What Does a Home Inspector Do?
A home inspector evaluates the condition of residential properties to identify structural, mechanical, and safety issues prior to purchase or sale. During a typical inspection, they assess systems including roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, and foundational integrity. They look for defects, code violations, water damage, pest activity, and other concerns that could impact property value or safety. The inspector then delivers a comprehensive report outlining their findings, often within 24 hours.
Home inspectors play a neutral, fact-based role in real estate transactions. They do not make repairs but serve as independent professionals helping buyers and sellers make informed decisions. Their job requires detailed knowledge of residential systems, strong observational skills, and the ability to explain findings clearly to clients with varying levels of technical understanding. Many inspectors use specialized tools like infrared thermometers, moisture meters, or drones for roof evaluations. Their insights are critical for negotiating repairs, setting property prices, or complying with state disclosure laws.
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Home Inspector Core Responsibilities
- Conduct visual inspections of residential homes, inside and out
- Assess condition of structural components, roof, attic, foundation, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems
- Identify safety issues, building code concerns, or signs of damage and deterioration
- Use diagnostic tools (e.g., moisture meters, thermal imaging, circuit testers)
- Take photographs and notes to support findings
- Generate detailed inspection reports with clear explanations and recommendations
- Communicate findings to clients, realtors, and sometimes insurance or legal professionals
- Follow state and local inspection regulations and standards of practice
- Maintain proper licensing and continuing education
- Manage scheduling, client communications, and file storage if self-employed
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Working knowledge of residential construction, building systems, and safety standards
- Proficiency with inspection tools and software for digital report creation
- Ability to recognize foundational, moisture, electrical, and structural issues
- Familiarity with national and local building codes and inspection protocols
Soft skills
- High attention to detail and visual acuity
- Professional communication with clients, realtors, and property owners
- Integrity and neutrality in presenting findings
- Time management and self-direction, especially for independent inspectors
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
- Postsecondary education in construction, architecture, or related fields preferred
Certifications
- State-issued home inspector license required in most states
- Certification through InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) or ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) is strongly recommended
- Additional recommended certifications include mold, radon, or termite inspection credentials
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in construction, contracting, or real estate
- Familiarity with inspection software like HomeGauge, Spectora, or Horizon
- Drone operation certification for roof inspections
- Membership in national or state home inspector associations
- Experience inspecting older homes or specialized property types (e.g., historic homes, condos)
National Average Salary
Home inspector salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Home Inspector is:
$58,900
Sample Job Description Templates for Home Inspectors
Residential Home Inspector
Position Overview
We are hiring a Residential Home Inspector to conduct thorough evaluations of single-family homes for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. In this role, you will assess all major home systems, document visible defects, and deliver detailed reports that help clients make informed decisions. The ideal candidate is experienced, professional, and highly detail-oriented.
Responsibilities
- Inspect single-family homes for condition, safety, and system functionality
- Evaluate HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, insulation, and structural elements
- Identify visible damage, wear, or safety concerns and photograph findings
- Use specialized tools (e.g., moisture meters, thermal imagers) to enhance inspections
- Generate clear, comprehensive digital reports within required timeframes
- Communicate findings with buyers, sellers, and real estate agents
- Stay current with state regulations and inspection best practices
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of residential construction and home systems
- Experience with inspection software and digital reporting tools
- Familiarity with common building materials, structural designs, and safety codes
Soft skills
- Clear communication with clients and real estate professionals
- Ability to explain technical issues in plain language
- Punctuality and time management for scheduled appointments
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
Certifications
- State-issued home inspector license required
- InterNACHI or ASHI certification preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience inspecting a wide range of home ages and conditions
- Familiarity with Spectora, HomeGauge, or other industry-standard software
- Customer-facing background (real estate, construction, or appraisal)
Pre-Listing Home Inspector
Position Overview
We are looking for a Pre-Listing Home Inspector to assist homeowners and listing agents in preparing properties for sale. This role involves performing proactive inspections to identify potential issues that could delay or derail a real estate transaction. Ideal candidates are client-focused and experienced in report formatting tailored for real estate disclosures.
