8 Steps to Become A Home Inspector

As you know, qualified home inspectors visually review the structure and integrity of a residential property – before it is bought by homeowners. We are single-handedly responsible for ensuring whether a not people can live in the property. There is a series of steps that need to be accomplished before receiving a home inspector operator certificate. Here are several of those steps.

1. Licencing

Before you do anything, go to your favourite search engine. Research about the licencing requirements in your state. You can also do this by visiting the official website of The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). The reason you need to do this is due to each state’s criteria; some require a high school degree, apprenticeship or coursework – in other states you need no license at all.

2. Study

Becoming a part of ASHI as you learn how to become a home inspector can only further advance your career. However, to become a member, you must pass your exam. To do so, visit their website which has a detailed outline and overview of steps that will be in the exam.

3. Pass the Exam

Here is why studying (and registering for) the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) is so important: it is responsible for allowing you to practice in 29 states of the U.S. If you do not pass, you cannot legally practice in those states. The cost for the exam may vary between states, but typically costs $200 or more.

4. Construction

Knowing the ins and outs of how a home is built is an incredible asset. Having construction knowledge, as a home inspector, is not necessary. One of the primary components of this career is evaluating the safety and structures of homes. You can gain at least minimal knowledge by taking home inspection pre-licensing courses via the ASHI.

5. Social Skills

When you are a pleasure to deal with, realtors and homeowners in your area will have no qualms about doing more business with you. There are slow seasons, undeniably, and working your network of “pals and chums” and positive relationships will help you get a leg up over other home inspectors (who may have lousy social skills).

6. Stay Up-To-Date

Materials, principles, and standards of safeties change over time. That’s why taking home inspection classes is important. A home that was up to snuff a decade ago, due to these changes, may receive a failing grade tomorrow. Having extensive knowledge about the current and up-to-date rules and regulations about your industry is important.

7. Do More

Although learning about new practices is fine, it is advisable to learn about all the exams and courses you can – and take them. A couple you could review: home insulation, structural home inspections, plumbing cross connections, mold detection, attic ventilation, radon inspection, electricity inspections, and so on. Being a “jack of all trades” in this profession is not a bad thing.

8. Join a Firm

There are a lot of job opportunities online, if you take enough time to look. Know that many inspecting firms require proper certification and education. During this time, use your network and any people you know who “knows a person”. Refer to your list of contacts for help in finding firms that may be hiring.

Conclusion

Remember that you will only be as successful as you want to be. This career is not for the faint of heart or the unenthused. There will always be homes that are unfit for living – it is our job to make sure nobody is hurt.