How Much Does it Cost to Become a Home Inspector?

Home inspectors conduct evaluations to determine the safety and functionality of homes for buyers.

The process of becoming a home inspector is as simple as completing a training program, earning state or local licensure, and gaining firsthand experience.

One of the most crucial factors when considering if this is the right career choice for you is to understand the costs to become a home inspector.

Keep reading to learn more!

How Much Does It Cost to Complete Home Inspector School?

Most states require home inspectors to become licensed to work legally in the field.

This requires you to complete home inspection training, then take the National Home Inspector Examination.

Even if your home state does not require licensure, it’s always beneficial to complete a training program to gain the basic knowledge for the position.

The cost of a home inspection training program can vary greatly based on your location, local cost of living, format (online versus in-person), reputation, and what is included in the tuition cost.

As a result, the typical cost of an entire program ranges from $600 to over $2,000, including tuition, books, and fees.

Therefore, it’s important to shop around when looking for home inspector schools, since not all programs are created equal.

How Much Does a Home Inspector License Cost?

The cost of the actual licensing is also a few hundred dollars, depending on the state.

To earn a license in states that require this designation, you must pass an examination that tests your knowledge of the field, complete an application, and ensure your license is in good standing by renewing on time, plus fulfilling any continuing education requirements.

All training programs prepare graduates for the examination, so it’s best to schedule it as soon after graduating as possible.

What Are the Additional Costs After Becoming a Home Inspector?

The cost of completing a training program and earning a home inspector license is just one section of the required startup costs.

You also must consider the additional cost of maintaining your licensure.

States that require you to be licensed will also require renewal and continuing education classes to ensure you remain updated on the latest developments within the industry.

The license renewal period is typically every year or two.

To complete the renewal, you must take a specific number of continuing education hours.

Depending on where you live, the renewal fee can range from $150 to $400, with continuing education credits also costing a few hundred dollars.

Another potential fee is the cost to join a home inspection association, like the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors or the American Society of Home Inspectors.

The initial few will be several hundred dollars, with renewal of around $100, depending on your location.

Additionally, if you plan to start a home inspection business, then you must prepare for the cost of inspection tools, reporting software, Errors and Omissions insurance, small business legal fees, website and marketing, and advertising.

Furthermore, operating costs, like rent and utilities, must also be factored into your budget.

These costs can collectively run into the 10s of thousands of dollars, with the most expensive costs being rent and insurance.

Is Becoming a Home Inspector a Good Investment?

Choosing to become a home inspector can prove to be a wise decision.

Home inspection is a stable career choice with excellent long-term demand due to increasing real estate transactions.

As a result, the business can be highly lucrative, offering above-average salaries, flexible hours, and job satisfaction from helping others.

Although the upfront costs of a training program, licensure, organization fees, and operations may seem steep at first, becoming a home inspector is a valuable investment.

Key Takeaways

Becoming a home inspector is a promising field that requires some investment, but not as much as other professions.

The financial investment to complete a training program is between $600 and $2,000 as a one-time fee.

If required by the state, licensure can cost several hundred dollars, but renewal is significantly cheaper at around $100.

Also, it is recommended to join a professional organization, which can cost several hundred dollars.

The true costs are derived from operating and maintaining a home inspection business if you choose this path.

The upfront costs for equipment, supplies, and software can be in the thousands, but the larger purchases are typically one-time.

However, the long-term, recurring costs are rent, utilities, and insurance, which are typically the most significant expenses.

If you choose to work for an established company, then the business operating costs disappear.

Regardless of the path you choose, being a home inspector is worth the investment.

Many new home inspectors join an established company for many years to learn the nuances of running a business, generating clients, and the general aspects of how a business runs before creating a startup.

There are pros and cons to each option, so it’s best to dig deep into both paths before choosing.