Aspiring home and building inspectors in Michigan can get their careers started with confidence when they understand what to expect right from the start. To that end, we have provided the resources below to help interested individuals become familiar with the key steps in the process and get their careers started the right way.
Starting from the steps involved in the process, the article below also contains the licensure requirements, possible certification alternatives, and the top destinations in the state for approved training.
Candidates will also discover the possible salary range to expect once they secure employment, sorting by various deciding factors.
How to Become a Home and Building Inspector in Michigan
The following are the steps in starting a home and building inspector career in Michigan.
Step 1: Receive Recognized Training
The most common route to becoming a home and building inspector in Michigan is to complete a state-recognized training course. The state itself does not mandate this process, but many firms and employers tend to value it immensely.
Additionally, while there are no state-mandated prerequisites for entering into a home and building inspection training program, some training programs may ask for a high school diploma or GED.
By completing their training, candidates will have acquired key knowledge to pass the second stage.
Step 2: Pass the National Home Inspectors Examination
The second stage in becoming a home and building inspector in Michigan is to pass the National Home Inspectors Examination. Like attending a training program, passing the National Home Inspectors Examination is important to retain a high level of appeal when seeking employment and professional contracts.
The exam tests a candidate’s skills in site review, filing findings, report analysis, and professional responsibilities.
It includes 200 multiple choice questions and opportunities for retake. Candidates must wait 30 days before retaking the exam and pay $225 in the examination fee for each retake.1
Step 3: Networking & Securing Employment
Lastly, after passing the National Home Inspectors Examination, candidates may put together a strong resume and apply for positions in multi-inspector firms. Candidates may also choose to start their own business.
Consider trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Home and building inspectors in Michigan are expected to register with the state after they can secure employment and start working legally. However, candidates may choose to pursue certification for their own personal and professional benefits.
Among some of the more reputable options to consider in this regard are the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors ( InterNACHI), the American Society of Home Inspectors, and the International Association of Home Inspectors - Michigan Chapter.
Additionally, the state requires those looking to start their own business to register their business name as either a sole proprietorship or an LLC.
Individuals must also purchase general liability insurance or errors and omissions insurance.
Top Home and Building Inspector Schools in Michigan
Aspiring home and building inspectors in Michigan may enroll in any of the following courses for recognized, top-class training.
Michigan Institute of Real Estate
Southfield, MI Online + Campus
The Michigan Institute of Real Estate is one of Michigan's most popular schools for home inspection training.
Tuition
$210 - $295 per CourseContact
(800) 861-7325
www.myrealestateschool.com
Macomb Community College
Warren , MI Online + Campus
Candidates who desire training from a college system may consider the home inspection training offered by Macomb Community College.
Tuition
$113 - $270 per CreditContact
(586) 445-7999
answer@macomb.edu
Kaplan Real Estate
Grandville, MI Online + Campus
Kaplan Real Estate offers home inspection training in a few states, including Michigan. The program is tailor-made to suit the state's requirements and includes additional topics such as radon certification.
Email: nationalleadinstructor@kaplan.com
Tuition
$179 - $199 per ProgramContact
(800) 636-9517
Email in Bio
Explore home and building inspector schools by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The annual salary for home and building inspectors in Michigan is around $137,120 – significantly above the national average. Those among the bottom 10% still manage an annual average salary of $76,324, while those among the highest paid in the state take home an annual average salary of $240,345.
In Michigan, factors such as experience, location, and the establishment’s company greatly influence how much a home and building inspector takes home every year.
Regarding location, Grand Rapids and Troy are the highest paying cities to be a home and building inspector in North Carolina, with annual average salaries of $137,212 and $137,212, respectively.
Dearborn, Detroit, and Holland are all among the top five, with annual average salaries of $137,212, $136,6340, and $59,793, respectively.