How to Become a Home Inspector

A career as a home inspector involves climbing over, going underneath, and through houses for examining any flaws and defects which can possibly cause problems to the possessor of the house. It includes a physical and personal inspection of the complete apartment, building, or row house; and drafting an elaborated report on the conditions of all parts, mechanical systems, and the structure of the house. The records in the reports are referred to for taking significant decisions regarding the buying of that particular house or building. Home inspectors generally particularize in determining unobserved problems like 'white ants' or 'mold'. They are mostly employed by insurance firms and financial companies. Nowadays, they have also started using technologies such as laptops and digital photography to help them carry on their inspection work in an effective manner.

House owners and prospective home buyers, largely depend on home inspectors to assist and suggest them regarding their biggest investment. Home inspectors need to be proficient in examining and scrutinizing the house components and systems, and what all possible problems are to be searched for. He should have the required knowledge and ability to describe the exact condition of the house in a concise and an instructive manner. If one needs to become a home inspector, he must undergo trainings in areas which include house foundations; drainage systems; roofing; plumbery; writing an understandable report; Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC); electrical risks; environmental issues; and appropriate structure.

How to Become a Home Inspector

You first need to check if you meet all the requirements. In a majority of states in the United States of America, it is required to successfully complete a certified home inspection course along with a General Educational Development Diploma (GED), or a diploma from the high school. Moreover, possessing some extra degrees can also be advantageous; like a college degree or equivalent education with a coursework in engineering, construction management, and architecture. It's an added advantage, if you have done some field work or have hands-on experience in house construction and redevelopment. Other prerequisites include excellent verbal and written communication, computer awareness, acquaintance with property sales, and knowledge of real estate management, and all legal factors of real estate and housing.

You can select and successfully complete a home inspection course from several home inspection schools, which would facilitate you to gain a home inspection certification. There are various home inspection organizations in the USA, which have also made provisions for online preparation courses. Such courses include checking gas lines and systems, examining doors and roofs, assessing the house structure, ensuring safety in electrical systems, and evaluating the plumbing and water systems.

You may even search for an opportunity to work under the supervision of a certified professional home inspector. Observe what he does and make a note of the duties he performs. You may also work as a trainee or an intern in a home inspection company. This would enable you to understand in-depth about the actual job you would do in future. In a majority of states, you would need to get permission to work as a trainee.

For you to be eligible to perform as a licensed home inspector, you need to be certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). You would only be certified if you hold minimal years of experience, and have completed appropriate training and education, and some fieldwork and research with acceptable home inspection reports. Generally, these professionals earn around $74,000 per annum, but this number can vary with an increase in the client rate.

One can easily become a certified home inspector, if he has a zeal for getting into a highly rewarding home inspection career.