How to Become a Home Inspector
Evaluating a home's visible systems and components, from roof to foundation, and writing a clear report for buyers, sellers or owners.
Who it suits
Detail-oriented people with building knowledge who write clearly, stay neutral and are comfortable climbing and crawling.
How people get started
People often come from construction or a trade, complete pre-licensing training and do supervised or practice inspections.
Step-by-step plan
- Check whether your state licenses home inspectors and what it requires.
- Complete any required pre-licensing education.
- Do supervised or practice inspections if required or offered.
- Pass any required exam.
- Get the insurance your state or clients require.
- Choose report software and build a report template.
- Learn your state's standards of practice and ethics rules.
- Build relationships honestly while following any referral rules in your state.
Skills to learn first
Home systems from roof to foundation, writing clear reports, and the limits of what an inspection covers.
- Roofing, structure, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and interior basics
- Your state's standards of practice
- Report writing that's clear and neutral
- Safety on roofs, ladders and in crawlspaces
- Limits of a visual inspection
Licensing pointers
Many states license home inspectors and some use a national exam, but not all states do. Check your state's home inspector licensing board.
Rules vary widely; some states have no license. Check your state's licensing board.
Rules vary by state, county and city. Confirm with your state board or agency before you start. This isn't legal advice.
Insurance to ask about
- Errors and omissions (professional liability)
- General liability
- Commercial auto
- Ask what your state requires
Equipment and tools to research
- Ladder
- Flashlight and moisture meter
- Protective gear
- Report software
- Camera
Week-by-week getting-started plan
Week 1
- Check state licensing
- Choose a course
Week 2
- Start training
- Research insurance
Week 3
- Practice inspections
- Pick report software
Week 4
- Schedule exam
- Build a report template
How people find their first customers
- Real estate agents, where your state's rules allow
- Past clients and their referrals
- Google Business Profile
- Homeowners wanting maintenance inspections
Common beginner mistakes
- Going beyond your scope in reports
- Unclear or hard-to-read reports
- Skipping required insurance
- Conflicts of interest
Quality red flags
- Missed major defects
- Reports that read as sales pitches
- Unsafe access shortcuts
Questions to ask yourself before you commit
- Can I stay neutral under pressure?
- Am I comfortable in attics and crawlspaces?
- Do I enjoy writing?
Questions to ask a licensing board
- Which license or registration do I need for exactly the work I plan to offer?
- What education, hours or exams are required, and in what order?
- What can I legally do while my application is pending?
Questions for an insurer
- Which coverages are required by law for my work in this state, and which are just recommended?
- What isn't covered by the policy you're quoting?
- Do I need different coverage when I hire my first employee or subcontractor?
Questions for a mentor
- What do you wish you'd known in your first year?
- What mistakes cost beginners the most time or customers?
- How did you find your first customers?
My worksheet
Use only your own numbers and research.
- My state's requirements: ________
- Course chosen: ________
- Exam date: ________
- Insurance needed: ________
- Report software: ________
- Template sections: ________
- Mentor: ________
- Questions for the board: ________
My startup checklist
- State home inspector rules checked (some states have no license)
- Pre-licensing training completed if required
- State or national exam passed if required
- Background check or fingerprints completed if my state requires them
- License application filed
- Choice made: join an inspection firm or work on my own
- Errors and omissions and general liability insurance asked about (some states require it)
- Continuing education rules noted
- If working on my own: business setup steps from Part one
Your next step
Back to the free starter guide
General education only. Not legal, tax, financial or licensing advice. Rules vary by state, county and city, so confirm with the official sources named here and a qualified professional. No income, earnings or business results are promised or implied. Published by Ryan Via, doing business as The Collective.