How to Become a Home Inspector in Georgia

There are several ways in which a home can feel secure.

Some might consider the latest security systems available while others are happy if the roof is in good condition.

I think both methods should be considered because your security system is good for nothing if you have a collapsing roof or some other structural problem.

Houses should be inspected regularly, but most often this happens during renovation works, or when the property gets sold, or when a new dwelling is constructed.

Regardless of the situation, the person performing the inspection needs to be a licensed professional.

Let’s find out more about a home inspector and how to become one in Georgia!

Home Inspector Job Description in Georgia

The main task of a home inspector is to search the house for any issues that need to be repaired either immediately or later down the line.

Some people might confuse this type of inspection with a home appraisal.

The difference is that the latter one is done to assess how much the property can be sold for and this value can be influenced by the inspection.

It’s in the interest of the buyer for a home inspection to be performed before the purchase.

This is a more detailed look at a home inspector’s duties:

• Checking the functionality of heating and cooling systems
• Checking the plumbing
• Checking the electrical systems within the property
• Checking the condition of the roof
• Checking the structural integrity of the house
• Checking for any damages caused by fire, water, insects, or other environmental factors

Upon the completion of the inspection, the professional must write a report that describes their findings, in detail.

Older homes might need a specialized inspection for which the inspector needs additional certifications.

Here are some of the problem older properties might face:

• Termite infestations.
• The presence of other pests.
• Lead-based materials.
• Asbestos.
• Mold and mildew.
• Radon gas.
• Chimney integrity.
• Other unique elements.

If you want to check for these issues, you might have to pay extra fees.

Complete Your Home Inspector Training in Georgia

It’s pretty easy to become a  home inspector in Georgia.

All you have to do is to complete a training program and then pass an exam.

In Georgia, home inspectors don’t have to hold a license, however, employees might, and possessing one will set you apart from those without one.

The training course must be at least 120 hours long.

Some home inspections with a licensed supervisor are also required for the national licensing process.

Next, you can have a look at some of the schools offering the needed classes for your credentials.

ICA

ICA, or the Inspection Certification Associates, offers an online class for future home inspectors with little time at their disposal.

The price of the class is $695, but it offers several advantages.

Here are the perks:

• A free report-writing software,
• A one-month free membership with InterNACHI,
• A one-year access to Edcetera Home Inspection (typically valued at $99),
• No time constraints for completing the course
• A certification number, and the necessary practice hours for licensing.

InterNACHI School

All home inspectors know the InterNACHI School.

Most of these inspectors are also members of this organization.

Its members receive free online training.

Additionally, the association offers free continuing education classes as well to its members.

InterNACHI has a House of Horrors where students can practice by detecting as many issues as possible.

AHIT

At AHIT, students can choose from 3 course packages, each with different advantages.

Each package has different prices as well, based on the perks.

The prices are $699, $899, and $1399, respectively.

The highest-priced package contains the most perks.

Future home inspectors can get access for free to all the content for only 5 days.

If they want to purchase one of the bundles, they can continue from where they left off.

Additionally, there are no deadlines for completing the class.

Students can finish studying in as little as 3 weeks if they so want.

Pass the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in Georgia

Georgia doesn’t have any state-specific exams for future home inspectors.

The test candidates must pass is at the national level.

The exam is made available online and it costs about $225.

Candidates have 4 hours to answer 200 questions.

You should keep in mind that most questions have multiple possible answers and that 25 of them are not scored.

There are 3 main topics this exam covers:

• Property and Building Inspection/Site Review
• Analysis of Findings and Reporting
• Professional Responsibilities

Should you fail your first attempt, you must wait 30 days before you try again.

Insurance as a Home Inspector in Georgia

Everyone can make mistakes once in a while.

As a home inspector in Georgia, you should have a policy to cover your possible mistakes and a lawsuit.

Most home inspectors get these policies:

• General liability policy at around $40 per month
• Errors and omissions insurance at around $59 per month

Home Inspector Salary in Georgia

Home inspectors in Georgia can expect a median salary of around $53,469 per year.

Below you can see in which cities you can expect a higher salary.

Regional Salary in Georgia

Home Inspector by State