How Do You Become a Home Inspector in Iowa?
Are you ready to lay the foundation of your own home inspection business? We’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you cement your new career as a home inspector in Iowa. Follow the steps below to learn more about home inspection courses (and why they’re necessary), taking the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE), networking in your area, the home inspection insurance must-haves, and where to go from here.
Prerequisites:
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There are no national prerequisites (however, some home inspection firms might require a GED, insurance, a clean background check, etc.)
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Prepare for Your Career With Iowa’s State-Recognized Home Inspection Courses
While Iowa 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.
By taking the recommended courses, you’ll prepare to face the real-world challenges that licensed home inspectors typically encounter and master the topics found on the National Home Inspector Exam. -
Pass the National Home Inspector Exam
After completing your home inspector courses, 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.
Fun Fact: 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 and submit it with the receipt to the VA for reimbursement.
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Begin to Network, Make Connections, and Join Professional Associations in Iowa
Networking in any industry is key to attaining success. Developing relationships with other home inspectors can help you become the best you can be while growing your sphere of influence. Professional relationships can also extend outside of the home inspection industry, as connections with professionals in other real estate-related industries can bring you leads that will grow your business.
Here is a list of professional organizations you should join in Iowa as a home inspector:
- All American Association of Home Inspectors
- Home Inspector-Specific Facebook Groups
- American Society of Home Inspectors – Iowa Chapter
Joining a home inspector association may seem unnecessary, but the benefits a professional organization can bring to you are limitless. Here is a list of benefits you receive from joining a home inspector association:
- Continuing Education
- Added credibility
- Sense of community
- Standards of practice
- Marketing resources
- Free business resources
- Code of Ethics
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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.
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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.
Quick Facts:
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Education isn’t legally required, but it’s highly recommended since inspectors are legally obliged to follow certain business practices.
- Veterans can be reimbursed for taking the National Home Inspector Exam.
- Each home inspection professional should have a liability and/or errors and omissions insurance policy.
- Home inspectors can operate independently or join a home inspection firm.
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Learn more about how to become a home inspector, getting your home inspection certification, and the average home inspector salary.
Iowa Home Inspector License Requirements
Requirements to Become an Iowa Home Inspector
- There are no current requirements to become a home inspector in Iowa
- Home Inspection License Expiration: N/A
Iowa Home Inspector Continuing Education Requirements
- No continuing education is currently required