, general liability insurance can cover property damage or injuries during inspections. 

​​There are a variety of companies that provide insurance for real estate professionals. Rates vary according to your location and the carrier you are working with.

Benefits of a Career in Home Inspection 

Home inspectors can enjoy a variety of advantages, especially if they choose to open their own businesses. These include the following:

• Be Your Boss: If you own your home inspection business, you can be your own boss. You can set your own hours, have complete control over your company, and bring in most of the income.
• Provide a Valuable Service: Buying a home is a major decision in a person’s life. You will help with this process by providing information on the home’s condition so buyers can be prepared for what’s ahead. This instills satisfaction at the end of the day.
• Learn a Valuable Trade: You may start on your path by working for someone else, but you’ll learn a valuable trade that you can use to build your career. Eventually, you may be able to launch your own business.
• Anyone Can Get Started: Becoming a home inspector does not require any college courses or specific prerequisites. Anyone can take a course and get started. However, those who embark on the journey should have some interest in the field if they want to be fulfilled. 
• High Job Market Demand: The demand for home inspectors is rising, driven by the ongoing real estate market activity. This trend presents a solid opportunity for aspiring inspectors, making it a viable career choice with long-term potential.

Becoming a home inspector is an accessible and rewarding career path for those interested in the real estate industry. Get started by researching the educational requirements and licensing regulations in your state, and work your way up to a fulfilling and lucrative home inspection career.