Home Inspection Careers Overview
Home Inspectors are the investigators of the real estate world. They’re called in to determine whether a property is in acceptable condition to be safely sold, inspecting a home inside and out to assess whether it’s up to code and safe. A property often won’t go under contract if it doesn’t receive a favorable inspection report.
A Home Inspector’s job is to create a professional assessment of a one-to-four-family home’s current condition for a potential homebuyer.
Why are Home Inspectors important to the real estate industry?
Home inspection is critical to the industry for several reasons. As noted above, it can affect the sale price of a home; a significant defect might mean the property doesn’t sell at all. Buyers often hire an inspector to evaluate a purchase before they commit, though that’s not always the case. Sellers may also hire a home inspector to confirm their property is in the best possible shape, helping them set the highest justifiable listing price.
What Makes a Good Home Inspector?
Home Inspectors need a range of skills to do their job well. They require a solid understanding of construction, electrical, plumbing, and masonry, and a working knowledge of ventilation, insulation, heating, and cooling systems is just as valuable. They also need to understand building materials and how to judge wear and tear — recognizing, for example, when a roof may need replacing in the near term, then reporting that for the buyer’s consideration. Findings like these can affect the final price of the home.
Just as important is the ability to communicate. A great inspector doesn’t just spot problems. They explain what those findings mean in clear, practical terms, helping buyers understand which issues are minor and which are serious. Inspections also demand thoroughness and objectivity: examining every accessible system methodically, and reporting honestly without overstating or downplaying what they find.
Finally, it’s a career that rewards continual learning. Building codes, materials, and inspection standards evolve, so the best inspectors stay current and keep sharpening their expertise; which is exactly what makes them trusted by the buyers, sellers, and agents who rely on their reports.
Interested in this career path? The next step is to become a licensed Home Inspector.
Home Inspection Courses
Home Inspection Licensing Course
No experience necessary
140 Hours
Become a licensed home inspector with our 140-hour program. Learn to evaluate a home’s structure and systems, and get the hands-on field training New York requires to start your career.
Course available in-person, zoom & online self-study.
El H.
This recommendation is for Garry, one of the Property and Casualty Insurance Broker Pre-Licensing course instructors. He kept class interesting and fun and almost my whole class passed the exam the first time. He really seemed to care about his students and their comprehension of the material as opposed to just drilling the correct answers into us.
Jillian R.
At the time of writing this, I am about 75% done with my classes at REEDC and I am having such a great time that I felt compelled to write a review.
The instructor is very knowledgeable, funny and engaging. When you are there, you genuinely follow the material because it is taught so well.
Todd M.
I have just finished my course and exam here. I cannot say enough about this wonderful place! There is a great concern and devotion on the part of everyone there that your experience is positive and you are happy with your learning. Most impressive was the incredible effort put towards job placement, recruiting, and real world networking.
Jessie B.
The Property Casualty Insurance course was taught by Garry Smalley, a great instructor who engaged the class and made the whole experience worthwhile. Believe it or not, I remember laughing a few times in the class from some of the stories. I just got my license today! Passed on my first try, the course was more then enough if you are willing to study 1-2 hours a few nights a week
Paul L.
Just finished two weeks of classes, and I couldn’t be more pleased. The teacher, Greg is very impressive, having been in the field, and is a wealth of knowledge. He always has time to answer my many questions. I live in Brooklyn, and work in Manhattan, and if I don’t feel like coming into NY on weekends, I can go to their Brooklyn office, which works out well for me.
Susan M.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a home inspector in New York?
You’ll complete 140 hours of Department of State–approved training (including 40 hours of supervised field inspections) and pass the New York State licensing exam. You’ll also need a high school diploma, general liability insurance, and to submit your application to the Department of State. No prior experience is required to begin.
Do I need experience or a degree to start?
No prior home inspection experience is required, and the program is built for beginners. You’ll need to be at least 18 with a high school diploma or equivalent. The hands-on experience required for your license is built right into the training through the 40-hour field module.
How soon can I start?
You can enroll right away. The classroom modules are offered live over Zoom and online, so you can begin on your own schedule, then complete your field training with a licensed inspector. Many students finish the full 140-hour program in a matter of weeks.
How much can a home inspector earn?
Earnings vary based on experience, location, and how many inspections you complete, but home inspection can be a rewarding career with strong income potential — especially as you build a reputation and a steady stream of referrals from agents and clients. Many inspectors run their own independent businesses.
Do I work for myself or for a company?
Both paths are common. Some home inspectors join an established inspection firm, while many build their own independent businesses, setting their own schedules and rates. The license is yours, so you have the flexibility to choose the path that fits your goals.