A home inspector’s job is to inspect and report on the condition of newly-built or previously-owned homes; an inspector is usually hired by someone who is planning to buy a home and who wants to be made aware of its overall condition before committing to the actual purchase. A home inspector must be knowledgeable in all aspects of a home’s construction, including the roofing and exterior, foundation, interior, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems.
What makes a great home inspector?
Opportunities are best for prospective home inspectors with construction-related experience. A mix of-on-the job experience, technical knowledge and general education is useful. Candidates must also be in good physical condition and have a driver’s license (to be able to access different job sites). Since most home inspectors are self-employed, a knowledge of business practices and the ability to be a self-starter are important.
What makes a great home inspector? Familiarity with building materials; a knowledge of new products coming on the market; and knowing how to evaluate a home’s systems and determine whether or not they’re functioning properly. Even though a home inspector is not expected to enforce local building codes, a knowlege of the applicable codes is useful so that potential violations can be spotted and the client can be made aware of them. It helps if the inspector is someone who enjoys people and has good communications skills. Knowing how to be diplomatic helps when clients have to be told some adverse news about the house that they have set their heart on buying.
What are the right qualifications?
In those states where a license or certification is required, candidates must pass a state-approved home inspection exam, such as the National Home Inspector Exam, which is maintained by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors. Before studying for the exam it would be wise to have at least a high school diploma or, more often, a degree from a community college encompassing the following subjects: building inspection, home inspection, construction technology, drafting and math.
Employment in the home inspection industry
The opportunities for a home inspector are varied; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S, Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 edition, projected growth in the home inspection industry is in for an increase of seventeen percent in the decade between 2008 and 2018, a rate that is faster than the average for all other occupations. One factor that makes for more job security in home inspections than the general construction industry is that home inspectors are in demand to work on maintenance and repair projects even when new construction slows.
Balancing income with expenses
The median annual income as of May 2008, according to the Occupational Employment Statistics Survey Program, is $50,180. A self-employed home inspector will need to keep in mind that such expenses as liability and medical insurance, continuing education and equipment (including a vehicle, computer, camera, phone, etc.) must be paid by the inspector, and his hourly billing rate should include enough to cover those expenses. Membership in a national or state professional association is also beneficial; members are kept abreast of changes in building codes and regulations, as well as advances in construction techniques and materials. There six National Associations (each of which has a website) and eleven states also have State Home Inspector associations. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is the oldest and largest National Association (founded in 1976); ASHI offers professional training for those wishing to enter the profession.
In training to be a home inspector, there is no substitute for hands-on experience; a trainee home inspector should have a goal of doing at least one, or even two hundred home inspections under the supervision of an experienced home inspector, before launching out as an independent home inspector.
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