|
Frequently Asked Questions |
 |
|
|
|
 Would
I make a good home inspector?
Home inspection may not be physically difficult, but it does require good people skills and the ability to look
for details that an average home buyer may not notice. Home inspection is also more complex than it may appear,
requiring you to understand all the systems in a home along with the ability to recognize red flags when they appear.
If you have an interest in the real estate field, have an eye for details and enjoy the challenge of running a
high-income business, then home inspection may be right for you. Today's most successful home inspectors have good
computer skills and work more efficiently than their competitors. PHII's interactive training will help prepare
you to compete in today's high-tech home inspection market.
How much money do home inspectors
make?
Professional home inspection is a growing occupation in the country.
An estimated 5.37 million home inspections were conducted in the United States last year and this number is steadily
increasing. There is a strong, long-term demand for qualified individuals to start careers as home inspectors.
Depending on the area of the country, home inspectors typically charge from $275 to $375 to inspect an average
home. In areas with high numbers of resales, home inspection is a volume business where home inspectors can earn
$1,000 or more in a single day by inspecting several homes.
What do home
inspectors inspect?
Home inspectors use visual methods to evaluate the physical condition
of real-estate property, usually prior to the sale of that property. A home inspector spends 2-3 hours at a property
examining the grounds, structure, exterior, roof, plumbing, electric, insulation, ventilation, interior, attic,
bathrooms, kitchen, basement, crawlspaces, heating, air conditioning, and garage or carport. National standards
of practice determine which components are inspected and how they are inspected. The inspector provides a complete,
written report to the client.
What are
the requirements for my state?
States have a wide range of regulations and some have legislation pending. For this reason it is important to start
now and get "grandfathered in" before new laws are passed. To find your state's pre-license education
requirements and PHII's approval status, go to the PHII home inspection state regulations page.
Is PHII's course approved in Canada?
Yes. This course is also designed for those who live in Canada and has been approved by the Ontario Association
of Home Inspectors (OAHI) Admissions Review Committee/Board of Examiners and the Canadian Association of Home and
Property Inspectors (CAHPI) for 90 academic hours of home inspector training. Home inspections in Canada follow
the same national standards of practice as in the United States. This course currently meets all requirements to
work as a home inspector in any of the provinces of Canada. Canadian inspectors also receive free membership in
NSHI.
Why is national association membership important?
Some states including Alabama, Pennsylvania, and Maryland require membership or approval by a national home inspector
association as a condition for licensing. For example, Pennsylvania law requires all inspectors to be a member
of a national association in order to inspect homes. National associations must be nonprofit, and currently only
ASHI, InterNACHI, NAHI, and NSHI meet the requirements. PHII is the only school that offers free membership in
a national nonprofit home inspector association. All PHII graduates receive a free $199 membership in the National Society of Home Inspectors (NSHI), which meets the PA and other state requirements.
Are Training Labs Required?
 Only for Illiniois and Kentucky.
The IL home inspector law requires inspectors to attend 10 hours of field training in addition to classroom or
distance training. Students have several options for attending these labs: they can be taken for free the third
Saturday of each month at our training facility, and we also offer labs in the Chicago area occassionally for an
additional fee. Kentucky requires a two-day lab that is held for free at our facilities. Labs can be taken at anytime
during or after your training. All students are permitted to attend free labs. Chicago labs can be purchased on
the enrollment page. Visit out Field
Training page for more information, or call us at 800-983-6322 to check
on the lab schedule.
How long does the course take?
The basic course is 90 hours and the optional advanced course is 30 hours, but both can be completed in considerably
less time by those with some experience. However, you can take as much time as needed, and there are no limits
on re-taking exams. The total course time is broken up into 70 hours for course instruction, 25 hours for field
assignments/report writing (field assignments are done on your own property), 10 hours for course assignments,
and 15 hours for testing. PHII's course allows you to take your time or push yourself through quickly. There are
no constraints!
How much does the course cost?
Professional Home Inspection Institute's course comes complete with all required instructional materials including
CD-ROMs, online access, workbook, DVDs, and other materials you need to complete the course. You can view the current
prices by going to the enrollment page or by calling 1-800-983-6322.
What is errors and omissions insurance?
 Errors and Omissions Insurance
is a professional liability policy covering the policyholder for negligent acts and omissions that may harm his
or her clients. A good Errors and Omissions liability policy can help limit your out-of-pocket expenses in the
event you are named in a lawsuit.
Our coursework is approved by the Allen Insurance Group and the Foundation of Real Estate Appraisers (FREA) for
home inspector errors and omissions insurance. E & O insurance is required in many states and requires training
by an approved provider in order to qualify for coverage.
What are your
professional affiliations?
We are affiliated with home inspection societies on the state and national level. Some of the benefits for our
students include free membership in the National
Society of Home Inspectors (NSHI), reduced fees to apply for other national
society memberships, and reduced fees for Membership Renewal Credits (MRCs). We are also an accredited member of
the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating. For our complete credentials and affiliations, go to the credentials page.
Why should I choose PHII?
PHII gives you experience, a reasonable price, plus a guarantee. Over the years we have successfully trained thousands
of home inspectors, and have been there to support them after the training. We have the most up-to-date home inspection
course material of  any school,
and we are the only school that provides a turn-key system for setting up your own home inspection business! We
are also the only home inspection school you will find that has developed their own materials and guarantees your
satisfaction. Go to the comparison page to see what PHII offers.
What is your return policy?
For returns, everything must be returned in as-new condition within 30 days of receipt. Returns may be subject
to a re-stocking fee, but no greater than 10 percent. Worn or damaged items will be prorated. Refunds are credited
within 7 business days of receipt of the return. Shipping and handling is not refundable. You must contact us first
to obtain a return form.
How do you ship the course?
Products are shipped the next business day via UPS Ground and USPS, and typically take 5-7 business days for delivery.
We ship to the U.S. and Canada.
What is your privacy policy?
We do not share personal information collected on this web site. |
|
|
 I
want to emphatically recommend this course to others! Sacramento has a fantastic market for home inspections, and
your course helped my husband and I launch a very successful home inspection business! PHII took away the mystery
from home inspection and showed us exactly what to do. We still use your inspection forms to compile our finished
reports! Thanks so much.
C.L., Sacramento, CA
-More- |
BASIC HOME INSPECTION
1. Common Terminology
2. Limits and Exclusions
3. Site, Grounds, Grading
4. Exterior & Structure
5. Roof Components
6. Plumbing Systems
7. Electrical Systems
8. Attic Inspection
9. Insulation & Ventilation
10. Interior Components
11. Bathrooms & Kitchen
12. Basement & Crawlspace
13. Heating/Air Conditioning
14. Garage and Carport
15. Conducting an Inspection
16. Setting up your business
17. Equipment and supplies
18. Taxes, Licenses, Permits
19. Record Keeping
20. Advertising & Marketing
-Course Objectives-
ADVANCED LESSONS
1. Structure
2. Exterior
3. Roofing
4. Plumbing
5. Electric
6. Insulation
7. Ventilation
8. Interior
9. Heating
10. Air Conditioning
11. Ethics/Standards
12. Report Writing |
|
Would
I make a 