In Idaho, home and building inspectors diligently examine buildings and constructed structures to ensure the right standards are met. These professionals are in demand across several construction sectors, including residential and commercial buildings and utility projects.
The resources below highlight all the major considerations that state residents must know to start a successful career in this field. Readers will discover, among other things, the preparatory steps they must take before entering a training program, the types of training programs to consider, and specific examples of top-quality home and building inspector training programs in Idaho.
How to Become a Home and Building Inspector in Idaho
The following are the steps to becoming a home and building inspector in Idaho.
Step 1: Basic Requirements
There are no state-mandated prerequisites to becoming a home and building inspector in Idaho. However, employers tend to gravitate towards candidates with a high school diploma or GED and a clean background.
Step 2: Training Program
Candidates must enroll in a training program to carry out their duties at a high level. Here, they will learn key topics on construction principles, principles of HVAC and electrical technology, analysis of findings, writing reports, and professional responsibilities.
Many of these programs also allow students to receive real-world experience by allowing them to participate in home inspections under the supervision of licensed instructors.
Step 3: Passing the NHIE
The relevant national examination for home inspectors in the United States is the National Home Inspector Examination, containing 200 multiple-choice questions.
Candidates don’t necessarily have to pass their exams the first time around. However, those who failed and would like to retake must do so after waiting at least 30 days. They must then pay the $225 exam application fee again and subsequently for every retake.
Step 4: Networking, Certification, & Employment
Networking and certification go hand in hand. Candidates may consider joining the Idaho Association of Home Inspectors and the Idaho Chapter of the National Association of Home Inspectors.
They may also secure employment at an established agency or start a business.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Education and licensure are technically not mandatory for home and building inspectors in Idaho. However, they must purchase general liability insurance to start an official business.
They should also purchase errors and omissions insurance to protect themselves from unforeseen circumstances.
Regarding professional credentials and certification, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) offers several credentials that candidates in Idaho may leverage for more career opportunities.
Top Home and Building Inspector Schools in Idaho
The following are considered to be among the top home and building inspector training programs in Idaho.
North Idaho College
Online, ID Online Only
North Idaho College offers similar training through its Workforce Training Center. Topics include home inspection techniques, construction techniques, methodologies for reporting and identifying defects, and roof systems.
Tuition
$2,495 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Inspection Certification Associates
Online, ID Online Only
Candidates can apply for the Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) training program. Candidates may choose to learn in either English or Spanish.
Tuition
$495 - $695 per ProgramContact
(888) 861-4410
admissions@icaschool.com
Explore Home and Building Inspector schools in Idaho by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
A survey of home and building inspectors in Idaho by the platform Indeed revealed that an average professional in this field might expect to take home a salary of around $78,604 at the end of each year. Data also showed that candidates among the highest earners in the state can take home up to $112,553 in average salary per year. At the bottom of the spectrum, those among the lowest-paid still have an annual average salary of around 54,895.
Those looking to move from the bottom end of the salary spectrum to the higher end may consider working in their location, credentials, and establishment of employment, among other key factors. Of course, acquiring experience also helps greatly.
The highest-paying locations to practice as a home and building inspector in Idaho are Idaho Falls, with an annual average salary of $137,212; Nampa, with an annual average salary of $137,210; Eagle, with an annual average salary of $137,199; and Boise, with an annual average salary of $132,136.