How to Become a Home Inspector in Tennessee

For most, a house represents a place of safety and comfort.

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

Whether during construction, major renovations, or when homeowners decide to sell, houses often undergo inspections to ensure their safety and condition.

Becoming a home inspector in Tennessee doesn’t involve many prerequisites, making it a favorable time to explore this profession.

Understanding the Role of a Home Inspector in Tennessee

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

A home inspection is primarily concerned with identifying potential issues within the house, whereas a home appraisal assesses the property’s value based on various factors.

In Tennessee, a certified home inspector conducts a comprehensive evaluation.

This usually means:

• 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 its speed of sale.

Assessments for termites, pests, lead, asbestos, mold, radon, chimneys, and other elements, which may incur additional fees, are usually performed on older buildings.

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

Completing Your Home Inspector Training in Tennessee

In Tennessee, home inspectors are regulated by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.

Before starting to work, they must complete an approved training course with a duration of at least 90 hours.

These institutions offer the best training courses for candidates.

Inspection Certification Associates

The ICA course is priced at $695, and students can take advantage of several valuable perks.

These are:

• Free report-writing software.
• A one-month membership with InterNACHI.
• One-year access to Edcetera Home Inspection, which is typically valued at $99.
• Flexibility in completing the course.
• Certification with a number

AHIT

At AHIT, candidates can choose from 3 training packages, each with a different tuition.

While you might be tempted to choose the one with the lowest tuition, it would benefit you more if you enrolled in the priciest.

Like this, you’ll have access to all the teaching materials the organization has to offer.

Furthermore, you’ll also receive training for detecting mold and radon gas, which the packages with lower tuitions don’t cover.

InterNACHI School

The InterNACHI School is a standout choice for prospective home inspectors.

Nearly all individuals aspiring to become home inspectors choose to become InterNACHI members.

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

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

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

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

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

Passing the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in Tennessee

In Tennessee, future home inspectors are required to pass the national licensing exam, which is available online, albeit proctored.

The test covers the following subjects:

• 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 answer 200 questions within a 4-hour time frame, with 25 questions not contributing to the final score.

In case of failure, candidates must wait for a period of 30 days before being eligible for another attempt.

Insurance as a Home Inspector in Tennessee

Home inspectors in Tennessee are obligated to carry insurance coverage while practicing.

Two types of insurance are compulsory:

• A general liability insurance policy covering at least $500,000
• A certificate of errors and omissions insurance coverage for each home inspection

Following the completion of these steps, candidates can submit their license application along with the associated fee of $300.

Once you become licensed, you have to complete 32 hours of continuing education every 2 years, to maintain your license.

Home Inspector Salary in Tennessee

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

In Tennessee, the median salary for a home inspector is estimated to be approximately $50,657 per year.

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

Regional Salary in Tennessee

Home Inspector by State