How To Become A Home Inspector In Iowa [Done Right]
Introduction To The Home Inspection Industry
The home inspection industry is a rapidly growing field that plays a crucial role in the real estate market. Home inspectors are responsible for evaluating the condition of a property and identifying potential issues that could affect its value or safety. As a home inspector, you will have the opportunity to work with homeowners, real estate agents, and other professionals to provide valuable insights and recommendations. With the right training and certification, you can build a successful career in the home inspection industry and enjoy a rewarding and challenging profession.
Consider A Career In Home Inspection
The home inspection industry is experiencing a growth explosion. Interestingly enough, new inspectors are funneling in from industries entirely unrelated. In Iowa, becoming a home inspector has minimal barrier to entry. While Iowa has no state licensing requirements, obtaining a home inspector certification provides a competitive advantage and is viewed favorably by clients and real estate professionals alike. If you possess drive and a decent IQ, you could be on your way to becoming a really good home inspector and may find it to be a rewarding career for you. If this sounds interesting and you want to learn more about how to become a home inspector in Iowa, keep reading!
How To Become A Home Inspector In Iowa: Basic Requirements
Iowa is one of roughly 20 states that has yet to adopt regulations and licensing requirements pertaining to home inspectors. With that said, however, real estate agents and clients need to see that an inspector is certified and knows what they are doing on the job. Obtaining an Iowa home inspector certification is crucial, especially when it isn'’t required, which is evidence of initiative and that the job is taken seriously. Due to Iowa having lax home inspection laws, we recommend replacing the “what would be state licensing requirements” with our suggested steps.
Step 1: GET HOME INSPECTION TRAINING
We highly recommend InterNACHI®, International Association for Certified Home Inspectors, for initial training and ongoing education. InterNACHI® is headquartered in Boulder, CO and is the world leader in inspector education. They provide state-specific training, including comprehensive Iowa home inspection training programs, to thoroughly equip every inspector to succeed in the field.
InterNACHI® is set apart in many ways from competitors. One being simple, straight-forward pricing. They offer a monthly, very affordable membership fee that allows members to access a plethora of valuable resources, including participation in their well-respected community of professional home inspectors. They also offer recommendations for home inspector liability insurance. We will discuss insurance more in step 3.
Step 2: PURCHASE HOME INSPECTION TOOLS AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Having the proper home inspection tools and safety equipment is a very important component of how to become a home inspector in Iowa. A reliable home inspection report is crucial, and having the right tools will help you create comprehensive reports. Throughout your home inspector training, you will learn about the tools, gear, and equipment you need to become a successful home inspector.
Our advice is to begin with entry level tools and equipment that work well and get the job done, but won'’t break the bank. Even at entry level, you will spend anywhere between $2,000 - $4,000 for everything needed to get started.
Once you’ve been in the gig a while, you can upgrade tools and purchase additional equipment as you become a more experienced inspector. You will also need to determine how best you want to organize, store, and carry your tools. All of this will take time to discover. As you learn and grow in the craft, most of these things will come naturally and you'’ll know when it'’s time to invest to higher quality gear.
Step 3: HOME INSPECTORS SHOULD CARRY INSURANCE
This is a critical step you DO NOT want to miss. Although insurance can be expensive, protecting you and your company against a possible lawsuit can mean the difference between your business success vs. failure. What we tell our team, “it’s not a matter of IF we will miss a defect, it’s a matter of WHEN.” We are imperfect humans inspecting properties with varying nuances and factors.
Iowa does not require a set amount of insurance for home inspectors. However, to be fully protected for any incident, most reputable companies recommend a $1 million coverage policy for residential home inspectors. It’s advised to obtain something called Errors and Omission insurance, as well as General Liability. They work in tandem but offer protection against different things.
We always encourage you to conduct your own research and do what makes most sense to you individually. You wouldn’t go without health or vehicle insurance, so don’t go without inspector insurance. This is a crucial step in how to become a home inspector in Iowa, so don’t skip it!
Matt and Kalyn Gibson, Owners of Forever Home Inspection Iowa
Step 4: PASSING THE HOME INSPECTOR EXAM
Passing the home inspector exam is a critical step in becoming a certified home inspector. The exam is designed to test your knowledge and skills in areas such as building codes, safety protocols, and inspection procedures. To prepare for the exam, you will need to complete a comprehensive training program that covers all aspects of home inspection. With the right training and preparation, you can pass the exam and become a certified home inspector, opening doors to numerous opportunities in the industry.
Step 5: CONTINUING EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
As a home inspector, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and advancements in the field. Continuing education and professional development are critical components of a successful career in home inspection. By completing ongoing training and education, you can stay current with industry standards, improve your skills and knowledge, and enhance your professional reputation. Additionally, many states require home inspectors to complete continuing education courses to maintain their certification. By investing in your ongoing education and development, you can build a successful and rewarding career as a home inspector, ensuring you remain a trusted expert in the industry.
Step 6: STARTING YOUR OWN HOME INSPECTION BUSINESS
Starting your own home inspection business can be a rewarding and challenging venture. As a home inspector, you will have the opportunity to work independently and build a business that reflects your values and goals. To succeed, you will need to develop a solid business plan, build a strong network of contacts, and provide excellent customer service. With the right training and support, you can build a successful home inspection business and enjoy the benefits of being your own boss. This path not only offers financial freedom but also the satisfaction of helping clients make informed decisions about their homes.
However, being a business owner does have a price to pay. Any entrepreneur will tell you that they work a lot of hours wearing all of the hats. It’s terrible work/life balance and no one really wants to live that way. Frankly, it’s hard and business ownership is not for everyone.
Perhaps you’re the kind of person who loves the idea of home inspection that offers financial and time freedom, but you’d rather work alongside someone instead of carrying the stress of being the owner.
We recommend thoughtful consideration of what each path requires and determining the right path for you!
Now What?
Obviously we didn’t cover everything in this article about becoming an Iowa home inspector, but hopefully you've learned a bit more than you knew before about how to become a home inspector in Iowa.
If starting a business in not your thing, we recommend joining a team. We are continually seeking dedicated, honest, and hardworking individuals to join our team.
If interested, submit an application on our website. Once we review your application and want to move forward, we will reach out to discuss your goals further.
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