If you don’t want to be tied to a desk all day, are interested in construction and how things work, and are good at identifying problems and defects, then becoming a Home Inspector could be a good career move for you. Most Home Inspectors have had previous careers, and 75% of all Home Inspectors are between the ages of 42 and 65, so it’s not too late to enter into a new profession.
Typically, when a Home Inspector receives their state license, they go into business for themselves. This means you get to be your own boss and set your own working hours. Working as a Home Inspector is also less physically demanding on your body than most other professions in the construction industry.
What is a Home Inspector's Typical Schedule?
A typical day for a home inspector usually begins around 7:00-9:00am by reviewing the information on the home they are going to inspect. After they arrive at the inspection, the inspector will introduce themselves to the homeowner and/or the real estate agent. An inspection typically takes 2 to 4 hours depending on the size, age, and condition of the home. During the inspection the inspector will look at the inside, outside, and all the different subsystems of the home. The inspector will take anywhere from 200 to 600 photos of each home they inspect. After an inspection, the inspector may brief the buyer and/or the real estate agent on some of the specifics of the home.
After the onsite inspection, the inspector’s work isn’t done yet, they need to complete the home inspection report. Typing up what was observed on the home inspection and adding in the pictures that were taken can take another several hours depending on the size, and condition of the home. Once the report is complete, they will send an electronic copy over to their client and the real estate agent, if the client consents.
Ready to make a career change?
An inspector’s job combines travel, physical work, note taking, and customer service skills and is not a typical 9 to 5 job. Days can range from 6 hours to 14 hours depending on how many inspections are scheduled for the day, as well as travel time, age, condition, and size of the home. Still not sure if becoming a Home Inspector is the right career change for you? Give us a call (360)827-1436 and ride along with one of our inspectors for free before you make your final decision.
