How to Become a Home Inspector for FEMA in Houston, Texas

FEMA inspectors assess damage to homes after a disaster.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the arm of the U.S. government that provides aid to communities during a natural disaster or other crisis. Once the president has declared a region a disaster area, FEMA inspectors assess damage to homes so residents can receive government aid. Two companies, PB/Alltech and PaRR, handle the FEMA home inspections in the Houston area and hire inspectors on a contract basis as needed. These inspectors are self-employed, independent contractors with a background in residential housing construction, inspection or assessment.

Instructions

1. Register online with either PB/Alltech or PaRR to begin the qualification process.

2. Complete your chosen company's required training curriculum, available online.

3. Get fingerprinted. If you are registering with PaRR, sign up for its Mock Inspection Class. The company will do your fingerprinting during this class, often at no cost. If you are registering with PB/Alltech, contact local law enforcement agencies to find one that will fingerprint you. When you go to the law enforcement office, take the fingerprint card and guidelines from the packet PB/Alltech sent you upon registering. Submit the fingerprints to PB/Alltech according to it instructions. Both PB/Alltech and PaRR will review the fingerprints and forward them to FEMA. The agency typically takes 7 to 10 days to process them and contact the company with the results. If your fingerprints receive approval from FEMA, your company will contact you to continue with the certification process.

4. Complete and assemble the Electronic Questionnaire for Investigations Processing (eQIP) packet, according to the instructions your company provides. Submit the eQIP packet to your chosen company by certified mail.

5. Attend your company's required training courses while you await your "eQIP favorable" status. Once FEMA has approved you, your company will allow you to work.

Tips & Warnings

• Review your eQIP packet at least twice before submitting it. Use the FEMA Investigation Packet Checklist to ensure that every required form and document is included. Before mailing the packet, make a copy for your records and save it, along with the certified mail receipt and tracking information.

• Incomplete forms, missing documents and fingerprints that don't adhere to the FEMA guidelines could cause the agency to delay or deny your application.

References

• FEMA: About Industry Liaison Program
• PaRR: General Information FAQs
• PB Disaster Services: Process

Resources

• Professional Association of FEMA Inspectors