Obtaining the qualifications necessary to become a Home Inspector in Michigan is, in many ways, easier than in other states. Unlike many other states, Michigan does not require Home Inspector candidates to obtain an official Home Inspector license. There are no license renewal requirements and no necessary field training and experience either.
While a license and training may not be mandatory, those wishing to become official Home Inspectors in Michigan will still have to complete a few essential tasks before they can enter the profession. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps needed to become a Home Inspector in the state of Michigan.
What you should know before becoming a Home Inspector in Michigan
If you’re looking to become a Home Inspector in the state of Michigan, you should be aware of relevant laws and regulations, in particular the requirements regarding licensure. Unlike many other states, Michigan does not require a license to work as a Home Inspector.
Although a license is not required, it is often beneficial to still receive a certification or accreditation from a nationally-recognized school or program. Many firms and clients will only work with Home Inspectors who hold a license and other important qualifications.
Home Inspector license requirements in Michigan
The process of becoming a Home Inspector is much easier in Michigan than in many other states. Although Michigan does not require that you obtain a license or hold a high school diploma to work as a Home Inspector, the state does require that all Home Inspector candidates meet the following requirements before they can begin their official, public work.
Fingerprinting
Michigan requires that anyone who wishes to become a certified Home Inspector complete a fingerprint exam.
Submit to a Background and Criminal History Record Check
Before you can be approved and receive your Home Inspector license, you must first submit to a background and criminal history check.
Take and Pass the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE)
The National Home Inspector Exam is a written exam that is held in multiple locations across the country. In Michigan, the NHIE is administered through an exam vendor known as PSI.
How to become a Home Inspector in Michigan: Your 5-step guide to receiving your Michigan Home Inspector license
Step 1: Prepare For Your Career
While Michigan does not require a license or class to work as a certified Home Inspector, completing certain courses and training modules can give you an upper hand in the industry. Professional Home Inspector training can teach you the skills and regulations necessary to establish yourself as a reliable expert. Many real estate agents, homeowners, and lenders prefer working with Home Inspectors who hold an official certification, making your expertise essential to your success.
There are many esteemed schools and programs to choose from. Here are a few of the most popular:
- International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)
- American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT)
- Professional Home Inspection Institute (PHII)
Pro Tip:
Although it is not required, going the extra mile to enroll in an official home inspection training course can prove extremely beneficial to your career. In addition to home inspection, many programs also provide supplementary classes on marketing, customer relations, and operations. While this information isn’t necessary to begin practicing in the state of Michigan, it can give you an upper hand over your competition.
Step 2: Register For & Pass The National Home Inspector Exam
Like many other states, Michigan requires that you pass the National Home Inspector Exam consisting of 200 multiple choice questions. The questions on the exam cover the following three topics:
- Property and Building Inspection / Site Review
- Analysis of Findings and Reportings
- Professional Responsibilities
You will be allotted 4 hours to take the exam, and each attempt will cost $225. The National Home Inspector Exam is scored on a scale of 200-800. In order to pass the test, you must achieve a score of at least 500.
Pro Tip:
While preparing for the test, you will want to keep in mind the test’s three primary sections:
- Property and Building Inspection / Site Review
- Analysis of Findings and Reporting
- Professional Responsibilities
Mastering these three categories will be essential to your success on the exam. To help you prepare, you can find your footing using official practice exams.
Step 3: Consider Purchasing General Liability Insurance (Optional)
Unlike most states, Michigan does not require that Home Inspectors carry insurance while practicing. However, many Home Inspectors still carry an insurance policy of at least $100,000 per occurrence just in case. General liability policies for small businesses can cost roughly $40 per month, whereas errors & omissions insurance can set you back approximately $59 per month.
Pro Tip:
While insurance is not required by law in the state of Michigan, it can help protect you and your business if a client files a lawsuit. Even the best Home Inspectors make mistakes sometimes and insurance can serve as a safety net should something go wrong.
Step 4: Register Your Business or Join a Firm
After obtaining the necessary qualifications and insurance, Home Inspectors have a choice: they can either practice on their own or join a firm. If you plan on working by yourself, you will need to register your business as either an LLC (limited liability company) or as a sole proprietor. Otherwise, you can always join an established firm to gain more experience.
