How to Become a Home Inspector in New Hampshire

Many perceive a house as a place of security, but it is through habitation that it truly becomes a home.

Most houses undergo inspection during their construction or when significant renovations are required.

A home inspector is also essential when homeowners intend to sell their property.

Becoming a home inspector in New Hampshire involves relatively few prerequisites, making it an ideal starting point for those interested in this profession.

Home Inspector Job Description in New Hampshire

The first aspect to understand about home inspection is its primary objective—to identify any issues that the house may possess.

It differs from a home appraisal, which focuses on determining a property’s value based on various factors.

A New Hampshire home inspector conducts assessments on:

• Cooling and heating systems
• Plumbing
• Electrical systems on the property
• The roof
• The foundation of the house
• Damage caused by fire, water, insects, 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 quick sale.

Depending on the age of the house or building, specialized home inspections might be necessary, such as inspections for termites, pests, lead, asbestos, mold, mildew, radon, chimneys, and other elements.

These specialized inspections may incur additional fees.

While there are no specific prerequisites for becoming a home inspector, this profession requires holding a license.

Completing Your Home Inspector Training in New Hampshire

If you want to get a license, you first need to finish 80 hours of training accepted by the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.

The Office expects future home inspectors to complete training with a duration of 80 class hours.

Let’s see the schools where you can complete the required training.

ICA (Inspection Certification Associates)

ICA, short for Inspection Certification Associates, offers an online course for individuals aspiring to become home inspectors in New Hampshire.

The course fee is $695 and comes with numerous benefits, including:

• Complimentary access to Report Writing Software, typically valued at $399
• One-month free membership with InterNACHI (National Association of Certified Home Inspectors)
• A one-year free subscription to Edcetera Home Inspection, typically priced at $99
• No time constraints for course completion
• A certificate and a unique certification number
• Fulfillment of the mandatory 35 practice hours for the licensing process

InterNACHI School

InterNACHI School is a well-known institution for individuals interested in becoming home inspectors.

The school offers free training courses to members of the association, with online classes making them accessible to all members.

Additionally, this organization provides various benefits to its members, including support for marketing and business development.

If you want to become a member, you’ll have to pay either $49 monthly or $499 per year.

Passing the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in New Hampshire

It’s important to note that New Hampshire does not have a state-specific licensing exam for home inspectors.

Instead, individuals must pass a national-level exam, which can be conveniently taken online.

However, before attempting the exam, candidates must meet specific prerequisites.

These include completing the required education and gaining practical experience as described above.

The National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) has 200 questions, with 25 of them not counted towards the score.

The test duration is 4 hours and covers topics such as property and building inspection, site review, analysis of findings and reporting, and professional responsibilities.

The exam fee is approximately $225, subject to location variations.

Candidates who do not pass must wait 30 days before a reattempt.

The fee for the license application is $200.

For licensing, you also have to pass a state background check that is notarized and it must come from the NH Division of State Police.

The fee for this check is $25.

Home Inspector License Renewal in New Hampshire

Like in many other states, your home inspector license will expire every 2 years.

The deadline is the last day of the month in which you were born.

To renew your license, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education.

Insurance as a Home Inspector in New Hampshire

While New Hampshire mandates liability insurance, it does not specify a particular policy amount.

Typically, general liability policies for small businesses cost approximately $40 per month.

To secure the most favorable rate and gain a clearer understanding of your specific coverage requirements, it is best to consult with a licensed local insurance agent experienced in working with home inspectors.

Alternatively, you can explore insurance options online or seek guidance from members of local home inspector trade organizations.

Home Inspector Salary in New Hampshire

Prospective home inspectors often wonder about their potential earnings once they embark on this career path.

In New Hampshire, the average salary for a home inspector is about $55,831 a year.

Take a look below in order to learn more about salaries in this state.

Regional Salary in New Hampshire

Home Inspector by State