How to Become a House Inspector in New York

A home inspection helps home buyers purchase with confidence.

A home inspector evaluates the condition of a home's structure, interior, electrical supply, plumbing and other features. Homeowners commonly use home inspectors when evaluating a property for potential purchase. Starting a business as a home inspector can allow you to determine your own work hours, income and work environment. If you plan to provide home inspection services in New York, take several steps to start your business.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Flashlight
• Measuring tape
• Electrical testing equipment
• Vehicle
• Laptop

Instructions

1. Complete a home-inspection course approved by the state of New York. New York requires 140 hours of coursework through an approved provider before you take the state's home-inspection licensing exam. This requirement includes 40 hours of home-inspection training supervised by a licensed New York home inspector. You may bypass the coursework requirement if you have completed at least 100 home inspections under the direct supervision of a home inspector licensed in New York.

2. Pass the New York State home-inspection exam or a nationally recognized exam that the New York Division of Licensing Services has deemed equivalent to the New York exam. Your coursework provider may administer the exam or help you find testing locations. As of the date of publication, the exam fee is $50.

3. Complete and submit an application for a home-inspector license. You can obtain the application on the New York Division of Licensing Services website. As of the date of publication, you must also submit an application fee of $250.

4. Obtain a liability policy from a New York insurance agent or broker with a limit of at least $150,000 per occurrence and $500,000 in aggregate. File a certificate of liability coverage with the New York Department of State before conducting home inspections.

5. Obtain the materials necessary to conduct inspections before you begin working for a home-inspection company or marketing your services. You need a ladder, flashlight, measuring tape, electrical testing equipment and a vehicle large enough to carry these items. You may also need a laptop to complete inspection forms to provide to your clients.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid pursuing a career as a home inspector if you have difficulty climbing, crawling or performing other physical tasks.

References

• New York Division of Licensing Services: FAQ - Home Inspector
• New York Division of Licensing Services: Fees and Terms of Licensure/Registration