Thanks for taking time to read my post. As the title states I’m looking for a good home inspector training/school. I know a live/hands on course would be the best option but I have a full time job as a firefighter to provide for my family so unfortunately I cannot attend a live course. I am highly motivated and commit to excellence so I feel an online/home study course would be sufficient for me, however I am having a hard time deciphering which are legitimate and which are just ‘for profit’ schools/training. Pricing for courses ranges from $499 to $4000. I don’t want to take the cheap route as I know usually you get what you pay for but I also don’t want to be scammed into paying $4000 for the same material. I want to do this the right way for myself and my potential future customers so I was hoping you guys could offer some advice?
A little about myself, I’m 31 years old and have done some construction and also some demolition. I have built fences and decks. Remodeled bathrooms and done small home repairs as a handyman. I spent some time as a maintenance man at an apartment complex before I got hired as a firefighter. In no way am I a master at any trade and have no formal training in any field but I do know my way around a tool and am eager to learn.
I live in Colorado and my state does not require licensure for home inspections but I want to be part of a reputable association. I have done some research and I like what InterNACHI has to offer and what they stand for. I will definitely be joining when I have completed all the requirements. Would you all recommend the InterNACHI pre-licensing course as a legitimate training or would other options be better suited?
My apologies for the novel length post. I just have a million questions running through my head and I hope you guys could set me on the right path. Thanks again for taking the time to read and I look forward to your responses.
No, that’s your worst option. There simply is no way to create a hands-on set that has all the defects you’ll find in an online course. Furthermore, there is no way any school can financially afford to bring you the world’s best subject matter experts for one classroom course. It can only be done financially by spreading that cost (Some of our courses cost us over $100K to produce.) over thousands of students, something you can’t do in a 30-seat classroom.
I went to the Widwest Inspection Institute in KS. That guy was awesome at teaching and I believe a great school.
There is a member Dan Bowers here who has a training center. Look him up, he is wicked smart and super helpful!
I disagree with Nick…NACHI is an awesome tool, but could never ever come close to in person instruction and hands on schooling. Nothing beats hands on in my opinion.
The problem with actual, real homes is that most homes your instructor will take you into won’t the have hundreds of the rarely-found defects you need to be aware of. If there was an actual home that had as many defects as our online video courses have, it would implode.
As for classroom courses with chalkboards? Forget it. You can’t learn this business from a classroom setting IMHO. Classrooms are for teaching English Literature courses.
Agreed and I have gone both ways Nick, so you are correct. After teaching the Carson Dunlop and watching some training in the HVAC field. Chalk boards have been out for a long time.
1st you need is the basics then you can take some advanced courses, mentor with a CMI in your area. HVAC training can also be provided by someone in a ride along setting usually for a minimum amount.
Never stop learning everyday and you will do just fine.
Save your money by gaining 50000+ dollars training from InterNachi.
I keep staring at my screen and asking it questions and it never responds. I can stare at a guy walking on a 9/12 pitched roof, not quite the same as walking on one yourself
I taught Patriot missiles for 5 years in the U.S. Army. Everything was an explanation followed by hands on application. A mentor can get a feel if you understand something or not.
Let me put it this way…is it better to watch porn or have sex? If its better to watch porn then your not doing it right…
I learned hands on from a so called veteran. Thing is he never did learn correctly and was set in his ways. He learned after one time when he had to make good. He used the good old words that I hear so often. “That is the way I was trained to do it” Thing is those that provide the training need training themselves to keep up with the changing world. I think InterNachi does a pretty good job at keeping up with cutting edge material.
Mind you your mileage may very depending on the draw of the cards. I don’t gamble!!!
All electricians learn from hands on and the same goes for all construction trades men ./
Worked well for me did about 60 Home inspections most with my son and a few with other Homies .
This after 30 years~ in construction .
I wonder why 90% ~ of those who start inspecting seem to not last above three years.
Justin, I would say it all depends on your personality, I personally like classroom training, it holds my attention better and the real time interaction with the instructor and other students is hard to duplicate on line. Internachi has some great training and some are not so great. All have great content but some lack in presentation format. Simply video taping a seminar is not always the best way to develop training materials. However, for the price of membership you cannot beat the amount of training and other materials they have to offer.
Remeber the saying tell me and I might remember show me and I will. I think that applies to hands on training yes you can’t show every defect but I think hands on is essential reinforcing what you learned and will help you become a better inspector.
Now I assume that your going to do this part time in between shifts at the firehouse?
I had read somewhere that Patriot missiles were smart missiles but then who wouldn’t be if they had to sit in a classroom for 5 straight years before being deployed. Personally I just would have given them the Cliff Notes version and shipped there sorry metal butts overseas. A waste of taxpayer money if you ask me.
Thank you all for your responses, I see there is some debate as to hands-on vs online education and I see both sides pros and cons, unfortunately hands-on training in a 1-2 week full day classroom setting is just not an option for me at this juncture in my life. I certainly will try to do some apprenticeship or ride-alongs with local inspectors if they are willing.
Nick,
Thank you for your response. I never thought about it in that way. After doing much research I’ve pretty much narrowed my choices down to ASHI and NACHI and for the price, material provided, and work at your own pace instruction, it seems NACHI is the right choice for me. If I want to take you up on your offer to come up to Boulder how do I go about making an appointment with you?
Kenneth,
Yes I plan on doing inspections on my off time from the fire department. Full time employment at the fire department is only 10 - 24 hour shifts a month with leaves me almost 3 full weeks off every month. Might as well put that time to good use.
Marcel is so far not a problem and neither is Jeffrey. Have a nice evening Charley.
I have my good days and bad days just like anyone else.
As for my teaching I would think Nick and Ben have e-mails and logged info I have given them. Not something needed on the MB.
Or you can just go to my very simple website.
Justin, after reading your post I think for you the best way to take up home inspector training. This way you can do your regular job and study for the license test side by side. There are so many people opting for distance education these days. Classes will be taken through video chats and notes will reach you through mail. Since you have about 3 weeks off every month you will be able to do fairly well on your tests. Start searching for schools that offer distant education program. All the best.
