Home Inspector Training Advice
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2020
- Today I’ll share my advice on how to become a home inspector. I blogged on this topic back in 2011, and again in 2016, but things change and it’s time for another update. I’m writing this because I get a ton of phone calls and emails from people who want to get into the home inspection business. Instead of sharing the first thing that comes into my head during these conversations, I’m putting down all of the most frequently asked questions right here.
Just find a home inspector school in your area. Take the course and pass the test. After that you can apply for a job. Most companies will provide a 90 day training program. Please don't spend 10,000 dollars. Most companies don't take risks on people who haven't been certified anymore cause too many take their time getting their certification. Thanks for the video. Useful info!!
Are you a home inspector? I thought $10,000 seemed outrageous to be trained in a job. I was unsure why you couldn't just get hired somewhere and get trained on the job.
You need to be certified in some states before you can get hired. Once you're certified you can get hired and trained further. Some states don't require certification. Either way, you'll want formal training.
Here in NC you need to take a 120 hour course, complete 80 hours of field training and take a test. Guess we are a very strict state
Thanks for the info. I was wondering what else can I do with a home inspection certification? Or I can only inspect homes?
@@jeanlasting5467 Home inspections are all you can do. There are additional classes you can take for commercial inspections that take on more liability but also pay better. You can also get certified for drain sweeps and bug and pest certifications. That will allow you to legally describe the type of wood destroying organisms/ rodents you may come across and they are additional services you can charge for on top of your standard inspection. Hope this helps!
Wow is fantastic, I’m mechanic for 20 years and always I do everything I need to do in home and friends and I’m start looking some different and I see a few videos and you explain really good 👍🏼 thanks
Thank you for your time and knowledge. I am about to sign up for a course and you mentioned the school. Also, the reference material will also help in expanding my understanding as to what's expected in order to make this business work for me. I have been in the maintenance field for over 30yrs, but know enough research, ask questions, and learn from those with more experience than I have. I don't want to work for anyone, but if I had to you seem to be the type person I wouldn't mind working for. Thanks again
Hey friend ! You are a great guy. I’m active duty military and looking for that secondary part time job. You have made me take a different look on this profession. You are truly a professional!
Thanks for the awesome video. Looking to pivot into a new industry...as a hands on DIYer, I am looking forward to easing in - even as a post retirement role down the road. Being in California with no licensing requirement, I want to ensure that I have the best education and resources - the info you presented is really helpful. I subscribed!
Thank you for this video! I'm going to look at your blogs, thanks for doing that. I live in Virginia, I'm new to this field but any good information is a need.
Thanks again,
James
Aloha, I'm an ASHI certified home inspector Hawaii, really enjoyed the video. I have subscribed so keep them coming. Mahalo
Wow! Very informative on what the first steps are to being an inspector. At least now I know where to turn to start the inspection career.
Wow, very thorough from the perspective of someone with zero experience. Thank you for this content!
Thank you for this informative video! Ive begun my journey into the field and have found a ton of good advice out there but sorting through it all can be a challenge. I’ll be getting my hands on those books 👍
Rubin, a great video! I totally agree with everything you said.
Though I'm no longer in the industry, I still follow it. Can't help it, I love houses and learning about them (which is what drew me to the profession).
I can vouch for ASHI's school. The cool thing about it is, you can go back and retake the 2 week course all over again for free (as long as there's room in the class).
Also good are local chapters for ASHI. It allows you to network and get help if you have questions.
Taking a contractor's course is relatively inexpensive, and you do get a lot of information there on best practices. Also, for the independent inspectors who are in small markets or just starting out, having a contractor's license for the slow times is a great way to keep busy.
In general, I'd say the biggest thing is to try and learn everything you can. Your blog is great. The JLC is just a no-brainer. Code check and any book on building is helpful.
Really looking forward to doing this. Worked for terminix doing WDIR for 5 years. Thanks for the info.
This answered so many of my questions! Thank you
Thank you. I live in Denver and plan to take the ASHI school in March. I was a General Contractor in North Carolina. I’m miss the housing industry and can’t wait to be a part of it again. I have subscribed to your channel and appreciate your advice.
We lived in Eau Claire for three years, so I might fly up for a visit soon. Maybe I’ll hit you up for a ride along and carry your ladder for you.
