Individuals interested in pursuing an important field in the real estate industry with a very technical edge may consider home and building inspection. Professionals in this discipline ensure that houses are safe, well-constructed, and up to the required standards set by the government and potential home buyers looking for commensurate value for their money.
Candidates must attend the right training program to start a career as a home and building inspector in Hawaii. They must also consider other key requirements that may help their careers succeed.
We have also provided key details below about the considerations needed to become a home and building inspector in Hawaii. These include the basic requirements, training requirements, examinations, and licensure possibilities.
How to Become a Home and Building Inspector in Hawaii
Aspiring home and building inspectors must follow the steps below to start their careers.
Prepare with a Recognized Home Inspection Course
Those looking to become home and building inspectors in Hawaii must prepare by attending a top-quality home inspection course. The state makes this optional, as Hawaii does not have basic educational requirements, but potential employers usually favor it.
Candidates looking for flexibility in their training may complete their home inspector education online or via a hybrid approach. We will list some noteworthy programs to consider later on the page.
National Home Inspection Exam
After training, the next important step to becoming a home and building inspector in Hawaii is passing the National Home Inspector Examination. Candidates have four hours to complete this exam.
There are 200 multiple-choice questions, but 25 are not reflected in the total score. Candidates must pay $225 to sit for the examination, and if they don’t pass the first time, they must pay an additional $225 for every retake.
The exam can be challenging, which is another reason candidates are advised to attend high-quality programs to prepare for their NHIE.
Networking and Employment
Professional networking allows home and building inspectors to grow and discover career opportunities. Joining a professional organization is one way to achieve this.
Candidates may secure employment immediately after they complete training or start their own business. We explore this further below.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Licensure is optional for home and building inspectors in Hawaii. Candidates must complete a training program and secure employment.
As mentioned earlier, certification can be of huge advantage. For example, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors offers credentials that help secure employment, professional networking, and continuing education.
The American Society of Home Inspectors and the North American Association of Home Inspectors also offer good options.
Those who want to start home inspection businesses must acquire general liability insurance and errors and omissions insurance.
Top Home and Building Inspector Schools in Hawaii
The entries below are among Hawaii’s top training programs for prospective home and building inspectors.
PHII (Professional Home Inspection Institute)
Online, HI Online Only
Students who apply for the training program offered by the Professional Home Inspection Institute will learn report-writing skills and be able to perform the fundamental duties required of home inspectors in the state.
Tuition
$499 - $699 per ProgramContact
(605) 427-2908
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Online, HI Online Only
Kaplan Real Estate Education’s home and building training program takes 6 months but can be completed earlier.
Tuition
$179 - $799 per ProgramContact
(800) 636-9517
retstudentsupport@kaplan.com
ATI Training
Online, HI Campus + Online
Lastly, candidates can also consider ATI Training, which can provide pre-licensing training to start their careers and continuing education to acquire more skills. The program is known to be quite convenient and flexible.
Tuition
$489 - $2,695 per ProgramContact
(855) 735-2021
Explore Home and Building Inspector schools in Hawaii by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The annual returns for a home and building inspector in Hawaii can vary based on multiple factors. For instance, those who have attained certain certifications with a specialty focus may earn more than those still finding their professional footing.
However, a home and building inspector in the state can generally expect to earn an annual average salary of around $72,484, the figure for the midpoint earners. Those among the highest-paid, however, take home an annual average salary of around $105,631, while those among the lowest-paid make around $49,738 annually.
As expected, the state’s experience level and location will also impact these figures.
Waipahu, for instance, remains the highest-paying destination for home and building inspectors in Hawaii, with an annual average salary of around $61,938. Pearl City is notable, with an annual average salary of $61,418, as is Kahului, where candidates earn an annual average salary of $60,712.