How to Become a Home Inspector in Vermont

Everyone perceives a house as a secure haven.

Nevertheless, a house must be inhabited to transform into a home.

Most houses undergo inspections during their construction or when major renovations are required.

A home inspector is also essential when homeowners aim to sell their property.

There aren’t stringent requirements for becoming a home inspector in Vermont, so if you aspire to become one, you’ve come to the right place.

Home Inspector Job Description in Vermont

The foremost aspect to understand about a home inspection is that its purpose is to identify any issues the house might have.

It’s distinct from a home appraisal, which determines the house’s value based on several factors.

A home inspector will look at:

• The functionality of the heating and cooling systems.
• The plumbing system.
• The electrical work
• The condition of the roof.
• The integrity of the house’s foundation.
• Any damage resulting from fire, water, pests, or other external elements.

Upon completing the inspection, the inspector is obligated to compile a detailed report outlining their findings.

This report can significantly influence the house’s appraisal value and its potential for a quick sale.

Depending on the age of the house or building, a specialized home inspection might be necessary.

This can involve examining for:

• Termites and other pests.
• Lead.
• Asbestos.
• Mold and mildew.
• Radon.
• Chimney condition.
• Other specific elements.

Bear in mind that these specialized inspections may incur additional fees.

While there are no stringent prerequisites for becoming a home inspector, this profession necessitates obtaining a license.

Complete Your Home Inspector Training in Vermont

Home inspectors in Vermont are overseen by the Vermont’s Office of Professional Regulation.

To become a licensed home inspector, candidates must complete an 80-hour home inspection training course.

Additionally, candidates must perform 35 inspections under the guidance of an already licensed home inspector.

There are multiple avenues to obtain this training.

ICA (Inspection Certification Associates)

The ICA course is priced at $695 and includes the following benefits:

• Free report-writing software.
• A one-month InterNACHI membership.
• One-year access to Edcetera Home Inspection (typically valued at $99).
• Flexibility in completing the course.
• Certification.

InterNACHI School

The InterNACHI School is the top choice for those looking to become home inspectors.

Almost all individuals with aspirations of becoming home inspectors choose to become members of InterNACHI.

Membership can be obtained at an annual fee of $499 or through a monthly subscription of $49.

Members receive valuable benefits, including assistance with marketing and support for their businesses.

Here are the classes you’ll attend:

• 16 hours: How to Perform Exterior Inspections Course
• 14 hours: How to Inspect the Attic, Insulation, Ventilation and Interior Course
• 12 hours: How to Inspect HVAC Systems Course
• 8 hours: Inspecting Asphalt Shingle Roofs Course
• 8 hours: Defect Recognition and Report Writing Course
• 8 hours: Residential Plumbing Overview for Inspectors Course
• 4 hours: Inspecting Water Heater Tanks Course
• 4 hours: How to Perform Residential Electrical Inspections Course
• 4 hours: Structural Issues for Home Inspections Course
• 4 hours: How to Perform Roof Inspections Course

Pass the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in Vermont

In Vermont, there is no state-specific licensing exam for home inspectors.

Instead, candidates are required to pass a nationally recognized exam.

The advantage is that this exam can be taken online.

The national examination comprises three primary 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 are required to answer 200 questions within a 4-hour time frame.

It’s worth noting that 25 of these questions will not contribute to the final score.

Additionally, there is an extra set of 30 questions that must be answered within a 45-minute time frame.

In case of an unsuccessful attempt, candidates must wait for a 30-day period before they are eligible to retake the exam.

Other Documents for a Home Inspector in Vermont

After completing all these steps, you can submit your license application along with the associated $100 fee.

The application doesn’t have to be notarized.

In this state, future home inspectors don’t have to submit their fingerprints nor a background check are required.

At the state level, home inspectors don’t need insurance.

However, when employed, they’ll have to take out at least a policy, usually recommended by the employer.

Home Inspector Salary in Vermont

If you invest in training and exams for a profession, it’s crucial to consider your potential earnings.

In Vermont, the median salary for a home inspector is about $53,065 per year.

Below, I’ve provided further breakdowns with median salary figures for cities in the state with the highest income potential.

Regional Salary in Vermont

Home Inspector by State