How to Become a Home Inspector in South Dakota

Most people view a house as a sanctuary, a place of safety and comfort.

However, it truly becomes a home when it’s inhabited, filled with cherished memories and personal experiences.

The process of ensuring that a house is secure and well-maintained often involves inspections, whether during construction, significant renovations, or when homeowners decide to sell their property.

Becoming a home inspector in South Dakota doesn’t involve many prerequisites, making it an opportune moment to explore this profession.

Understanding the Role of a Home Inspector in South Dakota

It’s essential to differentiate between a home inspection and a home appraisal.

A home inspection focuses on identifying potential issues within the house, while a home appraisal determines the property’s value based on various factors.

In South Dakota, a certified home inspector conducts a comprehensive evaluation, covering:

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

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

Potential buyers should consider an inspection if the building is older than 10 or 20 years.

This involves assessments for termites, pests, lead, asbestos, mold, radon, chimneys, and other elements, it’s usually performed for additional fees.

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

Completing Your Home Inspector Training in South Dakota

In South Dakota, home inspectors are regulated by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission.

Aspiring home inspectors must complete an approved training course of at least 40 hours.

Additionally, candidates must conduct 100 paid field inspections as part of their training.

ICA

ICA’s course is priced at $695, and enrolled students gain access to a range of valuable benefits, including:

• Complimentary report-writing software
• One-month membership with InterNACHI
• One-year access to Edcetera Home Inspection (typically valued at $99)
• Flexibility in course completion
• Certification

InterNACHI School

Nearly all aspiring inspectors opt for InterNACHI membership.

Membership is available at an annual fee of $499 or a monthly subscription of $49.

InterNACHI offers numerous benefits to its members, including marketing support and assistance with business development.

Members also enjoy exclusive privileges, such as significant insurance discounts and 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.

Within these facilities, members can test various inspection tools, participate in meetings, and engage in other valuable experiences.

Additionally, InterNACHI provides members with various other benefits, including support for marketing and business development.

Other Requirements for a Home Inspector in South Dakota

Home inspectors in South Dakota are not obligated to carry insurance coverage while practicing.

When working with various organizations, having at least an errors and omissions insurance policy is mandatory.

In this state, home inspectors must pass a background check before taking the licensing exam.

This check has to be done:

• Through fingerprints
• At the state level
• At the federal level

You’ll be expected to pay around $44 for your fingerprints to be processed for this purpose.

The South Dakota Attorney General’s website has more information about this process.

Passing the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in South Dakota

Prospective home inspectors will need to pass the national licensing exam, which is conveniently available for online administration.

The exam will cover the following topics:

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

The exam fee may vary depending on the candidate’s location.

Candidates must respond to a total of 200 questions within a 4-hour timeframe.

It’s important to note that 25 questions will not be included in the final scoring.

In the event of a failed attempt, candidates will need to wait for a duration of 30 days before being eligible for another examination.

If you pass, you’re ready to submit your license application.

The application has to be accompanied by an application fee of $200.

The license expires after 2 years and its renewal requires 24 hours of continuing education by the end of the year in which the license expires.

Home Inspector Salary in South Dakota

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

In South Dakota, the median salary for a home inspector is estimated to be approximately $48,557 per year.

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

Regional Salary in South Dakota

Home Inspector by State