How to Become a Home Inspector in South Carolina

For most individuals, a house represents a place of safety and refuge.

Yet, it transforms into a genuine home when it is inhabited, filled with cherished memories and personal experiences.

In the process of ensuring that a house is secure and well-maintained, inspections play a vital role.

These examinations can take place during the construction phase, significant renovations, or when homeowners decide to sell their property.

For those considering a career as a home inspector in South Carolina, the pathway is quite accessible, with relatively few prerequisites, making it an appealing choice for prospective professionals.

Home Inspector’s Role in South Carolina

It’s important to distinguish between a home inspection and a home appraisal.

While a home appraisal aims to determine a property’s value based on various factors, a home inspection primarily focuses on identifying potential issues within the house.

In South Carolina, a certified home inspector conducts a comprehensive assessment, encompassing:

• Evaluation of the functionality of heating and cooling systems.
• Inspection of plumbing systems.
• Examination of the electrical system.
• Assessment of the roof’s condition.
• Evaluation of the house’s foundation.
• Identification of any damage caused by fire, water, insects, or other environmental factors.

Following the inspection, the inspector compiles a detailed report, a document that can significantly influence the property’s appraisal and the expeditiousness of its sale.

The age of the house or building may require a specialized home inspection.

During one of these, the home inspector will look for termites, pests, lead, asbestos, mold, radon, chimneys, and other elements, often incurring additional fees.

While there are no extensive prerequisites for becoming a home inspector in South Carolina, obtaining a license is obligatory.

Completing Your Home Inspector Training in South Carolina

In South Carolina, home inspectors are regulated by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation.

Aspiring home inspectors must complete a 120-hour approved training course dedicated to home inspection.

Let’s see which institutions offer appropriate training!

Inspection Certification Associates (ICA)

ICA’s course is priced at $695.

Students can enjoy several valuable benefits, including:

• Free report-writing software,
• A one-month membership with InterNACHI,
• A one-year access to Edcetera Home Inspection (usually valued at $99),
• Flexibility in completing the course,
• Certification
• Training for roof inspections by drone
• Mobile app with 700 practice exam questions

InterNACHI School

Virtually all individuals who aspire to become home inspectors choose to become InterNACHI members.

Membership in this organization is accessible through an annual fee of $499 or a monthly subscription of $49.

InterNACHI provides its members with a wide range of benefits, including assistance with marketing and support for business development.

Members also enjoy exclusive privileges, including:

• Significant discounts on insurance.
• Complimentary access to the House of Horrors.

It’s important to note that there are only two Houses of Horrors in the entire nation, and appointments are required for visits.

Within these facilities, members have the opportunity to test various inspection tools, participate in meetings, and engage in other valuable experiences.

Furthermore, InterNACHI continues to offer its members various benefits, including robust support for marketing and business growth.

Home Inspector Licensing Exam in South Carolina

In South Carolina, candidates must pass the nationally recognized home inspector licensing.

Candidates must successfully complete this exam, which can typically be taken online.

The exam will cover these topics:

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

The exam fee may differ depending on your location.

Candidates must answer 200 questions within 4 hours, but 25 of these questions won’t affect your score.

If you fail, you’ll need to wait for 30 days before another attempt.

The South Carolina-specific exam can also be attempted by the candidates.

Regardless of which test you choose, you must also pass the South Carolina Business Management and Law Exam.

In some instances, candidates can use 1 year of related experience instead of examination.

Home Inspector Background Check in South Carolina

In South Carolina, future home inspectors must undergo a background check if they have previous convictions.

A criminal past doesn’t always bar a person from obtaining the license to practice as a home inspector.

The background check has to be done both at the national and the state level.

Other Documents Needed by Home Inspectors in South Carolina

In South Carolina, future home inspectors will have to submit a set of different documents than in most other states.

When applying you also need:

• An application form you fill out
• Driver’s license
• Social security card

Following the completion of these steps, candidates can submit their license application along with the associated fee of $80.

The application must be notarized.

Those who receive their licenses do not have to continue their education to maintain it.

Home Inspector Salary in South Carolina

It’s natural to be curious about potential earnings when considering a career that involves training and examinations.

In South Carolina, the median salary for a home inspector is estimated to be approximately $52,024 per year.

For a more comprehensive breakdown of median salaries in cities across the state, please consult the table below.

Regional Salary in South Carolina

Home Inspector by State