Thread: Getting Started As An Inspector

Hi, I am new and just getting started. My background is in Appraisal. I purchased both the ITA-Kaplan course and the AHIT course on ebay for $200. I did that to get a better understanding of the home inspection business before I take a course for actual credit. I was hoping some of the more experienced inspectors would weigh in about which course would be the best to get me up and running and which associations I should look at joining. All the schools and associations say they are the best and it's really confusing. Thanks for your advice.

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Originally Posted by Bill Lawson

Hi, I am new and just getting started. My background is in Appraisal. I purchased both the ITA-Kaplan course and the AHIT course on ebay for $200. I did that to get a better understanding of the home inspection business before I take a course for actual credit. I was hoping some of the more experienced inspectors would weigh in about which course would be the best to get me up and running and which associations I should look at joining. All the schools and associations say they are the best and it's really confusing. Thanks for your advice.

Courses.. From what I've heard over the years both of them are a good start.


Associations.. You have a choice between 2 large and 1 smaller one
One is owned by an immature 50 year old /bully that acts, stomps his feet , and talks [ on his open to the public chat board] like a 5 five year old on a school ground if you dont think like him, and pay him for an instant on-line useless [just a few steps short of a fraud] certificiation.

The other large one is owned and controlled by professional members.

I don't know a lot about the smaller one.

Joining an association. Personnaly I would, and do suggest waiting to pay to join any association when starting out. You will find you can attend local association meeting and seminars for a few dollars more than the members do.

Bill, reach out to other local inspectors in your area (many associations have periodic meetings, and everyone is typically invited), and ask questions. Try to use your business network as an appraiser to meet with folks and set up some meetings.

Courses will get you only so far, you need some quality field time or real, live instruction to help you move forward (or to back out if it isn't what you expected).

Get creative and don't be shy.

Dom.

P.S.
Are you leaving the appraisal industry?

Do you have a background in construction, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC? I would think it would be easier for an individual with that background to be in the "mind set" of being an inspector. I had 12 years overall construction experience when I started my inspection business in 1987.
If you don't have the background then take lots of different training classes. However nothing compares to actual field experience.
Good Luck!

Expert Mobile & Manufactured Home Inspections O.C. & San Diego Co.

Yes, find someone to work with and be honest in your interests. You may find some do not want to compete, just be friendly, helpful, and attentive. If you have some free time offer to work for nothing but experience.

I live in Alaska in a small village of about 1000 souls. I am thinking of opening an ice cream shop. I hate vanilla and chocolate so I am only going to offer other flavors. The cost of running a freezer year round seems excessive so I am planning on storing the ice cream outside during the winter months to save money. The only building available is an old fish processing warehouse. I figured I would set up some tables near the door and a small counter to serve from.

Can anyone tell me if licensing is required in my village? How long will it take to become profitable? Thanks for all your help.

Bill,
I completed the AHIT course with classroom and hands on inspections. I live and work in an area where ITA is king. The feedback I offer regarding the two courses is that you cannot go wrong with either. As noted before, seek out inspectors in your area for advice and get a few ride-a-longs under your belt. I joined an association not long after I started and found the camaraderie and mentorship was invaluable. You may find an inspector who has the same background and is willing to offer guidance. I did and the encouragement provided launched me into a successful independent business.

Thanks for the feedback guys. It is much appreciated. I'm sorry Bruce but I don't have a clue what your post is about. I have decided to join NACHI and NAARPI. I will be doing field inspections as well. This board is great. Lot of good info on here.

Originally Posted by Bill Lawson

Thanks for the feedback guys. It is much appreciated. I'm sorry Bruce but I don't have a clue what your post is about. I have decided to join NACHI and NAARPI. I will be doing field inspections as well. This board is great. Lot of good info on here.

I think Bruce was providing a little comic relief! We need it from time to time; it seem that a dozen+ times a week folks are posting about getting into the profession and asking how to do it. I must admit that it does get old when a simple search of the site would provide a wealth of information that has been offered many times over by long time members of this site.

Good luck in your endeavors, but I would also do a little additonal research on those orgs and the VA license law.

Hi Bill,

I took the AHIT course and would recommend to everyone. It is very thorough and the support is priceless. They really do help you get started, not just pass a test. My instructor Joe Dudek has his own inspection business, ALL their instuctors do. He even gave us his personal phone number - which I have used. I know it costs more but worth every penny then some. I am planning to make my company multi inspector in the future and all my guys will be AHIT certified. Good luck Bill and if your gonna do it, do it right.

Hello Bill,

I am a former member of NACHI and a current member ofNAARPI, NACHI has a tremendous amount of Free educational materials on theirwebsite which I like however NAARPI actually help me get up and running quickergiving me a faster return on my investment. There is a big differences between being a Field Inspector and being aHome Inspector a typical Field Inspection takes about 20 minutes verses 3 to 4hours for a typical home inspection.
I am no longer a member of NACHI but do not regret having learned from mymembership.
I am not sure if you are a member of SOFI, if not I would join them as well (it is free) and much like NAARPI, they make your company information available to the national hiring companies as well. You migh also want to join these groups on linked in:
North American Certified Field Inspectors & Property Preservation Specialist | LinkedIn

US Field Inspectors & Property Preservations | LinkedIn

Thanks a lot for the information guys. I really appreciate it.

Nothing wrong with duel membership however for learning and education NACHI is hard to beat.
You can sit at your computer any time of day or night for great info.

ASHI is the older association and has some great old timers you can learn from in person plus has the fix in with RE offices in some states.

Just my take but being honest.

Originally Posted by Dan Harris

Courses.. From what I've heard over the years both of them are a good start.


Associations.. You have a choice between 2 large and 1 smaller one
One is owned by an immature 50 year old /bully that acts, stomps his feet , and talks [ on his open to the public chat board] like a 5 five year old on a school ground if you dont think like him, and pay him for an instant on-line useless [just a few steps short of a fraud] certificiation.

The other large one is owned and controlled by professional members.

I don't know a lot about the smaller one.

Joining an association. Personnaly I would, and do suggest waiting to pay to join any association when starting out. You will find you can attend local association meeting and seminars for a few dollars more than the members do.

You can join the one I helped Organize over ten years ago....
or join the one Dan Joined and Quit maybe 8 - 12 times???
I lost count...


International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)