Starting your career as a new Home Inspector in Georgia will be easier than in other states, but there are still a few considerations to make. Georgia is one of the few states that don’t require a Home Inspector license. Still, those who aspire to join the home inspection field should consider earning a certification or accreditation from a nationally recognized training school or exam.
If you’re wondering how to become a Home Inspector in Georgia, you need to focus on setting yourself up for success from the start to stand out from the competition and begin a fulfilling career. Many new Home Inspectors wonder what the correct answers may be as they take this new journey, and this article will help lay out the different options there are to choose from in 5 recommended steps.
What you should know before becoming a Home Inspector in Georgia
Before officially becoming a Georgia Home Inspector, you should understand the benefits of enrolling in a formal Home Inspector educational course. Homebuyers, REPs, and multi-inspector firms are highly likely to prefer working with Inspectors who have done the work to become certified and formally educated. These courses and schools also teach you about the Georgia state laws that affect Inspectors and their practices.
For example, the Trade Practice Act of 1994 states that Inspectors must provide a scope of work, do a visual inspection and provide a written report. Chapter 3, Title 8 of the Georgia law also prohibits unethical home inspection practices and details reporting requirements. Although Inspectors can do this research independently to understand the various laws, learning from a seasoned professional in a training school can allow new Inspectors to ask questions about the laws and be shown examples of how these situations can arise in the real world of home inspections.
How to Become a Home Inspector in Georgia? A complete 5-step guide to becoming a Georgia State Inspector
Step 1 — Grow Your Education
A common route to becoming a Home Inspector, whether required in your state or not, is enrolling in a training school. Your education and knowledge can be the foundation of your business and Home Inspector career. There are dozens of reputable training schools to choose from, but we created a list of a few programs that have helped many Home Inspectors, just like yourself:
- International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)
- American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT)
- Inspection Certification Associates (ICA)
- ATI Training — Home Inspection Institute
- Professional Home Inspection Institute (PHII)
Pro Tip
With so many home inspection education options, including both in-person and online, take your time to research as many options as you can. Everyone’s needs, expectations, and availability are different, and no course can be deemed “the best” for everyone. What your friends and colleagues say worked well for them may not work for what you want to achieve. Spend enough time to thoroughly research your options to make the best decision for YOU.
Step 2 — Register & Pass The National Home Inspector Examination®
Passing the National Home Inspector Examination® is a great way to prove you are a trusted Home Inspector. Once you pass the exam, you are also qualified to join the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). This widely-known organization will help you form relationships throughout the industry and start getting referrals.
You can register with PSI Online to take the exam. The associated fee when registering is $225.
Pro Tip
When preparing for the exam, it will be helpful to remember that the examination will test three performance domains: Property and Building Inspection/Site Review, Analysis of Findings and Reporting, and Professional Responsibilities. The Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI) also has practice quizzes that can be purchased on the National Home Inspector Examination website.
Step 3 — Become Educated on Georgia Laws Affecting Home Inspectors
As mentioned earlier, the 1994 Georgia Trade Practice Act states that Inspectors must provide a scope of work, do a visual inspection, and provide a written report. The law (Chapter 3, Title 8) prohibits unethical home inspection practices and details reporting requirements. This is one example of how state laws can affect Home Inspectors.
Learning the laws that will affect you in your new career can be done with your research, but it is highly recommended that you learn from experienced trainers with whom you can discuss these parameters. Having a community to engage in, such as a training school class and forum, can help you understand how to comply with the laws that will affect you and help you recognize situations when they may apply to you.
Pro Tip
In addition to enrolling in a training school at the beginning of your new career path, joining a Home Inspection organization, such as ASHI, can help you stay updated should there be any changes to Georgia laws affecting Home Inspectors.
Step 4 — Purchase E&O Insurance
E&O insurance, or Errors and Omissions insurance, is occasionally referred to as professional liability insurance and is an essential part of every professional Home Inspector’s business. This type of insurance will help protect your business if a client files a claim or lawsuit because they feel you overlooked something that eventually costs them money to fix. No one is exempt from making mistakes, and that includes Home Inspectors. Being prepared for these unfortunate instances is an important step you need to take for yourself and your business.
Pro Tip
Some home inspection software companies, such as HomeGauge, offer their Inspectors discounts on E&O insurance premiums. If saving money in this area of your business is essential, research which software companies may have discounts available.
Step 5 — Register Your Business or Join a Firm
An important decision you will need to make as you embark on this new journey is whether you plan on working for yourself or joining an established home inspection firm. If you plan on working for yourself, a critical step you cannot miss is registering your business with the State of Georgia and forming a legal entity. Visiting a business lawyer can help you with all the necessary steps and paperwork, but this can also be done independently if you have the time and patience to do the research yourself.
If you plan on joining an established home inspection firm, all the complex legal work has already been done! All you need to do now is market yourself to the firms you’re interested in joining and decide which is best for your goals and career path!
Pro Tip
Not sure which direction to go in for your new Home Inspector career? Start networking and asking your fellow Inspectors what their experiences have been. Many Inspectors are happy to share their stories and have experience working in a Multi-Inspector Firm and running their own business solo. This insight can help you figure out what will be best for you.
