The Definitive Guide to Becoming a Certified Home Inspector
To become a certified home inspector, you must master the art of attracting new clients and increasing your revenue. As a self-employed, independent home inspector, you'll have a lot of freedom and control over your present and future.
You can also expect competitive pay, flexible work hours, and, most importantly, job security. Home inspectors are in high demand with each house purchased or sold, putting you in a good position for the rest of your life.
From training and certification to your first house inspection, here's how to become a home inspector:
Determine the Prerequisites for Acquiring a Home Inspector’s License in Your State
Each state has its own set of requirements for becoming a house inspector. Some jurisdictions only need 60 hours of study, while others, such as Texas, require you to put in over 400 hours.
On the other hand, certain employers require that you pass the national exam, while others require that you pass their exam.
Brush Up on Your Expertise by Enrolling in Pre-licensing Home Inspection Classes
As a home inspector, you'll spend half of your time examining properties and the other half providing customer support. To boost your confidence, it's good to brush up on your building principles and people-pleasing skills.
Enroll in a Home Inspection Course and Get a Certificate
While not all states require training, any competent home inspector will have completed several educational courses and continue to educate themselves through continuing education classes. Ensure you complete the training required by your state. Even if your state does not require pre-licensing training, you should complete it. The pre-licensing training helps to boost your confidence before entering the field.
Additionally, schedule your home inspection license examination immediately following the completion of your pre-licensing course while the information is still fresh in your mind. Certain states require you to pass a licensing exam, such as the National Home Inspector Exam or state-specific examinations. Consult your state's requirements for additional information.
Obtain Liability/E&O Insurance to Ensure That Your Certification Is Maintained
Bear in mind that individuals are fiercely protective of their homes. A single mishap or omission in a report can result in a costly lawsuit. Fortunately, you can avoid any unforeseen mishaps through the liability E&O Insurance.
The errors and omissions insurance and general liability insurance serve a dual purpose. They protect you and help you maintain employment.
The Errors and Omissions insurance also boosts your client's confidence in you. A home inspector must be covered by liability and errors and omissions insurance.
Apply for a Position With a Home Inspection Company or Open Your Own
Following certification, you have a few options: Establish your own home inspection business or work for an established one. If neither of these jobs instantly appeals to you, it's a good thing you're a house inspector, as you have virtually unlimited employment opportunities. These are merely the most rudimentary options.
How to Start a Home Inspection Business
Maintaining ongoing relationships with real estate and mortgage lending agents is the simplest way to ensure a consistent income as an independent home inspector. On the other hand, professional agents prefer to engage with well-known and trusted house inspectors. Persuading real estate agents to work with you instead of an inspector with whom they already have a relationship can be challenging but not impossible. As a new inspector, you may like to offer complimentary consulting services to build rapport.
Another method of attracting clients is to emphasize your distinctive qualities or expertise. If, for example, your community is densely packed with historic properties, knowing more about them than other home inspectors may be a considerable advantage. Create marketing materials and attend networking events to meet potential clients and other real estate professionals while conducting research and demonstrating your skills.
How Long Does It Take to be a Self Employed Home Inspector?
Becoming a home inspector takes more than a course. It is more of a journey and has no distinct timeline. It may take months, years, a decade; you really can't tell. If you want to become a sector leader and earn lots more money, you must have more experience in the field than your counterparts.
As with many other lucrative careers, starting your own inspection business entails risks and expenses. Take into account the following price factors:
- Marketing and advertising expenses
- Liability insurance against errors and omissions
- Costs associated with vehicle maintenance and repair
- Dues to associations
- Operational expenses, such as bookkeeping and tax preparation
- Office workstations, furniture, and technology
- Acquiring equipment and materials independently
How to Become a Home Inspector if You've Never Worked in Construction
You do not need to be an expert in engineering to be a competent house inspector. But a little knowledge goes a long way in home inspection. Consider enrolling in pre-licensing courses.
Pre-licensing courses give you an advantage over competitors by allowing you to familiarize yourself with the industry before your initial inspection.
How to Become a Home Inspector Without Prior Customer Service Experience
Repeat business is the surest approach to building a profitable home inspection business. You'll need to network, establish numerous contacts and provide an exceptional customer service experience to your clients.
Realtors are an excellent place to begin. Frequently, homeowners leave their realtor with the task of locating a certified house inspector. Realtors will repeatedly hire a house inspector if they locate one they can trust.
To ensure the realtor gives you a consistent workflow, you need accurate reporting skills, effective time management, and favorable homeowner feedback.
Conclusion
Being a home inspector is definitely worth the effort. Before anything, have a clear outline of what you want to achieve. Is it working in an already established home inspection company or building your own from scratch, be sure of what you want.
With this in mind, you will know which route to take, what to avoid, and everything you need to succeed.
Also, remember the journey may be turbulent but always keep your eye on the prize.