Looking into getting a home inspector license. I went to my library and they had no books on it at all. Is the only option going through one of those expensive online "courses"? Or, what are all the options? Here in NC, I'll be getting an Associate Home Inspectors license first, which basically means passing an exam then doing a sort of "apprenticeship". So it would be studying for that exam, I guess.
You should go to an actual classroom type course which would cost even more but you get to interact with teachers and other inspectors. It will pay for itself with the first lawsuit you DON'T get. Also check with the National Association of Home Inspectors or NAHI at NAHI.org
From what I've seen about home inspectors is, they learn to lie. While you, the buyer, wants to know everything up front, the seller, is motivating the home inspector to lie in order to sell the house. If you aren't willing to lie, you will slowly find little work. Of course, that may be a regional thing and may not apply in your area.
If the buyer hires the inspector, what would be the motivation for the inspector to lie?
there is no license in Florida for home inspectors. Anybody that can print a business card can be one. Just shows you what kind of job to expect
kickstart
Plus there is a motivation for the inspector NOT to lie. Do you know how much home inspection insurance is? $5000-$10000 year!!!
Here in Texas, there's 3 options. An online course, a classroom course, and apprenticeship under a licensed inspector. Classroom education is provided by licensed inspectors. The laws regarding are TX legislated, and fall under code for Real Estate law/code. But, are not the same animal at all. The bottom line is ability to pass a state monitored test. While follow-on inspections with license inspector is highly advised, its not required. The education provided by online and classroom is minimal compared to the knowledge needed to be bonafide home inspector.
Getting the license is only half of the battle, then you need clients, insurance, a business license, and apply for name for your business to the state. Written reports for the customer, and your own results kept within your business are required. Your written reports and professional opinion may be called upon by courts in matters of lawsuits against yourself, a seller, or a builder. The home inspector normally may work for a potential home buyer, but sometimes may work for a realty. Never both sides of the fence regarding the same home.
Andy comments:
That's true -- it applies mainly to the "blue" states.....
In Texas, it will get you shot.....
Andy in Eureka, Texas
There was a law (SB 2016) that was passed in 2004 to license home inspectors. Jeb Bush VETOED it.
To assume that home inspectors lie is foolish because the worst thing you can do for your business is to get caught in a lie. A reputation for fairness is worth much more than kissing any real estate agents ass would ever be. When you think about it , most realitors would be better off having satisfied clients rather than having a sale go through but the client holds a gruge and won't recommend him/her in the future. Home inspectors need to be respected more than they need to be liked. Fairness and honesty is the way to get respect.
To say that all home inspectors lie is foolish because the worst thing an inspector can do for his/her business is to get caught in a lie. When you lose your credibility you are pretty much out of business. It is also foolish for a realitor to want an inspector he recommended to lie about the condition of a house because the lawyers will blaim them first. A satisfied client who knew all the defects before he bought the house is the best recommendation a home inspector can get. (Note: Home inspectors can not see through walls any better than you and they can not predict the future either.)
Andy writes:
In my experience, "licensing" does nothing except make it harder for people to enter the field, and does nothing to insure integrity.
It is often a case of a few people wanting to set themselves up as a "licensing board" so they will have permanent employment. This is done by using a politician to pass a law requiring certain steps to be taken before a license can be issued. For instance, it may require yearly dues to be paid to the licensing board. It may require licensees to take yearly courses at community colleges for "continuing education". Approval for the colleges is given by the licensing board, FOR A FEE... I often requires an apprenticeship of several years to be served at low wages to "get experience".... A bone for the inspection companies to get cheap labor from a dozen "apprentices" with only one licensed inspector at the company to "sign off" on the inspections....
In other words, most licensing of this type is a boondogle to "pull the ladder up" for existing inspectors.... Almost universally, "existing" inspectors are grandfathered in and don't have to do anything except show that they have been in the business for so many years before the law comes into effect.... This is the only way the "licensing board" can get support from existing businesses.....
It is a racket. It is done in real estate, professional engineer licenses, plummers, electricians, doctors, lawyers, and has not effect at all upon the ethics in these professions..... Rarely does a doctor get his license jerked. Often there are malpractice cases won, and no license action is taken....
So, I don't blame the governor for taking a long look at the utility of this law..... I suspect somebody explained the above to him before shoving the papers in front......
Andy in Eureka, Texas
Licensed Professional Engineer who never had to take a single test to get the license------ grandfathered in .....
Licensed home inspectors are required to have additional state recognized schooling from time to time. This is rarely taught at community colleges. That's because the laws change from time to time for homebuilding requirements. Grandfathering is not of any substance regarding this.
There exists a state board that investigates complaints against licensed home inspectors. The board may fine, or pull their license if found guilty.
More likely, the municipal inspectors (not licensed home inspectors) are likely to be corrupt in ways to keep the growing business community happy.
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