How To Get A Job As A Home Inspector
Home Inspectors work independently or for a home inspection agency. They generally prepare their reports for real estate agents, home buyers or home owners.
Successful Home Inspectors need to have considerable knowledge as well as a personality suited for the job. As they are constantly interacting with buyers, sellers, other inspectors, and real estate agents, Home Inspectors must have excellent communication skills. They must have superior writing and computer skills, be well-organized, and hard working. Inspectors must be physically fit, able to function, equally comfortably, at heights or in cramped crawl spaces. Home Inspectors must also be diplomatic, have a high degree of integrity, and be willing and able to constantly update their knowledge to keep abreast of new materials, construction methods and information regarding materials or methods which are no longer considered acceptable or may even be potentially dangerous.
Skilled Home Inspectors must have an extensive knowledge of construction methods and materials. In addition to this, they must understand how lack of proper maintenance, advancing age, and usage cause materials to deteriorate, as well as how building materials and practices become obsolete over time. They must be able to document in detail any repairs or replacements which will be needed immediately, or in the near future. Estimated costs may or may not be included. An understanding of real estate, and legal procedures, affecting home sales is essential.
Home buyers depend on an accurate home inspection report to save them from potential financial losses in the future. Home sellers depend on an accurate home inspection report to give them an idea what repairs or replacements they may need to make to properly price their home for sale and save on re-negotiations, once they receive an offer.
EDUCATION
Home Inspectors usually come to the profession from a variety of backgrounds, most usually from a construction or engineering background. Home Inspections require such a vast field of knowledge and skill that specific training in Home Inspections plus experience working with a certified inspector in the field, it the only sure road to success.
If you are considering taking training as a Home Inspector, it would be advantageous to have some college training, preferably a degree. The best training courses for Home Inspectors are a combination of classroom training, and experience, preferably under the supervision of a certified Home Inspector. Make sure the course you decide on will enable you to become certified. Certification may be with a state or national association, and generally involves both education and experience, with updated, on-going, education required.
There are many state and national associations for Home Inspectors. The American Society Of Home Inspectors is just one, but it has an excellent reputation and is a good source of information for those interested in this profession.
With the high cost of homes and the growing awareness of the wisdom of getting homes inspected, a career as a Home Inspector is an excellent choice for those who have the right skills and personality.
