You’ve probably seen that smartly dressed home inspector and thought maybe you want to try that career. Home inspection is, in fact, one of the fastest-growing fields today. It is because it is pretty easy to get started and has fewer requirements.
While it is challenging, becoming a home inspector offers many benefits. These specialists enjoy great pay (whether part-time or full-time), job security, and flexible working schedules. As long as you are certified, getting into the career is relatively easy.
However, getting started can prove to be a daunting task. We get it! That’s why we have prepared this article to help you become an expert in this field.
How Do I Become a Home Inspector?
A home inspector is your ideal career path if you have a thing for homes or helping others. Although the process of becoming a home inspector seems complicated, it is pretty straightforward. There are three steps to becoming a home inspector:
Step 1. Know Your State Home Inspection Requirements
Start by researching home inspector requirements in your state. Every state has its own requirements and conditions of training. Ensure you check out the required education qualifications before enrolling for training.
Step 2: Home Inspector Training
Regardless of where you live, home inspector training is crucial to ensure you become a certified professional home inspector.
Find a course that fits your needs and enroll in training classes. You will be required to pass the test to receive your home inspector certification. Note that this stage will depend on your educational background, practical experience, and training.
The BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) requires prospects to complete coursework and receive a certificate or associate degree in drafting, building inspection technology, or construction technology. However, if you want to open your own firm, you must have blueprint reading and business customer service coursework.
Step 3. Sharpen Your Skills and Join a Professional Home Inspector Organization
Much of your success in this field will depend on your ability to maintain and establish relationships with real estate agents. For this reason, you need to sharpen your people skills and maintain a positive relationship with real estate agents and homeowners.
Apart from that, consider joining a professional home inspector organization, such as the National Society of Home Inspectors, the National Association of Home Inspectors, or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. They will help you hone your potential and gain accreditation as a certified home inspector.
How Much Does a Home Inspector Technician Make?
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provided an updated round-up by states and localities. California, for example, has the largest employment of house inspectors, with annual mean pay of $86,660 .
Texas comes in second with a mean annual wage of $57,820. Inspectors in New York make an average of $66,770 per year.
Do Requirements Differ From State to State?
Yes, they differ from one state to another as every state has different home inspector requirements. Some states require you to take an exam before being enrolled, while some have their exams after training.
Furthermore, some states, such as New York and Texas, require almost 400 hours of education while others only require 60 hours. Virginia, Illinois, and Connecticut require students to undergo training under the supervision of a certified home inspector before getting certified.
States like Wyoming, California, and Colorado, don’t require the supervision of a home inspector to get certified. Ensure you familiarize yourself with specific requirements in every state before you get started.
Skill Sets Required to Become a Home Inspector
Becoming a home inspector demands more than technical skills. You need to know how to relate to people and integrate interpersonal skills.
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Technically capable: A professional home inspector must know everything about their field of work.
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Patience: A home inspector frequently has to work with agents and homeowners. Dealing with the same issue or difficulties is a daunting task and will require patience.
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Excellent listener: A professional home inspector needs to understand what the homeowner or agents need, which requires listening. When it comes to customer service, make the client feel heard and appreciated.
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Problem-solving: On the job, problems may arise that the homeowner or agent may be unfamiliar with. Therefore, you must have a level-head and solve problems on the go.
Most importantly, skills in public speaking are crucial as a professional home inspector. Interpersonal skills are beneficial when dealing with agents and homeowners in your area of operation.
What is The Career Progression for a Home Inspector?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, home and construction inspector positions are expected to grow by 10% between 2016 and 2026 .
Applicants with construction-related work experience or specialized training in construction technology, architecture, or engineering also have the best career prospects.
The yearly income for home inspectors is $49,583 according to pay scale, and they may also get up to $17,500 in bonus . Other benefits include a profit share of up to $3,000 and commissions of up to $7,000. Staying in the career for a long time allows you to earn more money.
Late-career inspectors can earn up to 23 percent more than mid-career inspectors who experience a pay raise of just over 8%. Additionally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most inspectors leave their employment after 20 years.
Are You Ready to Start Your Career as A Home Inspector?
It takes more than a 3-day training and a bare minimum certification to be a successful self-employed home inspector. To make the market work for you, have interpersonal skills to attract employers.
Switching careers to home inspection is a wise decision because the sector is rapidly expanding. The few requirements and training make it easy to make the transition.
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