Home inspectors are vital to the housing industry. They evaluate conditions of new or previously owned homes, condominiums, town houses, manufactured houses, apartments, and commercial buildings.

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Home inspectors are often hired by perspective home buyers to determine the condition and safety of a home’s systems, components, and structure. They evaluate a house’s condition from roof to foundation, and everywhere in between. Home inspectors are an independent third party often involved in the purchase of a home just before a purchase offer is made or as a contingency to a sales contract. They often assist sellers prior to placing a home for sale diagnosing any problems and ensuring a home is up to safety and industry standards. Home inspectors evaluate a home’s interior like plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling systems, and exterior like like an attached garage/carport, foundation, roof and even windows and doors. Home inspectors sometimes evaluate a home’s energy efficiency.

Home inspectors must be physically fit and possess a drivers license. Home inspectors must possess a solid educational background in construction and housing codes or ordinances. Home inspectors must be observant, ethical, and have an innate love of learning. Most home inspectors are required to continue education for licensing purposes.

Training to become a home inspector can begin while a student is in high school. Preparation for a future home inspector career begins with courses like: geometry, algebra, English, shop, physical education, and communications. High school students with access to trade or vocational programs including drafting, blueprint reading, and construction technology may find an increase in acceptance into future educational and career pursuits.
Students who work during vacations or part time in the construction industry often learn valuable skills necessary for future employment as home inspectors. High school students with trade or vocational training may advance to career diploma or degree programs or enter the workforce under the supervision of a home inspector. Training requirements of home inspectors vary by state and employment sources. Many home inspectors work with more experienced inspectors to learn codes, ordinances, regulations, contract and building specifications, recordkeeping, and reporting duties. Often construction related work experience combined with various employment related courses allows individuals to work as entry level home inspectors.

Career diploma programs accredited by the American Society of Home Inspectors trains individuals how to evaluate the safety, energy efficiency, age and condition of homes. Most career diploma programs consist of courses like: introduction to home inspection, fundamental construction practices, principles of blueprinting, building codes and safety standards, surveying techniques, roof systems, exterior elements, structural systems, insulation and ventilation, interior elements, electric systems lesson, plumbing systems, heating systems, cooling systems, hot water supply systems, inspection materials and equipment, and inspection reporting. Students who attain a career diploma may gain entry into the work force under the supervision of an experienced home inspector to gain hands on experience or advance to higher degree training programs.

An associates degree from a traditional college or online university allows candidates to gain educational and potential career experience as a home inspector. A two year associates degree with courses in: fundamental construction practices, principles of blueprint reading, surveying techniques, building codes and safety standards, recordkeeping, mechanical and electrical systems, computer specifications, introduction to home inspection, interior elements, exterior elements, structural systems, insulation and ventilation, plumbing systems, cooling systems, hot water supply systems, and roof systems. Graduates from a two year degree program may advance to higher degree programs or work as home inspectors after completing licensing and certification requirements as determined by State regulations. Graduates may participate in state approved licensing examinations administered by the International Code Council, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, and the National Fire Protection Association.

A bachelor degree from a traditional or online college or university in a construction, architecture, or engineering related field often affords graduates easy entry into the workplace as a home inspector. Students who study courses in: construction practices, principles of blueprint reading, surveying techniques, building codes and safety standards, recordkeeping, mechanical and electrical systems, computer specifications, introduction to home inspection, interior elements, exterior elements, structural systems, insulation and ventilation, plumbing systems, cooling systems, hot water supply systems, roof systems, mathematics, construction safety,and green building and technology. Graduates may advance to a higher degree or work as inspectors after completing licensing and certification requirements as determined by State regulations. State approved licensing examinations offered through the International Code Council, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, and the National Fire Protection Association allow students to obtain required licensing or certification to begin a career as an expert home inspector.

Advancing to a masters degree in a construction, architectural, or engineering related field allows students the ability to supervise, train, or start a home inspection company. Specialized courses in: blueprint reading, surveying techniques, building codes and safety standards, recordkeeping, mechanical and electrical systems, computer specifications, sales, marketing, and interpersonal communications allows student to gain entry into an internship programs. Internship programs provide hands on experience under the supervision of a qualified home inspector, architect or engineer depending upon field of study. Upon completion of course work and internship programs, students are required to complete a masters thesis. Graduates may then begin a career as expert home inspectors.