Home and building inspectors in California inspect houses to ensure their condition is well within the required standards. Of course, “required standards,” in this case, can vary depending on the exact purpose of the inspection.
For instance, a home and building inspector may conduct inspections on the government’s behalf or for home buyers. Either way, they must have acquired enough training and approval from the state to call themselves professionals and carry out their duties to the expected level.
Below, we look at some of the considerations an aspiring home and building inspector in California must make to fulfill these requirements.
How to Become a Home and Building Inspector in California
The following are the steps to becoming a home and building inspector in California.
Step 1: Complete a Training Course
To become familiar with the job’s demands and the guidelines, all aspiring home and building inspectors in California are expected to attend a training program. While choosing a program, it is important to select an approved program, some of which we highlight below.
Candidates seeking additional flexibility may also go for online options.
Step 2: Pass the National Exam
After completing a training course, candidates must pass the National Home Inspectors Exam to acquire an additional layer of qualification. Even though it is not compulsory, the national exam is highly respected by realtors, clients, and fellow home and building inspectors, allowing fresh candidates to set themselves apart.
The exam deals with three general home and building inspection areas, including property inspection/site review, report analysis and findings, and specialist responsibilities.
Step 3: Secure Employment
After passing the National Home Inspectors Examination, candidates may apply for positions in relevant establishments.
It is also possible for individuals to start a small business, carrying out home and building inspection activities under their business name.
Individuals must register a limited liability company or a sole proprietorship business to do so. Aspiring home and building inspectors looking to start their own business must possess strong marketing and networking skills to build up their client base.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Generally, home and building inspectors in California are not expected to obtain a license or become certified. However, as mentioned above, passing the National Home Inspectors Exam plays a role in helping candidates boast their professional outlook and take advantage of career opportunities.
Candidates looking for additional professional credentials may consider the ones obtaining some specialized certifications, including the California Radon Certification, the Certified Home Energy Inspector credential, or the Certified Wood-Destroying Organism Inspector.
Another prominent option is the Certified Commercial Property Inspector credentials for commercial home and building inspectors.
Top Home and Building Inspector Schools in California
Below are some of the top schools in California to receive training as an aspiring home and building inspector.
Loyola Marymount University
At Loyola Marymount University, aspiring home and building inspectors in California may start their careers through a 200-hour course containing 20 credit units. The school adheres to the standards set by the American Society of Home Inspectors and boasts a highly extensive curriculum and a high graduate success rate.
College of the Redwoods
College of the Redwoods, in conjunction with the Inspection Certification Associates, offers an online home inspection training program for interested candidates in the area.
Not only do applicants learn about the key technical topics in the field, but they will also receive extensive training and guidance on how to start a successful home inspection business on their own.
Notable Mentions
Other notable mentions include the programs offered by the American Home Inspectors Training, Kaplan Real Estate Institute, FIA Inspections Academy, and Trident Home Services Group.
These destinations have multiple locations nationwide and are known for top-quality training curricula.
Explore home and building inspector schools by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary for a home and building inspector in California is $137,065. This figure is for the average earners in the state. Home and building inspectors who earn the most in California make up to $246,170 in annual average salary, while those who earn the least still earn as much as $76,316 annually.
As with most professions, experience plays a role in determining how much a home and building inspector in California will earn. Location and specific business sectors are also important criteria.
Sorting strictly by location, San Jose is the most advisable city to practice as a home and building inspector in California, with an annual average salary of $137,212. This is followed by San Diego and Fresno, with annual average salaries of $90,992 and $81,862, respectively.
Home and building inspectors in Los Angeles earn an annual average salary of $54,480.
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