Why We Love It
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$60,030Potential Avg. Salary
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7.9%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Flexible HoursCareer Attribute
Home inspectors evaluate the condition of homes for prospective homebuyers. They conduct thorough inspections to uncover both major and minor issues with a house. Prospective homebuyers rely on home inspectors to help them make smart purchases and avoid tying up their finances in a money pit.
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What is a Home Inspector?
The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in home inspector roles:
- Perform inspections of homes to determine overall condition and identify any major problems
- Provide verbal explanations and written reports of findings to prospective homebuyers
- Evaluate the roof, HVAC system, electrical system, and plumbing of homes for potential issues
- Evaluate the structural integrity of homes
- Perform ancillary inspections for presence of radon, termites, mold, and more
A Day in the Life
Home inspectors perform detailed inspections of homes for a number of reasons. Most commonly, they inspect homes that prospective homebuyers have put offers on. An initial offer on a home is often contingent on a satisfactory home inspection. The home inspector evaluates the condition of a house’s structure, HVAC systems, electrical systems, plumbing, and roof, and provides a verbal and written report of findings to homebuyers. Based on what issues are discovered during an inspection, the homebuyers can then choose to revoke their offer if major issues are found.
While home inspectors commonly perform pre-purchase inspections for buyers, they may also be hired by individuals who are preparing to sell their homes. The home inspector performs the same inspection he/she would for a buyer, reporting to the seller any issues that will likely need to be fixed—or issues that will decrease the value of the home—so that the seller isn’t met with surprises after an offer is made on their home and a home inspector is brought in by the prospective buyers.
Another role home inspectors perform is for property insurance companies. Many property insurance companies require a home inspection to be completed before they will insure a home. The results of the home inspection could result in higher premiums or a rejection of coverage if major issues are discovered.
While home inspectors generally focus on the structure, roof, and HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems of a home, they may also offer secondary inspections—usually for an additional expense. These services commonly include mold, termite, and radon inspections.
Typical Work Schedule
Most home inspectors work full-time schedules. While some may keep normal business hours, some others offer evening and weekend inspections to cater to potential clients’ working schedules.
Typical Employers
Many home inspectors are self-employed and either own and operate their own home inspection businesses or perform home inspections on a freelance basis. Others may work for property insurance companies and perform inspections on homes that their employer is considering covering.
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How To Become a Home Inspector
Most states require home inspectors to be licensed to practice in the state, but each state has different requirements for licensure. Before setting off on your journey to become a home inspector, it’s important to familiarize yourself with state regulations. However, in general, most states require home inspectors to complete an approved training program. This can be completed through an accredited trade or vocational school, or through a home inspector training and education organization. Additionally, you may need to pass an exam to become licensed.
Once you have your home inspection license, the next step is to find clients. In some states, it’s illegal for realtors to recommend home inspectors to buyers, but in other states, there are no regulations. If you plan to practice in a state where realtors are not prohibited from recommending home inspectors, it’s good to network with relators in the area. If realtors like working with you, think your prices are fair, and believe you provide thorough inspections, they may be willing to recommend you to their buyers.
Since most home inspectors are self-employed, taking college courses in business and marketing can also be beneficial. You’ll need to be able to market your services in order to attract new clients, and you’ll also need to keep detailed paperwork for your business for tax and other purposes. Classes in business and marketing can teach you the skills you’ll need to run a profitable and successful home inspection business.
Home Inspector Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$44,490Average
$60,030High Range
$91,600National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$21/hrAverage
$29/hrHigh Range
$44/hrHow do Home Inspector salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Home Inspector's can make an average annual salary of $60,030, or $29 per hour. On the lower end, they can make $44,490 or $21 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#270 Nationally for All Careers
Above Average Salary Nationally
Highest Education Among Home Inspectors
- 0.4% Doctorate
- 4.7% Masters
- 21% Bachelors
- 12.3% Associates
- 32.2% College
- 26% High School
- 3.4% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
101,2002024 Est. Jobs
109,200Job Growth Rate
7.9%Est. New Jobs
8,000How does Home Inspector job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 8,000 jobs for a total of 109,200 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 7.9% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#282 Nationally for All Careers
Above Avg. Growth Nationally
What Companies Employ The Most Home Inspectors
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 40,000 | 2,200 | 2% |
| Engineering services | 15,900 | 1,900 | 2% |
| Self-employed workers | 9,300 | 400 | 1% |
