what do you have to do to become a home inspector

General Steps to Become a Home Inspector

• 1. Discover Your State’s Requirements to Become a Home Inspector ...
• 2. Take an Approved Pre-Licensing Home Inspection Course in Your State ...
• 3. Register to Take Your Home Inspection Licensing Exam ...
• 4. Apply for a Home Inspection License in Your State ...
• 5. Become Insured for Errors and Omissions ...

Full Answer

How do you become a Certified Home Inspector?

Become a Home Inspector in 3 Steps:. Step One: Register for the ICA Real Estate Inspection Certification Program.This will not only give you all the knowledge you’ll need to perform a home inspection and own/operate your own successful home inspection business, but you’ll also learn all about commercial inspections, as well as mold, radon, and code.

Is being a home inspector a good career choice?

Luckily, home inspection is an ideal career choice in these circumstances. Over time, you’ll connect with more referral sources and begin to fill your schedule with home inspections and can feel confident making the change to your home inspection business full time.

What are the requirements to become a home inspector?

The requirements to become a licensed home inspector:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Obtain high school diploma or GED
• Complete 60 hours of pre-license education from an approved provider
• Pass the Home Inspector Exam for Illinois (Consists of NHIE plus a section on Illinois specific statutes & regulations)
• Submit application and pay fee

How to become a Certified Home Inspector?

To become an Indiana-licensed home inspector, you must:

• Complete an IPLA-approved pre-licensing training course. Take InterNACHI's state-approved free & online pre-licensing course.
• Complete 12 hours of practical in-field training experience with a licensed inspector. ...
• Pass the pre-licensing course's 250-question final exam (free & online for members).
• Pass the state exam. ...

Whats the most a home inspector can make?

In short, the average home inspector salary is somewhere between $30,000 and $90,000 per year. However, there are a lot of factors that play a role in home inspection salaries, so the best answer is “it depends.”

How much does it cost to be a home inspector NY?

Classroom ONLY option #1 for $1495. (Does not include field) The ATI NY Classroom/Field Training Combo Course is approved for 140 hours - Option #2 for $2500. This package Saves you $1000 over doing it separately. Pass the New York Home Inspectors Exam.

How do I become a NYS inspector?

Education: Taken and successfully completed a course of study of not less than 140 hours approved by the Department. Of those hours, 40 must be unpaid field based inspections in the presence of and under direct supervision of a Home Inspector licensed by NYS, or a professional engineer or architect, regulated by NYS.

What are the cons of being a home inspector?

Industry standards for home inspection vary widely in different areas and regulations are not consistent across the board. This can be challenging as it is important to be constantly diligent when it comes to being on top of industry education, policy changes, and inspection requirements.

How long does it take to become a home inspector?

There's no national standard for certification. Every state has different requirements to become a house inspector. Some states only require 60 hours of education; some require almost 400 (think Texas, New York and Washington). Some require you to pass the national exam; some have their own exam for you to pass, too.

What do home inspectors look for in NYS?

A licensed home inspector will look at your future home to find out if there are potential problems. He will inspect the foundation, structure, fixtures, plumbing, electricity, appliances, and more. For example, the foundation may have cracks. The plumbing got too old, and the dishwasher busted.

How much does a home inspection cost?

According to Realtor.com, an average home inspection for a single family home will cost between $300 and $500 — the current national average is $337. However, this number can vary depending on a wide range of factors, including location.

How much does it cost to become a home inspector in Florida?

Test takers are given 4 hours to complete the exam, and each attempt costs roughly $225 (depending on your location). This exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions covering the various areas of home inspection. Test takers have 2 hours to complete the exam, and each test costs $200.

How do I become an electrical inspector in NY?

To apply to the IAEI CEI program, you must first apply to the program and submit the appropriate fee. After acceptance into the program, you will be required to take the exam and complete a practicum phase. After completion, you will then be required to complete certain steps for renewal every three years.

Is being a home inspector stressful?

You should expect long days, long drives, physical demands, and that you will make mistakes. So many havea fear of making mistakes; you will and every inspector has. Because you may overlook something, a good business will carry the proper insurance, have a written contract, and adopt a Standard of Practice.

What are the drawbacks of inspection?

Drawbacks of Inspection Inspection adds to the cost of the product but not for its value. It is partially subjective, often the inspector has to judge whether a products passes or not. Fatigue and Monotony may affect any inspection judgment. Inspection merely separates good and bad items.

How long does it take to become a home inspector in Florida?

120 hoursHow Long Does it Take to Become a Home Inspector in Florida? The Florida DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation) requires home inspectors to complete 120 hours of training, pass a test and submit an application. This process may take a few weeks or a few months. It's up to you.

How much does a home inspection cost?

