Have you ever considered becoming a home inspector? It’s totally normal to wonder what the daily life of a home inspector looks like.
Besides being one of the highest-paid gigs in the real estate industry, there are so many great perks about being a home inspector. Home inspection is a core part of real estate that determines the sales of properties and helps home buyers make the best purchase decision.
But just as with other professions, this profession comes with its own set of challenges and considerations that aspiring home inspectors must carefully weigh. From navigating client interactions to building your income, understanding the realities of a home inspection career is key for anyone thinking of diving into this field.
Whether you are considering a career change or a means of additional income, this guide will help you make the best decision. Let’s unravel the pros and cons of being a home inspector and equip you with the info you need to make that final decision.
PROS: Advantages of being a home inspector
Home inspection is a crucial aspect of real estate, helping home buyers make the best decision when purchasing their home. Aside from this, other positives make this job fulfilling. Let’s take a look at the advantages of becoming a home inspector below:
Growing demand
Home inspection is a career that remains consistently in demand. As long as real estate properties are bought and sold, home inspectors will be in demand. Recent statistics show that 88% of buyers used a home inspector’s services for their most recent home purchase. But hold on, home buyers are not the only ones booking home inspectors.
Some home sellers also turn to home inspectors to carry out pre-inspections before listing their homes. They do this to spot potential issues and fix them head-on. Homeowners are not left out, too, hiring home inspectors to assess their homes seasonally for safety and maintenance purposes.
The demand for home inspections sees a surge after natural disasters, where assessment is needed to check for structural integrity and safety. In some cases, home inspections are done to facilitate insurance claims.
No matter the angle you approach it from, home inspection is a field that will always be in demand, and inspectors can amp up their earning potential by taking on more jobs.
Freedom & flexibility
If you are looking for a career that offers freedom and flexibility, look no further than the world of home inspection. Unlike the regular 9-5 jobs, home inspection allows you to create your work schedule, giving you the freedom to dabble in other pursuits. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a part-time career, their own business, or just looking to pad their income on the side.
If you also find yourself in a condition where a full-time job is nearly impossible, being a home inspector opens up a world of possibilities. It allows you to cater to your responsibilities while you work and make money. A home inspection career can be the perfect option for single parents who have to juggle work and childcare. Retirees, entrepreneurs, and many others are not left out.
High earning potential
The earning potential of home inspectors is unlimited. As a home inspector, the ball is in your court, and the rule is straightforward: inspect more homes and make more money. On average, home inspectors can inspect between 5-10 homes in a week, and some go above and beyond. If you are seeking to boost your earning capability, there are a couple of factors that make that possible.
Location always plays a vital role in a home inspector’s income. States with a high cost of living and a booming real estate market tend to set the stage for more lucrative home inspections. For instance, the average home inspector salary is $136,982 per year in California, $80,642 per year in Texas, and $51,291 in New Mexico.
But that’s not all. Your experience and expertise are like potent tools in this field. Home inspectors with a wealth of industry knowledge tend to bulk up their income. Getting licenses and certifications also makes a difference. Though earning them requires some level of classroom education, licenses can make a huge difference in the kinds of jobs home inspectors attract and ultimately impact their income.
Networking opportunities
Networking is a crucial aspect of growing a successful home inspection business, and itself is a goldmine of opportunities to connect with people. As a field in real estate, home inspectors are exposed to a myriad of networking opportunities. This not only expands their reach but also provides them with avenues to be updated on changes in their career and seize new opportunities.
Joining associations, attending workshops and seminars, and collaborating with other experts in the fields are many opportunities that home inspectors can leverage to promote their business.
Let’s remember the digital space. If you also include the utilization of online platforms, you extend your influence. This further proves the scalability of the home inspection career.
Professional development & continuing education opportunities
Although licenses and continuing education are not requirements in all states, home inspectors are leveraging them to elevate their skills. Beyond merely meeting the requirements for license renewal, professional development and continuing education are strategic moves. They are helpful in keeping inspectors abreast of industry trends, complying with regulations, and broadening their knowledge base. Moreover, they are key tools for enhancing the credibility and competitiveness of home inspectors. With this in hand, home inspectors not only stay on top of their game but also stand out in a crowded field.
Examples of Home Inspector Associations and Organizations:
- International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)
- American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
These associations not only provide a platform for networking but also offer useful resources that can enhance an inspector’s expertise.
Job Stability
Even in the face of economic uncertainties, the real estate market continues to thrive. People buy and sell homes no matter the level of economic downturn, which means that the services of home inspectors will always be needed. The continuous demand signifies the durability of the real estate industry, which translates to a reassuring level of job security.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities
If you aim to become an entrepreneur, running your own business, then becoming a home inspector can guarantee you this. While others might opt to join a multiple inspector firm, setting up your own home inspection business offers a secure route to job freedom.
