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If you currently work as a construction manager or builder, consider a career as a home inspector.
Home inspector training is not that expensive and can be done in relatively little time.
Find out if you have the money and time you need to become a professional home inspector in any state in the US.
What Does a Home Inspector Do?
A home inspector is a building and construction expert who can determine the financial value and risk ratio of a house and related structures.
The job of a home inspector involves checking a list of criteria when evaluating a physical structure.
Generally, home inspectors are the ones called when someone is deciding the value of their home for sale or purchase.
You should always get a home inspection by a local home inspector before buying a home.
This will determine if there are risks or problems associated with the structure and integrity of the house and property.
Often, contracts for the purchase of a house will include the cost of a professional home inspection prior to the evaluation of the property.
Home inspections involving federal banking loans and mortgages are also legally required for those purchasing property and homes.
How Do I Become a US Home Inspector?
Whether you want to inspect homes for a living, or you plan to include a home inspector in your list of services as an entrepreneur, the path is simple.
Complete a short training seminar on what you need to know as a home inspector.
Sit for a board certification exam to become certified as a home inspector.
This involves taking a test and passing the exam successfully.
Then, start inspecting houses, as well as small dwellings like garden sheds and backyard offices.
You can work as a government home inspector for the city or contracted to banks and attorneys.
You may also be on a salary as a home inspector for a real estate firm.
How Long Does it Take to Train as a Home Inspector?
You do not have to go to college or take a formal class to be trained as a home inspector.
Instead, you have to prepare for a certification exam.
You can prepare by taking a training course or seminar online or in person.
Typically, these courses on home inspection take a weekend or a few weeks.
However, for a more extensive course, expect the classes and certification exam to take up to two months.
In addition, home inspectors need to have a minimum number of hours of training to be eligible for certification.
Certification is also expected for licensing in the business world.
For example, in Oregon, all home inspectors must have at least 60 hours of formal training in this area and be certified.
You can expect to spend four months from start to finish as you train to be a home inspector.
Most states also require you to have a business license as a home inspector, particularly if you work by yourself as a self-employed home inspector.
How Much is the Price for Home Inspector Training?
The total price for home inspector training consists of a course preparing you for the board exam, as well as the certification exam.
Students are expected to cover the cost of training out of pocket before they can be admitted into the course.
The cost for home inspector training is between $500 and $2,500.
This training is one of the more affordable options for professionals earning a certification.
In addition, the certification exams range from $180 to $250 depending on the association in charge of the exam.
This certification as a home inspector must be renewed every one to two years.
The average cost for renewing the home inspector certifications is $150.
Therefore, the total cost for home inspector training is $833 to $2,833.
This total amount covers the amount you will need to be trained and certified, as well as for certification renewal fees for one year.
Key Takeaways
Becoming a home inspector requires training.
However, you do not have to get a college degree.
In addition, home inspector training typically takes a couple of months.
Online courses are available.
This can save students money on training and provide a self-paced, money-saving program.
Here are some more takeaways from this article:
- Classes for home inspectors are typically offered online or with continuing education departments at colleges.
- Save money on the certification exam by joining the association offering the certification.
- Spend less than four months from start to finish on becoming a trained home inspector.
- You need to be certified as a home inspector.
- You need to obtain a business license to operate as a home inspector.
- When you do get certified, the cost is about $200 initially and $150 every year or two after that for a renewal fee.
- The total cost for training as a home inspector is between $833 and $2,833 and includes renewing certification.
Become a home inspector with proper training in order to be eligible for certification and licensing.
That is the only secure pathway to a successful career as a home inspector in the US.