How do you land the best home inspection jobs? First, you need the right training. In order to do the work of a home inspector you need training. Some enter the profession after being a professional contractor for many years. However, it behooves them to take training as a home inspector to learn what customers will expect from a typical home inspection. In training, you will learn how to conduct inspections of the structural, electrical, mechanical, interior, and exterior aspects of a building. You will learn the differences between commercial, industrial, and residential structures.
Second, you need to complete the training program. You located a good program. You must complete that training program before you can even dream of getting the best home inspection jobs. You will learn how to conduct yourself as a professional. You will learn how to conduct inspections of the interior, exterior, structure, electrical and mechanical areas. You will learn how to put together documentation into a professional report. Part of being a professional includes knowing how to handle clients and code enforcement officials as part of your job. You will also learn how to market your services and to build a client base.
Third, you need to spend time with an experienced home inspector in the field. Most states require that you spend a certain period under the supervision of a licensed inspector before you can get your own license. You should consult with your local jurisdiction to find out the requirements. This hands-on experience is useful in giving you experience and will look good on your own resume. It gives you someone to learn from and someone on whom to drop questions. It offers you a real world experience. Even if you live in a state that does not require it, it is good practice anyway if you want to land the best home inspection jobs.
Fourth, you need to seek licensing and certification to land the best home inspection jobs. The requirements vary greatly from state to state. You need to know what your local area requires as far as licensing and certification. Generally, you want to take an exam to receive certification from a nationally recognized group such as the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) or the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Even if your area does not require it, your customers will see it as a sign of professionalism. If you live in an area that requires a license, be sure to have one and keep it up to date. If you do not, you may end up with more problems than you started with.
Finally, you need to learn how to interview and put together your resume. Most home inspectors work for another home inspector at least 6 months to a year until they get their own license. You will need to know how to interview and put your best foot forward. Those skills will easily translate into dealing with customer relations when you start your own business. Acting as a professional from the start will get you more customers and more client referrals in the long run. That is the way to get the best home inspection jobs.