Are you a Home Inspector? I'm debating the profession

[rh71]

as someone has already alluded to, your success at even getting jobs in the first place goes with area sales potential. I can't imagine that's very good right now.

 

[Exterous]

Why would anyone hire a wet behind the ear inspector when there are plenty for hire with real life experience and a background in construction etc.. Think about it.

I would never hire a home inspector who didn't have any serious experience in construction. Almost anyone can call themselves a home inspector but any home buyer with sense will only hire an inspector with serious real world experience.

Yeah it would be tough without any real experience

 

[boomhower]

I am getting an inspection done this week and when I called around to find someone I would never consider anyone without a construction background. Your going to be hard pressed to get your foot in the door since you don't have any experience in any related field. People are spending tens of thousands of dollars based on the inspectors assessment of the property, they are going to want someone who knows what they are doing.

 

[gorcorps]

My dad has a life long construction background, and he's getting too old to do that physical labor anymore. Wonder if he would be able to do this as he's been looking for another job. Thanks for the idea OP! (don't worry, he's in Colorado not Indiana)

Does anybody know if you home inspectors are expected to know much about plumbing/electrical stuff or is that all specialized to those fields for inspection?

 

[Doppel]

My dad has a life long construction background, and he's getting too old to do that physical labor anymore. Wonder if he would be able to do this as he's been looking for another job. Thanks for the idea OP! (don't worry, he's in Colorado not Indiana)

Does anybody know if you home inspectors are expected to know much about plumbing/electrical stuff or is that all specialized to those fields for inspection?

It sounds like a great profession for an older laborer.

You do need some pretty decent knowledge of plumbing and electrical code, though. In my last inspection the guy found an issue with the electric, for example.

 

[edro]

There are Home Inspection Institutes that offer training for a few months, then you get a certificate.
I wouldn't give it much credit, but it would be better than nothing. (Edit: It looks like some states require it)

http://www.ahit.com/index.htm
Click on your state and then click on Requirements.

Here are Indiana's:

Legislation: Title 878; IC 25-20-2
Governing Body: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
Qualifications to become a Licensed Indiana Home Inspector

Requirements

a) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age
b) Have graduated from high school or have earned a GED
c) Proof of liability insurance coverage of at least $100,000.00
d) Pay application/license fee of $450.00

Education

a) 60 hours of a Board approved pre-licensing course

Testing

a) Pass the National Home Inspector Exam provided by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors

About half of the states don't have any requirements at all.

 

[Vic Vega]

There are Home Inspection Institutes that offer training for a few months, then you get a certificate.
I wouldn't give it much credit, but it would be better than nothing. (Edit: It looks like some states require it)

http://www.ahit.com/index.htm
Click on your state and then click on Requirements.

Here are Indiana's:


Ohio, California, Florida, and about half of the states don't have any requirements at all.

Florida has a licensing requirement as previously stated. Licensing is regulared by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and enforced by the Florida Division of Regulation. There is a grandfathering program for home inspectors who were operting before the licensing requirement, but they are still required to apply for a license, I think they get to skip or reduce the hours needed.

 

[edro]

Florida has a licensing requirement as previously stated. Licensing is regulared by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and enforced by the Florida Division of Regulation. There is a grandfathering program for home inspectors who were operting before the licensing requirement, but they are still required to apply for a license, I think they get to skip or reduce the hours needed.

Yeah, you're right. I must have accidentally clicked on another state or something.

The Florida licensure law went into effect July 1, 2010, which now requires home inspectors to obtain a home inspection license from the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation. (FL BBPR)

Florida Home Inspector Licensing Laws

Chapter 468, Part XV, Florida Statutes – Home Inspectors
House Bill 713

Initial Licensing

Complete AHIT's approved 120 hour course, including 20 hours of hands-on training with a Florida licensed inspector
Pass the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE)
Carry the proper insurance - $300,000 commerical general liability insurance

 

[mrkun]

2) The majority of people working in IT are soulless desk humpers. The job I just left had a few people who were rather personable, but that's rare. Most have absolutely no personality and are borderline autistic. I'm a social person, and teachers are inherently extroverted people.

I work at a software company and this seems to vary tremendously by department. A lot the developers are like what you describe as having no personality, but most aren't native English speakers either. Our support people on the other hand will all talk your ear off without end if you let them.

 

[paperfist]

I am getting an inspection done this week and when I called around to find someone I would never consider anyone without a construction background. Your going to be hard pressed to get your foot in the door since you don't have any experience in any related field. People are spending tens of thousands of dollars based on the inspectors assessment of the property, they are going to want someone who knows what they are doing.

Ever watch Holmes on Homes? I'd think you'd want to hire someone who has some experience in electrical, plumbing, heating and knows what mold is