Dave writes:
How does the future look for home inspectors in terms of career and salary?
The Career Doctor responds:
Home inspectors conduct inspections of newly built or previously owned homes.
According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), “Ever since home inspection first came on the real estate scene in the mid-1970s, consumer demand for the service has been growing rapidly. Home inspection is a young and growing professional consulting service aimed at helping homebuyers make the biggest financial decision of their lives.”
And the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook states, “Home inspection is becoming a standard practice in the home purchasing process, creating more opportunities for home inspectors.”
Home inspectors need extensive knowledge in many areas of residential construction such as: soils and foundations, wood and construction, roofing, plumbing, electricity, heating and ventilation, air conditioning and heat pumps, appliances, swimming pools and spas, termites and wood-destroying insects and environmental considerations.
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) estimates that “77 percent of the homes sold in the United States and Canada today are inspected prior to purchase. This means that the market is still underserved and that the remaining growth potential is considerable. This trend leaves room for many to become a home inspector and construct a home inspection career, or even begin a home inspection company … and inspectors can expect to earn gross revenues of more then $75,000.”
Home inspectors need training and certification. Once you’ve accomplished these, you have a couple of employment options. You can join an existing company or start your own home-inspection business.
Here are the main professional organizations, where you can find more information, tools, and resources:
