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People perceive a house as a secure place, but for it to truly become a home, it must be inhabited.
Most houses undergo inspections during their construction or when substantial renovations are required.
Additionally, homeowners seek the services of a home inspector when they intend to sell their property.
Becoming a home inspector in Massachusetts doesn’t entail stringent requirements, so if you aspire to pursue this career, you’ve come to the right place.
Article Table of Contents
- 1 Home Inspector Job Description in Massachusetts
- 2 Completing Your Home Inspector Training in Massachusetts
- 3 Passing the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in Massachusetts
- 4 Insurance Requirements for Home Inspectors in Massachusetts
- 5 Home Inspector Salary in Massachusetts
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions
Home Inspector Job Description in Massachusetts
It’s essential to understand that a home inspection’s primary purpose is to identify any issues the house may have.
This process is distinct from a home appraisal, which assesses the house’s value based on various factors.
A home inspector assesses:
- The functionality of the heating and cooling systems.
- The condition of the plumbing.
- The integrity of the electrical system.
- The roof’s condition.
- The house’s foundation.
- Any damage caused by fire, water, pests, or other elements.
Following the inspection, the inspector must compile a comprehensive report detailing their findings.
This report can significantly influence the property’s appraisal and its potential for a swift sale.
Depending on the building’s age, specialized inspections may be necessary, such as assessing for:
- Termite infestations.
- Presence of other pests.
- Lead contamination.
- Asbestos presence.
- Mold and mildew issues.
- Radon levels.
- Chimney integrity.
- Other specific elements.
Specialized inspections often come with additional fees.
While there are no specific prerequisites for becoming a home inspector, this profession requires obtaining a license.
Completing Your Home Inspector Training in Massachusetts
The oversight of home inspectors in Massachusetts falls under the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure’s Board of Registration of Home Inspectors.
Aspiring inspectors must complete a training course of 75 hours for home inspection.
These hours must be completed in a classroom.
Additionally, candidates need to carry out 25 inspections under the supervision of a licensed home inspector.
These inspections will earn candidates an associate license.
This is not all, because, after this step, you have to become an apprentice.
The apprenticeship consists of completing 100 home inspections.
Copies of your inspections will be reviewed by a qualified home inspector.
Several institutions offer training programs for this profession.
AHIT 
With AHIT, your training can be completed in as little as 3 weeks.
The course also includes practice hours on 2 local houses.
Other elements included in the course are:
- Completion Certificate
- An eTextbook – A Practical Guide to Home Inspection
- Instructor Support During and After Graduation
- 15 Bonus Marketing, Business, and Technical Courses
- A discount for the Errors & Omissions Insurance policy
The classes are live and their full cost is $1,695, but you can get a discount and other financial support if you need it.
Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) 
This organization provides an online course for $695.
Its course includes several advantages, such as free report writing software, one month of InterNACHI membership, one-year access to Edcetera Home Inspection, and more.
The course also contains the mandatory 25 practice hours required for licensing.
There is no time limit for completing the course, and you receive a certificate and certification number.
InterNACHI School 
InterNACHI School is another reputable institution offering free training to association members.
Their online classes ensure accessibility for all and provide additional support for marketing and business development.
Even their continuing education classes are free of charge to its members.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| InterNACHI School | online |
| AHIT | online |
| Inspection Certification Associates | online |
Passing the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in Massachusetts
Notably, Massachusetts does not have a state-specific licensing exam for home inspectors.
Instead, candidates must pass a national-level exam, which is conveniently available online.
The National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) consists of 200 questions.
The exam lasts 4 hours, with 25 unscored questions.
It covers topics such as:
- Property and Building Inspection/Site Review
- Analysis of Findings and Reporting
- Professional Responsibilities
The exam fee varies by location but is approximately $225.
There are several cities across the state where the exam is made available.
Candidates failing the exam must wait 30 days before a reattempt.
License Renewal for Home Inspectors in Massachusetts
In this state, home inspectors are expected to renew their licenses periodically.
This is done during even-numbered years, by May 31st.
Individuals must complete 12 hours of continuing education during a renewal period.
Insurance Requirements for Home Inspectors in Massachusetts
Home inspectors in Massachusetts are expected to hold a specific insurance policy while practicing.
This is for errors and omissions insurance and it has to have a minimum coverage of $250,000.
Upon completing all these steps, candidates can submit their license applications online along with a $338 fee.
The application must be notarized and a color passport-size photo must be also attached.
Home Inspector Salary in Massachusetts
For individuals investing time and effort into this profession, it’s natural to consider potential earnings.
In Massachusetts, the median salary for a home inspector hovers around $59,969 annually.
To provide a more detailed breakdown, here are some salary figures from cities with the highest median salaries in the state.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Revere | $62,085 |
| Newton | $62,085 |
| Brighton | $62,085 |
| Wakefield | $62,066 |
| Methuen | $58,850 |
| Fitchburg | $58,749 |
| Barnstable | $58,648 |
| Hyannis | $58,445 |
| Attleboro | $58,023 |
| Leominster | $58,022 |
Regional Salary in Massachusetts
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | 70 | $76,430 | $36.74 | $103,170 | $47,930 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 2,220 | $87,100 | $41.88 | $132,110 | $48,270 |
| Leominster-Gardner, MA | 50 | $75,620 | $36.36 | $114,080 | $46,970 |
| New Bedford, MA | 30 | $74,930 | $36.02 | $107,550 | $43,490 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 50 | $76,470 | $36.76 | $105,660 | $49,570 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 270 | $77,280 | $37.16 | $105,310 | $43,280 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 290 | $76,530 | $36.8 | $102,170 | $42,990 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other requirements are there to become a home inspector in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the minimum requirements for home inspectors are:
- Passing a background check
- Having a high school diploma or GED
What skills are needed for a home inspector in Massachusetts?
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 Massachusetts?
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.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Home Inspector
Home Inspector by State