Everyone perceives a dwelling as a secure abode.
Nevertheless, a residence must be inhabited to acquire the essence of a home.
The majority of residences undergo inspections during their construction or when substantial renovations are required.
A home inspector is also necessary when homeowners decide to put their property on the market.
The prerequisites for becoming a home inspector in Utah are not extensive, so if you’re interested in pursuing this career, you’ve come to the right place.
Article Table of Contents
Home Inspector Job Description in Utah
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that a home inspection is designed to uncover any potential issues within the dwelling.
This process differs from a home appraisal, which seeks to determine a property’s value based on various factors.
A home inspector will assess:
- The functionality of cooling and heating systems.
- The plumbing system.
- The electrical wiring.
- The integrity of the roof.
- The foundation of the structure.
- Any damage caused by fire, water, pests, or other external elements.
Upon completing the inspection, the inspector is obligated to compile a comprehensive report detailing their findings.
This report can significantly influence the property’s appraisal value and its speed of sale.
Depending on the age of the residence or building, specialized inspections may be required.
These can include investigations for:
- Termites and other pests.
- Lead.
- Asbestos.
- Mold and mildew.
- Radon.
- Chimney integrity.
- Other specific elements.
Please note that these specialized inspections may incur additional fees.
While there are no stringent prerequisites for becoming a home inspector, individuals in this profession must obtain a license.
Complete Your Home Inspector Training in Utah
The oversight of home inspectors in Utah is managed by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).
However, there are no requirements as far as education and licensing go in this state.
Despite this, it’s best to get both underway if you want a better home inspector reputation.
There are several avenues to acquire this training, so let’s see them!
ICA (Inspection Certification Associates)
The ICA course is available at a cost of $695.
Students can benefit from a range of valuable advantages, such as:
- Free report-writing software.
- A one-month membership with InterNACHI.
- One-year access to Edcetera Home Inspection, typically valued at $99.
- Flexibility in completing the course.
- Certification along with a certification number
- Advanced home inspection training
- Marketing and networking training
- Access to tools and templates
InterNACHI School
The InterNACHI School is the top choice for prospective home inspectors.
Almost all individuals aspiring to become home inspectors choose to become InterNACHI members.
Membership is available at an annual fee of $499 or a monthly subscription of $49.
InterNACHI provides members with valuable benefits, including marketing assistance and business support.
Moreover, members enjoy exclusive advantages, such as:
- Significant discounts on insurance.
- Complimentary access to the House of Horrors.
It’s worth noting that there are only two Houses of Horrors in the entire nation, so appointments are required.
In these facilities, members can test various inspection tools, attend meetings, and gain valuable experience.
Additionally, InterNACHI offers extensive marketing and business support.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
InterNACHI | online |
ICA | online |
Pass the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in Utah
It’s essential to note that Utah does not have a state-specific licensing exam for home inspectors.
This also means that potential home inspectors in this state don’t need a license to practice, but your credibility will increase if you obtain one.
Thus, you must pass a nationally recognized exam.
The national examination covers three key areas:
- Property and Building Inspection/Site Review
- Analysis of Findings and Reporting
- Professional Responsibilities
The exam fee may vary depending on the testing location, and candidates must answer 200 questions within a 4-hour time frame.
Out of these questions, 25 won’t contribute to the final score.
In case of failure, candidates must wait for a 30-day period before they are eligible for another exam attempt.
Some good news for veterans is that they can get their exam fee money back through the GI Bill, but they need to fill out a form for this.
Insurance as a Home Inspector in Utah
Home inspectors in Utah are required to have insurance.
At least 2 types of insurance are necessary:
- Errors and omissions insurance policy
- General Liability
These policies cost about $59 and $40 per month, respectively.
After completing all the aforementioned steps, you can submit your license application along with the associated $300 fee.
The application must be notarized, and both documents can be submitted online.
Home Inspector Salary in Utah
If you’re investing in training and exams for a career, it’s crucial to consider your potential earnings.
In Utah, the median salary for a home inspector is approximately $52,139 per year.
Below, I’ve provided further breakdowns with median salary figures for cities in the state with the highest income potential.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Monticello | $56,536 |
Washington | $55,186 |
Moab | $53,244 |
Alpine | $53,191 |
Salt Lake City | $52,861 |
Sandy | $52,718 |
Kaysville | $51,597 |
Orem | $50,668 |
Springville | $50,572 |
Lehi | $50,429 |
Regional Salary in Utah
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Logan, UT-ID | 60 | $61,600 | $29.62 | $87,860 | $34,750 |
Ogden-Clearfield, UT | 230 | $68,560 | $32.96 | $96,240 | $32,790 |
Provo-Orem, UT | 240 | $63,860 | $30.7 | $94,140 | $35,810 |
St. George, UT | 80 | $64,700 | $31.11 | $92,280 | $41,840 |
Salt Lake City, UT | 570 | $67,540 | $32.47 | $96,790 | $35,470 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills are needed for a home inspector in Utah?
Here are the most useful skills for this occupation:
- Interpersonal Skills
- A Working Knowledge of Construction
- Self-Motivation
- Attention to details
- Honesty,
- Trustworthiness
- Integrity
What other requirements are there to become a home inspector in Utah?
The minimum requirements to become a home inspector in this state are:
- Minimum age of 18
- High school diploma or GED
- An insurance policy
- Passing a background check based on fingerprints
- A legal US resident
Can I work as a freelance home inspector in Utah?
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