Online Certificate in Home Inspection

Take the First Step to Become a Certified Home Inspector

As one of the largest housing markets in the country, Southern California has the biggest need for qualified home inspectors. This 100% course covers all the essential information you need to launch your career as a home inspector. Earning your Certificate in Home Inspection from LMU will put you on the path to becoming a Certified Home Inspector and distinguishing yourself in today’s job market.

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Job Outlook for Home Inspectors

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, home inspectors earn a median annual salary of about $45,000. This role is expected to see average growth throughout the decade, depending on housing market cycles.

Employment for inspectors fluctuates with the housing market. Still, home inspectors with a background in construction may have an advantage as new construction continues in booming regions like Los Angeles and Orange County.

Home Inspector FAQs

What is a home inspection?

Home inspectors are an important part of the home sale process. Typically, after a home goes into escrow, the buyer hires a home inspector (either independent or part of a company) to check the home and identifies any major issues guided by state standards.

What do home inspectors look for?

Home inspectors are tasked with finding defects that can impact the home buyer’s health and safety. For example, home inspectors will look for:

Water damage
Structural damage
Electrical system issues
Plumbing issues
HVAC systems

Are home inspectors in demand in California?

Demand for home inspectors fluctuates with the housing market. Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange Counties are some the most populous housing markets in the country, so even when the housing market is down, home sales and the need for home inspectors still outperform other regions.

Do home inspectors need a license in California?

There are no regulations for home inspectors in California. However, the 1996 California Trade Practice Act regulates home inspection. It encourages courts to consider the ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) Standards of Practice as a mandate for home inspectors in the state. Likewise, Consumer Reports recommends looking for home inspectors with credentials or membership in nationally-recognized organizations like ASHI, National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), especially in deregulated states like California.

Does this course align with the ASHI standards of practice?

Yes. This course has been approved by the American Society of Home Inspectors, and also counts for membership renewal credits. It also aligns with educational requirements required for certification by the National Institute of Building Inspectors.

Course Objectives

Understand the purpose, scope, procedures and standards of practice of a home inspection
Learn the methodologies involved in creating a home inspection report
Recognize common defects found in residential construction
Understand types of home inspection and personal protective equipment used by home inspectors
Appropriate reporting methodologies for creating a home inspection report

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Prerequisites and Requirements

There are no specific prerequisites for taking this course.

Curriculum

Introduction
Roof Systems
Exterior Elements
Structural Systems
Insulation and Ventilation
Interior Elements
Electric Systems Lesson
Plumbing Systems
Heating Systems
Cooling Systems
Hot-Water Supply Systems

Course Hours: 200 Tuition: $2,745 Credits: 20

Instructors

Joseph Cummins

Joseph Cummins has worked in the home inspection industry since 1977. As Vice President of Technical Services for HouseMaster, a leading home inspection franchisor, he has been responsible for inspector training, risk management, reporting program development and technical support. He is the principal author of the NIBI Online Learning Program and numerous technical publications and has been instrumental in the development and implementation of technical training programs. Cummins is a graduate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Joe Tangradi

Joe Tangradi started his career as a home inspector for HouseMaster's Central New Jersey franchise in 1993. From 2000 to 2007, he filled a position at HouseMaster providing training and support for HouseMaster franchisees and their inspectors. From 2007 to 2015, Joe held various roles for companies providing both commercial and residential construction and project management.

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.