There is so much critical comments on here but I am so glad to find one of the first female inspectors on TH-cam. Very few women in the profession and I’m getting license to do this. Thanks for sharing
I would like to know how it is going. I have been going to school for my real estate license but decided I also want to get certified as a real estate inspector but being a woman I'm a little concerned if I would find work. I need a career which is a guarantee.. I don't want to have to compete because of my gender
I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that she is successful at her home inspection career. She could be a. Instructor,or endorser,... She could even just be trying to get paid for TH-cam by having subscribers and views on videos ,her herself aren't even interested in lol, don't be easily influenced, learn from the video but don't jump to conclusions about the host.
I’ve graduated with a bachelors architecture but I realized that career is not for me, I’m more of a hands on person. I don’t see myself being behind a desk my whole life. I’ll be trying this career change. I live in Minnesota which doesn’t require any testing or certification but that won’t stop me from taking online courses and becoming a house inspector. This is my dream and I’ll make sure to put in the work and effort while learning.
If you're anywhere near Minneapolis, you should reach out to Rueben Salzman with StructureTech; he's a dynamic person and a very successful home inspector. He'd be happy to fill you in on Minnesota's rules! structuretech.com/
Nice to have some clarity. These are questions we home inspectors get and always glad to see a female in the field. This is a great couple and they do good work.
My friend used to do home inspections about 10 years ago, he used to tell me all kinds of stories. Owners would patch up houses just to sell them, trying to hide all kinds of things. He worked for Unispec inspections and in a bad year made $200k. He's not doing that anymore, retired to Mexico a few years ago....
Was he jerkin his clients in the laundry room?? I don't know how my grip would hold up after 120k extra in handies. I used to be an ice cream man, on a bad year I pulled around 302k but depends on the tariffs.on fudge pops.
🤯 Several people suggested I do this after I lost my job...2 years ago. I've been recovering from a 2018 auto accident. This is timely, informative and encouraging!!!
What a great video! Straight and too the point by someone who’s been in the business. I actually learned a lot watching this. I’m hoping to be hired on by a company I applied to, so I can be a home inspector, too. Thank you for the advise!
Great video. InterNACHI member since 2015. Keep up the good work. I love when I see women in the trade. I worked with plumbers, carpenters,electrician many good trade women.
I don't know. I grew up on a job site. Worked for a GC for about 8 years doing various tasks. Before that I was one of the lead maintenance men for a vacation resort at the beach. I also ran my own property maintenance business for 5 years before taking my home inspector courses at the age of 40. Having some kind of background in construction/maintenance might not be necessary but it will make you better than the rest who don't. It just will
Agreed! I’m a Construction Engineer, 11 years flood and restoration Project Management, 6 years Home Warranty inspector, 2 years Roofing Project Manager/Estimator, 2 years Construction Site Superintendent and Asbestos/Mold certified. Just started my own home inspection business at 50, didn’t feel I was ready for the huge responsibility until my experience was at a level I was comfortable with. Kickin ass now though!
Not true at all. Some of the worst home inspectors Ive met have been former contractors/construction guys. To be a great inspector, you need attention to detail, patience, a wide understanding of all the home's components, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a desire and willingness to continually learn and sharpen your skills and knowledge base. Being a former construction guy guarantees NONE of that. One of the best inspectors I ever encountered was a waiter before he got into inspections and was completely green when he started inspection training. I think your assessment is very short sighted and overlooks the true qualifications that separate the bad inspectors from the good/great inspectors.
