Laws regarding home inspectors in Atlanta are outlined in chapter three, title eight of the state of Georgia's Trade Practice Act. The 1994 legislation requires inspectors to provide a document to state that they are making a visual inspection with an outline of the scope of their inspection noting what structural elements and systems will be inspected and that they shall provide notification of any defects in writing. Though not required by law, comprehensive job training, practical experience and continuing education will be necessary to be successful. The area's local home inspector professional groups offer designations, training and referrals to help careers thrive.
Instructions
1. Connect with the American Society of Home Inspectors Georgia chapter. The group has a four-day Southeastern Home Inspectors Conference each year in Duluth, 26 miles from Atlanta, in September that offers networking and vendor visit opportunities plus plenty of training sessions. Meetings in downtown Atlanta alternate every other month and include opportunities for education and socializing. Pay dues and contact the group through forms on its website at ashigeorgia.com.
2. Train and become certified with the Georgia Association of Home Inspectors, or GAHI. To receive the group's designation, you must be certified in the four codes of one and two family residential construction--building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical--by earning a passing grade on the International Code Council exam. The group's Birch Academy is located 30 minutes from Atlanta in Acworth and offers two courses of study, fundamentals of home inspection for new inspectors and ICC code classes for future test-takers. You will be required to perform a total of 250 paid inspections and obtain liability insurance and a business license to complete the certification process. Continuing education course requirements will ensure that you are up to speed on the latest laws and technology. Bi-monthly meetings offer internship, networking and training opportunities.
GAHI Birch Academy at Chattahoochee Tech North Metro Campus
5198 Ross Road
Acworth, GA 30102
770-952-7811
birchacademy.com
gahi.com
3. Take the National Home Inspector Examination at a Pearson VUE test center in the Atlanta area. Find the location nearest you and register by calling 877-543-5222. The test fee is $225 as of April, 2010, and is recognized by the American Institute of Inspectors, American Society of Home Inspectors and the National Association of Home Inspectors. The 200-question multiple choice exam covers inspection and reporting methods, building systems and professional practices. More information and a $50 sample test can be found at homeinspectionexam.org.
Tags: Home Inspectors, American Society, American Society Home, Association Home, Association Home Inspectors
