Home Inspector Career Guide

What is a home inspector?

A home inspector is someone who checks out houses to see if there are any problems. They take a good look at the house and then write a report about what they find. This report helps people who want to buy or sell the house know what’s good or bad about it. Knowing this can help them decide if the price is right or if they need to fix anything before selling or buying.

Duties and responsibilities

The main job of a home inspector is to look over a house very carefully. They check out everything from the lights and plumbing to the heating and cooling systems. They make sure the house is strong and safe, look at the roof to see if there are any leaks, and check for things like mold or radon gas, which can be dangerous. After they’re done checking everything, they write up a detailed report that points out any issues they found.

Work environment

Home inspectors work in all kinds of houses—from brand new ones to old ones that people are trying to sell. They use tools like binoculars and flashlights to spot problems. The job can be pretty active, like climbing roofs or squeezing into small spaces under the house. It’s great for people who like to work on their own and solve puzzles without having someone watching over their shoulder all the time.

Typical work hours

Home inspectors usually work during regular business hours, but they need to be flexible. Since it’s best to check houses in daylight, they might work early mornings or late afternoons, and sometimes even on weekends or evenings to fit their clients’ schedules. Inspecting a house can take several hours, and they also need to spend time writing up their findings.

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How to become a home inspector

Want to check out houses for a living? Here’s how you can become a home inspector:

Step 1: Finish high school

First, you need to graduate from high school or get something like a GED. This is the basic step you need to start learning more about being a home inspector.

Step 2: Learn more about buildings

Next, you might want to learn more about how buildings are put together. You can do this by getting a degree in things like construction or building science, or you can get a special certificate from a community college or trade school that teaches about home inspection.

Step 3: Take a home inspection course

Most places say you have to take a special course to learn about being a home inspector. These courses are sometimes online and will teach you everything from checking out a house properly to writing up your findings and understanding local rules about buildings.

Step 4: Gain real experience

It’s super helpful to work with someone who already knows how to inspect homes. This lets you see what the job is really like and helps you learn how to do it on your own.

Step 5: Get certified or licensed

In many states, you need to get a license to be a home inspector. This usually means you have to pass a test and prove you know your stuff. Sometimes, you also have to keep learning new things to keep your license.

Step 6: Join a group

There are groups for home inspectors that offer extra learning opportunities, help you meet other inspectors, and give you resources to get better at your job. Being part of such a group can make you look more professional too.

Step 7: Start applying for jobs

Now that you’ve got the right education and some experience, you can start looking for a job. Make a good resume that shows off what you’ve learned and any real jobs you’ve done checking out houses. Make sure each job application and cover letter shows why you’re a great fit for inspecting homes.

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How much do home inspectors make?

Home inspector salaries will vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. The income potential often increases with the inspector’s ability to perform specialized inspections and their reputation within their market.

Highest paying industries

• Architectural and Engineering: $67,540
• Real Estate: $65,210
• Local Government: $63,300
• Building Inspection Services: $62,110
• State Government: $60,750

Browse home inspector salary data by market

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Types of home inspectors

Want to know what kinds of home inspectors are out there? Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the different jobs they do:

General home inspector

This is your all-around expert who checks out everything in a house—from the roof to the basement, including stuff like heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems. They give a full report on what’s good or bad, which helps homeowners or people looking to buy the house.

New home inspector

This inspector specializes in looking at brand new houses. They make sure everything’s built right and that there are no big problems like bad construction or systems that could break down soon. This helps catch issues early, so they don’t turn into expensive problems later.

Pest inspector

These inspectors have a sharp eye for bugs and critters like termites, mice, and other pests in a house. They can tell if pests are likely to cause trouble, helping homeowners handle them before things get worse.

Mold inspector

A mold inspector looks for mold, which can be bad for your health. They use special tools to find out what kind of mold it is and how much there is, so they can tell homeowners how to deal with it.

Commercial property inspector

These inspectors check buildings that are not homes, like offices, stores, or factories. They look for anything that could be a risk, like safety issues or things that don’t work right, helping business owners keep their places safe and up to code.

Radon inspector

Radon inspectors check for radon gas, which you can’t see or smell but can be really harmful. They use special gear to test how much radon is in a house and let people know if it’s a problem, helping keep the air inside safe to breathe.