Pro Tip:
Certain Home Inspectors find that joining an established firm is easier and more efficient, as the firm completes the legal work itself. Regardless of which route you take, there is no wrong path to practicing home inspection in Michigan.
Step 5: Grow Your Home Inspection Practice
As is the case in any industry, growing your business and reputation requires persistent communication and networking. There are multiple ways to network in the home inspection industry, including local events, lead groups, and industry seminars.
Pro Tip:
Joining the Michigan chapter of the International Association of Home Inspectors can be a great start to your networking. You can also check out the official list of certified Home Inspectors in Michigan to contact colleagues in the industry.
How long does it take to become a Home Inspector in Michigan?
The amount of time it takes to become a Home Inspector in Michigan depends on the steps the future Home Inspector wants to take before inspecting homes. Since there are no license requirements to become a Home Inspector in Michigan, it would take no time at all if no additional steps were put into one’s plan. If you take the recommended steps above, it can take as little as 2-4 weeks depending on your pace.
How much does it cost to become a Home Inspector in Michigan?
The cost of becoming a Home Inspector in Michigan will depend on which training course you take, if you choose to take one at all. If you choose to forgo training, your only expense will be taking and passing the National Home Inspection Exam (NHIE). The exam costs $225 to take. If a Home Inspector decides to complete training before the exam, and also chooses to purchase their own insurance, costs may be upwards of $4,000.
What is the best Home Inspector training program in Michigan?
There are countless reputable Home Inspector schools to choose from in the state of Michigan. For your convenience, we have listed a few of the most popular courses below:
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)
InterNACHI is one of the most frequently used Home Inspector schools, providing free training, online testing, and certification. The program also assists with business development, marketing support, and discounts on Inspector needs, such as software and insurance. Becoming a member of InterNACHI is relatively cheap; Inspectors can pay either $49/month or $499/year.
To learn more about InterNACHI, you can check out their website here.
American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT)
The American Home Inspectors Training (otherwise known as AHIT) provides online courses, live classes, and professional assistance to help you with continuing your education and developing your home inspection business. The program offers three online courses ranging in price from $595 to $795. AHIT also offers live classes in various locations; these classes, however, can cost upwards of $1,400. To learn more about AHIT’s Michigan home inspection courses and materials, click here.
Final Thoughts
The process to become a Home Inspector in Michigan is shorter than it is in other states. This can be attributed to the fact that Michigan does not require Home Inspectors to earn an official license or take a course before they begin practicing. Although these qualifications are not necessary, Home Inspectors may want to consider earning a license and taking a course anyway. Many homeowners and organizations look for licensed Home Inspectors when deciding who to work with.
Beyond licensing requirements, there are a few other essential notes to keep in mind if you are considering becoming a Home Inspector in Michigan. These include the following:
- Enrolling in training school can be beneficial for preparing for exams and home inspections.
- Registering your business as a limited liability company (LLC) or joining a firm can help you grow your home inspection practice.
- Veterans can be reimbursed for NHIE costs.
If you’re considering working as a Home Inspector in Michigan and are looking to partner with a company that provides you with all the tools you need to complete training and inspections, contact our team at HomeGauge today.
FAQs
How difficult is it to become a Home Inspector in Michigan?
It is much easier to become a Home Inspector in Michigan than many other states. There are no national prerequisites to becoming a Home Inspector in Michigan, making it easier to enter the profession in this state. Michigan does not require that Home Inspectors complete training or ride along during inspections, which can take weeks to months to complete.
Do you need a license to become a Home Inspector in Michigan?
Michigan does not require that you obtain a Home Inspection license to practice in the state.
What is the average Home Inspector salary in Michigan?
As of this article’s publication date, a Home Inspector can expect to make an average yearly income of $44,073 in the state of Michigan.
What is the best Home Inspector training program in Michigan?
There is no definitive “best” Home Inspector program in the state of Michigan. Programs differ in their hours and requirements, making it important that you conduct research to find the program that best fits your needs. Below, we’ve listed a few of the most popular home inspection courses that you can take to help pass the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE):
- International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)
- American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT)
- 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.