Being a home inspector is attractive. You join a stable industry that will be here until there are real estate transactions. Because people will keep buying houses, and they’ll need inspections to confirm their choice is the right one. Now, couple that stability with a home inspector’s salary –higher than the national average– and you get a profession that’s almost certainly going to be in demand.
All this begs the question: What’s it like to be a home inspector?
In this blog, we cover this and more questions, like the pros and cons of being a home inspector. But first, let’s discuss
Who is A Home Inspector?
A home inspector is a trained professional who examines residential properties for any issues that might hamper the safety or comfort of the residents. For Home Inspectors in Milwaukee, WI, this examination (or inspection) covers structural elements (like the foundation, load-bearing walls, and the roof), plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, and exterior & interior elements.
There are home inspectors who can check for mold, radon, or other contaminants in the home. But they must have certifications for these jobs.
Simply put, a good home inspector is integral to any reliable real estate deal. Because when someone is about to buy a home, they need to know its actual condition, and a certified home inspector is the only person who can provide that information. This information comes as a home inspection report, containing all the findings and suggestions. Buyers can use this to decide if they want to go ahead with the deal, need to negotiate, or even back out of the deal.
Now that you know who a home inspector is, let’s answer
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 home inspection training program.
In addition to the exam, some states require home inspectors to be certified by a credible organization like InterNACHI or ASHI. Getting insured is a plus that can help you land more jobs as an inspector.
What is the Average Salary of a Home Inspector in Wisconsin?
Home inspector salary can range from $35,000 to $50,000 in Wisconsin. Some inspectors can make upwards of $70,000.
So, if we say, “It depends,” we wouldn’t be wrong. But that’s not what you’re here for. So, let’s break down the different factors that may affect the average salary of a home inspector in Wisconsin.
Experience matters. If you’re starting out, you will likely be getting the shorter end of the stick. Still, you can make upwards of $35,000 per annum. With experience, this figure will go up.
Certified inspectors make more. Because these certifications project knowledge and credibility.
Your income also depends on your usual clientele and jobs. If you’re inspecting smaller homes in the countryside, you will not make as much as an inspector who offers their services to an urban audience.
Reputation and specialized services also impact your salary as a home inspector.
What Does a Typical Day Look Like for A Home Inspector?
As a home inspector, you are responsible for verifying everything is as intended. This means pre-planning the whole day beforehand.
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
The home inspector commutes to the location with their equipment. The actual home inspection takes anywhere between 2 and 4 hours. The actual inspection time depends on the property’s size and the complications in the systems being inspected.
Documentation
After the inspection, all the findings are compiled into a report that has easily understandable explanations with practical suggestions. This report compilation can take a few hours to a full day, depending upon what was found, the number of issues, and how detailed the suggestions are.
Communication
Once the report is compiled, it is shared with the client with proper communication of what is included in the report. 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 learns about the latest real estate and building trends. They also practice the latest tools to make their inspection reports even more accurate.
We now know what an inspector does during a typical day. Let’s focus on
The Pros and Cons of Being a Home Inspector
Like any other job, being an inspector comes with its own benefits and caveats.
Pros of a Home Inspector Career
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.
Even if you’re working for an established inspection company, this job gives you more freedom than most. You get to meet new people and help them make the biggest financial decisions (with accurate inspections).
You never get bored because every home 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.
As we mentioned earlier, there will always be a demand for home inspectors. So, you can rest assured that there will be a continuous inflow of jobs and cash.
Cons of a Home Inspector Career
This is a physically demanding job. It isn’t for people with physical issues, as they might not be comfortable with climbing ladders or inspecting tight places.
As you’re dealing with people about to make a huge decision (buying a home), there’s always a chance they will not be happy with the results – no matter how detailed and unbiased your reports are. They will put your experience and your certifications in question. You have to be prepared for that blowback and never take it personally.
There are no fixed working hours, which is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you do get to spend more time with family. But where there’s a crunch, you’ll be occupied without any break in sight. You have to manage your time smartly to avoid burnout.
Should I Become a Home Inspector
Now you know what it is like to be a home inspector. There will be ups and downs. But it will be an experience worth having.
If you’re interested in helping people while earning a handsome salary, being a home inspector is a good job for you.
If you have a keen eye for details and can pen down what you see legibly, you could become a successful inspector.
If you’re an independent person and like to work with your own schedule, home inspection could offer good opportunities.
If you’re willing to put in the work and understand different buildings for what they actually are, this is the job for you.
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 the job. However, there are a few things to consider before making the jump into this career.
First, home inspectors need to be detail-oriented and have good observational skills. They also need to be able to communicate 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 around attics and crawl spaces and climb ladders to access roofs.
Third, inspectors must be comfortable working with technology. They use a variety of tools, including moisture meters and thermal cameras, to help them conduct their inspections.
Fourth, inspectors need to be able to work independently. They typically work alone or with a small team, so they need to be self-motivated and organized.
If you're thinking about becoming a home inspector, make sure you 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 own 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. But it can be a rewarding career if you're up for the challenge and are willing to put in the work.
So, if you have a keen eye and are looking forward to learning something new with every job, choose home inspection as your career.
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