How to Become a Home Inspector in Delaware

Many perceive a house as a place of refuge.

However, a house truly transforms into a home when it’s inhabited, adorned with cherished memories, and resonates with the lives of its occupants.

In most cases, houses undergo inspection during their construction phase or when significant renovations are in order.

Furthermore, when homeowners contemplate selling their property, the services of a home inspector become indispensable.

The path to becoming a home inspector in Delaware is relatively straightforward.

If you aspire to pursue this profession, you’ve landed on the right page.

Home Inspector Job Description in Delaware

To commence, it’s essential to grasp that a home inspection primarily serves the purpose of identifying any issues or deficiencies within the house.

It distinctly differs from a home appraisal, which determines the house’s value based on various factors.

During a home inspection, the inspector conducts a thorough examination, scrutinizing:

• The functionality of heating and cooling systems
• The integrity of plumbing
• The electrical systems
• The condition of the roof
• The stability of the house’s foundation
• Any damage caused by fire, water, pests, or other environmental factors

Subsequent to the inspection, the inspector is mandated to compile a comprehensive report, detailing their findings.

This report significantly influences the house’s appraisal value and its potential speed of sale.

Depending on the property’s age and construction type, specialized inspections may be necessitated, including assessments for:

• Termite infestations
• Other pest-related issues
• The presence of lead
• Asbestos-containing materials
• Mold and mildew growth
• Radon gas levels
• Chimney safety
• Other specific elements relevant to the property

It’s noteworthy that specialized inspections typically incur additional costs.

While there exist no rigid prerequisites for becoming a home inspector, a professional in this field must possess a valid license.

Completing Your Home Inspector Training in Delaware

The Delaware Division of Public Health manages the regulation of home inspectors.

This division stipulates that aspiring home inspectors must complete a 140-hour training course tailored to home inspection.

Plus, candidates must partake in 75 supervised home inspections alongside a licensed home inspector.

ICA (Inspection Certification Associates)

Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) provides an online course for individuals seeking to embark on careers as home inspectors.

The course fee stands at $695 and offers several advantages:

• Access to Free Report Writing Software (typically priced at $399)
• A one-month free membership with InterNACHI
• Complimentary one-year access to Edcetera Home Inspection (a $99 value)
• No time constraints on course completion
• Conferment of a certificate and certification number
• Mandated 35 hours of practice crucial for the licensing process

InterNACHI School

InterNACHI School is a renowned institution for those aspiring to become home inspectors.

Members of the association can access the training course for free, and it’s conveniently available online.

Furthermore, the organization extends various perks to its members, including support for marketing and business development.

Passing the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in Delaware

It’s vital to comprehend that Delaware does not have a state-specific licensing exam for home inspectors.

Instead, candidates must successfully pass a national-level examination, which can be completed online.

However, specific prerequisites must be met before sitting for the test:

• Completion of the aforementioned educational requisites
• Register as a Home Inspector Trainee
• Completion of 75 home inspections with a licensed home inspector supervisor

Most students conduct these inspections during their free membership with InterNACHI.

Once all these steps are completed, it’s time you take the licensing exam at the national level.

This four-hour test consists of 200 questions, with 25 not being scored.

It encompasses property and building inspection, analysis of findings and reporting, and professional responsibilities.

The exam fee is approximately $225, subject to variation based on location.

Candidates failing the exam must wait for 30 days before retaking it.

Keep in mind that the licensing test can be taken any day of the week, but it must be scheduled 7 days in advance.

It is offered by a third-party organization, as no school has the authority to organize it.

Insurance Requirements as a Home Inspector in Delaware

Home inspectors are expected to maintain insurance coverage while practicing their profession.

Two types of insurance are needed in Delaware:

• A general liability insurance policy covering at least $250,000
• A certificate of errors and omissions insurance coverage of at least $50,000

Upon successfully completing these steps, aspiring home inspectors can submit their license applications along with the associated $300 fee, both of which can be conveniently completed online.

Home Inspector Salary in Delaware

As individuals prepare for careers that entail specific training and examinations, it’s natural to seek insights into potential earnings.

In Delaware, the median salary for a home inspector is about $56,288 per year.

Below, we provide a breakdown of this figure, offering insights into median salaries in various cities within the state.

Regional Salary in Delaware

Home Inspector by State