Home Inspection Training
Through home inspection training people learn how to examine all aspects of a home and evaluate the quality of various systems to determine if there are any problems. Home inspectors are hired when a residence is about to be sold and can be self-employed or work for an inspection company. Potential buyers hire an inspector to examine a home before they finalize their buying agreement to determine if the purchasing price is reasonable, if repairs need to be done, or if there are any problems with the house.
A trained home inspector must be familiar with local building codes and have a basic understanding of how various household systems work. After conducting a visual examination of the home, both inside and out, the inspector must provide a written report for their client detailing their findings. Home inspection training is open to anyone over 18 years of age, regardless of their previous work experience, but a background in real estate or construction can be useful. Home inspectors need a good eye for detail and the ability to communicate ideas clearly through written and verbal communication.
The home inspector licensing requirements differ widely throughout Canada and the United States, with the profession being unregulated in many parts of both countries. In some places inspectors must complete a combination of classroom study and apprenticeship, where as in other areas, there is a state exam that inspectors must pass to become certified. To find out how to qualify as a home inspector in your area it is best to contact a local real estate board or home inspectors' society or association.
In most cases home inspection training programs will have a core set of topics that are the same no matter where or how you're training. These will cover how to examine various parts of the home such as the foundation, frame, interior, exterior, attic, garage, and roof, and how to inspect the plumbing, electricity, heating pumps, and central air conditioning systems. A complete training program will also teach inspectors how to write their reports, market themselves to potential customers and protect themselves from litigation. After completing a basic training program inspectors may take further courses to become a more appealing choice for customers. These courses can cover topics like investigating for termites, detecting mould, or inspecting pools, spas or fireplaces.
Home inspection training is available through various colleges and independent schools that offer continuing education programs. Online programs for home inspection training are also available. Online courses may fit more easily into a busy schedule or be less expensive, however, most don't give students any hands on experience. Even if your state or province doesn't require an apprenticeship as part of training, customers will be more likely to hire those who have had some work experience. New inspectors don't want to get stuck in the loop of needing experience to get their first job and needing their first job to get experience. If you are set on training online, look for programs that offer theory work online and provide in-person demonstrations or mock home inspections, which give students an opportunity to practice the skills they've learned.