by 
Many people perceive a house as a place of safety.
However, a house truly becomes a home when it is inhabited.
Most houses undergo inspection during construction or major renovation phases.
Homeowners also seek the services of a home inspector when they intend to sell their property.
In Kentucky, the path to becoming a home inspector is relatively straightforward, making this page the right place for aspiring professionals.
Article Table of Contents
Home Inspector Job Description in Kentucky
It is essential to understand that a home inspection’s primary purpose is to identify any issues a house may have.
This is distinct from a home appraisal, which aims to determine a house’s value based on various factors.
A home inspector assesses critical aspects, including:
- The functionality of heating and cooling systems.
- Plumbing systems.
- The condition of electrical systems on the property.
- The roof’s state.
- The structural integrity of the house’s foundation.
- Any damage caused by fire, water, pests, or environmental factors.
At the conclusion of the inspection, the inspector is responsible for compiling a comprehensive report detailing their findings.
This report significantly influences the house’s appraisal value and its potential for a swift sale.
Depending on a property’s age or specific requirements, specialized home inspections may be necessary.
These specialized inspections can include assessments for:
- Termite infestations
- Presence of other pests
- Lead content
- Asbestos
- Mold and mildew growth
- Radon levels
- Chimney integrity
- Other elements that require particular attention
Specialized inspections often come with additional fees.
While becoming a home inspector in Kentucky does not have stringent prerequisites, obtaining a license is mandatory.
Completing Your Home Inspector Training in Kentucky
Home inspectors in Kentucky are overseen by the Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors.
The Board mandates candidates to complete a 64-hour training program for home inspection.
Additionally, candidates must conduct a minimum of 3 inspections under the supervision of a licensed home inspector.
Individuals must attend training in-person, as distance learning is not accepted in this state.
ICA – Inspection Certification Associates 
The Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) offers an online course tailored for individuals aspiring to become home inspectors.
This course has a fee of $695 and offers several advantages, such as:
- Access to Free Report Writing Software, typically valued at $399.
- A one-month complimentary membership with InterNACHI.
- Free one-year access to Edcetera Home Inspection, which usually costs $99.
- No time restrictions for course completion.
- Award of a certificate and a unique certification number.
- Completion of the mandatory 35 practice hours needed for licensure.
InterNACHI School 
The InterNACHI School is a renowned institution for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a home inspector.
The school offers the training course free of charge to association members, and it is accessible online, ensuring convenience for all students.
Moreover, the organization extends various benefits to its members, including marketing support and assistance with business development.
Additionally, the school also offers free continuing education classes where these are needed.
These classes are free of charge for the organization’s members.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| ICA - Inspection Certification Associates | online |
| InterNACHI School | online |
Passing the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in Kentucky
Kentucky does not administer a state-specific exam for home inspector licensing.
Instead, candidates are required to pass a national-level exam, which can be taken online.
However, before sitting for the exam, certain prerequisites must be met.
Completion of the education requirements as mentioned above.
Additionally, candidates must complete 3 home inspections in the field and 16 lab hours.
In Kentucky, passing a criminal background check based on fingerprints and through the FBI is also mandatory.
Submitting a 2×2 passport recent photo is mandatory as well.
Once these conditions are met, candidates can register for the licensing exam.
The National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) comprises 200 questions, including 25 unscored items, and has a duration of 4 hours.
It covers various topics, including property and building inspection, site reviews, analysis of findings and reporting, and professional responsibilities.
The exam fee is approximately $225, subject to location-based variations.
Candidates who do not pass must wait for 30 days before attempting a retest.
The license has to be renewed every even-numbered year with 28 hours of continuing education classes completed between renewals.
Insurance as a Home Inspector in Kentucky
Home inspectors in Kentucky are required to carry insurance as part of their professional practice.
Specifically, several types of insurance are mandatory:
- General liability coverage for at least $250,000
After successfully completing all the aforementioned steps, candidates can proceed to submit their license application, along with the associated $250 fee.
The application must be notarized, and both documents can be conveniently submitted online.
Home Inspector Salary in Kentucky
It is natural to be curious about potential earnings when embarking on a career that requires training and the successful completion of exams.
In Kentucky, the median salary for a home inspector typically falls around $51,852 annually.
Below, we provide a breakdown with additional figures from cities where the median salary tends to be higher within the state.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bellevue | $53,886 |
| Dayton | $53,886 |
| Florence | $53,864 |
| Hebron | $53,864 |
| Burlington | $53,820 |
| California | $53,687 |
| Augusta | $53,555 |
| Germantown | $53,555 |
| Bonnieville | $51,869 |
| Garfield | $51,869 |
Regional Salary in Kentucky
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY | 30 | $53,830 | $25.88 | $76,090 | $35,880 |
| Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY | 40 | $63,920 | $30.73 | $84,040 | $45,050 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 130 | $61,910 | $29.76 | $85,560 | $45,510 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 340 | $59,650 | $28.68 | $83,050 | $41,160 |
| Owensboro, KY | 40 | $53,010 | $25.49 | $85,970 | $33,140 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills are needed for a home inspector in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky?
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 Kentucky?
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