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?
- 2 years, in person
- 6 months, online
- 1 week, in person
- 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?
- 6 month formal apprenticeship
- 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…)
- Live training happens simultaneously with the classes
- 100 hours of live training.
Home inspectors do NOT need to have general knowledge of which of the following?
- HVAC
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Air & Water Quality ⇐ (Environmental assessments are best left to environmental experts)
- 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):
- Contact the client prior to the inspection to ascertain specific concerns ⇐ (Absolutely! Clients need to know they are being HEARD)
- Provide clients & agents an overview of their routine for the inspection ⇐ (Yep, everyone needs to know the plan)
- Provide clients & agents with brief, verbal updates throughout the inspection ⇐ (Of course, updates keep everyone in the loop)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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!)
- Provide lunch for all attendees & take everyone out for a beer afterwards (Wouldn’t it be cool if this were true??)
- 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