Certified Home Inspector – Recession Proof

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Yes, I realize we are in a recession caused by housing but that doesn’t stop the fact that every time a house is sold a home inspector is needed. This job right here can be put in your back-pocket for another day or you advertise yourself to investors who are buying houses site unseen.

The housing market is one area that is constantly changing. The need for Certified Real Estate Home Inspectors is growing. Consumers are choosing the products they buy more carefully and homes are no exception. Someone with an interest in building and construction would do well in this type of job. It takes an understanding of building codes and state regulations as well as a general knowledge of construction. Find out what it takes to become a real-estate home inspector.

1. Go to the American Society of Home Inspectors website and sign up as a member. The ASHI website has links for certification classes and continuing-education units for certified home inspectors who just need some additional training hours to continue licensure.

Other Sources for Training:

Allied Home Inspection School

Penn Foster University

Kaplan Home Inspector Course

The Carson Dunlop Home Inspection Home Study Course

1. Click on “The ASHI School” and “Classes” for information about classes and curriculum. Find the required hours of training for individual states by clicking “requirements by state.” This will show the required number of hours of training and fieldwork you must complete to qualify for state certification.
2. Register for classes that meet the state minimum requirement. Attend and complete the training classes and apply to take the Home Inspector Examination.
3. Upon passing the exam, you will be required to work for a certain number of hours under the supervision of a licensed home inspector to become certified. Apply to the registry board in your state with copies of the exam scores and training log filled out by the supervising inspector.

How Much do Home Inspectors Make?

Independent home inspectors make from 225.00-300.00 per inspection. Inspectors that work for large companies make considerably less as they line the pockets of their employer. It takes a while to build up referrals and will take a lot of legwork on your part in the beginning, but it is not unreasonable to say you could make 30,000.00 your first year out, and upwards to 50-60k after that first year. A word to the wise….be honest, sincere and hard working. Do not take the easy way, work your butt off and gain a respectable reputation and you will make money.

Extra:

• A home inspection is a detailed report on the structural condition of a home. The home inspector’s job is to collect as much information as possible on the home to give the buyers an accurate report of the home’s structural safety as well as internal workings such as electricity, wiring and plumbing. To be successful in this job a person should be good with the public, like working a job without conventional hours and enjoy working outside.
• You may find the irregular hours unappealing. As an inspector, you will be working with general contractors, real-estate agents and home buyers. Having so many people all needing your attention may be a drawback to a person who likes to work alone.

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