Becoming a home inspector is a worthwhile goal because you can earn a high income, work flexible hours, and be your own boss. In this article, I’ll break down the steps to becoming a home inspector so you can take charge of your own future and work more flexible hours.
How to become a home inspector (in the U.S.)? To become a home inspector, you need the following requirements:
- Specific skills
- Pre-licensing class attendance
- State licenses
- Home inspection certifications
- Liability or E&O insurance
- High school diploma or equivalent GED, and passing the National Home Inspector Examination (not required in all states)
The requirements to become a home inspector in the U.S. can vary from one state to another. You would have to visit your federal or state website to take note of the details.
To help you prepare, I will present the basic or general requirements needed to become a home inspector, including the following 6 steps:
- Find Out the Requirements in Your Particular State
- Acquire the Required Prerequisites in your State
- Take the Necessary Licensure Examinations
- Gain Work Experience
- Search for Jobs
- Start Your Own Business
Continue reading to learn more about these prerequisites and become a home inspector in no time!
How to Become a Home Inspector
You may need the listed requirements below to become a home inspector. Take note that some states may require these prerequisites, while some may not.
- High school diploma or its GED equivalent
- 60-400 hours of class attendance related to home inspection
- Home inspection certificates
- Liability/E&O insurance to stay certified
- Passing the National Home Inspectors Examination
6 Steps to Becoming a Home Inspector
So how to become a certified home inspector? To help you go through the process properly, here are some steps you may want to follow.
Step #1 – Find Out the Requirements in Your Particular State
What state are you in? Check the requirements needed from you on the Home Inspection Institute website. Choose your state and go over the requirements.
Reportedly, many states require pre-licensing class hours (around 60-140 hours) and an apprenticeship. Requirements include being 21 years old, having a high school diploma, or having a corresponding GED.
Other states such as Wyoming, California, Georgia, Kansas, New Mexico, Montana, Indiana, Missouri, Michigan, Nebraska, and Minnesota don’t require a license. Yet, it would be best to obtain one for yourself, as this field can be competitive.
To know more about the state-by-state home inspector licensing requirements, visit another website, the Spectora, to learn the details.
Step #2 – Acquire the Required Prerequisites in your State
If you’re required to attend classes, then you must do so. You should also comply if you’re required to present a high school diploma. There are many online classes offered for home inspectors but determine beforehand if the school is legitimate for home inspectors and if your state recognizes it.
Another alternative is practicing being a home inspector in other states that don’t require any of these certifications. However, it would be inconvenient for you.
You might spend a lot on commuting to and fro your place of work. Furthermore, your competency might be questioned, as you don’t have a certificate that would prove your expertise.
Step #3 – Take the Necessary Licensure Examinations
If your state is requiring you to take certifications or exams, then you have to do it. However, before taking any exams, you have to prepare yourself thoroughly. Enroll in online classes and prepare for the exam diligently. Bear in mind that failing the exam would be a waste of your energy, time, and money. So, prepare yourself well.
If you want to be recognized by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, you should first join the American Society of Home Inspectors. To become a member, you have to pass the National Home Inspector Examination conducted in the U.S.
Step #4 – Gain Work Experience
Some companies offer volunteer training for free to aspiring home inspectors. You can work for the building trades and gain experience in your field of work.
Examples of these tasks are building foundations or fixtures, retaining walls, compiling inspection reports and construction materials, wiring systems, and installation techniques.
Step #5 – Search for Jobs
After you have complied with all state requirements, you can then practice being a home inspector. Look for jobs on offline and online employment job boards. Don’t limit yourself to a home inspector job only. You can apply for jobs related to this field as a way to hone your skills and enrich your knowledge.
Eventually, with your acquired skills and knowledge, you would be able to land a great-paying job as a home inspector.
Step #6 – Start Your Own Business
The road to becoming a home inspector would depend on what level of skill, education, and certification you want to attain as a home inspector. It could take a few days up to a year to obtain your certifications.
However, training as a home inspector should be a lifetime goal. You could always learn new things through your experiences. Also, keep yourself updated on new inventions and strategies to improve your skills.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Home Inspector?
Now let’s look at how long does it take to become a home inspector? The road to becoming a home inspector would depend on what level of skill, education, and certification you want to attain as a home inspector. It could take a few days up to a year to obtain your certifications.
Most home inspector students complete home inspector training courses in about three to four weeks. Some people may finish the courses and training in as little as ten days.
However, training as a home inspector should be a lifetime goal. You could always learn new things through your experiences. Also, keep yourself updated on new inventions and strategies to improve your skills.
Finding a Reliable Home Inspector Program
If you want to guarantee a place for you in the home inspection business, you must find a reliable home inspector program, which will provide you the best services. Consider the following aspects of the program when choosing your school.
1. State Approval
Is the school approved by the state where you plan to set up your business? If it’s not, then you’re increasing the risk of failure. You would be spending time and money without achieving your goal.
