How to Become a Home Inspector

Home inspectors evaluate homes for many different items. They observe numerous things and test many others. Home inspectors are usually hired at the sale of a home to provide the potential buyer with useful information about the house. If you'd like to become a home inspector, here's some useful tips for you! In today's market, with homes being put on the market in massive numbers, it may be a great time to become a home inspector.

Instructions

1. 

   The first thing that you should do if you want to become a home inspector is to check the laws in your state. Some general rules that are standard to about every state include: minimum age, background check and criminal history, high school or GED, a certain amount of approved education, and passage of a state exam. An easy way to do this is to google, Home Inspector Licensing Laws (enter state)

2. 

   Once you check your state's requirements and know that you qualify, you will want to look for a school that offers home inspector training. Your state should be able to provide you with a list of approved training centers, possibly both off and online. Contact schools that are approved in your area, get pricing information, and sign up for courses.

3. While taking your courses, you can also work on meeting your other state requirements, such as an application and background check.

4. 

   When your classes have been completed, you should schedule to take your examination, if it is required by your state. Study well before your test and make sure that you bring all required documentation with you to the testing site or you may not be allowed to test.

5. After you have passed your test, you will need to make sure that the results are provided to the state and then complete any final requirements to get your license. Some states will require a fee to complete your license.

6. 

   You are now ready to take a job with a home inspection company or to start a company of your own.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to know when your license is set to expire. Some states require continuing education and you'll always want to get that out of the way well in advance.

• Don't begin to inspect homes until you have met all state requirements. In many places, it is illegal to inspect homes without a license and the penalties can be stiff.