How do you become a home inspector?
Home inspection requires you to take a course either by distance education or from a live school so that you are properly trained to conduct your job. Once you have completed your training you will need to follow the guidelines of the state in which you would like to conduct your business in. Some states require you take additional courses while others require you complete a number of home inspections with an existing and experienced home inspector. Please check with your state.
Can you start a home based home inspection business?
Yes, in fact that is the goal of most of the individuals who enter into this line of business. Most would like to be their own boss. In order to have a home based inspection business you need to be properly prepared and trained so you know exactly what is involved. Becoming a home inspector is a great career choice, and to be successful you’ll need to have good business sense, work ethic and determination.
Many home inspectors first learn the trade by being employed by a home inspection firm. You'll be given inspections to conduct, but your not responsible for obtaining the business. This is helpful at first as you learn more about your new career. Once you are comfortable with doing inspections and have gained the necessary experience you will be ready to open up your own business to you can reap the financial rewards.
What do I do as a home inspector?
As the title suggests you simply inspect homes. Home inspectors are needed in almost any real estate related sale. A home inspector is called by either the buyer or seller (usually the buyer) to inspect a home or property for possible problems before the sale closes. The inspector will inspect the property and give both parties a copy of his or her findings.
Some of the areas an inspector looks at include: plumbing, structure, termites, etc. In this day and age with computers and hand held devices, a home inspector can conduct the inspection and print out the findings while still on the property. This is very important as the buyer wants to know if something is going to prevent the sale from taking place. The inspection report completed by the inspector is important as the buyer and seller will negotiate what if any is needing repair or replaced. State or City coding issues can’t be negotiated and must be fixed by the seller before the sale can take place.
The inspector can finish an inspection in about 2-4 hours depending on the size of the property, some will take a shorter amount of time. The home inspector is not responsible for taking sides in any negotiations once the report is made. In fact the home inspector should only explain the finding and then move on to the next job. If either side has a problem, they can contact the inspector or realtor directly for clarification of the findings.
Is the home inspection industry still good?
Yes, in fact as long as homes are being bought and sold in the US then the home inspection market will always be strong. It doesn’t matter if homes are selling in the US for record prices or if homes are at an all time low. When home prices are high people are selling homes and moving out of state or into more affordable areas, thus opening up for a new family to move in that will need an inspection. Anytime a real estate deal takes place a home inspector is used.
The key about starting a new career is to get started as soon as possible regardless of the current industry or economic situation. Think of it this way. If you didn’t want to become a home inspector today because you feel that the industry is slow then what happens next year when the industry picks up? By the time you feel the industry is going to pick up you will still need to take your training and get experience. Bottom line is start your career training as soon as you can. This job is rarely a seasonal job since real estate transactions take place 365 days per year.
Also keep in mind that once you start gaining valuable contacts with realtors you’ll want to keep those relationships strong. If a realtor knows that they can rely on you for an inspection then they will use you, especially if you are affordable. Realtor relationships are the key to your successful home inspection business.
What type of associations are there for Home Inspectors and how do you get involved?
Like most industries home inspection has some great associations that you can belong to and gain valuable information. These are great originations that offer great benefits and helpful tips on how to become a successful inspector. If you need insurance or materials then these associations know where you can go Also by belonging to an organization like
Nahi or Nachi you will be able to contact other home inspectors and talk to them about their experiences. Below is a list of just some that are in the US. Be sure also to ask the school you will be attending as they might have special offers or discounted memberships to the below associations. These associations might also have other live or online schools that they an suggest to you.