How long does it take to become a Home Inspector in Georgia?
The time it takes to become a Home Inspector in Georgia depends on the future Inspector’s choices. Since no license requirements exist to become a Home Inspector in Georgia, it would take no time if no additional steps were put into one’s plan. If a future Home Inspector takes the recommended steps above, it can take as little as 2-4 weeks, depending on the pace they can withhold in their learning. Everybody is different and has different schedules, and since there are no time limits or restraints in the State of Georgia, Home Inspectors have the freedom to choose whatever pace fits within their life and career goals.
How much does it cost to become a Home Inspector in Georgia?
The cost of becoming a Home Inspector in Georgia will depend on a few different choices. Enrolling in a training school, deciding which training program they choose, deciding whether or not to take the National Home Inspector Examination ®, and pursuing continued education or not all factors. If a Home Inspector decides on minimal formal training and only wishes to take the National Home Inspector Examination ® before joining an established firm, this will cost them as little as $225. Suppose a Home Inspector decides they would like formal training before taking the exam and would like to purchase E&O Insurance before registering their business as a legal entity. In that case, they could spend upwards of $2,000 or more.
What’s the best Home Inspector training in Georgia?
There will be no shortage of educational courses and training schools for those looking to become a Home Inspector in Georgia. From in-person classes to fully online courses, there will be a training option that suits your needs. Doing your research to learn about all of the options available will help you find what will work best for you, but we created a list of a few programs that have helped many Home Inspectors before you:
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)
- InterNACHI provides free training, online testing, certification, business development, marketing support, and discounts on Inspector needs, such as software and insurance.
- To become a member of InterNACHI, Home Inspectors can pay either $49/month or $499/year.
- There is an option for InterNACHI members to become Certified Professional Inspectors® at no additional cost after they have completed additional certification requirements.
American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT)
- AHIT provides online courses, live classes, and professionals to help you with business development and continuing education.
- Three different online learning packages range from $595 to $795.
- Live classes are held in multiple locations within Georgia, including hands-on practice in local homes, and cost $1,495.
Inspection Certification Associates (ICA)
- In addition to their online training and exam prep courses, ICA provides ongoing career support for their Edcetera Home Inspection Members.
- Unlimited access to their training and support materials, and a membership to their portal, Edcetera Home Inspection, is $99/year.
ATI Training — Home Inspection Institute
- ATI has online courses that are meant to be taken at your own pace and are estimated to take anywhere from 60 to 120 hours to complete.
- Field training and association support are also aspects they provide to their members.
- Enrolling with ATI costs $695, and financing options and discounts for military veterans and first responders are available.
Professional Home Inspection Institute (PHII)
- PHII offers multiple courses, marketing resources, and business support for new Inspectors and Inspectors who have established themselves over the years.
- Each course is estimated to take 1-2 weeks to complete and will always be accessible to members.
- Their online Home Inspector Certification course costs $595; many other optional courses can be enrolled in for as little as $99.
Final points on how to be a Home Inspector in Georgia
Those choosing to start their journey as a Home Inspector in Georgia will have quite a few choices. There are no required licenses or certifications in this state, giving Inspectors the option to receive an education of their choice, if any. Georgia also ranks as one of the most affordable states in the country, making it an attractive option for families and individuals looking to relocate. This creates an excellent opportunity for Home Inspectors to gain business year-round.
Some essential items to remember about becoming a Home Inspector in Georgia include:
- Georgia does not require a license to become a Home Inspector, but becoming certified is highly recommended.
- Enrolling in a training school can be highly beneficial for preparing for exams and help you network within your new community.
- Becoming familiar with Georgia laws that affect Home Inspectors is a must to protect yourself and your business.
If you’re considering a Home Inspector in Georgia career and would like to partner with a company that can provide you with all of the business-related tools you’ll need to complete inspections efficiently, reach customers through marketing efforts, and more — contact our team at HomeGauge.com today.
FAQs
How hard is it to become a Home Inspector in Georgia?
Becoming a Home Inspector in Georgia is very easy since there are no requirements to start inspecting homes, but standing out amongst the rest of the Inspectors can be hard work. Following our 5-step guide will set you up for a successful career.
Do you need a license to become a Home Inspector in Georgia?
Nope! Georgia is one of the few states with no regulations determining who can and cannot inspect a home. Although you won’t need a license in this state, there are still a few state laws that all Inspectors must be aware of.
How much do Home Inspectors make in Georgia?
As of publication, a Home Inspector makes an average of $54,430/year in Georgia.
What’s the best Home Inspector training in Georgia?
There are many training options for those looking to become a Home Inspector in Georgia, so researching what works best for YOU is essential. A few respected training schools are the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT), Inspection Certification Associates (ICA), ATI Training — Home Inspection Institute, and Professional Home Inspection Institute (PHII).
Disclaimer: The information in this article should be used as a guide and was accurate at the time of publishing. Check with your state authorities for the most up-to-date regulations.