Home Inspection Training & Careers

1) What Is Home Inspection?

Home inspection is a visual, in-depth inspection of all the accessible parts of a property. A home inspection is meant to determine the condition of all aspects of a property, both inside and out. A thorough home inspection includes checks of the following:

• Plumbing. This includes pipes, fixtures, and any problems with age or corrosion.
• Electricity. Fuses, breakers, electrical panels, grounding, and some wiring.
• Foundation. Assessment include structural defects, cracks, and any other damage.
• Roofing. Materials and drainage systems, as well as any source of leaks.
• Interior. Doors, windows, cabinets, fireplaces, and any structures inside the house.
• Exterior. Driveways, sidewalks, water drainage, patios, and decks are all subject to inspection.
• Equipment. This pertains to items that are integral to living in the house, such as stoves, refrigerators, furnaces, and the like.

Based on the findings of a thorough inspection, the home inspector compiles a report. This report might also include suggestions on how to fix any problems, as well as the estimated cost of the repairs.

2) Degree Programs in Home Inspection

Pursuing home inspection training can take you down several educational paths. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2006 12 percent of construction and building inspectors held an associate degree, while 26 percent held a bachelor's degree. Only 2 percent held a graduate degree.

• Associate Degree in Home Inspection. Home inspector courses in construction basics are a requirement for this career. You also learn about landscaping and soil, foundations, roofing, plumbing and electricity, air conditioning, swimming pools, spas, and environmental concerns. Real estate school might also offer courses that can help round out your education.
• Bachelor's Degree in Home Inspection. In addition to the construction basics required of every home inspector, online real estate courses can give you further knowledge and hours to contribute toward your bachelor's degree.
• Master's Degree in Building Construction. Earning your master's degree or higher can put you in the top 2 percent of your field. If you would prefer to supervise, train, and lead your own home inspection company, this is the degree that can get you on your way.

3) What You Can Do With a Home Inspection Degree

The courses you take for your home inspection degree also provide education and experience that can be used in other areas of the profession. Here are a few other popular career choices:

• Building Inspector: examine the structural integrity of a building.
• Plan Examiner: look at blueprints and plans for buildings to determine whether they are up to code and suitable for the building site.
• Electrical Inspector: look at all aspects of electrical systems and equipment to ensure safety and optimum function.
• Mechanical Inspector: focus on appliances, such as heating and air conditioning systems, gas and oil pipes, and commercial kitchen appliances.
• Plumbing Inspector: handle water supply and distribution systems, plumbing lines, and disposal systems.
• Public Works Inspector: make sure Federal, State, and local government construction adheres to contract specifications and universal codes.

4) Home Inspector Career Trends

Employment opportunities for construction and building inspectors are expected to grow faster than the national average for all occupations through 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Home inspectors with experience in construction, engineering, or architectural training may see the best job prospects. Those who have attended real estate school may also have even more career choices.

5) Salary Information for Home Inspection Careers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national estimate of average salary for construction and building inspectors was $50,180 in 2008. About 41 percent of inspectors found work with local governments and county building departments. However, that estimate does not include self-employed workers, who might make more than the national average, depending upon their location.

6) Career Skills of Successful Home Inspection Professionals

Intense study of building inspection, combined with on-the-job experience, can lead to a broad skill set. Those who have a career in home inspection often have solid expertise in many of the following areas:

• Building Codes. Home inspectors must be aware of all building codes for their state and local area, and note where those codes are not met.
• Reading Blueprints. Understanding the blueprint of a building can help a home inspector determine any problems that might exist with plumbing, electricity, and other interior features of the structure.
• Foundation Assessment. Spotting foundation problems quickly and knowing what steps to take to ensure the building's safety is one of the most important aspects of the job.
• Knowledge of Concrete, Masonry, and Wood Construction. Knowing the differences in construction techniques, and how they all fit together in one structure, can help a home inspector spot problems before they start.
• Structural Plan Review. Successful home inspectors will be able to examine plans for new or existing structures and determine whether they are up to code and meet safety standards.

7) Home Inspection Certification and Licensing

There are currently three top professional organizations for home inspectors. Membership requirements and exams are rigorous, and all require continuing education to keep credentials up to date.

• American Society of Home Inspectors. Offers several levels of membership that coincide with skill level and experience.
• International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Requirements for membership include several exams and adherence to a Code of Ethics policy.
• National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc. An exam and a minimum of 250 full-fee inspections are required for certification.

Currently, 33 states have licensing requirements that affect home inspectors. The typical requirements for license include a minimum level of education, a certain amount of on-the-job experience, and passing an exam. Some licensing also includes the purchase of liability insurance.

8) Home Inspection Training Online

Online real estate courses can start you down the path to a home inspection degree. When you take home inspector courses online, you are opening up broad opportunities to choose which career path you want to take. By the time you have your final degree in hand, you could be ready to tackle your career of choice in the home inspection field.