The Pros And Cons Of Working As A Home Inspector: What It's Really Like

Being a home inspector is exciting and rewarding. You join a stable industry that will remain until there are real estate transactions. People will continue to buy houses, and they'll need inspections to confirm that their choice is the right one. 

Now, combine that stability with a home inspector's salary, and you get a profession that's almost certainly going to be in demand. As a matter of fact, IBISWorld's report confirms that the inspection market has grown and is now worth more than $6 billion.

In this blog, we will cover a lot of ground.  You will understand the pros and cons of becoming a home inspector, how you can become one, what a home inspector's average salary is, and much more. 

The Pros and Cons of Being a Home Inspector

Like any other job, being an inspector comes with its own benefits and disadvantages. Let's start with the pros first.

Pros of Choosing Home Inspection as Your Career

Here are some of the benefits of being a home inspector.

Your Own Boss

If you're an independent inspector, you're your own boss. You don't have a boss to answer to, can set your own schedule, and do as many (or as few) jobs as you want. So, if you have the energy and time, you can schedule more inspections per week. And if you don't feel up to it, you can take it easy. There's no one but yourself to answer to.

Even if you're working for an established inspection company, this job gives you more freedom than most. 

Keeps You Engaged

You never get bored because every home and every building is different – even if they are in the same area and were built around the same time. This way, you get to experience something new during every inspection.

In addition to the actual buildings, the customer's demands and perspectives also change. For the same style of building, you may be expected to perform quite different types of inspections. This helps avoid monotony and keeps you engaged.

Stable, Growing Demand

As we mentioned earlier, there will be a demand for home inspectors. The demand is only going to go up as more people realize how important inspections are for their real estate deals. As long as people are buying or selling homes, you can rest assured that there will be a continuous inflow of jobs and cash.

Cons of Being a Home Inspector

Let’s look at some downsides of working as a home inspector.

Physically Demanding

It isn't suitable for people with physical limitations, as they might not be comfortable with climbing ladders or inspecting tight places. For what it's worth, being a home inspector isn't all about climbing ladders. And you do get used to it with proper training.

Sour Clients

When dealing with people about to make a significant decision (such as buying a home), there's always a chance they won't be satisfied with the results, regardless of how detailed and unbiased your reports are. They will question your experience and certifications. You have to be prepared for such blowbacks and never take them personally.

Self Management

There are no fixed working hours, which may be a good thing for some. But for others, it is a nightmare. On the plus side, you can spend more time with family, but when there's a crunch, you'll be occupied without any break in sight. You must manage your time smartly to avoid burnout. You have to be adept at planning for an optimal work-life balance.

Why Should I Choose Home Inspection As a Career in Milwaukee?

Now you understand there will be ups and downs when you are a home inspector. But will it be an experience worth having? Let’s break it down.

• If you're interested in helping people while earning a handsome salary, becoming a home inspector is an excellent career choice for you.

• If you have a keen eye for details and can explain complex problems in simple terms, you could become a successful inspector.

• If you're an independent person who enjoys working on your own schedule, a career in home inspection could offer good opportunities.

• If you're willing to put in the work and understand different buildings for what they are, this is the ideal job for you.

So, choosing a career in home inspection in Milwaukee can be an ideal choice. But, how much does a home inspector earn? It all boils down to money, doesn’t it? Let’s look at the average salary of a home inspector.

What is the Average Salary of a Home Inspector?

The median annual wage for home inspectors was $72,120 in 2024. The actual salary depends on several factors, including experience, certifications, and your work location, among others.

So, if we say, "It depends," we wouldn't be wrong. But that's not what you're here for. Let's break down the various factors that may impact the average salary of a home inspector.

• Experience matters: If you're starting, you will likely be getting the shorter end of the stick. Still, you can make upwards of $45,000 per annum. With experience, this figure will go up.

• Certifications: Certified inspectors make more. Because these certifications project knowledge and credibility.

• Clientele type: Your income also depends on your usual clientele and the types of jobs you do. If you're inspecting smaller homes in the countryside, you won't earn as much as an inspector who offers their services to an urban clientele.

• Reputation: Reputation and specialized services also impact your salary as a home inspector. So start working, provide extra value, and build a rapport with your clients.

To give you some more context, we'll discuss

How to Become a Home Inspector?

The basic requirements for becoming a home inspector are a high school diploma (or equivalent education) and the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE), which verifies that you understand what home inspection is all about. To pass NHIE, you need proper guidance and a complete inspection training program.

In addition to the exam, some states require home inspectors to be certified by a credible organization, such as InterNACHI or ASHI. Having insurance is a plus that can help you secure more jobs as an inspector.

If you're in Milwaukee, we have a dedicated guide for you on How to become a certified home inspector in Milwaukee.

Is Field Training Important for Home Inspectors?

It is always a good idea to include hands-on experience in your training. Field training will provide you with valuable insights into how things are conducted in practice and how you can effectively apply your knowledge to achieve the best results. 

The law does not spell out any particular requirement in this regard. It varies from state to state and your certifying body. However, regardless of the law, we highly recommend pursuing field training, as it will provide an effective launching pad to jumpstart your career.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like for A Home Inspector?

As a home inspector, you are responsible for verifying everything. This means planning the entire day.

So, if you were wondering what home inspectors do during a typical day, here's the breakdown.

Morning

Before the actual inspection, they have to prepare themselves and their tools. They 

double-check to confirm everything is properly calibrated for accurate findings.

Inspection

A home inspector commutes to the location with their equipment. The actual home inspection takes anywhere between 2 to 4 hours. The inspection time depends on the property's size and its complications.

Documentation

After the inspection, all findings are documented and compiled into a report that provides easily understandable explanations along with practical suggestions. The report compilation can take a few hours to a full day, depending on the findings, the number of issues, and how detailed the suggestions are.

Communication

Once the report is compiled, it is shared with the client. The inspector answers all the questions and ensures the client has all the info they need.

Learning

On days when there are no active jobs, the inspector explores the latest trends in the real estate market and construction trends. They also learn about the latest tools to ensure their inspection reports are even more accurate.

So, we now know what an inspector does during a typical day. Let us share some practical advice in this regard.

Advice for People Considering a Job as An Inspector

Many people choose to become home inspectors because they enjoy the independence and flexibility that comes with it. However, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind before you embark on this career.

• First: Home inspectors need to be detail-oriented and possess good observational skills. They must have excellent communication skills to explain their findings clearly to both clients and real estate agents.

• Second: Carrying out a Certified Home Inspection in Milwaukee is a physically demanding job. Inspectors often have to inspect attics and crawl spaces, as well as climb ladders to access roofs. So, they must be prepared for it. 

• Third: Inspectors must be comfortable working with technology. They should be able to utilize a range of tools, including drones, moisture meters, and thermal cameras, to facilitate their inspections.

• Fourth: Inspectors must be self-sufficient. They typically work independently or with a small team, so they need to be self-motivated, disciplined, and organized.

If you're considering becoming a home inspector, be sure to weigh all the pros and cons before making your decision. It's essential to consider whether this career is the right fit for you.

Conclusion

Overall, working as a home inspector can be a great way to earn a living. You get to set your working hours, work independently, and help people protect their investments. However, there are also some downsides to the job. It can be physically demanding, you're always on the go, and there is potential for liability claims if something goes wrong. 

Overall, it can be a rewarding career if you're up for the challenge and are willing to put in the work. The market is relatively stable, offering opportunities to earn a good salary.

If you have a keen eye and are eager to learn something new with every job, consider a career in home inspection.