@@benjaminschwartz1242 My statement is true to some degree. Calling it not true at all just because you've met some bad ones is ridiculous. You're applying the variables of people who have a terrible work ethic and a lack of pride in their work. That's completely off base from what I was talking about. I've met some terrible inspectors both with or without a background in maintenance/construction too. I never said having that background will nullify a lack of work ethic or pride in your work
Thank you for this video! I'm only 17 and looking into this because I'm trying to find what to study in college and this sounds really interesting! But I would probably be only 19, and still a girl when I start looking for a job and I'm afraid no one will take me seriously!!! You say the market is good but I'm still worried people will hate on me and think I am unqualified if I don't have construction experience. Previously I was considering becoming a dental hygienist but that actually sounds too boring and physically taxing (yes you can get serious back problems from being bent over like that, and carpal tunnel)
I've been a home inspector for over 20 years and getting the phone to ring and get a good amount of consistent work is still the hardest thing to overcome. Say what you want but that is the biggest hurtle of all and a pretty darn big one at that. Some people are much better at it then others but you have to figure out if your that guy/gal or not. Personally I hate marketing with a passion and even with internet advertising its still hard as heck and costly. I have known quite a few women inspectors and in fact when I first stated looking into it a girl helped me out and took me on several of my first inspections way back in 2000. She is still at it today too.
I really appreciate the time you put into this video. Currently in the banking profession and have been researching becoming a home inspector and your video answered alot of questions. Thank you!
My cameras are my most important tools. DSLR with a variety of lenses, 360 camera for documenting conditions room by room, Flir Thermal Camera, and the Iphone camera used to build the report. I took over 200 pictures during an inspection.
Thank you for doing this video, Miss Sisson; you've been very helpful. If I lived in Maryland, I would take your class; but unfortunately, I have only online courses available to me here in Mississippi. Could you recommend a good provider of online course study? They're nearly all accepted by my state.
Thank you very much for the video,am just watching your video,very educative,encouraging because an currently a student undergoing Home Inspection Course.I love the words of encouragement.
You put this together very well! I hired the first female as a electrician at my home town. Talk about a adventure! She ended up being the highest paid electrician at that town! Yes!
Loved the video but the only suggestion I would make is a Lavalier Lapel Microphone because I had a such a hard time listening with only one ear .. glad I found this video because I know a little more into my career choice
I’m starting a home inspection certificate at Carroll community college September 11 th and I’m glad I came across this video I’m glad I saw it it informed me a lot thanks
0:53 Regarding tools, do you carry a level, to check decks, gutter slope, concrete grade, etc? What about a moisture meter? Thermal camera? Just curious, because I've seen home inspectors catch otherwise invisible problems with tools like these. Oh, and what about a camera?
The more I think about it, the more I want to call BS on this video. Does she carry a non-contact voltage meter? An outlet wiring checker? If not, then as an untrained home buyer, I did a far more thorough inspection than she could have possibly done (and found one wing of the house wired without ground, among other things!)
Of course I carry more tools; all I was showing was the bare bones basics. I also have a moisture meter, thermal camera, non-contact voltage sniffer, gas sniffer, pressure gauge, GFCI tester, two ladders, respirator, binoculars, an ice pick (to probe for rot), story pole to check heights (quicker than a measuring tape), wood block to test garage doors, box cutter to cut paint from around panel deadfronts and attic scuttles... and yes, a camera.
1:00 To quote the video verbatim, "You actually only need four tools to do a Maryland home inspection. One of them is a one-story ladder. You also need a good flashlight. You need a simple circuit tester, and a screwdriver. That's all you need." That section is misleading at best (because you can get away with just those four tools to do a substandard inspection that somehow satisfies the Maryland requirements?), or total bullshit at worst. As you said, you carry many more than those four tools. This section of the video does not help your business, it may well hurt you, implying that you do substandard work. Consider replacing it with material that better illustrates your capabilities and experience.
I am taking a class right now for home inspections and it told me the exact same thing she told me. She is just passing the information onto others. She never talked about her own business doing this. It would be more of a mistake for someone to imply such a thing.
Informative. We are always looking for well trained and equipped home inspectors. Men or Women. Construction experience is prefered but not required. In So Cal. Just give us a google.
I was thinking about getting my license but then my mom said she doesn't think I'll be able to handle the Attics a crawl spaces because it comes with a lot of pest, dead rats/mices and feces. So now I am rethinking it.
