Become a Home Inspection Professional in District of Columbia — Your Five-Step Career Guide in Washington, D.C.

Prepare for Your Career With Washington D.C’s Home Inspection Courses

While the District of Columbia does not require a license to work as a home inspector, there are different types of inspections and business practices by which home inspectors must legally abide. Professional home inspection training from a reputable home inspection school is key to understanding those business practices as well as establishing yourself as a trusted expert. Many home inspection associations and industry professionals agree that this coursework is essential to setting yourself up for success from the start.

Additionally, real estate agents, potential employers, and lenders prefer working with individuals who hold a home inspector certification because the smooth operation of their business relies on yours. This expertise gives certified home inspectors a critical edge in finding new and repeat business. Our 166-hr. District of Columbia recommended courses, including eBooks, will prepare you to face the real-world challenges that licensed home inspectors typically encounter and master the topics found on the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE).

Pass the National Home Inspector Exam

After completing your home inspector education, the next step in establishing yourself as a trusted expert is passing the National Home Inspector Exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions (25 of which are not scored) covering three major domains, or sections, that every home inspector should know. Those domains are:

• Property and Building Inspection/Site Review
• Analysis of Findings and Reporting
• Professional Responsibilities

Test takers are given 4 hours to complete the exam, and each attempt costs roughly $225 (depending on your location). Due to the unignorable cost of taking the exam, we highly recommend taking an Exam Prep course to greatly increase your chances of passing on the first try. If an individual does not pass, they must wait 30 days before taking the exam again.

Note: Veterans taking the National Home Inspector Exam are eligible for reimbursement through the GI Bill. Those who choose to exercise this benefit must complete a VBA-22-0803-ARE form and submit it with the receipt to the VA for reimbursement.

Begin to Network, Make Connections, and Join Professional Associations in District of Columbia

A strong network is a solid foundation for any business, but it’s especially beneficial to those becoming a home inspector in the District of Columbia. Each home inspector has their own methods for networking. Some host events, others join leads groups, and many volunteer with local charities. Whatever your method might be, just remember that it takes time. Joining the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors Chesapeake DC Chapter is a great way to learn from more experienced members and get off the ground sooner.

Purchase General Liability Insurance and/or Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance

Making mistakes is a part of human nature, and it happens to the best of us. To protect yourself and your livelihood from career-ending lawsuits, taking out a general liability and/or an errors and omissions insurance policy is a must for all home inspection professionals.

General liability policies for small businesses are roughly $40 per month, while errors and omissions insurance can set you back approximately $59 per month. To get the best rate and a better idea of what coverage you need, speak with a licensed local insurance agent who has worked with other home inspectors, members of local home inspector trade organizations, or shop for insurers online.

Register Your Business or Join a Multi-Inspector Firm

After you’ve completed your AHIT Home Inspection Training and passed the NHIE, it’s time to get to work. You can choose to start your own home inspection business (either as a sole proprietor or LLC) and call a tax professional. Or, if you prefer to gain some experience and have a steady flow of leads first, you can look to join an established multi-inspector firm. Regardless, there’s no wrong path to success in the lucrative and exciting world of home inspection.