Home inspectors are an essential part of the real estate process, helping clients make informed decisions. In some cases, home inspector must deliver unfavorable news about a property to prospective buyers, which requires a high level of professionalism and tact. In addition to conducting the actual inspections, they must complete continuing education courses to stay up-to-date on evolving building codes and inspection techniques.

Home buyers should always have an inspection done and make it a contingency of the sales contract. This will give buyers the option to renegotiate with sellers or back out of the deal.

Qualifications

Home inspections also serve a purpose after the sale, as they help homeowners schedule and plan for repairs that may be necessary in the future. Additionally, a professional home inspection can be used to identify issues that should be included in a home warranty coverage plan.

To become a licensed home inspector, individuals must take a 140-hour New York-approved course that includes 100 hours of live training and 40 hours of field work. AHIT offers this comprehensive and streamlined home inspection license course in several cities throughout the state. It’s the first step toward becoming a certified and qualified home inspector!

Requirements

A career as a home inspector can offer the flexibility of self-employment and a blend of problem solving, service to others and profit. A good start is to get the pre-licensing education required in your state. Then consider taking courses like radon inspection, mold and termite inspection, marketing, pools and spas, and more to add to your expertise.

Most states require a license to practice, and the exam typically covers topics from your coursework and experience. It may also include questions pertaining to your state’s Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice and regulations. You’ll need to have general liability insurance, too. After passing the exam, you’re ready to go! Be sure to check your state’s licensing requirements, and submit any additional documents or fees. You’ll be on your way to a fulfilling and rewarding profession!

Certifications

In New York, anyone who performs home inspection of residential buildings for compensation must be licensed. The Department of State requires the successful completion of a national or state exam. AHIT offers an extensive Exam Prep suite to prepare candidates for success. Other requirements include passing a background check, maintaining 24 hours of continuing education every two years and having general liability insurance in the amount of $150,000 per occurrence and $500,000 aggregate.

While licensing is not required in all states, most clients prefer to hire inspectors that are licensed and insured. This demonstrates the inspector’s dedication to their work and their ongoing professional development. Additionally, it shows that they are held to high standards and will provide quality, thorough reports. This will protect the homeowner and agent from unforeseen damages and liabilities.

Experience

Home inspectors need a lot of experience to perform their jobs well. The skills learned in a short course to become certified are not enough to understand a house, and the nuances of being a good inspector.

Many successful home inspectors have a background in construction or another housing-related industry. However, it is not a requirement and there are people who make the transition successfully without any prior construction experience.

It is also important for home inspectors to have good public relations skills. This means using clear, easy-to-understand language when explaining the issues found in a house to their clients. It also means being a good listener and not making judgments or assumptions about a potential problem.

Home inspectors who work independently can benefit from implementing modern marketing strategies such as a professional website and social media. They can also grow their business by offering additional services such as termite, mold, and wind mitigation inspections.