Thanks again
Do you have any recommendations for schools in North Carolina for pre licensing?
Great video with sage advice. Appreciate this infoormation.
Thank U Rubin, great Video, it's very informative. 👍
This is a great vid, im taking a online class that has teached me nothing. Im learning just reading the books myself and finding blogs like this. Im so excited to start getting some real hands on training!
What school are you attending? I'm in tha same boat
Im taking an online class and have used it to reinforce information i have already known. I guess it depends on your employment background.
Your blog is great thank you very much for posting
THANK YOU for the great advice ! GOD bless you!
Great advice and well done. I had school training for being a paramedic and the in the field training of like 10 calls/40 hours was a set up for failure. These State requirements were totally inadequate. Unbelievable, right? Also, I studied being an auto mechanic. The ASE certificate is 1% of being a mechanic. Many of the great mechanics on youtube don't even display the ASE logo. Be well and good luck to all.
Thanks for the great advice Reuben, I’m in Canada and just finished my home inspection course in March, before the shutdown. I’m currently looking for ‘ride along training’. I’ll look outside my market. I’ll also check out your new and improved blog. Thanks again
hello there, I'm in Canada too and looking for a decent course, which one did you take and do you recommend it? I greatly appreciate your help
I'm in Canada as well. In New Brunswick. Do you know where to get training and accreditation? And by chance, do you know what a Canadian home inspector earns?
Any course suggestions in Canada?
@@kimpiercey9152Did you find a course in New Brunswick? Interested.
Highly informative. Thanks.
Very helpful video. Thank you for making this
InterNACHI is great education provider for Home Inspection. You should first check to see if you have a state board with regulations. In my state you must be a board certified infield trainer to train someone. It’s also illegal for us to bring anyone who is not a licensed H.I. along during an inspection. I guess the states without regulations are wide open. Interesting. You appear to be a good source for the person looking to become an Inspector. Keep up the good work!
Starting with a school is not a good idea so if anyone is watching this please look into this before you commit to a school and spend that money! The schools make it all sound so easy, then you pay for the course and find out later that the big problem is how do I get 100 inspections under my belt? I find this to seem very challenging if you really don’t know anyone in the field and the inspectors already out there don’t want to help. I was considering this as a career switch but not anymore. 100 is too many and it seems like they know that so, basically the schools end up making all of the money. I’m not carrying anyone’s bags just to do 100 inspections. It’s always the same b.s. it’s who you know, period.
This was really helpful, thanks!
I am just beginning my Home inspection journey I’m a member of Internachi and taking their courses. I’m also a licensed realtor here in Minnesota.
Did you just suggest to pay $100 per ride along, and go through 100 of them at least? You're suggesting that I pay $10,000 to learn to become a home inspector, all while earning no money doing it? That seems wrong
I think thats really bad advise. I would offer to assist the inspector but i would never pay anything if i'm already helping him. paying him is just such a desperate thing to do and frankly weird. i would not accept it if i was an inspector
Please put a link to your company and your blog in your description:). What a great and information video
Very informative information...thanks for the content.
Really well presented
Another good place to start is home inspector trade associations. The Wisconsin Association of Home Inspectors has its own training and mentorship program.
Great video sir!
Extremely informative. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this vid. SUBBED!
Very informative.
Thank you
Thank you for this video!
Is it advisable to be a property inspector first before becoming a home inspector?
It is True when I wanted to start, I offered to work for free walk their dog, feed their granma, and no one wanted to help train me...I am in California, at least that was the case here. 30yrs later I am starting a school where I train on site and give all the tools to be successful...but it's tough to get started if you expect not to spend money, after all it is a career, and people do spend money on a career since the beginning of time. You are right on the money, no pun intended, with your info.
Do you recommend any school in California?
I can't recommend something I haven't tried myself. I come from a termite inspection inspection background and had a strong sense of framing knowledge and a trained and keen eye for inspecting...I was already used to crawlspaces and attics and looking for leaks so my transition to becoming a home inspector was not difficult...granted that I had to study and learn electrical ,HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and foundation systems. The one thing I have to tell you being in this 30yrs later is that, you have to love it and not everyone is willing to go into each corner of the crawlspace. In my opinion there are no good or bad inspectors...just lazy ones. My advice is "Where you don't look, That's where a problem is"..
