Home and building inspectors play important roles in ascertaining the qualities and longevity of building structures and their internal components. These professionals are employed to deploy their expertise in both residential and commercial settings and for both government and private interests.
Candidates looking to become home and building inspectors in Alabama will be glad to know they have come to the right page. Below, we explore all the major considerations involved in the process.
Readers will discover the preparatory steps, the educational options, and the certification/licensure requirements.
They will also find out where to receive training and the salary range they can expect in their careers.
How to Become a Home and Building Inspector in Alabama
The following are the steps to becoming a home and building inspector in Alabama.
Proper Education
Anyone looking to become a home and building inspector in Alabama must undergo a training program and complete the specified training hours as directed by the state.
Candidates may complete 120 hours of home inspection training at an approved institution. They may also complete 35 hours of training, but those who choose to do so will have to do more home inspections.
Those completing 120 hours of training must complete 35 home inspections, while those completing 35 must complete 100.
Candidates must receive technical training during this time while also preparing for their upcoming licensure and certification examinations.
Experience
As mentioned above, candidates must receive hands-on experience during training by completing actual home inspections. Whether they will be completing 35 or 100 home inspections, candidates should be prepared to accompany their inspections with detailed reports.
Examinations
Aspiring home and building inspectors in Alabama must complete two separate examinations before considering themselves full-fledged professionals. The first is the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics examination, while the second is the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE).
Certification
Certification can help solidify a home inspector career in Alabama. It offers legitimacy, networking opportunities, and several other benefits.
We look at how to become certified as a home and building inspector in the state below.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
After completing the above steps, applicants may submit a formal application to become licensed home and building inspectors in Alabama.
Applying for a home inspector license in the state incurs a $300 licensing fee. Candidates must also obtain a valid insurance certificate with a minimum coverage of $20,000.
For certification, candidates in Alabama should consider several highly rated, nationally recognized organizations. One of the most popular is the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
Another notable option is the American Society of Home Inspectors. Candidates should be prepared to be tested by the certification organization.
The state also expects home inspectors to participate in continuing education to renew their licenses.
Top Home and Building Inspector Schools in Alabama
Below are some notable training programs for prospective home and building inspectors in Alabama.
Centsable Inspections LLC
Birmingham, AL Campus + Online
Candidates may consider Centsable Inspections LLC, an established home inspection agency in Birmingham, for their home inspection training in Alabama.
Tuition
Call for DetailsContact
(205) 260-9997
tim@centsableinspections.com
ICA School
Online, AL Online Only
ICA School is an online training provider with an excellent array of courses for candidates, specifically in Alabama.
Tuition
$495 - $695 per ProgramContact
(888) 861-4410
admissions@icaschool.com
Wallace Community College
Online, AL Online Only
Lastly, students may consider Wallace Community College and its online training program to start their home inspector careers in Alabama.
Tuition
$2,495 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Explore Home and Building Inspector schools in Alabama by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The average home and building inspector in Alabama (who falls among the midpoint earners) usually earns an annual salary of around $60,051. Those who fall among the low-level earners may take home an average of around $39,475 at the end of the year, while the highest-paid in the top 10% end up with an annual average salary of around $91,353.
Regarding specific locations within the state, home and building inspectors in Huntsville are the highest-paid, with an annual average salary of $78,933. They are followed by those in Madison, with an annual average salary of $78,604, and those in Mobile, with an annual average salary of $65,708.
Other factors that can influence the average annual salary of a home and building inspector in Alabama are location, experience, and specialty.