Everyone perceives a house as a secure haven.
However, a house must be lived in to truly become a home.
Most houses undergo inspection during their construction or when significant renovations are required.
A home inspector is also necessary when homeowners intend to sell their property.
Becoming a home inspector in Arizona does not involve stringent requirements, making this the right place for you if you’re interested in this profession.
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Home Inspector Job Description in Arizona
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that a home inspection’s primary purpose is to identify any issues the house might have.
This is distinct from a home appraisal, which determines a house’s value based on various factors.
A home inspector assesses:
- The functionality of heating and cooling systems.
- Plumbing.
- Electrical systems within the property.
- The roof’s condition.
- The structural integrity of the house.
- Any damages caused by fire, water, insects, or other environmental factors.
Upon completing the inspection, the inspector must compile a comprehensive report detailing their findings.
This report can significantly impact the house’s appraisal value and its likelihood of a quick sale.
Depending on the age of the house or building, specialized home inspections might be necessary.
These could involve investigations into:
- Termite infestations.
- The presence of other pests.
- Lead-based materials.
- Asbestos.
- Mold and mildew.
- Radon gas.
- Chimney integrity.
- Other unique elements.
Specialized inspections often come with additional fees.
While there are no stringent prerequisites for becoming a home inspector in Arizona, possessing a valid license is mandatory.
Complete Your Home Inspector Training in Arizona
In Arizona, home inspectors are overseen by the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration (AZBTR).
The Board requires candidates to complete an 87-hour home inspection training course.
Additionally, you must conduct 30 inspections under the guidance of a licensed home inspector.
There are no state-specific schools that offer such training, but the following online options are very convenient and accepted by the Board.
ICA
Consider enrolling in Inspection Certification Associates (ICA), which provides an online course for aspiring home inspectors.
This course, priced at $695, offers several advantages, including:
- Free report writing software,
- A one-month free membership with InterNACHI,
- One-year access to Edcetera Home Inspection (typically valued at $99),
- No time constraints for course completion,
- A certification certificate and number,
- 30 practice hours for licensing.
AHIT
AHIT has three online course packages differing in content and additional certifications, priced at $699, $899, and $1399, respectively.
The most comprehensive package includes everything.
To make it accessible, AHIT provides a 5-day free trial of all content.
If you choose to subscribe, your progress will be saved, and there’s no strict deadline; you can finish the course in 3 weeks or take your time.
In Arizona, veterans can get reimbursed through the GI Bill if they take the National Home Inspector Exam.
InterNACHI School
InterNACHI School is a well-established institution for individuals interested in becoming home inspectors.
The college offers free training to association members, and the course is accessible online, ensuring convenience for all.
This organization also provides various benefits to its members, including support for marketing and business development.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
InterNACHI School | online |
AHIT | online |
ICA | online |
Pass the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in Arizona
It’s crucial to note that there is no state-specific exam to become a licensed home inspector in Arizona.
Instead, you must pass the national-level exam, which is conveniently available online.
However, specific requirements must be met before taking the test:
- Completion of the education described above.
- Either 30 field-based home inspections under a licensed inspector.
- Each home inspection must be completed by a notarized affidavit that was signed by the inspector
- Obtain an active fingerprint clearance card
Only after meeting these criteria can you register for the exam, which comprises two parts.
The National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE), consists of 200 questions (25 unscored) and lasts four hours.
It covers topics such as property and building inspection, site review, analysis of findings and reporting, and professional responsibilities.
The exam fee, approximately $225 (varies by location), applies, and candidates failing the test must wait 30 days before retaking it.
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) exam is free of charge.
Insurance as a Home Inspector in Arizona
Home inspectors in Arizona are expected to carry various types of insurance coverage:
- An errors and omissions (E&O) insurance
- $200,000 in aggregate
- $100,000 per occurrence or a bond for $25,000
- A valid policy number and effective coverage dates
After completing all these steps, you can submit your license application along with the $175 associated fee.
The application must be notarized, and both documents can be submitted online.
Home Inspector Salary in Arizona
For those entering a career that involves training and passing exams, it’s natural to want to know potential earnings.
In Arizona, the average salary for a home inspector is around $53,840 per year.
To provide a more detailed perspective, here are salary figures from cities with the highest median salaries in the state.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Gadsden | $59,135 |
Somerton | $59,135 |
San Luis | $59,135 |
Yuma | $55,984 |
Chloride | $55,186 |
Fort Mohave | $55,186 |
Hualapai | $55,186 |
Dolan Springs | $55,186 |
Oatman | $55,186 |
Avondale | $54,287 |
Regional Salary in Arizona
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flagstaff, AZ | 70 | $65,360 | $31.42 | $89,790 | $52,220 |
Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | 70 | $61,440 | $29.54 | $79,130 | $45,290 |
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 2,160 | $72,890 | $35.04 | $97,180 | $48,780 |
Prescott, AZ | 110 | $61,720 | $29.67 | $76,070 | $48,130 |
Tucson, AZ | 260 | $62,320 | $29.96 | $79,480 | $47,490 |
Yuma, AZ | 60 | $66,460 | $31.95 | $87,530 | $50,860 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prerequisites for becoming a home inspector in Arizona?
The requirements for becoming a home inspector in Alaska are:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Have the Arizona Statement of Citizenship and Alien Status for Public Benefits form
- A copy of your government-issued photo ID
- Pass a criminal background check
What skills are needed for a home inspector in Arizona?
Here are the most useful skills for this occupation:
- Interpersonal Skills
- A Working Knowledge of Construction
- Self-Motivation
Do I need to renew my Arizona home inspector license?
Yes, because it expires every year, however, you don’t need to attend continuing education classes for this purpose.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Home Inspector