by 
The concept of a home as a sanctuary resonates with most individuals, as it symbolizes a haven of safety and comfort.
A house truly transforms into a home when it is inhabited, as it fills with memories and personal experiences.
Often, the journey to ensuring a house is safe and sound begins with inspections, whether during its construction, major renovations, or when homeowners decide to list their property.
For those contemplating a career as a home inspector in Pennsylvania, the path is quite accessible, with relatively minimal prerequisites, making it an appealing choice for aspiring professionals.
Article Table of Contents
Home Inspector Job Description in Pennsylvania
It’s common to confuse a home inspection with a home appraisal.
In a home appraisal, the aim is to determine a property’s sales value based on diverse factors.
One of these factors are the results of a home inspection.
In Pennsylvania, a certified home inspector conducts an evaluation of the:
- Functionality of heating and cooling systems.
- Plumbing systems.
- Electrical system.
- Roof’s condition
- This is done using binoculars or drones
- House’s foundation.
- Damages caused by fire, water, insects, or other environmental factors.
Following the inspection, you should expect a detailed report with the findings.
A specialized home inspection is usually recommended when the building is older than 10 years.
Such specialized inspections may encompass assessments for termites, pests, lead, asbestos, mold, radon, the state of the chimneys, and more.
It should be no wonder when these inspections have additional costs because, most often, home inspectors need additional training to detect any of these issues.
While there are no extensive prerequisites for becoming a home inspector in Pennsylvania, obtaining a license is obligatory.
Furthermore, in the City of Philadelphia there are different requirements than in the rest of the state.
Completing Your Home Inspector Training in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, home inspectors are regulated by the The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP).
Aspiring home inspectors must complete an approved training course of 120 hours dedicated to home inspection.
Furthermore, candidates also need to participate in 100 home inspections.
These next institutions offer the best training options.
ICA 
ICA’s course is $695 and includes:
- Free report-writing software.
- One-month InterNACHI membership.
- One-year Edcetera Home Inspection access (usually $99).
- Flexible course completion.
- Certification.
- Mandatory practice hours for licensing.
InterNACHI School 
The InterNACHI School is a top choice for aspiring home inspectors.
Almost all future inspectors join InterNACHI.
Membership costs $499 annually or $49 monthly.
Members get benefits like marketing help and business support.
Plus, they get:
- Insurance discounts
- Free access to the House of Horrors
There are only two Houses of Horrors in the country, so appointments are needed.
Here, members test tools, attend meetings, and gain valuable experience.
InterNACHI also provides marketing and business support.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| InterNACHI | online |
| ICA | online |
Home Inspector Licensing Exam in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, aspiring home inspectors must pass the national licensing exam.
This online test covers:
- Property and Building Inspection/Site Review.
- Analysis of Findings and Reporting.
- Professional Responsibilities.
The exam fee varies by location, and candidates must answer 200 questions within 4 hours.
Notably, 25 questions do not contribute to the final score.
Failing requires a 30-day waiting period before a reattempt.
Home Inspector Insurance in Pennsylvania
Home inspectors in Pennsylvania are obligated to carry insurance coverage while practicing.
These insurance policies are compulsory:
- Errors and omission insurance for $100,000 per occurrence
- General liability insurance for $100,000 per occurrence
- $500,000 in the aggregate and deductibles of not more than $2,500
Following the completion of these steps, candidates can submit their license application along with the associated fee.
The application must be notarized.
If you obtain your license, you’re currently not expected to continue your education.
Home inspectors are required to join a reputable organization for their occupation.
Working for a home inspector that is a member of such an organization and is in good standing with it, is also accepted.
Home Inspector in Philadelphia
In the city of Philadelphia, you’ll be asked to complete a training course of 120 hours.
Upon its completion, you’ll have to pass the nationally-recognized exam, NHIE, (or National Home Inspector Exam).
Your application will need a 2”x2” photo ID, of passport quality.
Home Inspector Salary in Pennsylvania
It’s natural to be inquisitive about potential earnings when considering a career that involves training and examinations.
In Pennsylvania, the median salary for a home inspector is estimated to be approximately $54,993 per year.
For a more comprehensive breakdown of median salaries in cities across the state, please consult the table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Solebury | $59,973 |
| Ackermanville | $58,928 |
| Stroudsburg | $56,528 |
| Philadelphia | $58,476 |
| Woodlyn | $58,454 |
| Abington | $58,432 |
| Telford | $58,122 |
| Toughkenamon | $57,815 |
| Stockertown | $55,423 |
| Zullinger | $53,617 |
Regional Salary in Pennsylvania
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 280 | $66,570 | $32.01 | $86,300 | $47,420 |
| Altoona, PA | 110 | $57,560 | $27.67 | $72,540 | $44,570 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA | 30 | $61,340 | $29.49 | $103,110 | $44,520 |
| Erie, PA | 40 | $61,120 | $29.39 | $78,500 | $43,830 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 480 | $63,860 | $30.7 | $76,770 | $47,830 |
| Johnstown, PA | 40 | $59,040 | $28.38 | $72,020 | $43,210 |
| Lancaster, PA | 110 | $63,690 | $30.62 | $76,750 | $45,990 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 2,310 | $71,870 | $34.55 | $103,480 | $47,680 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 1,260 | $58,650 | $28.2 | $77,590 | $39,900 |
| Reading, PA | 90 | $65,070 | $31.28 | $87,610 | $47,770 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA | 190 | $57,100 | $27.45 | $76,690 | $42,680 |
| State College, PA | 80 | $73,640 | $35.4 | $102,060 | $46,200 |
| Williamsport, PA | 80 | $55,550 | $26.71 | $68,810 | $45,550 |
| York-Hanover, PA | 120 | $60,210 | $28.95 | $76,560 | $44,560 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other requirements are there to become a home inspector in Pennsylvania?
The minimum requirements to become a home inspector in this state are:
- Minimum age of 18
- High school diploma or GED
- Insurance policies
- A legal US resident
What skills are needed for a home inspector in Pennsylvania?
Here are the most useful skills for this occupation:
- Good Interpersonal Skills
- A Working Knowledge of Construction
- Self-Motivation
- Attention to details
Can I work as a freelance home inspector in Pennsylvania?
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