I'm here in California as well. I'm currently making the investment in all my equipment and education (I am spending the money, for sure!). I attended the ASHI school, passed the NHIE and am still studying my brains out. All I'm looking for is some ride alongs (which I am willing to pay for) and no one wants to help. It's very frustrating. There seems to be some gatekeeping going on and it's really unhealthy. There is plenty of business out there and nobody works forever. To the original posters point, it is a very broken system.
@@ralphalanis5793 Agree with you, the inspector has to love his job. I am a civil engineer, design roads for a living. I am looking for a trainer in Houston. I wish I lived close to you to get inspection training from you.
Ralph where are you located I’m interested in the training side of things in California
-Thanks
Colin
Thank you for the info!!
I'm in an unregulated state, and I'm interested in knowing enough to know if a home inspector is doing his job evaluating my purchase. Reading up on the exam is sounds like exactly what a educated home owner should do.
Otherwise, there's no way of knowing if he put his shingle out in Canada and can't tell a fuse panel from a breaker panel. "It's all just wires, right?"
Rubin, thank you for sharing
Great info...as usual.
As a Journeyman Electrician, you can get the most current version of the NEC (National Electrical Code). A new updated version is published every 3 years. By far the NEC expert, Nationally is Mike Holt. He has great CZcams videos. For electrical knowledge, The American Electricians Handbook 6th Ed is #1. Any and everything is in that book. From transistors to rail cars. Around $300.00 its well worth it. Also theres Ugly's Electrical Reference book. Its a pocket guide for around $20. Understanding the safety proceedures is critical. Never use both hands in a box, enclosure, or panel. Do Not ground yourself, and always work it like its hot. A 1/4 amp will stop your heart. Thats equivalent to one incandescent light bulb. CZcams arc flashes and prepare or beware.
I am in Missouri.One does not need to be licensed in Missouri to be a home inspector.But I decided to to take an online course through Ashworth College to get my certification.Once that was done,I started to apply for jobs.I was contacted by some one from iGo Academy.I told them that I had certification.They act as a middleman between the person looking to get hired and the hiring manager.I than had to take the iGo Academy exam to get certified with them.Don't know why the Hell they wanted me to do that since they knew I already had certification from Ashworth.I was told that once I passed the exam to email him and complete the form he emailed me.The form had my info and references and I included my proof of my home inspection certifcation,proof of my HVAC certification.
Well..I never did hear back from iGo or the home inspection company(companies)they work with.Glad I didn't spend any money on them.
I wish now that I would have not spent the nearly 600 dollars on Ashworth and just went with InterNACHI instead.I did get my CPI certification from InterNACHI last month.
love the Bible quote on your wall... best book ever written
good stuff thanks for making the video
My father has owned a multi inspector inspecrion firm for 18 yrs. Ive worked for his company for 10 yrs. He has gone on to start a new company so he is not as available these days so I run the day to day operations of the company. I think i have decided to go ahead and get my license.
I’m a certified home inspector but the owner sold the co. before I could understand the insurance process to start my own company. Any advice . Thank you in advance.
I started building homes when I was 16 and learned a lot of construction I've been a termite inspector since 1992 here in California home inspection since 98 No license requirement here but I am Set up to take the exam for more credentials Been in ashi associate for about 12 years yes it's time I step my game up I have a couple inspectors that work under Me so far so good plus We have a termite company we do Both inspections We have a state license to do wood decay and termite damage I have a crew. I trained with am ashi inspector when I first started. ✌️
Wow at 16 good job
This is a field about experience but also a field that you need to familiar most of the code books. You should be an active “learner” to obtain as much experience as you can learn. Unfortunately, only a small portion of these practitioners would do that. I see in many cases home inspectors just scanned the house very quickly and skip a lot of details. There are quite a few of reasons for them to do that, not always about their professionalism.
I’m interested in looking to become a home inspector, aside from doing the ICA courses is their anything else you would recommend I do, idk if I would need to do a trade of some sort, I’m fairly new to this and not very knowledgeable about this stuff but I am interested in doing this but feel a little discouraged about not having lots of knowledge about home inspecting and starting my career?
I finished up American Home Inspector Training (AHIT) last March and am currently studying for the license part. I feel like the training was decent, but I had some issues and ended up having to rush through the last bit of it. I still passed the AHIT exam, but I feel like I may need more training for the licensing exam. Sometimes I wonder if I should have went with another school for the training.