According to Realtor.com, an average home inspection for a single family home will cost between $300 and $500 — the current national average is $337. However, this number can vary depending on a wide range of factors, including location.

How do I become a building inspector in NYC?

complete a course of study of not less than 140 hours approved by the Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. Of those hours, 40 must be unpaid field-based inspections under direct supervision; or. have performed no fewer than 100 home inspections (paid or unpaid) under direct supervision; and.

How do I get my NY real estate license?

RequirementsSubmit a completed application and the required fee to the Department of State.Be 18 years old.Have successfully completed a Department of State approved 75-hour salesperson qualifying education course. ... Pass the NYS Real Estate Salesperson examination.Be sponsored by a NYS licensed Real Estate Broker.More items...

How do I become an electrical inspector in NY?

To apply to the IAEI CEI program, you must first apply to the program and submit the appropriate fee. After acceptance into the program, you will be required to take the exam and complete a practicum phase. After completion, you will then be required to complete certain steps for renewal every three years.

How long does it take to become a home inspector?

But if you want to be a top home inspector in your state it takes more time. It can take two weeks to three months to take the education and training courses prior to the exam depending on the state. Your other time obligations and limitations also play a part in the time it takes.

How many hours do you need to be a home inspector?

There are a few states that actually require 400 hours of education to become a real estate inspector.

How much does a home inspector make?

Based on the reports of the Bureau of Labor home inspectors across the United States make a median salary of $58,000 per year. There are multiple states with averages higher than this but over all, those who become a real estate inspector will make around $28 an hour or $450 per inspection.

What is the most important part of being a home inspector?

The most important part is making sure the inspectors career goals can be met. The two different directions can decide job security as well as income possibilities. They will also determine the amount of initial legwork that is needed to launch a career as a home inspector.

How much does it cost to start a home inspection business?

With education, business cards, and supplies the minimal start-up costs could be around $500.

What is the first step in home inspection?

For most states the first step will be the pre-licensing home inspection course offered in your state. There are many education companies that will offer this program, but make sure it is tailor made for your state.

Why do people become home inspectors?

One of the top reasons people become home inspectors is to work for themselves. Being able to set your own schedule as well as have some much needed work/life balance is appealing to many students. The self-employment route is a popular way to begin a career as a home inspector.

What is the best way to become a home inspector?

By getting the right education and certification and continuing to hone your skills , you can have a fulfilling career as a home inspector. [1]

How to get a home inspector license?

Take home inspection and licensing courses. There are various organizations and educational institutions that offer home inspection courses. If you don't want to go to a physical location like a Kaplan University, you can take online courses to achieve your license. Organizations that offer online courses include Inspection Certification Associates, American Home Inspectors Training, and the American Society of Home Inspectors.

What is a home inspector group?

A home inspectors group will provide you a wealth of knowledge in the form of distance education and classroom training. The top organizations for home inspectors in the U.S. include the NAHI (The National Association of Home Inspectors) and the ASHI (The American Society of Home Inspectors).

What is the National Home Inspector Examination?

The National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) offers a comprehensive list of content that will show up on your exam. Go to their website to get a copy of the outline and research each of the tops in greater detail. Make sure to study the content that will be on the test sufficiently before registering for the test.

How much cut does a company take from inspection fees?

A drawback from working for a firm is that they will typically take a 40-60% cut of your inspection fee.

What franchises offer home inspections?

Popular home inspection franchises that you can purchase include Ameri-Spec Inspection Services, Home Team, WIN, and A Pro.

How many hours do you need to take the inspector's exam in Texas?

Some states require you to also pass a background and criminal history check. In Texas you need to pass pre-licencing courses and complete 128 classroom hours before you can take your inspector's exam. In New York you need to pass pre-licencing courses and complete 140 classroom hours.

How long does it take to become a home inspector?

However, since most states require some form of education, examination, and licensure, the typical time to go from unlicensed to working as a home inspector is about six weeks.

How much does a home inspector make?

Yes. The median income for a home inspector in the United States is $58,000, and more if you own your own business. This earning potential is excellent news for anyone considering entering the home inspection industry. But wait—there’s more.

How many hours of continuing education do you need to do a home inspection?

Each state’s continuing education requirements are unique, but typically, you’ll be required to complete from 10 to 20 hours of some kind of formal professional development or CE every two years.

How much does it cost to get a home inspection license?

They typically must be completed on paper and mailed to the state’s licensing board. Application fees range from $75 to $300.

What is the NHIE exam?

If your state requires a licensing exam, it is typically the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE). It may seem counterintuitive that while there isn’t national regulation or licensing of the home inspection industry, there is a national exam.

Do home inspectors work in real estate?

