I’m currently looking at becoming a home inspector in North Carolina.
I have 30 years in Corporate Real Estate leading the construction of Class A skyscrapers, Tier 3&4 datacenters, as well as managing millions of square feet of facilities all over the globe.
I’m an electrical engineer by degree but fully appreciate there is a big difference between theory and application. I would say the same regarding the construction of brick and mortar facilities.
But to my point.
I’ve looked at franchising. Decided I did not want to go that route.
I’ve looked at training from AHIT, ICA, and InterNACHI. Everything leads me to believe that going the InterNACHI route is the right decision.
AHIT and ICA have coordinated field work (they both have regular monthly field training in North Carolina).
Looking for some input or suggestions on the best way, after completing the online work with InterNACHI, to get the field training and state licensing done. It appears NC has some additional requirements for paperwork that I’ve seen very rarely mentioned here but assume that someone out there can provide all the details.
Thanks in advance for the feedback and my apologies if I’ve just missed a post that lays it out.
I’m not opposed to doing the heavy lifting in getting all the pieces lined up but could use some assistance in being pointed in the right way.
Honestly, based only on the wee bit that you’ve posted about your history, I feel that you may get bored real quick with home inspections. You may wish to look into Commercial/Industrial Building & Thermography inspections, which would seem to me to be a closer fit with your experience.
JMHO.
Thank you for your feedback. I know you are a regular poster and provide useful information frequently.
Based on my DNA I would think it would be a logical progression to expand into different verticals to expand a business at the right time.
Honestly, what I’m bored with is the corporate world (hope my current company is not listening ).
Too many conference calls, too many hours on an airplane, too many hotels, too many years putting in 80 hours for someone else. I know the travel sounds glamorous but it’s not.
I’m looking forward to applying my energy into something that I can look back on and see the fruits of my labor.
Thanks again for the feedback.
I’m in Raleigh and got licensed almost 2 years ago now.
There are several providers that do just field training. I trained with 5 Senses Inspector Training, who is an InterNACHI partner school, so everything you learn from the online courses will translate to the field training.
Theres also Casa Training, I think that’s the name or something similar. Not sure if they’re an InterNACHI partner.
You can go here to get a list of ALL training providers that are approved by NCHILB
For the paperwork to sit for the test, we have to submit a certificate of completion from InterNACHI (if that’s who you use for the online part/classroom) and a certificate of completion from your field training provider.
After you pass the test, you have to have GL and either E&O insurance, a bond, or a minimum cash asset, I think. GL and E&O are what most inspectors have that I know.
Thank you very much. Very informative.
Interesting that I didn’t see many instructors in the Western North Carolina area. Not a big deal as I can go somewhere else to train.
I have a little bit of time to get the field training set up while I’m doing the online course work but it’s good to know there are resources out there.
I’m a Non-Member Guest right now so I guess I better sign up and get to work.
Great area! I love it up there. Spent a few years in Hickory. Many mountain homes are a bit different than most of what you will see in InterNACHI training. I think @tglaze would attest to this. In addition to the required training for your state, my recommendation is to start trying now to build a relationship with inspectors with experience with these homes, tag along whenever you can. With your credentials, they may consider you an asset.
As far as commercial inspecting, as @jjonas mentioned you can run these simultaneously if there are any commercial firms in your area (likely Charlotte) and they may need an Ashville person to be part of a team. Once again, your credentials may put you onsite quicker than you think (as a team member in training) Best of luck.
I know the Hickory area well. I’ve only been in NC for about 5 years but had been coming here pretty regularly for 20+. I’m actually originally from Colorado. Just north of Boulder. Although my path had never crossed with InterNACHI during that time.
You are correct regarding mountain homes. My wife and I live in a Timber Frame and you do see a few things that were done differently when compared to stick construction just based on the way the large beams and columns were set. I don’t think I’d be competition for the inspector that did our house (he came specifically at the request of our realtor from a different county) when we purchased so I might reach out to him.
I hadn’t thought about jumping right into commercial. Honestly, maybe just because seeing another concrete tilt-up building might get me twitching. Kidding aside though, it’s good to know that market exists. I just hadn’t explored it in detail yet.
After I posted yesterday I spent my evening doing training. So far so good.
Thanks again for all the feedback and I’m looking forward to the journey.
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