I said the same thing the training wasn't the best for me it's like I'm still teaching myself the majority of things I should've known
Does the license for home inspection very state to state I live in the tri state area I’m. 20 minutes from West Virginia Ohio and Pennsylvania and would like to inspect in each state would I need my license in each state ?
Anyone from Florida? Do you have to have liability insurance if you work for a company or do they hire you as an independent contractor like real estate? Do they pay you hourly, salary or commission etc? Thank you
What a great video
Is your company help teach people this trade I currently live in Minnesota and I'm looking to get into this business
have you heard of nachi or internachi? its 49 a month or 499 a year. they provide a board approved 90 hour course which is the requirement in TN and have CE's they provide for their members, and supposedly have additional licensing and certifications they can add on for their members. im interested in becoming an inspector but dont want to put in 90 hours of time and it be wasted because they dont provide a board approved test. just curious if you could check that out and let us all know that would be great!
What do you mean board approved test? Internachi's final exam does not replace the national home inspector exam if that is what you're asking, you will still have to take the national test if you live in one of the states that requires it. The Internachi exam is for your Internachi certification.
I am in KS in a smaller market. I don't think the inspectors here would have any interest in hiring me. As far as I'm aware, the 2 that I know of in the area went right into their own business. Not sure what training they had. I was thinking of doing the same, but am here looking for advice on getting started.
Well thanks Man, this video was very demotivating lol. I guess ill keep looking for another revenue stream!
Thank you so much
Link to blog please
Great video! Going to start my inspection training in January. Been in construction my whole life! I subbed! Will you?
Hey I love the content I’m looking to start school early dec this year
Loving it feels amazing I get my license in early February
@@schnauzerwrld8865 hey i just started to. What’s your enail
@@schnauzerwrld8865 are you working now and if you are how has it been?
Appreciate it still studying for my state
@@schnauzerwrld8865 so what’s the update?
Thank you!
I also have 10 years in general construction field
How do you get to your blogs
I was on the board for a year or 2........OK was it 1 year or 2?....do you inspect like this?......just saying
This might be a dumb question but are there a lot of female inspectors and do they run into problems getting work that their male counterparts wouldn't?
That’s what I’m wondering
I’m a residential service plumber. Some people are prejudiced naturally but most people open minded and relaxed. You’re a licensed professional and they know what you are there to do. You’re just there to help.
Schools on the US Dept of Education approved are the ones that allow you to work for everyone. All others are more of the same. That is my experiences
I've pretty much lost my job with s cervical injury. Will probably need surgery. I have experience in construction and landscaping. I was wondering how physical is the job? I now have some limitations.
Gotta get onto the roof, and crawl around under the house. Constant bending down and getting on hands and knees.
I went through ATI home inspector training online. But I have no clue of what comes next. I got my certificate but I have no clue what to do now
Did you end up finding a company to work for?
Hi Ruben, I am outside of your market and considering starting my own service. I am ambitious and hope to have a large company one day. Did you open your company as an LLC or Corp when you started?
Very clever! (slow clap) Find the "yes sir" , "right away sir". "coming right up sir" kind of helpers to your inspectors by shaking down 10k out of each student? Where did you learn this sh?
I got certified as a home inspector through Internachi a couple months ago. I've been doing more classes during this down time and i think ive completed about 20 certifications or more. I applied to several home inspector jobs but they all want experienced home inspectors. So i decided to start my own business. I have most of the tools, my truck is set up with my ladder rack and tool boxes. And i have uniforms and business cards. I have passed out my cards to real estate agents, but have yet to drum up any business. Any pointers on advertising? I live in colorado springs btw, so there's plenty of demand for home inspectors here.
Hey man hows it been going with getting work? Have you been able to build up?
I am so glad I found this channel. I live in minnesota and I’m looking into becoming a home inspector. Is there any courses that are required. To get started. How would I be able to shoot you an email.
Hi Saul, there's nothing *required* to get started. But there's a ton of stuff you *ought* to learn before getting starting. Email me at reuben@structuretech.com, thank you.
What trades need 10000$ investment???
I was looking into the interNachi school. Anybody got any experience with it?
Internachi is essentially a gold standard. One of the certifications customers are told to look for and the only private career college for home inspections approved by the US department of education
Is there a difference between being a property inspector and a home inspector?
