Theoretically, would it be more worthwhile to obtain inspection certification in one field at a time(plumbing or electric for example) and join/start an inspection firm in that respective field while continuing the pursuit of a home inspectors license? I live in Illinois where it is required by law for inspectors to be licensed and I would ultimately like to become a home inspector. In my head it makes sense to go about this course of action for a few reasons:
This would allow me to become more familiar with fields of the construction process that I am less familiar with (I have three years of construction experience, mostly remodels, additions, and house flips)
It makes sense to me to gain an understanding of inspection on a relatively smaller scale, rather than jumping into overall home inspection
I am in a position where I can afford to attempt this course of action without suffering financially if it meant bringing home a little less income.
Some feedback would be appreciated. Whether you think it is a good idea, an impossible course of action, or just complete nonsense, your opinion is welcome.
Welcome Thomas. I believe you need to possess all requirements posed by the State’s licensing requirements to be able to inspect any aspects regarding a home inspection. If you haven’t seen this yet, it may be worth looking at.
Hi, Thomas.
As to your question about, is it worthwhile to obtain inspection certification in one field at a time, say plumbing or electric for example.
Tom, you complete 1 course certification at a time. 80 percent or higher grade is required.
It does not mean your are certified at plumbing, or at electrical. It means you completed the course study outline by InterNACHI and you can move on to another field of study.
Once you complete all your courses BY PASSING AT LEAST AN 80 PERCENT GRADE AVERAGE, you take the CPI, or Certified Professional Inspector test.
In my opinion, you will struggle to get much traction offering only single-component inspections. Also, due to the nature of how you would have to market these single-component inspections, I think you might mostly get calls for services you are not authorized to perform, such as code inspections.
If your ultimate goal is to become a licensed home inspector, and if time and money are not an issue, I would recommend that you join InterNACHI and start taking courses, you can take your time in each field as you see fit and spend more time in fields that you feel that you need to focus more on.
By joining InterNACHI, you can take as many courses as many times as you want, and at your own pace.
While your theory may be sound, practice will make it near impossible as pointed out in the previous posts. As a Home Inspector you are a GENERALIST, this means you won’t need the detailed knowledge you would gain from your approach. In fact it will be better if you have only a general knowledge. As time goes by and your experience broadens you will pick up details from various observations and report research. Don’t put the cart before the horse.
As others mention, there really isn’t any demand for single component inspections. In 25 years I don’t remember ever getting asked outside of someone trying to go after a contractor because of his bad work… and that’s nothing I ever want to be involved in for a variety of reasons - lots of hassle for little money, client is already trying to sue one contractor and I figure I have a better than average chance of being next, I don’t need Guido the meathead roofer coming after me with a tire iron after I point out his bad work.
if You are looking to be a municipal code inspector, one field at a time makes sense, If You are looking to be a real estate home inspector not so much…choose wisely grasshopper !