|
Home inspection
training can provide the basis for a career as a home inspector. Certification allows some inspectors to enforce local codes and ordinances,
provide home inspection reports to various parties, and approve sales contracts
for homes. A home inspection is an important part of property transactions and
requires a thorough knowledge of property construction. A qualified home
inspection professional may work with mortgage lenders, real estate appraisers,
relocation companies, and attorneys.
Job Description and Responsibilities after Home Inspection Training
Home inspector training can
take place in a formal setting at various schools, or
independently in a home study format or online course. Upon completion of certification, candidates are expected to:
-
Communicate with local
officials and the general public
-
Work with attorneys, real
estate professionals, and mortgage lenders on a regular basis
-
Provide accurate and relevant
information upon each inspection
-
Understand the language of
sales contracts and provide appropriate information
-
Learn about hazards and code
violations
-
Understand both national and
local codes
-
Determine the physical
condition and value of a home
-
Refer clients to appropriate
specialists for evaluation
-
Comply with codes
administered by the International Code Council
Career Options After a Home Inspection Course
A home inspection education can offer one
the opportunity to work in a variety of fields. It allows
candidates to pursue a career as:
-
Independent contractors
-
A part of a firm or business in
real estate
-
Partners with real estate
appraisers and companies
-
Workers in construction trades
-
Building inspectors who are
involved with structural quality
-
Plan examiners who determine
structure compliance
-
Electrical inspectors to install
and examine electrical systems
-
Mechanical inspectors for the
installation and operation of commercial equipment
Home Inspection Certification and Training
In order to obtain certification, prospective candidates will need to enroll in a home
inspection course program. The standard course will include
segments such as:
-
Mold inspection procedures
-
Report writing techniques
-
Professional membership
information
-
Marketing and sales
opportunities
-
Home inspection tools
The focus of study for many
training programs includes:
-
Heating and Ventilation
-
Inspection Report Writing
-
Plumbing
-
Foundations and Soils
-
Roofs and Attics
-
Appliances
Licensing After Home Inspection Training
Each state coordinates various
home inspection certification and licensing requirements to comply with real
estate property law, although licensure is not required in every state. The
Division of Licensing Services from the Department of State offers applications
under The Home Inspection Professional Licensing Act. Every licensed home
inspection school graduate is also required to obtain liability insurance, and a
certificate of liability coverage is available through the state secretary.
All new inspectors must
have completed high school or its equivalent, and successfully completed a course of study comprised of at least 140 hours. Forty hours
must be completed out on the field in an unpaid
position. In lieu of this condition, home inspection education can be completed
with 100 home inspections and successful completion of a written examination.
The majority of home
inspections are visual, and an inspector can use a variety of survey
instruments to create their written reports. Direct violations of codes must be
reported according to state and national procedures, and not every training program allows graduates to enforce codes themselves.
The International Code Council
(ICC) and other professional associations offer various home inspection
certifications. The Certified Building Official certification (CBO) and
Residential Building Inspector (RBI) are other opportunities available.
Earning Potential and Employment Prospects
Job opportunities and employment prospects look promising for home
inspection careers, and the field is projected to grow faster than average
through 2014. Many firms specializing in engineering and architecture are
searching for qualified home inspectors, and certification can provide a competitive edge. State regulations offer limited
entry for a career in this field, and earnings vary by experience and
certification. Median earnings for home inspectors were $43,670 in 2004. Related
occupations include:
-
Appraisers
-
Construction managers
-
Engineers
-
Surveyors
-
Cartographers
-
Cost estimators
|
