by 
Many individuals perceive a house as a secure haven.
However, for a house to truly transform into a home, it must be inhabited.
Most houses undergo inspection either during their construction phase or when undergoing significant renovations.
A home inspector’s services are also sought after by homeowners looking to sell their property.
Becoming a home inspector in Louisiana is characterized by relatively few requirements, making this the ideal resource for those considering this profession.
Article Table of Contents
Home Inspector Job Description in Louisiana
Understanding that the primary objective of a home inspection is to identify any issues present in the house is crucial.
It’s important to distinguish this role from that of a home appraiser, whose task is to determine a house’s value based on various factors.
A home inspector evaluates various critical components, including:
- The functionality of heating and cooling systems.
- Plumbing systems.
- The condition of electrical systems on the property.
- The state of the roof.
- The structural integrity of the house’s foundation.
- Any damage caused by fire, water, pests, or environmental factors.
Upon completing the inspection, the inspector is responsible for generating a comprehensive report detailing their findings.
This report holds significant sway over the house’s appraised value and its potential to sell quickly.
Depending on the age of the house or specific requirements, specialized home inspections may be necessary.
These specialized inspections can include assessments for:
- Termite infestations.
- The presence of other pests.
- Lead content.
- Asbestos.
- Mold and mildew growth.
- Radon levels.
- Chimney integrity.
- Other elements that demand special attention.
Specialized inspections often incur additional fees.
While the path to becoming a home inspector in Louisiana does not involve stringent prerequisites, obtaining a license is a compulsory step.
Completing Your Home Inspector Training in Louisiana
Home inspectors in Louisiana fall under the oversight of the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors.
This regulatory body mandates candidates to complete a 90-hour training program for home inspection.
Additionally, candidates must carry out:
- 30 hours of pre-licensing platform training
- 10 live inspections with an approved in-field trainer
Candidates must also attend the Standards of Practice and Report Writing seminar that is available throughout the year.
Now, let’s see which institutions you can enroll at to fulfill the needed training.
ICA 
For those aspiring to become home inspectors, the Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) offers an online course.
This comprehensive course has a fee of $695 and provides numerous benefits, including:
- Residential Home Inspection Certification
- Commercial Inspection Certification
- A License Exam Prep Course, valued at $300
- Report Software (valued at $400)
- One month InterNACHI membership provided when you graduate
- Lifetime listing on com database
- Lifetime support even after you get certified
InterNACHI School 
The InterNACHI School is a reputable institution for those interested in becoming home inspectors.
The school extends the training course at no cost to members of the association, and it is conveniently accessible online.
Moreover, the organization offers various benefits to its members, including marketing support and assistance with business development.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| InterNACHI School | online |
| ICA | online |
Passing the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in Louisiana
Louisiana does not administer a state-specific exam for home inspector licensing.
Instead, candidates are required to successfully pass a national-level exam, which can be taken online.
However, before taking the exam, certain prerequisites must be met.
Completion of the education requirements as described above.
Candidates must also ensure that they have completed 25 home inspection reports, all of which must be reviewed by their supervisor, a licensed home inspector.
Once these conditions are met, candidates can register for the licensing exam called the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE).
This exam comprises 200 questions, including 25 unscored items, and has a duration of 4 hours.
It covers various topics:
- Property and building inspection,
- Site reviews,
- Analysis of findings and reporting,
- 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.
Insurance as a Home Inspector in Louisiana
Louisiana mandates that home inspectors carry insurance as part of their professional practice.
Specifically, several types of insurance are mandatory:
- An errors and omissions (E&O) policy of $300,000
- A bond of $25,000
- A general liability policy of $300,000
After successfully completing all the aforementioned steps, candidates can proceed to submit their license application, along with the associated $200 fee.
The application must be notarized, and both documents can be conveniently submitted online.
Home Inspector Salary in Louisiana
It is natural to be curious about potential earnings when embarking on a career that requires training and the successful completion of exams.
In Louisiana, the median salary for a home inspector typically falls around $52,392 yearly.
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 |
|---|---|
| Harvey | $53,948 |
| Kenner | $53,919 |
| Ama | $53,831 |
| Luling | $53,742 |
| Bush | $53,507 |
| Chauvin | $53,507 |
| Des Allemands | $53,507 |
| Garyville | $52,849 |
| Baton Rouge | $51,786 |
| Shreveport | $50,662 |
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA | 40 | $66,480 | $31.96 | $88,380 | $51,810 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 330 | $72,400 | $34.81 | $102,680 | $45,940 |
| Hammond, LA | 40 | $66,580 | $32.01 | $90,500 | $48,840 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | 40 | $66,200 | $31.83 | $96,810 | $45,120 |
| Lafayette, LA | 80 | $59,540 | $28.63 | $81,310 | $39,100 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 60 | $64,330 | $30.93 | $99,580 | $36,870 |
| Monroe, LA | 70 | $66,350 | $31.9 | $101,360 | $38,180 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 360 | $72,060 | $34.65 | $103,270 | $46,290 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 90 | $65,850 | $31.66 | $104,920 | $40,990 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other requirements are there to become a home inspector in Louisiana?
The Board requires for:
- A background check with fingerprints
- High school diploma or GED
- A personal insurance policy
The fingerprinting and the background check have additional costs and are performed before enrolling in a training program.
What skills are needed for a home inspector in Louisiana?
Here are the most useful skills for this occupation:
- Interpersonal Skills
- A Working Knowledge of Construction
- Self-Motivation
- Attention to details
What skills are needed for a home inspector in Louisiana?
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