Home Inspection is one of those businesses where the majority of the people who look to get involved will work for themselves.
Career and business
Training for on-the-job work is a major part of beginning a successful Home Inspection Career, but understanding how a business works can be just as important. Be sure to develop a business plan, have adequate capital, and use a good accountant! As with any self owned business, you will want to develop referrals, have relationships with real estate attorneys, brokers and banks. I know when I bought my home, one of the things I asked our real estate attorney was "Do you know a good home inspector?". An established home inspector does not rely on advertising. He or she relies on word of mouth and referrals from people in the industry.
A home inspector is a vital part of real estate business today. Proper inspection of a home prior to a completed transaction is necessary. It is a cyclical business (moves with the market) to real estate, but the best thing is - it is not price sensitive. If the Real Estate market declines, but transactions continue - the home inspector still gets his jobs.
Training:
Proper home inspection training is very important. We are dealing with properties, buyers and sellers of large amounts of money AND most the important factor - Safety!
Home Inspectors will examine electrical systems, wires, outlets, frayed connections. Not being properly trained in this area can be very dangerous. Not just for you, but for the new owner that may be unprepared for faulty or aged electrical trouble for instance. Other areas include: Plumbing and piping, exterior trouble spots like rotting or compromised framing, plywood and roof trouble.
Home Inspectors must be schooled and trained in identifying potential health hazards such as asbestos tiles and shingles, mold in the walls or under carpeting and floors and lead. Appliances like dishwashers, washing machines and dryers are also examined. It is the inspectors ultimate responsibility to complete an accurate and very detailed report of the homes condition.
You can begin training on how to become a Home Inspector in your state by taking courses which can be delivered online. There are no public educational or school pre-requirements, so people that are looking for a career change do not have to worry about prior experience. However, having some experience in house repair is a big plus. The training will be easier. Search out books to read more before you decide this is a career for you.
Conclusion
Training and building a career in Home Inspection is a wonderful opportunity to help people, run your own business and see the results of your work. However, as with any job - you need to have a passion for it. Don't just do it for the money.
www.globalcareerschools.com/homeinspection.htm
About the Author
Nick Hunter is the President and CEO of American Investment Training (AIT), which also owns www.globalcareerschools.com. Global Career Schools offers Online Training Courses and Resources for hundreds of careers.