Responsibilities
- Conduct full home inspections prior to a property being listed on the market
- Identify repair items and code issues that may arise during a buyer’s inspection
- Provide clear, seller-friendly reports that support listing decisions
- Recommend cost-effective fixes or preventative maintenance
- Coordinate with realtors to schedule timely and market-aware evaluations
- Maintain neutrality while clearly presenting findings
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with pre-sale inspection workflows and documentation needs
- Knowledge of what issues commonly affect buyer negotiations or appraisals
- Competency with report templates suited for listing agents and sellers
Soft skills
- Tact and discretion in presenting findings to sellers
- Consultative communication and ability to frame issues constructively
- Organized, deadline-conscious mindset
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
Certifications
- State licensing required
- Pre-listing inspection certification or ASHI affiliation preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working closely with real estate agents or listing teams
- Background in property staging or pre-sale preparation
- Ability to offer bundled pre-listing services (e.g., radon, roof review)
New Construction Home Inspector
Position Overview
We are seeking a New Construction Home Inspector to assess recently built properties for compliance, craftsmanship, and system integrity. This role focuses on identifying defects, safety issues, or code noncompliance before the final walk-through or move-in. Candidates should be familiar with the phases of construction and local building requirements.
Responsibilities
- Inspect new homes during pre-close or final phase of construction
- Identify code violations, improper installations, and missing safety elements
- Evaluate HVAC, roofing, framing, electrical panels, and plumbing connections
- Communicate clearly with builders, superintendents, and buyers
- Verify that warranty coverage and walkthrough punch lists are properly addressed
- Document deficiencies and submit comprehensive reports promptly
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of current building codes and construction inspection best practices
- Ability to identify early-stage structural or mechanical issues
- Familiarity with energy efficiency standards and ventilation systems
Soft skills
- Professional communication with builders and new homeowners
- Attention to minor details and high craftsmanship standards
- Clear and organized documentation habits
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
Certifications
- State home inspector license required
- ICC Residential Building Inspector certification preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in construction or general contracting
- Experience inspecting during multiple construction stages
- Familiarity with builder punch list processes
Multi-Unit Property Inspector
Position Overview
We are hiring a Multi-Unit Property Inspector to evaluate duplexes, triplexes, and small apartment buildings for safety, habitability, and system functionality. You’ll assess shared infrastructure and individual units while identifying code violations, maintenance concerns, and investment risks. Ideal candidates have experience with rental or income-generating properties.
Responsibilities
- Inspect entire properties with multiple residential units
- Evaluate shared systems such as roofing, HVAC, plumbing mains, and fire safety
- Review each unit individually for structural soundness and livability
- Identify issues related to accessibility, pest control, or code violations
- Communicate findings to landlords, buyers, or property managers
- Document all units clearly, including photographic and written reports
Requirements
Hard skills
- Understanding of multi-unit building layouts and common system distribution
- Ability to evaluate fire safety and egress compliance
- Familiarity with landlord-tenant property standards and zoning codes
Soft skills
- Clear reporting for investor or regulatory audiences
- Strong organizational skills to manage complex, multi-unit inspections
- Professional presence in active living environments
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
Certifications
- State home inspector license required
- Additional multi-family inspection credentials or municipal certifications preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience inspecting duplexes, fourplexes, or small apartment buildings
- Familiarity with Section 8 housing standards or rental compliance rules
- Bilingual communication skills are a plus
Roof and Structural Inspector
Position Overview
We are looking for a Roof and Structural Inspector to assess the condition, safety, and longevity of residential roofing systems and foundational elements. This role involves in-depth evaluations of framing, support structures, and roofing materials, often in support of general home inspections or specialized consultations.
Responsibilities
- Inspect residential roofs for damage, wear, drainage issues, or installation problems
- Assess foundations, crawl spaces, basements, and load-bearing structures
- Identify signs of moisture intrusion, sagging, cracking, or improper framing
- Use ladders, drones, or imaging tools to access difficult areas safely
- Document findings in detail for homeowners, buyers, or insurers
- Recommend remediation timelines or referrals for engineering assessments
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of structural systems, framing, and roofing types
- Proficiency using moisture meters, drones, and infrared scanners
- Ability to identify code or safety violations in roof construction or foundation work
Soft skills
- Caution and physical safety awareness when inspecting elevated areas
- Strong analytical and diagnostic thinking
- Clear explanation of technical concerns to non-experts
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
Certifications
- State home inspector license required
- Roof-specific or structural inspection certifications strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in framing, roofing, or structural engineering
- Drone pilot license (FAA Part 107)
- Experience with foundation settlement or roof lifespan evaluations