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Top skills for home inspectors

If you’re thinking about becoming a home inspector, here are the top skills you need to be awesome at the job:

Paying attention to details

It’s super important to notice even the little things when you’re inspecting a house. Missing a small problem can turn into a big headache for homeowners later. The best inspectors are the ones who catch the tiny stuff that others might miss.

Writing skills

After checking out a house, you’ll need to write a report that explains what you found. It’s crucial that you can write clearly so that the people who hire you understand what’s up with the house. Good writing helps your clients feel happy and informed.

Thinking on your feet

You’ve got to be sharp and think critically. This means understanding complex stuff about houses, figuring out problems on the spot, and making smart decisions quickly. This skill is key because it helps you give great advice to your clients.

People skills

You’ll talk a lot with the people who hire you, so it’s important to be good with others. This includes explaining house stuff in a simple way, dealing with their worries coolly, and building trust fast. If you’re good with people, you’ll likely do well in this job.

Physical stamina

Inspecting homes can be pretty active. You might need to climb ladders, squeeze into small spaces, or stand around for a long time. Being in good shape makes all these tasks easier and less tiring.

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Home inspector career path options

Starting as a home inspector means you’ll begin by checking out basic things in houses. But as you get better and learn more, you can move up and specialize, looking at certain types of houses or specific problems. This can lead to some cool job opportunities down the road.

Become a senior inspector

After a few years, you could become a senior inspector. In this role, you’d help train new inspectors, make sure all inspections meet high standards, and check that everything follows the rules. It’s a big step up because you’re in charge of more stuff and help guide other inspectors.

Work in property and real estate consultation

If you like the idea of digging deeper into the real estate world, you could shift from inspecting houses to giving advice. You might help people who invest in properties, builders, or real estate companies figure out the best moves to make. This job involves understanding the property market and giving tips on how to manage properties better.

Start your own business

Feeling adventurous? You could start your own home inspection business. This means you’ll be your own boss, hire your team, and handle all the day-to-day stuff that comes with running a business. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also super rewarding because you get to make all the big decisions and grow the business your way.

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Similar job titles

• Quality Control Inspector
• Health and Safety Inspector
• Aircraft Inspector
• Property Manager
• Construction Manager
• Realtor

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Position trends and outlook for home inspectors

The world of home inspections is always changing, but it’s a job that’s needed everywhere. Let’s check out what’s new and what the future looks like for people in this career.

• Growing importance: More and more people everywhere—from big cities in the U.S. to growing places like India and China—think that getting a home checked by an inspector is a must-do before buying it. This means there’s a bigger demand for skilled home inspectors who know their stuff.
• Tech is changing the game: Now, inspectors use high-tech tools like digital reports, cameras that see heat (infrared), drones, and even 3D scanners to check out houses better and faster. Inspectors who are good with these new tools are really in demand.
• Green homes need expert eyes: There’s also a big push for homes that are better for the environment—think energy-saving systems and materials that don’t hurt the planet. If you know about this green stuff, you could specialize in inspecting these kinds of homes, which is a special area that’s getting more popular.

Employment projections

Even though jobs for home inspectors are projected to drop by 3 percent through 2031, there’s still going to be a need for inspectors. New houses, business buildings, and other non-residential properties will all need people to check them out.

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Home inspector career tips

Know the building codes

It’s crucial to really know the building codes that apply where you work. These rules make sure houses are safe, and knowing them well lets you do your job right. Since these rules can change, you need to keep learning to stay on top of them.

Keep up with construction trends

Homes are built differently all the time, using new materials and methods. By staying in the loop about these changes, you can give homeowners and buyers the best advice and do your inspections right.

Be awesome at customer service

Dealing with homeowners can be tricky, especially when they’re stressed about buying or selling a home. If you’re good at talking to people—being clear, respectful, and understanding—it’ll make a big difference. Happy clients can lead to more business and a solid reputation.

Network, network, network

Making connections in your field can open up lots of doors. Joining groups can help you meet other inspectors, learn from them, and even find new job opportunities. Consider:

• American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
• International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)
• National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers (NABIE)
• National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI)

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FAQs