Home Inspector Salary

One largely expanding housing industry field is that of the home inspector. With the recent increase of climate related disasters, there has been an overwhelming growth in the need for housing inspections to ensure the structural soundness and functional adherence to building codes. An increasing number of states, 34 to date, are requiring a home inspection report prior to final settlement on a purchase. The inspector must be licensed and insured by the state.

The home inspector salary will vary from one state to another and from employment within a government agency and that of a private firm. Based on a survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the home inspector salary ranges from $35,000 up to $105,000, with the higher salary being paid to those employed by the Federal and State governments. Many home inspectors are former building construction employees with many years of experience in specific fields like plumbing, electricity and foundation work with knowledge of inspection specifications and codes.

Beyond having a high school diploma, there is no additional educational requirement to be a home inspector. Firms that employ home inspectors seek individuals with working knowledge in building construction and those with certifications and specialized housing licenses. The licensing and certification requirements vary from state to state, but all inspectors must adhere to the International Code Council standards. Being a certified member of the American Society of Home Inspectors is a job enhancing qualification. When a potential employee holds one or more certificates he is in a good negotiating position for his home inspector salary.

The major areas of consideration for home inspection are the foundation, roofing, both internal and external framing, electrical systems, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, ventilation systems and any appliances that are attached to the homeâ??s structure or electrical systems.

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Home buyers and sellers rely heavily on a home inspectorâ??s report as it is a solid basis for the value of a home. The final report will spell out any housing code violations or damages and where there are potential areas of concern that may become extensive repair problems in the near future. The home inspector salary is not related to the number of infractions found but rather is dependent upon the salary scales in the local area. The home inspector cannot enforce the repairs of any problems, but the report is a valuable asset for potential home buyers. The buyers and sellers may want to discuss who will be responsible for any of the repairs and even if the purchase price needs to be readjusted to cover the repair costs. Any report that a home inspector provides will have an â??as ofâ? date which is important when the purchase settlement is after the date of the inspection. Any further imperfections that occur after the inspection will be the responsibility of the home seller. While a home inspection can be requested by the seller it should be a requirement by any potential buyer. The home inspection report is a win-win tool for all homeowners.