by 
Everyone perceives a house as a sanctuary, a place of safety.
Nonetheless, a house only truly evolves into a home when it becomes inhabited.
Most houses undergo inspection during their construction or when significant renovations are necessary.
A home inspector is also a crucial figure when homeowners contemplate selling their property.
In Indiana, the prerequisites for pursuing a career as a home inspector are relatively straightforward.
If you aspire to become one, you’ve landed on the right page.
Article Table of Contents
Home Inspector Job Description in Indiana
The fundamental aspect to grasp about home inspection is its core purpose, which is to uncover any issues a house might conceal.
It should not be confused with a home appraisal, which aims to determine the property’s value based on various factors.
A home inspector’s responsibilities encompass the assessment of:
- 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.
Upon completing the inspection, the inspector must compile a comprehensive report detailing their findings.
This report holds significant sway over the property’s appraisal and its prospects for a swift sale.
Depending on the age of the house or building, 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 entail additional fees.
While there are no specific prerequisites for becoming a home inspector, a professional in this field must possess a valid license.
Complete Your Home Inspector Training in Indiana
The oversight of home inspectors in Indiana falls under the jurisdiction of the Indiana State Department of Health.
The Indiana State Department of Health mandates that candidates complete a 62-hour training course for home inspection.
Additionally, candidates must engage in 12 inspections under the supervision of a licensed home inspector.
There are various institutions that offer training programs for aspiring home inspectors.
Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) 
ICA is a well-known school for future home inspectors.
While the classes offered by ICA are available online, in Indiana 12 of the 62 hours must be attended in-person.
Their course costs $1,295 and it includes the 12 hours of in-class tutoring.
These hours will take place over 2 days.
Despite all this, the 50 hours that can be completed online have no deadline.
As such, the majority of the students will finish the class in a few weeks.
InterNACHI School 
Another option is InterNACHI School, a reputable institution offering free training courses to association members.
These courses are accessible online, ensuring convenience for all.
InterNACHI also provides various perks to its members, including support for marketing and business development.
The association also offers an online pre-licensing test to its members.
This exam has 250 questions and it’s free for the members.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| InterNACHI School | online |
| ICA | online |
Pass the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in Indiana
It’s crucial to understand that Indiana does not have a state-specific exam for obtaining a home inspector license.
Instead, candidates are required to pass a nationally recognized exam.
The advantage is that this exam can be taken online.
However, several prerequisites must be met before taking the test:
- Completion of the education and training requirements mentioned above.
- Successful completion of 12 home inspection reports reviewed by a licensed home inspector supervisor.
This exam can be scheduled online, on the Department’s website.
Veterans can have their exam fee reimbursed.
License Renewal for Home Inspectors in Indiana
The home inspector license renewal period in Indiana is 24 months.
During this period, individuals must complete 32 hours of continuing education.
However, if they’re licensed for over a year, but less than 2 years, they can complete just 16 hours.
Those who got their license for under a year don’t need continuing education classes.
Insurance as a Home Inspector in Indiana
Home inspectors in Indiana are expected to carry insurance coverage while practicing their profession.
The type of insurance you must have is a general liability insurance policy of at least $100,000.
Upon completing all these steps, individuals can submit their license application along with the associated $50 fee.
Both the application and fee can be submitted online.
Home Inspector Salary in Indiana
For those dedicating time and effort to a career that involves examinations and training, it’s natural to inquire about potential earnings.
In Indiana, the median salary for a home inspector is about $53,737 per year.
Below, we provide a breakdown of median salaries in various cities across the state.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Gary | $55,078 |
| Hobart | $55,078 |
| Crown Point | $55,034 |
| Brook | $54,747 |
| Fair Oaks | $54,747 |
| Francesville | $54,747 |
| Aurora | $53,621 |
| Greenwood | $53,594 |
| Avon | $53,572 |
| Carmel | $53,550 |
Regional Salary in Indiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN | 60 | $65,240 | $31.36 | $75,670 | $49,280 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 40 | $62,210 | $29.91 | $76,880 | $52,540 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | 60 | $58,250 | $28.01 | $86,000 | $39,340 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | 110 | $62,890 | $30.24 | $79,900 | $46,490 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 980 | $59,050 | $28.39 | $82,610 | $39,380 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 50 | $62,020 | $29.82 | $76,280 | $38,010 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | 30 | $54,590 | $26.25 | $74,480 | $29,570 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 120 | $70,940 | $34.11 | $100,930 | $49,800 |
| Terre Haute, IN | 30 | $57,890 | $27.83 | $87,940 | $37,440 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a freelance home inspector in Indiana?
The short answer is yes.
You can work on your own, open your own home inspection firm either as a sole proprietor or LLC, or become an employee of an already established firm.
What other requirements are there to become a home inspector in Indiana?
As a rule of thumb, there are no requirements for this position.
However, employers can require for:
- A background check
- High school diploma or GED
- A personal insurance policy
What skills are needed for a home inspector in Indiana?
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