How to Become a Home Inspector in New York

Many perceive a house as a sanctuary, but it truly becomes a home when inhabited.

Most dwellings undergo inspection during construction or major renovations.

When homeowners consider selling their property, the expertise of a home inspector becomes crucial.

Becoming a home inspector in New York entails relatively few prerequisites, making this an opportune moment to explore this profession.

Home Inspector Job Description in New York

It’s essential to differentiate a home inspection from a home appraisal.

The former is geared towards identifying potential issues within the property, whereas the latter determines the property’s value based on various factors.

A certified home inspector in New York assesses:

• The functionality of heating and cooling systems.
• The integrity of plumbing.
• The electrical infrastructure.
• Roof condition.
• The foundation’s stability.
• Damage caused by fire, water, insects, or other elements.

Following the inspection, a comprehensive report is compiled, which can significantly impact the property’s appraisal and its speed of sale.

Depending on the property’s age, specialized inspections may be necessary, encompassing assessments for termites, pests, lead, asbestos, mold, radon, chimneys, and more, often incurring additional fees.

While no specific prerequisites are set for becoming a home inspector, licensure is mandatory.

Completing Your Home Inspector Training in New York

In New York, home inspectors fall under the jurisdiction of the New York Division of Construction Management.

This division mandates candidates to complete a 140-hour training course dedicated to home inspection.

These hours must include 40 hours of home inspections that are not paid but directly supervised by a licensed home inspector.

Furthermore, aspirants must perform 100 inspections supervised by a licensed home inspector.

These inspections can be paid or unpaid.

Let’s have a look at the institutions where you can enroll in a training course.

A1 Real Estate & Insurance Institute Inc

This institute offers a home inspection class for $600.

Some of the subjects include:

• The basic techniques
• How to work with other tools
• How to comply with the New York State Rules and Regulations
• Where to buy the thermal imaging camera

There are also several seminars on various subjects, offered for free.

Advanced Training Institute

Here, several modules are offered, each with a different duration.

Each module covers several topics and the courses can be attended:

• Separately
• To pass the licensing exam
• To continue your education
• For self-development

The classes can be attended either in a classroom or online.

Caparco’s Home Inspection School of Western NY

At this school, the tuition can be paid either in full or in monthly payments, as follows:

• The full payment is $1,875
• The monthly payment is $500 for 4 months

Regardless of the payment method you choose, the course is the same with the same benefits:

• 5 modules
• Training guide textbook
• A free introductory toolkit
• Several published reports worth $100

Each month has 25 credit hours taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, in the evening.

1 training module lasts for a month, and at the end of the module, students must take a test.

An extra class takes place on Saturdays in the morning.

It covers the 5th module which is field training.

Home Inspector Licensing Exam in New York

In New York, those who want to become a home inspector must pass one of these exams:

• National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE)
• NYS written examination

The National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) comprises 200 questions, including 25 unscored ones, and has a duration of 4 hours.

It covers topics such as property and building inspection, site review, analysis of findings, reporting, and professional responsibilities.

The exam fee is approximately $225, varying by location.

If candidates do not pass, they must wait 30 days before retaking the exam.

Insurance as a Home Inspector in New York

Home inspectors in New York are required to have insurance coverage while practicing.

There is just one type of insurance needed by home inspectors in New York.

This is the certificate of liability coverage done with the Department of State, as follows:

• $150,000 minimum, per occurrence
• $500,000 aggregate

Home Inspector License Application in New York

Upon completing all these steps, candidates can submit their license application along with the associated fees.

The fees you must pay are:

• $250 – for the initial application
• $50 – for the written Exam

It’s important to know that the license must be renewed every 2 years.

The renewal fee is $100.

Additionally, 24 hours of continuing education must also be completed for renewal.

Some home inspectors might need to change some personal details on their licenses.

For this, they must pay $25.

If they need a license duplication, they must pay $25.

Home Inspector Salary in New York

It’s customary to inquire about potential earnings when investing time and effort into a career that requires training and examinations.

In New York, the median salary for a home inspector is estimated at around $58,801 annually.

If you want to learn more about it, make sure to check out the table below.

Regional Salary in New York

Home Inspector by State