Milwaukee’s real estate market is thriving, and your career as a home inspector can soar with it. People face different challenges when buying, selling, or maintaining their homes. They want to know their properties better, especially whether the property is a viable investment or not. They need a professional to help them figure this out. Certified home inspectors are the professionals who can help here.
In 2021 alone, a Milwaukee home inspector’s workload peaked at about 590 inspections per year. This is far too many inspections for a single inspector, meaning the demand is outpacing the supply.
So, if you’re planning to become a home inspector in Milwaukee, you’re on the right track. If you need some insights into what it takes to become a home inspector, we’ve got you covered.
The Scope of Home Inspectors in Milwaukee
Home inspectors are crucial to every real estate transaction in Milwaukee as they evaluate the property thoroughly, benefiting everyone involved.
If you also want to become a central player in Milwaukee’s real estate game, you need to have a keen eye for details with specialized knowledge. As a professional, you’ll be inspecting
• Structural integrity
• Exterior and Interior Elements
• Roofing
• Plumbing
• Electrical systems
A home inspector conducts comprehensive inspections that provide invaluable insights into the property’s condition. This helps property owners make informed decisions. Usually, a home inspector is needed to conduct the inspection either before or after a property’s sale. But there are times when both inspections are needed. It all depends on the homeowner, seller, or buyer’s preference.
Certified home inspectors are trusted individuals whose expertise goes beyond inspections. Most certified and experienced home inspectors also give home maintenance and repair tips.
What are the Requirements for Becoming a Home Inspector in Milwaukee?
Examination
If one wants to become a certified inspector in Milwaukee, there's a certain process to follow. First, you need to pass the National Home Inspection Examination. This exam focuses on Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Rules concerning home inspectors.To take the National Home Inspector Exam, you need to follow specific steps. Here’s some information about the exam:
Eligibility and Registration
Anyone can take the NHIE, and for some inspectors requiring a state license, the NHIE is part of the licensing process. The exam is a live, proctored exam, and candidates must attend specified testing locations in their state to take it. To register for the exam, visit the nationalhomeinspectorexam.org website for general information.
Exam Structure
The NHIE is a computer-based examination that tests three performance domains: Property and Building Inspection/Site Review, Analysis of Findings and Reporting, and Professional Responsibilities. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, with 25 "pretest" questions that are not scored. Examinees have four hours to complete the test, and there is a single correct answer for each question.
Preparation
To prepare for the exam, it is recommended to take proper home inspector education courses to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. Familiarize yourself with the exam's format, and practice taking similar tests to refine your testing technique.
Furthermore, following the state regulations, you must also register with the state (Wisconsin) as a home inspector. Your inspections must also meet the standards set for being “reasonably competent and diligent.” This underscores the importance of professionalism and thoroughness in their work.
Prohibited Activities
Following the regulations, a home inspector isn’t allowed to engage in any repairs, maintenance, or enhancements to a structure they’ve inspected within the preceding two years. Now, why are they prohibited from doing this? This prohibition helps safeguard against conflicts of interest and ensures an unbiased inspection process.
So, if you’re becoming a home inspector in Milwaukee, you can also secure the trust and confidence of your clients - ensuring a satisfied clientele.
Training and Certification
Milwaukee has a particular requirement for certified home inspectors' training. Inspectors are expected to complete 40 hours of home inspection training, which has to be approved by the DSPS Education Provider. The inspector also has to pass the WI State Inspector Exam.
These training and certifications make the inspector well-versed in their services, making their services reliable for their clients.
Take your Home Inspector Career to the Next Level
The better you are at your work, the more opportunities you’ll get. So, there’s no harm in going above and beyond after becoming certified. You can take different steps in your journey to a well-versed inspector.
Specialized Training Courses
You can start by enrolling in specialized training courses or workshops that focus on specific areas of home inspections. For example,
Radon testing
Mold inspection
Energy efficiency assessments
These additional certifications will help broaden your skills and make you more competitive in the market.
Continuing Education
Education is the key to success. You must remain updated on the latest technologies, developments, and most importantly, regulations in the home inspection industry. The best way to do this is by participating in continuing education programs. This might seem like a hassle initially, but many professional organizations and associations offer online courses, seminars, and conferences. All of these can give you valuable insights and knowledge.
Networking and Mentorship
You can also expand your connections by meeting with experienced home inspectors in Milwaukee. You can have more experienced inspectors to guide you through challenging situations. These individuals can also provide invaluable guidance, advice, and support as you navigate your career.
Professional Associations
Another step is joining professional associations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). You’ll get access to resources, training materials, and networking opportunities. These associations often offer additional certification programs and resources for members. So you can benefit from these as well.
Specialized Certifications
You can also get additional certifications related to your interests or demands. These may include environmental assessments, commercial property inspections, or some other inspection. This will broaden the array of opportunities that you might get as a home inspector. These certifications will also help you be different and attract more clients with specific needs.
Customer Service and Communication Skills
You shall also invest in improving your customer service and communication skills. Both are crucial for building client relationships and conveying the documented inspection findings. This helps provide comprehensive, clear reports for addressing client concerns. This enhances your reputation and builds a strong clientele for repeat business and referrals.
Conclusion
To become a certified home inspector in Milwaukee, you must take important steps. First, you need to meet the education and experience requirements, and successfully pass the certification examination. This will not only certify you as a trusted home inspector but also help ensure the safety and integrity of the residential properties you inspect.
You can further elevate your career and serve your clients better with specialized education and improved communication.
If you want to learn all of this without having to spend decades, then the Homesight Home Inspection Academy is for you. Homesight, Inc CEO Dave Colesari condenses his 25 years of experience into this program so you can pursue your passion for home inspection without hassle.
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