How To Become a Home Inspector
How To Become a Home Inspector
How do you become a home inspector?
Looking for a career that offers flexibility, independence, and the satisfaction of helping others make informed decisions about their biggest investments? Becoming a home inspector might be the perfect path for you. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about how to become a home inspector and build a successful, profitable business.
What does a home inspector do?
Before diving into how to become a home inspector, let's understand what the job entails. A home inspector examines the condition of a residential property, checking its structural components and major systems. This includes the foundation, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems, and more.
Home inspectors create detailed reports documenting their findings, which buyers use to make informed decisions about their purchases. A thorough inspection can reveal hidden issues that might not be visible during a casual walkthrough, potentially saving buyers from unexpected expenses down the road.
Steps to becoming a home inspector
While the requirements vary by state, the general path to becoming a home inspector follows these steps:
Step 1. Research your state's requirements
Home inspector licensing requirements differ significantly across the country. Some states have strict licensing requirements for home inspectors, while others have minimal or no regulations. Before investing time and money into training, check with your state's regulatory body or a professional home inspector association for the most current requirements.
Important notes about unregulated states:
Even in states without licensing requirements, home inspectors still need to follow general business regulations.
Many unregulated states still have industry standards inspectors are expected to follow.
Professional organizations like ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) and InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) provide voluntary certification that can enhance credibility in unregulated states.
Some cities or counties within unregulated states may have their own local requirements.
Some unregulated states may still require specific certifications for specialized inspections (like radon or mold).
Step 2. Complete required education and training
Most states that regulate home inspectors require completion of pre-licensing education. These courses cover all aspects of home systems, inspection techniques, and reporting standards. Even in states without formal requirements, education is invaluable for building your knowledge and credibility.
Step 3. Gain practical experience
Some states require you to complete a certain number of inspections under the supervision of a licensed inspector before you can practice independently. Even without this requirement, shadowing experienced inspectors provides invaluable real-world knowledge.
Step 4. Pass the required exams
Many states require passing a state-specific exam or the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE). These tests assess your knowledge of home systems, inspection standards, and relevant laws. The NHIE is a four-hour test with 200 total multiple-choice questions—175 of which are scored—covering property inspection, analysis, and reporting.
Step 5. Obtain insurance
Professional liability insurance (errors and omissions) and general liability insurance are essential protections for home inspectors. These policies protect you and your clients in case of errors or accidents during inspections. Many states mandate insurance coverage as part of licensing requirements.
Step 6. Join professional associations
Consider joining relevant organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). Professional organizations like these offer resources, continuing education, networking opportunities, and credibility to their members.
Step 7. Apply for your license
Once you've completed the education, experience, and exam requirements, you can apply for your state license (if required). This typically involves submitting an application, documentation of your qualifications, exam results, and a fee.
Step 8. Launch your business or join an existing firm
After obtaining your license, you can either start your own home inspection business or join an established company. Joining a company can help you gain more experience and get consistent work when you're just starting out. Starting your own business offers independence but requires marketing and business development skills, as well as additional startup capital.
If you're going to work for a home inspection company, always research them first to ensure they have a good reputation and solid track record in your area.
Step 9. Maintain your license
Most states require continuing education to keep your license active. Stay updated on the latest building codes and inspection techniques, and make sure you know and adhere to your state's requirements to keep your license active. It's a lot easier—and less expensive—to maintain a license than it is to get one reinstated.
FAQs about becoming a home inspector
How long does it take to become a home inspector?
The time it takes to become a home inspector varies depending on your state's requirements and your personal pace of study. In general:
In states with minimal requirements, you could be ready to begin inspecting homes in as little as 1 to 3 months after completing a training course.
In states with more rigorous requirements, the process takes about 3 to 6 months. This includes completing the required education, passing exams, and fulfilling any practicum requirements.
If you need to gain supervised inspection experience, as required in some states, this can extend the timeline to 6 to 12 months.
The good news is that most pre-licensing courses can be completed online at your own pace, allowing you to continue working at your current job while preparing for your new career.
How much does it cost to become a home inspector?
The cost of becoming a home inspector ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 on average to get started—a relatively low investment compared to many other professional careers with similar income potential. This average cost includes several components:
| Component | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing education | $500 – $2,000 |
| Exam fees (state and/or national exams) | $200 – $350 |
| License application fees | $200 – $400 |
| Insurance (liability coverage) | $50 – $1,500 per year |
| Basic inspection tools / essential equipment | $500 – $1,000 |
| Marketing and business setup (optional) | $500 – $2,000 |
Is it hard to become a home inspector?
Becoming a home inspector is moderately challenging but very achievable for most people. The difficulty depends on several factors:
Educational background: Those with construction, engineering, or real estate experience may find the learning curve less steep, but no specific background is required to succeed. Most training programs are designed for beginners and cover all the basics you'll need.
State requirements: States with more rigorous licensing requirements involve more study and preparation.
Learning style: The technical nature of the content requires attention to detail and systematic thinking.
Business skills: If you plan to run your own inspection business, marketing and business management add another dimension of skills to develop.
The most successful home inspectors are detail-oriented, enjoy problem-solving, communicate well, and aren't afraid of continuous learning. While the training requires dedication, most people who commit to the process can successfully become home inspectors.
Tips for success as a home inspector
Regardless of which state you practice in, these tips can help you build a successful home inspection career:
Invest in quality tools: Having reliable, professional-grade tools is essential for thorough inspections. Basic items include a good flashlight, moisture meter, electrical tester, and ladder.
Develop clear communication skills: The ability to explain complex issues in simple terms is crucial when working with clients. Your written reports should be clear, detailed, and easy to understand.
Build a strong network: Cultivate relationships with real estate agents, mortgage lenders, and other professionals who can refer clients to you. Networking is often the most effective marketing strategy.
Offer exceptional customer service: Responding promptly to inquiries, being punctual for appointments, and following up after inspections will help you build a positive reputation.
Consider specializations: Additional certifications in areas like radon testing, mold inspection, or energy auditing can expand your service offerings and increase your income potential.
Continue your education: Even after obtaining your license, continue learning about building codes, construction techniques, and inspection methods to stay current in your field.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.