Building structures that withstand time and environmental degradation is crucial in any functional society. Home and building inspectors ensure that houses adhere to certain standards that make life easier and protect the well-being of those living there.
In Louisiana, the way to start a successful career as a home and building inspector is quite clear and straightforward.
Readers of this page will find out what makes up the process and understand how to make optimal decisions along the way to start well and grow on the job as quickly as possible.
How to Become a Home and Building Inspector in Louisiana
Aspiring home and building inspectors in Louisiana may start their careers by following the steps below.
Background Check
The state of Louisiana requires aspiring home and building inspectors to submit an official application for a background check before they can proceed. During this time, applicants must fill out the “right to review” authorization form and submit a $10 fee for fingerprinting and a $26 fee for processing.
Completing Approved Education
To start a career as a home and building inspector in Louisiana, candidates must complete a 90-hour state-approved home inspection course. Candidates are advised to prioritize attending a reputable school with resources for theoretical and interactive learning. Additionally, the curriculum must include sections dedicated to Louisiana home inspection law and preparation for the national examination.
In an upcoming section, we explore a few high-quality training options for individuals to consider.
Passing the National Examination
Home and building inspectors across the country, including the state of Louisiana, must pass the National Home Inspector Examination. Students should be prepared to answer 200 multiple-choice questions, of which only 175 reflect the final score.
Real-World Inspection
After learning the basic theoretical components of the job, applicants can proceed to real-world inspection. They are to conduct 30 hours of hands-on field training and 10 live home inspections with detailed reports.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Candidates who have completed all of the steps highlighted above are fully on the way to becoming licensed professional home and building inspectors in Louisiana. The state also requires a standard of practice and report writing seminar so that candidates can further develop their reporting and finding analysis skills.
State rules and regulations mandate that a proof of errors and omissions policy covering at least $300,000 be in place to meet business requirements. Furthermore, a general liability policy covering $300,000 and a bond of $25,000 are also required.
While sending in an official application for a license, candidates are expected to have their application notarized and pay a $200 application fee. It is also worth pointing out that the state expects prospective home and building inspectors to be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
Top Home and Building Inspector Schools in Louisiana
The schools below offer top-class programs for future home and building inspectors in Louisiana.
University of New Orleans
Online, LA Online Only
The University of New Orleans’ Professional and Continuing Education has a home and building inspection certificate course that is perfect for residents of the state. It teaches best practices, reporting methodology, and more.
Tuition
$2,495 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
University of Louisiana Lafayette
Online, LA Online Only
The University of Louisiana Lafayette also has an excellent online program for candidates to consider. Graduates of the program end up with a certificate and skills for employment.
Tuition
$2,495 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Burk Baker School of Real Estate
Baton Rouge, LA Campus + Online
Lastly, individuals in the state who prefer to attend an in-person class may consider the Burk Baker School of Real Estate program. It includes 90 hours of classroom and 40 hours of training in the field.
Tuition
$1,295 per ProgramContact
(225) 293-6000
Explore home and building inspector schools in Louisiana by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Home and building inspectors in Louisiana earn an annual average salary ranging from $73,418 on the lower end to $246,477 on the higher end. Those who fall on the lower end tend to do so due to a lack of experience and optimization of other factors such as credentials, location, and position of employment.
Of course, not everyone who does not fall among the lower end falls among the higher earners. There is a category of home and building inspectors in the state who are among the median earners, making an annual average salary of $134,521.
These figures were obtained from a survey of professionals in the state.
The data also showed the state’s most prominent and favorable locations for a relatively high salary as a home and building inspector. These include New Orleans, with an annual average salary of $58,481, and Baton Rouge, with an annual average salary of $58,049.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is optimistic about the future of this profession and expects a yearly increase in demand nationwide.