While I do see all of that, it’s not really that often. Rodent feces are the most common, but I wear a respirator. Unless you are phobic about things like spiders, or freak out at spotting a snake skin, you get used to it. When I started, I was sure I would panic in attics or crawl spaces, but quickly found out I was made of sterner stuff than I imagined. So go for it; you’ll never know your strength until you try!
Nice video. Leaving a sales job at a national bus dealership to become an inspector. I absolutely hate sitting at a desk and know 100% that I will Love this new profession.
Do you find that real estate company’s won’t call you back after you their present prospective home buyers with a real honest report? My realtor recommended a home inspector to me which I found out latter was his buddy. After getting into the house I found out that the inspection report failed to mention important findings. I think that was pretty shady on their part.
It doesn't bother us, to be honest. We don't market to real estate agents; our business comes from referrals from previous clients, a great website, and also from agents who want the best for their clients. Our reports are thorough, but fair, and we take the time to explain the significance and implications of the conditions we find.
Most Realtors have their favorite inspectors which they will offer to you. Certainly check them out for their thoroughness and online reviews. But getting a referral from someone who has previously used a home inspector is the best way to choose one. (Even though I'm an inspector, we chose Ms. Bob when we bought our most recent home.) About 10% if my business now is inspecting a home once someone has moved in and found that the inspector they hired did a poor job.
This video was very informative! I have a bit of an odd question. It's obvious that inspecting a roof is required. In the case where an Inspector may have a fear of heights, what methods or solutions are available to address this issue?
Fear of heights would be a pretty serious disadvantage in a home inspector. Climbing ladders takes skill, planning, and awareness, and should be approached with caution, but not fear. There are many times when walking a roof isn't possible (weather, slope, material, etc.), and in those cases I use what I call my "World's Longest Selfie Stick" which is a 24-foot extendable pole with a wifi camera on it; this lets me get a pretty good look at what's up there.
I don't have the safety equipment to climb a roof like that. I'm not a roofer and don't have roofer's insurance. Our insurance policy limits us to a 17-foot ladder, which will get me to a point 14 feet off the ground.
Great point and I would add that every training course states that you are not required to climb on roofs, geez every Home inspector wants to be a hero just buy a drone most of the defects on the roofs are dead obvious
I agree! How many jobs let you go into a huge variety of homes and find all the weird stuff that's wrong with them? Not to mention freaking people out when you come out of a crawl space covered in cobwebs and carrying a shed snakeskin!
aaand to inspect a car for road worthyness all ya need is a good class, the class should go for at least a couple hours, after that your good to go, no need for those pesky years of experience in the mechanical field, no sir... one class and your all set!
@27AlexN Actually a good comparison @John John. There is more one learns from doing inspections, knowing construction methods, engineering physics, and being around other inspectors than you can get out of the best training classes. Would you hire a nurse who just graduated to operate on you??? Good luck with that.
Unless you are a very good general contractor you wouldn’t have the breadth of knowledge required to be a home inspector from just working in the construction industry. A drywaller doesn’t know about electrical systems. A roofer doesn’t know about HVAC systems. A plumber doesn’t know about foundations, etc. A home inspector doesn’t necessarily need to know how to build a truss, how to pull wire for electrical, how to plumb a kitchen sink, or whatever - they only need the have enough expertise to identify problems during a visual inspection. In depth knowledge of each system of a house is not required but a good, broad understanding of each system is needed. You can get that from about 150 hours of training.
I was just thinking how cool it is a woman is doing this video and then you said it, haha. I’m a woman and very interested in tools and home repair and I think this may be a good career move for me.
I thought you had to have certification s in different construction areas. In NC all you need is a heart beat and a class. Need to make sure you are getting a good inspector. There are certain inspectors around here are paid for by realators big cam
Requirements are different in every state. I don’t know of any that require construction experience. Most only need an approved class and a passing score on the National Home Inspection Exam (NHIE). The market will typically weed out the bad inspectors. Sure, some are willing to be in a Realtor’s pocket; any profession has bad apples. It’s why it’s so important for a buyer to do their own research when choosing an inspector, rather than blindly letting their agent choose for them.
