Home Inspector Job Description Information

Home inspectors evaluate new or previously owned houses to determine the condition of the home's systems and structure. They often work for prospective homebuyers who want to know about potential problems in advance. Most home inspectors are self-employed and many have previous experience in the construction field.

 

Responsibilities

• Home inspectors detect and report building code violations and inspect interior and exterior home features including the foundation, roofing, plumbing and electrical, heating and cooling systems. Their work typically occurs immediately prior to a buyer making an offer to purchase a home or as a contingency included in the home sale contract.

Skills & Training

• Some home inspector positions may require an advanced degree and up to two years of experience in the home inspection field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 34 states have regulations that affect home inspectors and may require a state-issued license or certification. Requirements typically include a set level of education and inspection experience, purchasing liability insurance and successfully completing an examination. Continuing education is also generally required.

Hours & Working Conditions

• Home inspectors, especially those who are self-employed, may work varied hours that include evenings and weekends. They typically work alone and must follow safety precautions, such as wearing hardhats, to avoid injuries while on the job. Inspectors also must be physically able to climb ladders and stairs and maneuver into other spaces to assess buildings.

Compensation

• Annual base salaries for home inspectors range from $37,655 to $64,659. The median base salary as of June 2010 was $47,368, according to data reported by Salary.com. Compensation levels vary depending on geographic location, level of experience and other individual factors.

Job Prospects

• Employment opportunities for home inspectors should grow by 17 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As the practice of obtaining home inspections becomes routine, more jobs will continue to become available in the field. Candidates with both formal training and experience in construction trades will have a significant advantage in seeking employment as a home inspector.

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Home Inspector Salary Information

House inspectors, also known as home inspectors and construction and building inspectors, examine buildings and structures to ensure that they meet certain standards of quality. They must determine that the structures they examine are in compliance with building codes, zoning regulations and other specifications. House inspectors are often self-employed and work alone; however, sometimes they are employed by government agencies, contractors or construction companies.

Average Annual Income

• The average salary of a house inspector is approximately $50,000 per year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2008 house inspectors earned an average annual income of between $39,070 and $63,360. The highest 10 percent made than $78,070. The lowest 10 percent reported less than $31,270.

Types of Industries

• There are several different industries house inspectors can work in. The type of industry a house inspector is employed by can effect their income significantly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2008 inspectors working for the Federal Executive Branch were the highest earners, making a median annual income of $62,120. Inspectors working for a state government were the lowest earners, making a median annual income of $45,700.

Location

• Job opportunities and pay can vary greatly depending on the region. Alaska employs less than 300 inspectors, whereas California employs over 10,000. Alaska and California are also the top paying regions, along with the District of Columbia. House inspectors in these regions earn more than $63,000 per year on average.

Job Outlook

• Job prospects for inspectors are good. Even during tough economic times when new construction and home building slows down, inspectors are not likely to lose their jobs because they are involved with all aspects of construction, and often inspect existing buildings and homes that are undergoing renovations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for inspectors are expected to grow by 17 between 2008 and 2018.

Read more: House Inspector Salary | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_7901064_house-inspector-salary.html#ixzz1gePFhvBF

How to Become a Home Inspector

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1	Determine if this is the right career for you.Many people come to us and they have never seen a home inspection performed. Crawling under homes may not be your idea of a fun day. Also, this business requires good people skills and the ability to sell yourself.
2	Set up your business properly.Decide the structure of your business, corporation, partnership, etc., with the help of a good small business accountant and attorney. Develop a relationship with your bank. Set up good business practices early.
3	Research your marketplace.How many homes are sold in the area you will be serving? How many of those homes get inspected? How many other inspectors are in that area? What are the fees charged by your competition? Who are your potential clients?
4	Create a business plan.Whether you have never been in business for yourself or are a seasoned veteran, the importance of a business plan is critical for success. By answering all the questions addressed in a working business plan, you will create a road map for success.
5	Choose a market position.Too many companies simply copy the marketing messages of the competition. To get people to switch to your service, you need to give them a fantastic reason to change. Do not sell your service simply based on price. Many standard market positions exist, such as, innovation, speed, experience, quality, etc. Make sure your chosen position fits your personality.
6	Choose an inspection reporting system that fits your style and budget.The inspection report can be your biggest marketing tool and your largest expense. A wide variety of reporting methods are available today. Computers can assist you in report creation, but can be a large up front expense. When considering the cost of your inspection report, remember to factor in the time you or an assistant will spend behind the computer into the costs. Typical narrative reports cost between $20 and $60 to produce. On-site NCR forms make delivery of your report when you complete the inspection easy. If you are computer phobic, these on-site reporting forms may be the answer.
7	Be sure you understand the scope of the work.From the outside looking in, home inspection may appear to be an easy job. Well, it's not! Understanding all the systems in a home and having the ability to recognize the red flags is an extremely complex task. The liability of inspecting a home without proper knowledge and training is tremendous. Choose your training with care. Compare the opportunities carefully. Not all are equal. Look for courses given at licensed schools. Ask how long the course is and what materials are included. Get references from previous graduates and call them to discuss their experiences. Find out how long the school has been giving the course. What are the credentials of the instructors? Will you be allowed to upgrade your training or return for a refresher at no charge?
8	Prepare yourself well for your new business.If you have never been in business before, then you might need additional training in specialized areas such as business management, accounting, or public speaking. Remember that the better you prepare yourself for success the more likely success will come to you. Article Source: How to Become a Home Inspector