by 
Everyone views a house as a haven of safety.
However, a house truly transforms into a home when it’s lived in.
Most houses undergo inspections during their construction or when significant renovations are required.
A home inspector also becomes crucial when homeowners aim to sell their property.
In Illinois, the requirements for becoming a home inspector are relatively straightforward, so if you aspire to pursue this career, you’ve come to the right place.
Article Table of Contents
Home Inspector Job Description in Illinois
The foremost aspect to understand about home inspection is its purpose, which is to identify any issues a house might have.
It differs from a home appraisal, which focuses on determining the property’s value based on various factors.
A home inspector’s responsibilities encompass evaluating:
- The functionality of heating and cooling systems.
- The integrity of plumbing.
- The electrical systems within the property.
- The condition of the roof.
- The stability of the house’s foundation.
- Any damage caused by fire, water, insects, or other environmental factors.
Following the inspection, the inspector must compile a detailed report outlining their findings.
This report can significantly influence the property’s appraisal and its likelihood of a swift sale.
Depending on the building’s age, a specialized home inspection may be necessary, involving checks for:
- Termites
- Other pests
- Lead
- Asbestos
- Mold and mildew
- Radon
- Chimneys
- Other unique elements
This specialized inspection may incur additional fees.
While no specific prerequisites exist for becoming a home inspector, this profession does require obtaining a license.
Complete Your Home Inspector Training in Illinois
The oversight of home inspectors in Illinois falls under the purview of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
The IDFPR mandates that candidates complete a 60-hour training course for home inspection.
Additionally, candidates must participate in 5 inspections under the guidance of a licensed home inspector.
Various institutions offer training programs for aspiring home inspectors.
Let’s have a look at the most prominent of them!
AHIT 
AHIT offers everything you need for the licensing exam.
This includes the 60 theory hours, the 5 home inspections, as well as the e-books you need to study from.
Those who completed their education with this institution can also attend the continuing education classes needed for the license renewal.
Inspection Certification Associates (ICA)
ICA offers classes available only online.
They’re self-paced and this also means there’s no time limit to complete them.
Their course costs $1,495 but it comes with numerous benefits.
These include free report writing software, one month of InterNACHI membership, one year of access to Edcetera Home Inspection, a certificate, a certification number, and fulfillment of the 5-hour practice requirement for licensing.
The practice hours must be performed with a licensed home inspector who has at least 5 years of experience in the field.
The Etcetera Home Inspection is usually priced at $99.
InterNACHI School
This famous school provides free training courses to association members.
These courses are available online, making them easily accessible to everyone.
InterNACHI also doesn’t have time constraints when it comes to completing the training course.
InterNACHI also provides various perks to its members, including support for marketing and business development.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| InterNACHI School | online |
| ICA | online |
| AHIT | online |
Pass the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in Illinois
It’s important to note that in Illinois you must pass the Illinois State Home Inspectors Exam to become licensed.
However, these prerequisites must be met before taking the test:
- Completion of the education and training requirements mentioned above.
- Completion of 5 home inspection reports reviewed by a licensed home inspector supervisor.
If you pass the exam, you can apply for the license.
The form can be downloaded from the website of the Department.
Insurance as a Home Inspector in Illinois
Home inspectors in Illinois are expected to have insurance coverage while practicing their profession.
Future home inspectors need these insurance policies:
- General liability policy at around $40 per month
- Errors and omissions insurance at around $59 per month
After completing all these steps, individuals can submit their license application along with the associated $250 fee.
Both the application and fee can be submitted online.
Home Inspector Salary in Illinois
If you invest time and effort into a career that requires exams and training, it’s essential to consider the potential earnings.
In Illinois, the median salary for a home inspector is approximately $56,619 per year.
Below, we provide a breakdown of median salaries in different cities across the state.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Cicero | $58,129 |
| Winnetka | $57,996 |
| Techny | $57,952 |
| Mount Prospect | $57,930 |
| Addison | $57,930 |
| Yorkville | $57,798 |
| Roselle | $57,502 |
| Aurora | $57,358 |
| Bloomingdale | $57,358 |
| Arlington Heights | $56,806 |
Regional Salary in Illinois
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL | 50 | $66,650 | $32.04 | $98,000 | $44,240 |
| Carbondale-Marion, IL | 30 | $60,280 | $28.98 | $78,390 | $43,210 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 60 | $74,380 | $35.76 | $108,230 | $47,110 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 2,710 | $78,070 | $37.53 | $112,510 | $50,940 |
| Peoria, IL | 60 | $65,630 | $31.55 | $91,510 | $31,200 |
| Rockford, IL | 50 | $68,390 | $32.88 | $98,140 | $46,220 |
| Springfield, IL | 60 | $60,510 | $29.09 | $90,980 | $38,450 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other requirements are there to become a home inspector in Illinois?
As a rule of thumb, there are no requirements for this position, but the situation might have different expectations.
These can be:
- A background check
- High school diploma or GED
- A personal insurance policy
- A minimum age of 18
Does the home inspector license in Illinois need renewal?
Yes, every 2 years, home inspectors need to renew their licenses.
For this, they must complete 2 hours of state-approved Continuing Education classes.
Half of these classes must be “mandatory” and the Department will have more details on this aspect.
One of these hours has to be about Sexual Harassment Prevention.
What skills are needed for a home inspector in Illinois?
Here are the most useful skills for this occupation:
- Interpersonal Skills
- A Working Knowledge of Construction
- Self-Motivation
- Attention to details
Read the full guide: How to Become a Home Inspector
Home Inspector by State