2. School Fees
Can you afford the school fees? It may cost you around $1,000 to $3,000. The cost would also depend on the level of proficiency you want to attain.
3. Degree of Certification from the School
What level of certification is the school allowed to award to their students? Double-check that the certification you’re aspiring for can be awarded by the school. You can research its track record and find out if its alumni are doing well in their careers.
4. Teaching Methodology
Is the teaching methodology of the school suitable to your preferences? It would benefit you most if they have easy online access to the course, actual classrooms where you can meet regularly, and field training, where you can practice your skills.
However, be careful of online courses, as the state may not recognize them. If it’s a one-on-one session with your teacher, you have to take advantage of it. Be proactive with your instructor to gain knowledge as much as possible.
5. Career Assistance
Will the school help you get started on your career or business? Career assistance is one vital aspect you should consider when choosing your school. Having a supportive alma mater could catapult your career to greater heights.
6. Length of the Program
How long does the program last? It should not be too short that all information is cramped in so little time. It must be sufficiently long, so you can learn all that is to learn for your future business.
7. Convenience
Is the program convenient for you? Is it near your area? Can you connect with your teacher immediately when you have urgent questions? The answer to all these questions should be “yes.” If you don’t feel at ease while taking your lessons, then it’s best to choose another school.
8. Membership in Related Organizations
The school should be a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the National Society of Home Inspectors (NSHI). If it isn’t a member of any of these associations, you have to reconsider enrolling in that school. There are dozens of schools offering courses for home inspection, so be patient to look for the best school for you.
Basic Traits You Need to Become an Excellent Home Inspector
To become a home inspector in the U.S. entails some steps that you should comply with. One of the most important criteria is whether you possess the basic traits required to become an excellent home inspector. What are these basic traits?
1. Desire for Entrepreneurship
When you have the desire for entrepreneurship, where you can accept the responsibility of being your own boss – you could become a superb home inspector. If you know how to optimize your flexible time to conduct your business, you’re a good candidate for a home inspector.
Establishing a home inspection business would require you to know how to manage your time wisely and be responsible even when you don’t have anyone to answer to but yourself.
2. Analytical Mind
You must also have an analytical mind because home inspection involves analyzing data and information, including arriving at correct conclusions. You should also be able to solve problems through analysis.
3. Amiable, Honest, and Sincere
You should have the ability to befriend people and be able to communicate with them in a friendly manner where they won’t feel uncomfortable. Amiability involves sincerity and honesty in your actions, too. When your clients feel that you’re honest and sincere to them, they will seek out your services.
4. Willingness to Help Others
A trusted home inspector has a genuine willingness to help others. If you have this trait within you, you will draw people towards you. You should not also expect something in return when you help people. Word of mouth travels faster than you can ever imagine. It might be your business’s stepping stone to success.
5. Sociable
In the same manner that you’re amiable, you must also be sociable. Sociability is broader in scope because it tends to include online acquaintances. You also need to connect to people online to grow your career and broaden your network of prospective clients.
6. Well-organized
Being well-organized can help you become a superb home inspector, as your activities would be well-planned with well-formulated goals. Moreover, learn how to organize your files as your clients can be recurrent. Have some basic information about them ready in your files.
7. Inquisitive Mind
Your mind has to be inquisitive as well. Being inquisitive would make it easier for you to know what others need before they can verbalize it. Your inquisitive mind could help you recognize the reason behind other people’s behavior since you’re curious about how they are doing and what makes them tick.
When you’re truly interested in people, this trait will turn you into an excellent home inspector.
8. Willingness to Learn
Since you’re willing to learn new things, you can succeed in your goal to become a home inspector – whatever country you belong to. Willingness to learn signifies patience and commitment in reaching your goals until you’re able to achieve them.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Home Inspector in the U.S.?
Aside from the basic traits listed above, you should also learn about the specific certifications required in your area. Don’t enroll in any course claiming to grant you a certification unless you have verified the legitimacy of the online school.
Each state in the U.S. has a different requirement for home inspectors. There is no established national standard that can specify what certifications home inspectors must obtain. You will have to refer to the detailed requirement of each state, as provided in the link below.
Conclusion – How to Become a Home Inspector (in the U.S.)
So, to revisit our initial question: How to become a certified home inspector in the U.S? To become a home inspector, you have to acquire the necessary skills by attending classes, obtaining the required certifications, and passing the National Home Inspector Examination or the American Society of Home Inspectors. Also, maintain your home inspection certificates with liability or E&O insurance.
Some states don’t require certifications, so you should find out the details and requirements of being a home inspector in your state.
How long does it take to become a home inspector? The time it takes depends to become a home inspector depends on the courses and training you take. To complete all the courses, it should take about three to four weeks or as little as ten days.
Establishing yourself as a home inspector in the U.S. could have some challenges along the way, but don’t worry – with diligence and commitment, you can successfully conquer it all.
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