How to Become a Home Inspector in New Mexico

Everyone perceives a residence as a secure haven, yet for it to truly become a cherished dwelling, it must be inhabited.

Most houses undergo scrutiny during construction or extensive renovations.

Homeowners also engage a home inspector when they intend to sell their property.

In New Mexico, the prerequisites for becoming a home inspector are relatively minimal, making this the right place to learn more.

Home Inspector Job Description in New Mexico

It’s important to distinguish a home inspection from a home appraisal.

The former aims to identify any issues within the house, while the latter assesses the house’s value based on various factors.

A home inspector evaluates:

• The functionality of cooling and heating systems.
• The integrity of plumbing.
• The state of electrical work.
• Roof condition.
• The foundation’s stability.
• Any damage from fire, water, insects, or other elements.

At the conclusion of the inspection, the inspector must compile a comprehensive report detailing their findings.

This report significantly influences the house’s appraisal and its likelihood of a swift sale.

Depending on the structure’s age, a specialized inspection may be necessary.

This can include checks for:

• Termites and other pests,
• Lead and asbestos,
• Mold and mildew,
• Radon,
• Chimneys,
• Other elements.

Specialized inspections typically incur additional fees.

Although there are no specific prerequisites for becoming a home inspector in New Mexico, this profession requires licensure.

Earn Your Home Inspector License in New Mexico

The oversight of home inspectors in New Mexico falls under the purview of the New Mexico Home Inspector Licensing Board.

The Board offers three different methods to become licensed as a home inspector.

1. Training and Examination

This step involves the completion of an obligatory 80 hours of field experience.

Out of these 80 hours, 30 must be completed under a licensed home inspector.

Candidates have to also attend 80 hours of an approved theory education program.

Let’s see where you can attend an appropriate training program!

InterNACHI School

InterNACHI School, a reputable institution for prospective home inspectors, provides free training courses to association members.

These courses are also available online, ensuring accessibility to a wide audience.

Additionally, InterNACHI offers various benefits to its members, including marketing and business development support.

HI-TEC Home Inspection Training

This school offers 2 more types of services besides home inspection training.

The training can be tailored to the student’s preferences.

Regardless of preferences, all students get access to the same benefits.

These include:

• Textbooks
• GFCI Tester
• Code Check textbook
• Inspection mirror
• 2-prong electrical tester
• Other necessities

To get started, you must call the school first, then choose your preferred training options, then enroll, then schedule your classes.

The course bundle for New Mexico costs $899 and various payment methods are accepted.

2. Experience and Examination

For this option, candidates must meet the next prerequisites:

• 2 years of home inspector experience before the start of 2020
• Completion of at least 100 home inspections before the start of 2020
• Passing the NHIE or the InterNACHI exam

NHIE (or National Home Inspector Exam)

NHIE has 200 multiple-choice questions, with 25 of them not contributing to the final score.

These questions encompass three fundamental domains that every proficient home inspector should be well-versed in:

• Property and Building Inspection/Site Review
• Analysis of Findings and Reporting
• Professional Responsibilities

Candidates are allocated a generous 4-hour window to complete the examination, with the associated fee typically amounting to around $225.

The fee might change based on the location you choose for your exam.

In the event of an unsuccessful attempt, candidates are obliged to wait for a period of 30 days before being eligible for a retest.

InterNACHI Exam

This exam can be taken online for a $25 fee, but also in person.

The InterNACHI test is proctored by the CNM Community College Assessment Center.

Candidates must schedule their exam in advance.

3. Credentials

To become licensed based on credentials, you need to already be licensed in a different state that has similar requirements as New Mexico.

Home Inspector License Renewal in New Mexico

In this state, home inspector licenses must be renewed every 3 years.

For this, individuals must complete 60 hours of approved continuing education.

InterNACHI members can meet this requirement free of charge and online, on the association’s website.

Insurance as a Home Inspector in New Mexico

Home inspectors in New Mexico are required to carry insurance to practice their profession.

The policy these professionals need in this state is for errors and omissions of at least $250,000.

After completing these steps, candidates can submit their license applications, along with the associated $250 fee.

Candidates must also pay the 3-year license fee of $1,000.

Both fees can be either a cashier’s check or a personal check to the Board.

Home Inspector Salary in New Mexico

For those embarking on becoming a home inspector, it’s natural to seek insight into potential earnings.

In New Mexico, the median salary for a home inspector hovers around $50,827 annually.

To gain further insight, let’s examine median salary figures in cities across the state.

Regional Salary in New Mexico

Home Inspector by State