Home inspectors
evaluate the components and structure of homes.
House inspections are not only completed before purchases of homes but also before homes are placed on the market. In addition, an individual may request a home inspection to merely identify problems with his or her home. With house inspections being a standard for home buyers, home inspectors are definitely in demand.
Curriculum
House inspectors are taught in classroom and distance-learning environments. Teaching methods for training include discussions and case scenarios and media selection to facilitate learning includes videos and training books. Based on ahit.com, most prospective house inspectors are offered extra courses in marketing, risk management and report writing. These additional courses enable them to acquire skills necessary for problem solving and communicating with people in the community.
Courses are offered at the Allied Home Inspection School and the American Home Inspection Training Institute. For individuals who have demanding schedules, the American Home Inspection Training Institute offers a seven-day start-up course. Topics of the training course are listed on ahit.com and include:
Structure--detect and report structural problems of basements, slabs, crawl spaces, walls, trim, eaves, fascia, driveways and landscaping
Roofing--identification and analysis of asphalt shingles, wood shingles, tile roofs, shake roofs and flat roofs
Plumbing--evaluate water heating equipment and drain, waste and vent systems in the bathroom, laundry room and kitchen
Electrical--evaluate amperage size, panels and sub-panels, service equipment and overload protection
Heating--Analyze forced air, heat exchangers and heat pumps
Central Air Conditioning--analyzing evaporators and condensers
Interiors and Attics--identifying insulation and ventilation
Home Inspection Business--running the business, liability, marketing plan and professionalism
Licensure and Certification
There are 34 states with regulations for house inspectors to obtain a state license or certification. In addition to passing an exam, requirements for such licensure varies by state but may include a minimum education requirement, previous experience with inspections, and/or the purchase of liability insurance. License renewal may be every few years, and continuing annual education credits may be required.
Roles and Responsibilities
According to bls.gov, home inspectors evaluate the safety of homes, apartments, condominiums and commercial properties. Home inspectors check a home's "system, components and structure" and report any violations of codes. Based on latimes.com, independent home inspections are crucial, because foreclosures offer an opportunity for profit, but hidden repair costs can make a good deal go bad. Many problems can occur if a house is closed up too long-- mold can build, valves, gaskets or hoses of plumbing fixtures and appliances can dry out, vandalism, invasion by insects and rodents, and dry sewer traps may allow methane gas into a home. These are types of issues that house inspectors are expected to identify and report. They also record problems with water pressure, foundation cracks and wall or ceiling stains.
Considerations
Though home inspector careers are affected by economic downfalls and fluctuations in real estate, bls.gov predicts that employment rates for home inspectors are expected to increase rapidly. However, construction workers who desire a less demanding workload for more pay may consider placement into home inspector careers, which would result in a reduction of growth for home inspectors in some areas. Also, some states are beginning to limit entry into the home inspection field to individuals who already have inspection experience and/or certification, according to bls.gov.
Opportunities
House inspectors may further their education and experiences by acquiring certifications from ASHI, NAHI, CREIA, and state continuing education programs. These additional certifications are encouraged for the improvement of knowledge and professionalism in a home inspection career.
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