How to Become a Home Inspector in PA (Steps, Tips, FAQs)

Home inspectors are professionals who spot wrong connections in the electrical architecture of homes.

These professionals conduct detailed assessments of homes to find any form of setup that can endanger the lives of those living there.

It is a career path recommended for those who love construction-related professions.

This post will discuss the steps to becoming a home inspector in PA and other helpful information regarding this career path.

Table of Contents

Who is a Home Inspector?

A home inspector assesses buildings for situations that can lead to death, injury, jury, or building loss.

They perform their job just before an individual completes the purchase of a building.

Their expertise focuses on their six areas: interior, exterior, foundation, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.

Home inspectors also identify the time it will take to perform maintenance on the building.

Is Home Inspector a Good Career?

Yes, being a home inspector is a promising career. This career allows you to make much money and establish yourself as an independent professional.

Also, home inspector is a career with many opportunities for personal and professional development, and the demand for home inspectors is high all over the United States.

Home inspectors also can work from the comfort of their homes and enjoy a flexible work schedule.

Steps for Becoming a Home Inspector in PA

To become a home inspector in Pennsylvania, follow the steps below:

1. Enrol in and finish a Pennsylvania-approved home inspector course:

Enrolling in a Pennsylvanian-approved home inspector program is the first step you must take to work as a home inspector in this state.

Throughout this program, you will receive quality training on the roles of a home inspector and learn how to launch a home inspector business or brand from scratch.

A Pennsylvania-approved Home Inspector course will adequately prepare you to work as a home inspector in this and any other US state. It takes up to 120 hours to complete this course.

2. Scale through the professional examination:

Once you complete a Pennsylvanian-approved home inspector program, proceed to register for and take the National Home Inspector Exam.

In this exam, your knowledge of this job will be tested with 200 multiple-choice questions, of which 25 are not scored.

The test lasts 4 hours, costing about $225 for each attempt. You can use several AHIT-based prep tests to prepare for the professional exam.

If you fail the test, you must wait another 30 days before you can retake the exam.

3. Carryout not less than 100 Home Inspections:

You must complete up to 100 home inspections and acquire relevant skills to work as a licensed home inspector in Pennsylvania.

You can achieve this by working for a reputable home inspection company as an entry-level worker, apprentice, or intern.

4. Join a National Home Inspection Association:

Once you have ranked up to 100 home inspections, proceed and become a National Home Inspection Association member.

Joining a professional body will enable you to learn the professional Pennsylvania Home Inspector ethics.

Some top National Home Inspection associations are the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

You still have the choice of working under the direct supervision of someone renowned within a professional body.

5. Submit evidence of required insurance:

In Pennsylvania, home inspectors are expected to secure insurance for their brands. Here are some of the documents that will be requested from you:

Errors and omission insurance for $100,000 per occurrence
General liability insurance for $100,000 per occurrence
$500,000 in the aggregate and deductibles of not more than $2,500

What is the Average Income of a Home Inspector in the US?

The median annual salary of a home inspector in PA is around $135,000. However, income differs according to place of work, experience, and academic level.

Also, home inspectors running their own brands will likely earn more income than those working for a home inspection firm.

What is the Job Prospect for Home Inspectors in the US?

Based on records released by the Bureau of Labour Statistics, there will be a 4% reduction in the number of jobs available for home inspectors in the US between 2021 and 2031.

However, it is still expected that there will be about 15,000 new vacancies in the field as many active professionals will retire, and a good number will possibly jump into another career.

Tips for Succeeding as a Home Inspector in PA

Here are some of the steps you must take to excel as a home inspector in the state of Pennsylvania:

1. Develop practical communication skills:

Develop the ability to communicate with your clients through oral and written formats.

While presenting a report to your client, ensure it is done in a primary language that is clear for their understanding.

Also, always remain an active listener, which will help you adequately understand your client’s concerns, especially when they have already moved into the building.

2. Maintain a solid online presence:

In the current age, where almost everything is driven by technology, you can only increase your customer base if you maintain an excellent online presence.

Thus, create active social media accounts where the content of your services will be posted consistently.

Also, ensure that you pay good money for a professional website and employ the services of relevant professionals to boost its ranks on Google Search Engine Result Pages.

3. Be business-driven:

If you are running a personal home inspector shop, take courses in accounting and marketing.

Also, connect with other professionals in this industry and put in so much effort to advertise your business using social media, trade shows, and other reliable channels.

4. Be updated:

Consistent changes characterize the home inspection industry.

Thus, to succeed in this field, you must stay updated on the latest policies and technology in the industry and best professional practices.

Seminars, conferences, workshops, and advanced training are the most reliable avenues to achieve this.

5. Grow your network:

Real estate agents are one professional you would consistently work with as a home inspector.

Most of the clients you may get will likely result from their recommendations.

Thus, please do all possible to develop a strong network with them and other industry professionals.

6. Utilize cutting-edge technology:

Make use of first-rate technological devices and equipment to perform your duties.

This will enable you to do your job better, leaving results that will lead to more referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How to Become a Home Inspector in PA

What are the best home inspection schools in PA?

ICA School, InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector Program, and McKissock Learning are three of PA’s best home inspection schools.

Which individuals are present at a home inspection round in PA?

Those who show up for a home inspection are the inspector, the buyer, the buyer’s real estate agent, the listing agent, and the seller.

Are inspections conducted for cars?

Yes, all cars in Pennsylvania must be inspected at least once yearly.

Conclusion

Professional home inspectors know how to look for faults in a home’s structure.

These experts inspect potential residences thoroughly to identify potential hazards to the occupant’s health and safety.

It remains a career that is recommended for those with an interest in building and construction. However, if you want to be successful in this field, follow the advice above.

Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.

Editor’s Recommendations:

If you find this article good, please share it with a friend.