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People usually view a house as a secure haven.
But, a house transforms into a home when it becomes inhabited.
In Iowa, like elsewhere, most houses undergo inspection during construction or major renovations.
The expertise of a home inspector is also sought after when homeowners decide to sell their property.
The path to becoming a home inspector in Iowa is relatively uncomplicated, so if you aspire to pursue this career, you’ve come to the right place.
Article Table of Contents
Home Inspector Job Description in Iowa
It’s essential to understand that the primary purpose of a home inspection is to uncover any issues a house may possess.
This process differs from a home appraisal, which aims to determine a property’s value based on various factors.
A home inspector’s responsibilities involve assessing:
- The functionality of cooling and heating 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 wields significant influence 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.
This can involve checking 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 Iowa
In Iowa, the oversight of home inspectors falls under the Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau.
Candidates are required to complete a 120-hour training course for home inspection.
Additionally, they must engage in 35 inspections under the supervision of a licensed home inspector.
Let’s learn more about the institutions that offer training for future home inspectors!
Inspection Certification Associates
Their course is offered online,
It’s usually priced at $695 and comes with several benefits such as:
- A complimentary report writing software,
- one month of InterNACHI membership,
- one year of access to Edcetera Home Inspection (typically priced at $99),
- no time limit for course completion,
- a certificate with a certification number,
- fulfillment of the practice required for licensing.
Upon successful completion of this program, you will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of home inspection.
Not only will you be well-prepared to conduct residential inspections and establish a thriving home inspection enterprise, but you will also gain proficiency in commercial inspections, and specialized areas like mold, radon, and building code compliance.
Following the course, you will attain the title of an ICA Certified Home Inspector, complete with a certification number.
InterNACHI School
Another option is InterNACHI School, a school providing free training 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.
These perks include free access to continuing education classes if needed, and more.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| ICA | online |
| InterNACHI School | online |
Pass the Home Inspector Licensing Exam in Iowa
It’s crucial to understand that Iowa does not have a state-specific exam for obtaining a home inspector license.
But, 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 25 home inspection reports reviewed by a licensed home inspector supervisor.
Candidates may choose from two different exams:
The National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE), consisting of 200 questions (25 of which are not scored) with a duration of 4 hours.
The exam covers topics such as property and building inspection, site review, analysis of findings, reporting, and professional responsibilities. The exam fee, approximately $225, varies based on location.
Once you become licensed, you can join various associations, such as:
- All American Association of Home Inspectors
- Home Inspector-Specific Facebook Groups
- American Society of Home Inspectors – the Iowa Chapter
Insurance as a Home Inspector in Iowa
Home inspectors in Iowa are expected to carry insurance coverage while practicing their profession.
Generally, these next policies are enough for most home inspectors:
- 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 $300 fee.
Both the application and fee can be submitted online.
Home Inspector Salary in Iowa
For those dedicating time and effort to a career that involves examinations and training, it’s natural to inquire about potential earnings.
In Iowa, the median salary for a home inspector is approximately $52,734 per year.
Check out the table below in order to find out more about salaries for home inspectors in Iowa.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Des Moines | $53,214 |
| Ankeny | $53,214 |
| Waukee | $53,115 |
| Bevington | $52,917 |
| Yale | $52,719 |
| Zearing | $52,719 |
| Solon | $52,558 |
| Rose Hill | $52,473 |
| Tiffin | $52,425 |
| Stockton | $51,827 |
Regional Salary in Iowa
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA | 50 | $70,090 | $33.7 | $83,700 | $50,650 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 120 | $73,050 | $35.12 | $113,450 | $44,920 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 110 | $68,270 | $32.82 | $90,790 | $45,100 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 290 | $76,230 | $36.65 | $93,490 | $50,590 |
| Dubuque, IA | 40 | $70,280 | $33.79 | $89,360 | $47,290 |
| Iowa City, IA | 70 | $72,560 | $34.89 | $89,300 | $54,440 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | 40 | $74,770 | $35.95 | $104,870 | $56,660 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | 40 | $63,710 | $30.63 | $78,820 | $42,590 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills are needed for a home inspector in Iowa?
Here are the most useful skills for this occupation:
- Interpersonal Skills
- A Working Knowledge of Construction
- Self-Motivation
- Attention to details
Can I work as a freelance home inspector in Iowa?
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 Iowa?
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
Read the full guide: How to Become a Home Inspector
Home Inspector by State