What Does it Take to be a Home Inspector?

Becoming a licensed home inspector in Illinois is a quick process for the mechanically inclined. Becoming a sought after licensed inspector takes a bit more effort.  Here’s some insight in what it takes to get licensed as an inspector in Illinois…and what it takes to be a DUNSING inspector.

True or False: All states require home inspectors to be licensed?  The answer is FALSE.  Illinois requires a license, but not all states do.  California, for example, does not require a license.

How long does it take to get licensed to be a home inspector?

1. 2 years, in person
2. 6 months, online
3. 1 week, in person
4. 30-60 days, online ⇐ (it’s a quick process for someone who is mechanically inclined!)

What kind of training is provided beyond the licensing class?

1. 6 month formal apprenticeship
2. 5 “ride alongs” with a licensed inspector ⇐ (yep, hang out with a licensed inspector FIVE times and you’re ready to hang up your shingle…)
3. Live training happens simultaneously with the classes
4. 100 hours of live training.

Home inspectors do NOT need to have general knowledge of which of the following?

1. HVAC
2. Electrical
3. Plumbing
4. Air & Water Quality ⇐ (Environmental assessments are best left to environmental experts)
5. Structure

Ture or False: Home inspectors are required to provide repair cost estimates as well as other trade referrals for repairs?  The answer is FALSE. (cost estimates are a slippery slope and they can vary WIDELY by contractor & geography)

A good home inspector will do which of the following (choose all that apply):

1. Contact the client prior to the inspection to ascertain specific concerns ⇐ (Absolutely!  Clients need to know they are being HEARD)
2. Provide clients & agents an overview of their routine for the inspection ⇐ (Yep, everyone needs to know the plan)
3. Provide clients & agents with brief, verbal updates throughout the inspection ⇐ (Of course, updates keep everyone in the loop)
4. Provide clients with a verbal summary “highlight reel” at the conclusion of the inspection ⇐ (Yes.. but it’s impossible to summarize every finding…it’s important that clients read their report in full)
5. Provide clients & agents with a complete, written report within 24 hours of the conclusion of the inspection ⇐ ( You bet, attorney review period in Illinois is only 5 business days, timing matters)
6. Remain available for questions post inspection, and in fact, even AFTER client moves into their new home ⇐ (Any reputable company should remain available post-sale!)
7. Provide lunch for all attendees & take everyone out for a beer afterwards  (Wouldn’t it be cool if this were true??)
8. All of the above

Want to know more about these answers?  Have someone you know who might want to give this a try?  Just want to grab coffee & have a conversation?  CALL ME@ 847-343-4901

Content provided by Women Belong member Kristin Marsden