5 Steps to Becoming a Certified Home Inspector in Indianapolis
Home inspectors are required to inspect the property before the property is sold. Being a home inspector requires paying attention to small details. The welfare of the new homeowners relies on your knowledge.
The moderate home inspector earns an average base salary of $74,373 a year, according to Indeed with a $32,000 yearly commission. With a salary like that, an inspector can live a solid life with room for climbing up the ladder and the flexibility that comes with it.
Being a certified home inspector is not difficult or time-consuming. If you’re determined to become a home inspector take a look at the American Home Inspection Training Institute. Also, known as AHIT. AHIT offers up-to-date courses online at an affordable price.
Here are the 5 simple steps to becoming a certified home inspector in Indianapolis the easy way:
1. Different States Have Different Requirements
The first step to becoming a home inspector is to educate yourself on the requirements in your state, different states require different requirements. Unfortunately, there isn’t one standard test of qualification for every state.
The good news is that most states require similar things like completing coursework in certified classes, passing a licensing exam, and completing on-the-job training. States like California, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Georgia, Montanan, and Wyoming don’t require a license at all but do require on-the-job training. Texas, New York, and Florida on the other hand require over 120 classroom hours in pre-licensing courses.
2. You’ll Have it Easier If You Know the Construction
Being a home inspector has a lot to do with knowledge about construction like heating, plumbing, air conditioning, and electrical systems. It’s common for construction workers to become home inspectors since it’s an easier adaption.
3. Establish People Skills and Build Relationships
Due to being the last inspector on the property homeowners will most likely be around. You will also have to communicate with the real estate agent that is closing the deal on the house.
Building a good relationship with real estate agents is the key to getting referrals from other agents. Going to events also helps develop referrals, the most popular one is the Chamber of Commerce or the local National Association of Realtors (NAR).
4. Online Courses
With different states having different rules you need to find a course and training that works best for you. There are a variety of online and classroom courses to choose from. Get in the habit of learning the new laws and requirements to becoming an up-to-date home inspector. Therefore, take as many notes as possible so you can have as much knowledge as possible. Here are the most common topics you need to learn:
- Roofing
- Plumbing
- Insulation
- Exterior
- Heating
- Fireplaces and wood-burning appliances
- Business practices
- Communication skills
- Irrigation systems and environmental issues
5. Pass the State Home Inspection Licensing Exam
Just like mentioned before, not every state requires a home inspector-licensing exam, according to the Local Records Office. For the people living in a state that do you need to have good knowledge. To ensure you’re up-to-date make sure you study using the material provided by AHIT or other state-certified help quizzes. A recent study shows that almost 90% of first-time students pass the exam.
Also, if you’re taking a test for another state that you’re not currently in you need to advise your professor.