As an independent home inspector, you not only enjoy the liberty of managing your time but also gain control over the types of jobs you take on. Aside from that, running your own home inspection business opens the door to scalability, giving you the chance to expand and, in turn, boost your earning potential.
CONS: Disadvantages of being a home inspector
Every job comes with its set of challenges, and being a home inspector is no exception. However, being aware of the potential drawbacks and learning how to navigate them is vital for career success.
Physically demanding work
Home inspection is a hands-on job, which means you spend time using tools to assess a property. Houses have different rooms, components, structures, roofing, and electrical parts, which you would take time to inspect carefully. This could also mean working in harsh weather conditions, inspecting old houses, scaling roofs, crawling through hot attics, lifting and carrying heavy home inspection tools & equipment, working with electric circuits, and more to do a comprehensive inspection.
If you are considering this career, being physically fit is a requirement. Home inspections demand agility, strength, and a willingness to engage in the rigorous demands of the job.
Very high standards/expectations
Navigating the expectations of buyers and sellers of properties can be a slippery slope for home inspectors. On the one hand, home buyers want a detailed report to guide their purchase decision. Home sellers, on the other hand, are aware of how that report can influence the sale of their property and the final selling price. They both rely on the expertise of the home inspector to deliver unbiased reports and make way for a seamless property transaction.
These stakes can hold the home inspector to high and demanding standards not only to do a thorough assessment but to ensure the accuracy of their inspection reports. Given these expectations, they find themselves held to a rigorous code of ethics and objectivity in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Potential health risks
Just like many other professions, home inspection comes with its own set of health risks and challenges. Becoming aware of potential hazards can help you take appropriate precautions and ensure your well-being. Some of these health risks can include exposure to asbestos, radon, mold, mildew, lead, and pests. Climbing heights is also a part of the risks home inspectors take to get their jobs done. Inspecting electric systems comes with risks of shock and injuries.
To mitigate these health risks, home inspectors should prioritize safety measures, stay informed about potential hazards, and use appropriate personal protective equipment. In cases when home inspectors are faced with issues beyond expertise, they can refer clients to specialists for further evaluation.
Liability risks
Ranging from incomplete or inaccurate reports, errors and omissions, and mishandling of properties, home inspectors encounter a spectrum of liability risks in their line of work. These risks are almost inevitable after being in the profession for a while.
This is why securing insurance is the best practice for home inspectors. Insurance helps to reduce the impact of legal fees and potential liabilities. It offers peace of mind and financial security in the face of unforeseen challenges.
Wearing a lot of different hats
If you choose to be a self-employed home inspector, you will be responsible for managing, promoting, and growing your business. While you’re out there conducting home inspections and preparing reports, you’re also wearing the hat of a home inspection marketer, networker, and social media manager. Running your home inspection makes you multidimensional, which is similar to every self-owned business.
On the flip side, home inspectors who choose to work with bigger firms can sidestep these experiences. In this scenario, the company is in charge of marketing while you focus solely on conducting home inspections. However, it is a trade-off between the autonomy of running your own business.
Wrapping Up Our List of Home Inspector Pros & Cons
The idea of a perfect job does not exist. Becoming a home inspector comes with a mix of opportunities and challenges. If you are business and technology-savvy, then home inspection is a career path that you can explore.
On the positive side, you get to enjoy limitless earning potential, the freedom to engage in other interests, connect with new people, expand your knowledge, and become an entrepreneur.
On the other hand, the high risks of liability and health, coupled with meeting the demands of maintaining professional standards, are worth weighing. It is essential that aspiring home inspectors carefully consider the pros and cons to align them with their personal and professional goals.
As you carefully weigh your decision, consider leveraging tools that can enhance your efficiency and professionalism as a home inspector. With the right tools, you can streamline your journey and set yourself up for success. Start with EZ Home Inspection Software, which is known for helping home inspectors conduct home inspections seamlessly and generate comprehensive reports. Don’t wait. Unlock benefits using our free trial to experience the benefits firsthand. Also, keep learning by utilizing EZ’s 50% student discount for six months and save some money.
FAQ
How much does a home inspection cost?
The average cost of a home inspection is $340, with costs ranging from $200 to $500. Some factors influence the cost of home inspection, such as home size, location, and the experience of the home inspector.
How long does a home inspection take to complete?
A home inspection timeline should last between two to four hours, with time varying depending on the size of the house. Smaller houses can take less time than regular ones, and bigger structures will demand more time for a comprehensive inspection.
What licenses or certifications are required to become a home inspector?
The licenses and certifications needed to become a home inspector differ by state. Some states require licensing. Others do not. However, all home inspectors can apply for licenses and certifications by going through the National Home Inspector Examination route. For a general overview of the process, check out How To Become A Home Inspector: A Complete Step-By-Step Guide.
Depending on where you’re located, EZ HIS has published several in-depth guides on becoming a home inspector in specific states.