Yes. Since home inspectors are a critical link in the residential home purchase process, they are almost always in high demand. Since the home inspector’s role is so closely tied to the real estate transaction and market in general, market fluctuations often result in changes in consumer demand for inspection services.

Do home inspectors have to have an apprenticeship?

Finding a job is the direction most new home inspectors take, and, in fact, it is the required choice in states where there is a mandatory “apprenticeship” period, which is the case in about a third of the country.

How Long Will it Take to Become a Home Inspector?

Becoming a self employed home inspector takes more than a 3-day course and a bare minimum certification. If you want to become a boss in the industry and make more money than you ever have before, you need MORE and BETTER experience in the field than your peers.

What does it mean to be a home inspector?

Being a home inspector means great pay, flexible hours and—most importantly—job security. With every house bought and sold, home inspectors stay in demand, setting you up for life. If you want to become a home inspector, but the process seems complicated (it’s not), these steps will guide you through it. This is how to become a home inspector, ...

Do I need an engineering degree to be a home inspector?

The good news: You don’t need to be an engineering expert to be a successful home inspector. But you’re going to be inspecting buildings for a living. A little knowledge goes a long way. Pre-licensing courses help you learn the ropes before your first inspection, giving you an advantage over competitors. ATI offers home inspector pre-licensing classes online and in-person, keeping you on-track to dominate the field no matter your schedule.

Can a realtor find a home inspector?

A good place to start: realtors. More often than not, homeowners trust their realtor to find a qualified home inspector (you). When realtors find a home inspector they can trust (queue: technical smarts and people skills), they’ll hire them again and again.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Home Inspector?

Typically, to become a home inspector to licensing there may be as much as a one-year timeline from start to completion of pre-licensing courses, passing an exam and becoming certified.

How much does it cost to become a home inspector?

A fairly typical cost of a course could range from $1500-$3000.

What are the two largest home inspector associations?

The two largest nationwide home inspector associations are the American Society of Home Inspectors and International Nachi Association. Belonging to one of these organizations can provide you with credibility regarding your training and ability to perform a home inspection.

What are the standards of practice for home inspection?

The standards of practice define those issues that need to be completed for a home inspection. The standards also include items related to the ethical and moral activities of a home inspector. The standards and practice of your particular state are the guideline for what you need to inspect and what you do not need to inspect. The standards and practice limit your liability and help to define your inspection tasks.

How often do you have to take a home inspector test?

Some states have very defined testing dates and sites that may only occur four or five times a year. Other states have open testing dates where there are various sites around the state and appointments can be made pretty much anytime to take an exam. It all depends on the requirements of your state. The first step is to research your state’s requirements for obtaining a home inspector’s license.

Is a home inspector training school required?

Typically for a home inspector training school to be worth the cost and effort, they should be approved by your particular state as an accredited pre-licensing school. This will give you qualifications that may be necessary in order to sit for the home inspector exam.

Do you need to pass a background check to get a home inspection license?

Some states have looser requirements. Most states that require licensing require you to pass a background check and pass a home inspection proficiency exam. Some states have their own specific exam and a number of states utilize ...

How long does it take to become a home inspector?

Becoming a certified home inspector doesn’t take long. It only takes a few days in some cases. Just pass the exam.

How much does a home inspector make?

The better you get, the more you charge, the more you make. The average home inspector salary in the United States is nearly $60,000. Are you ready to become your own boss and make more money than you ever have before?

How long does it take to become a home inspector in Oklahoma?

Home Inspector Licensing. To become a licensed home inspector in Oklahoma, you must successfully complete a 90-hour pre-licensing course approved by the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board, pass the National Home Inspector Exam, and carry liability insurance. For details, visit the Oklahoma website.

What is Internachi home inspection?

InterNACHI is the world's largest association for home inspectors. We provide free training, online testing and certification, business development, marketing support, discounts on everything from home inspection software to E&O insurance to your next truck, and more.

How long is Internachi pre-licensing?

Take InterNACHI's 90-Hour Online Pre-licensing Course, which is free for members.

How long does it take to get a home energy score?

can generate a Home Energy Score in less than an hour.

Can you become an Internach certified wood destroyer?

Members can become an InterNACH-Certified Wood-Destroying Organism Inspector .

Do I need insurance to be a home inspector in Oklahoma?

To be a licensed home inspector in Oklahoma, you must have insurance. InterNACHI members are eligible for discounts and enhanced coverage at nachi.org/insurance.

How many home inspections are required for a licensed home inspector?

complete 25 home inspections under the direct supervision of a licensed/certified home inspector. If home inspections were completed under the direct supervision of a licensed/certified home inspector, the License/Certified Home Inspector must certify the applicant's experience.

What to do after becoming a certified business?

After becoming certified, work on branding and marketing your business.