I’ve never heard of a property inspector. My guess is they’re the same thing.
23 years in the business and there are far more inspectors in my area than when I started. Many of them have no idea what they are doing and got in because of all the hype of making "a lot of money". This is why prices don't increase, too much competition. I won't train anyone.
How much is an a average pay hourly for a home inspection?
You don’t get paid by the hour. You get paid by the homes you inspect
8:45 what the hell kind of ladder position/ladder assist from behind the ladder is that 😂🤣
We use that kind of ladder heeling all the time in the fire service.
But why pick the highest peak 😂
Lol that’s complete madness.😂😂😂
It’s actually quite easy to do a gable climb, getting off the ladder is easier and gives you more room to stop a fail should that happen.
Looking at this profession as a post retirement source of income. I've been going through the InterNACHi online training course. I don't have any complaints so far but I don't have anything to compare it with. I live in a small market with only a handful of inspectors in the area, and there aren't any inspection firms or companies either. Getting the field training is the obstacle in front of me. I am HVAC certified, and well versed in most areas of construction, plumbing, and electrical. I can retire from the company I work for in a little over a year from now, and wanting to transition into home inspections as my source of income. Going out on my own and winging it isn't the best idea but I'm just not sure what else to do for the field training and hands on stuff. Any tips?
Where do you live?
I live in a rural area and have found ICA to offer field training in a 10 day block 3hrs from my home. Ill have to stay in a hotel away from my family but thats how I can make it work. Check them out
@@Irukandji07 will do thanks for the info good luck
Where do u live trybwnd find a mentor
Well first you need to have some general knowledge of the systems in a home. In my opinion internachi offers a very good coarse, but I have taken two coarses. Be prepared to spend a lot of money. Everyone will have there hand in your pocket, and here's one thing they wont tell you.
If you perform to the standards of practice as you should, realtors won't like you and here's why. You work for your client not them and when you bring up something in the report that causes your client to change there mind, and the realtor loses the sale they wont use you again.
There are ways around walking on roofs and tight attic areas if you are not just trying to impress those hawking over your shoulder. A bluetooth connected camera on an extension pole for instance. I am not an home inspector but do pest control and handyman work and often inspect areas that are difficult and/or why bother with a heavy ladder if I can do the same working smarter not harder?
You have answered my question. Thank you so much.
Anyone in California and in need of a property inspector apprentice?
I want to do this but I’m scared of wasting my time and money cause it seems a bit tricky to get in
I’m in the same boat. One of the sites he mentioned, Inspection Certification Associates offers training for pretty cheap. I mean all we can do is take the initial training and go from there. Don’t ever let doubts prevent you from pursuing your goals. “Nothing worth wile will come easy and no successful person has ever avoided failure” stay motivated my friend, I’ll see you at the finish line!
I took the ICA course a few years ago( they have really upgraded it since then although it was good then as well). I would recommend that course to get started. I passed my exam first try. Most of the people that were there were at least on their second if not third. After a few years of building my business up it is going quite well now. Its not easy and your phone will not just start ringing non stop. I have found that every interaction and even the smallest attempts at marketing have paid off in the long run. The thing is that you have to get out there and stick it out. It will definitely take time. OH...and don't do home advisor they are awful and will put you in the hole quickly.
Is AHIT School any good?
Do your training with ICA: icaschool.com/
Was literally asking the same question. Figured I just take the risk and go with them
No mention of InterNACHI. I thought they were legit
I just completed my ICA exams
What did you use to study? I walked in thinking i wasn't going to miss anything, and I completely bombed.
@@sethmcbay5501 I’m using the pre test information they gave me
can u hire me
This has been echoed over and over (the 5% thing).
So i payout 10k 100 per ride along x's 100. Yea no thanks makes no since
In Canada 3 days around 800 $ for field training ( 6 houses)... Plus school 4500 and +
Inspectah Deck
damn! I weigh 400 pounds...guess i cant be a home inspector!
🤣🤣
Hire me!
Damn. $10,000 for 100 ride alongs. Lol.
$10,000 wow
$100 × 100 Ride Alongs= $10,000 🤔🤔🤔
they are not hiring. lol
I’ll buy your lunch and watch you eat it in front of me and clean up your mess when you finished it.