Florida Home Inspector Certification
Home inspection is a growing field as more people discover the importance of knowing everything they can about the home they are considering for purchase. Home inspectors investigate the condition of various home systems to discover potential problems. States differ in their requirements for home inspector licensing and certification. As of July 1, 2010, the state of Florida requires home inspectors to be licensed by the state.
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The Work of Home Inspectors
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Home inspectors spend their days on a number of tasks. First, they must market to customers and banks that need their services. They must prepare bids to customers and must see that contracts are written in compliance with state requirements. They must go on inspections and determine the condition of various home systems for customers who are contemplating buying properties. Then, the home inspector must prepare a written report of these findings for the customer or the bank that will supply the mortgage. The home inspector often advises the customer on how to maintain home systems in the future. Home inspectors may offer additional advice in cases like Florida's recent Chinese drywall problem, in houses built between 2001 and 2009, that corrodes wiring, air-conditioning and other systems.
Home Inspector Training
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A background in construction-related industry is helpful in becoming a home inspector, but it is not required. Home inspector training can be achieved through a number of different avenues. Private technical training schools offer coursework in home inspection both in classrooms and online. Home inspection industry organizations also offer training that can be either in the classroom, online or with hands-on field work, such as is offered by the American Society of Home Inspectors. Several universities in the U.S. also work in conjunction with home inspection training organizations to provide programs that lead to certification as a home inspector, such as the University of Richmond and Norfolk State University. The American Home Inspection Training Institute offers classes in Florida for those entering the field of home inspection.
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Certification
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Upon completion of a course of study in home inspection, the student is required to complete exams given by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI), in which various aspects of the inspection process are covered to ensure that that candidate is sufficiently knowledgeable to work as an inspector.
Florida Licensing Requirements
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Licensing requirements for the state of Florida effective July 1, 2010 are that the licensee be of good moral character, have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a course of study of 120 hours covering roofing, plumbing, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), and other home issues. The applicant must also carry not less than $300,000 of commercial general liability insurance and must apply to take the Florida home inspector licensing examination.
Continuing Education
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As of July 1, 2010, licensed home inspectors in Florida will also be required to have 14 hours of continuing education every two years to continue their licensure.
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References
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