How to Become a Real Estate Inspector

A home inspector is a real estate professional who examines a property for the buyer and writes a detailed report on its condition. An inspector looks closely for large and small issues, including damage to the home’s structure, electrical systems, HVAC, plumbing, and roofing, which a homebuyer may not see during a walk-through. A home inspection is voluntary, but most mortgage lenders require that the buyer have one performed. Based on a home inspection report, potential homeowner's may request that the seller pays for repairs, ask for a price reduction to reflect repair costs, or even back out of the deal entirely.

Professional home inspectors must take relevant education courses and certification programs from an education provider before completing their licensing exam and becoming qualified home inspectors.

A home inspector is different from a home appraiser. An appraiser appraises a home by assessing its condition, as well as comparing it to similar properties, to determine the property’s fair market value. A home inspector’s job is to assess the property, look for any issues the home may have, and inform the potential buyer of any defects.

Here are a few things that a home inspector looks for during an inspection:

• Asbestos: Home inspectors check for the presence of asbestos in any crawl spaces or in the roof, as the presence of asbestos requires removal.
• Compromised structures: A home inspector looks for any structural issues or water damage in the building's foundations, supports, roofs, flooring, and walls that can cause major issues later on.
• Electrical: Home inspectors examine electrical outlets and electrical panels for any faulty wiring in the property.
• Fire safety: An inspector determines whether a a building meets fire safety codes, looking for things such as multiple fire exits and smoke detectors.
• Heating and cooling systems: Home inspectors ensure all heating systems and air-conditioning units function properly, do not emit radon, and are up to code.
• Infestations: A home inspector checks for infestations of wood-destroying organisms such as termites on the property.
• Plumbing: Home inspectors examine pipes, faucets, water heaters, septic tanks, sewer lines, and gutters to make sure all plumbing is in good working order.

Becoming a home inspector requires specific qualifications and licenses. If you want to pursue a career as a licensed home inspector, you should:

1. 1. Start with home inspection training. Before seeking licensure, you may need further education. Home inspection requires a base knowledge of engineering as well as expertise in running a customer service business. Take prelicensing courses in both to maximize your chances of becoming a successful and trustworthy home inspector. If you already have experience with engineering, consider continuing education training courses to expand your knowledge of specifics, such as residential versus commercial inspection. You may also seek out field training with a certified home inspector. (Some states do not consider online courses valid; therefore, they do not count toward your hours of home inspector training. Instead, seek out in-person home inspection courses.)
2. 2. Know the requirements in your state. Different states have different licensing requirements for professional home inspectors. All states require a number of hours of education; some states require only sixty hours, while others can require up to 400 hours. States also differ on whether you become certified with just a national or local exam.Before looking at any online courses, check your state's requirements, so you don't waste any time with the wrong information.
3. 3. Get certified. Once you meet the education requirements, you can take the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) and become licensed and certified. The exam will test you on standards of practice, property inspection, professional responsibilities, and code of ethics. Note that not all states require the national home inspector exam to receive a home inspector license and will have their own state exam.
4. 4. Invest in insurance. To stay certified, you need to protect yourself from any errors and unforeseen circumstances. General Liability insurance and Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance can protect you in the event of mistakes that could lead to lawsuits brought against you.
5. 5. Start a business or join one. Once you become a certified home inspector, you can decide whether to start your own business and go it alone or join an established home-inspection business. Both have their own advantages. Joining an established firm means you'll immediately benefit from their client base and their relationships with realtors. Starting your own business means you can form your own relationships with realtors and real estate agents and set your own schedule.

All you need is a MasterClass Annual Membership and our exclusive video lessons from prolific entrepreneur Robert Reffkin, the founder and CEO of the real estate technology company Compass. With Robert’s help, you’ll learn all about the intricacies of buying a home, from securing a mortgage to hiring an agent to tips for putting your own place on the market.