There's not much to measure, really. We're not required to do so. I do carry one, but mostly end up lending it to my client so they can measure for furniture. I will also measure with my hand/arm/height: for example, my fist is just about 4 inches, so if I can put it through a space in a guardrail with room to spare, it's wrong.
Those who can’t... teach. People like this are dangerous to extent of negligence. Here in central Florida (with some of the tightest codes on earth) all state, county, and city inspectors are REQUIRED to have field experience to various trades. I feel sorry for anyone that paid her money to inspect a house.
John Thomas Not in Florida. In Florida there are requirements: 1) Completion of an approved 120-hour course that covers a home’s structure, electrical system, HVAC system, roof covering, plumbing system, interior components, exterior components, and site conditions that affect the structure. 2) Passing an approved examination. 3) Submitting an application, fee, and submit to a criminal background check.
Not if it's a folding ladder; mine is a Little Giant that extends to 17 feet, yet folds down to a little under 5 feet, so it fits nicely in my Subaru Outback with one of the back seats folded down. I carry two other ladders: an Extend-n-Climb 12 foot for attic scuttles in tight spaces, and a three-step stepstool for when the top screws on the electrical panel are j-u-s-t out of comfortable reach.
Balsy video Bob and Welmoed. Thank GOD there are more female inspectors coming aboard. You two are a great team...one of the best. Keep up the great work, and stay controversial. I know for a fact that you guys are in a constant state of continuing education. Never stop learning! Been almost a decade since we last spoke (Bob), but this is a great video by Welmoed. You go grrrl.
It's still offered! The next session starts on February 10 and runs Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm until February 26. There is also an evening session starting on March 10, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9pm. Go to the FCC website at frederick.edu and search "home inspection".
You should have to have at minimum 10 years construction experience. To many people have no idea how a house is built or the details of the systems that matter
Every state has its own rules. Some states will give you credit for classes taken elsewhere. Maryland requires you to take a class in Maryland to be licensed, even if you are already licensed in another state. Some states have no licensing at all. However, the National Home Inspection Exam is a once-and-done deal, valid across the country.
Inspections by Bob LLC Ive got a question for you, so in my state (Utah) licensing isn't required, but in order to get a job would I need to have to be knowledgeable in the field without a license? Or do companies offer on-the-job training? Thanks!
@@briandiaz834 Your best bet would be to contact an inspector in Utah and get their input. I suggest giving Kurt Salomon a call; his number is 801-523-6060. His website is inspectutah.com. Tell him I sent you!
@The Greek Physik Don't listen to the naysayers! Check your local community college for the required training class. We didn't have construction experience or connections when we started either!
I don't think a professional home inspector just need so such simple tools for the job, the more knowledge you have about the home and it's appliance the more update tools you will need to find out everything as much as possible. With a few tool as you show, no home buyer will need home inspector at all, they can do it themselves. They homeowners want their inspector to do more.
Of course I use more tools; I was demonstrating that these are pretty much the minimum requirement. And what we do isn't rocket science; pretty much everything we see and report on is clearly visible. You just need to know what you are looking at! Our clients don't hire us for our fancy tools; they hire us for our training and experience in connecting the dots to tell the story of the house.
We are always paid at the end of the inspection, mostly by credit card but sometimes by check and occasionally in cash. Our report delivery system is set up so the client can’t download the report unless they have paid.
how much ya got? i see these online courses go for about $600+. as long as they're internachi and/or ashi recognized, you should be good. there are tools i see these guys using all the time, while some are optional. what she doesn't show you is the camera you'll be taking hundreds of photos with during your inspection. google the requirements for your state, too.
Hi! Most community colleges have pre-licensing classes that are Maryland-approved. I teach one at Frederick Community College; the next session starts on March 10 and runs on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6-9pm, for 14 weeks.
If you're still looking for a certification class, we got Maryland approval to teach our upcoming session entirely online. The class starts on Tuesday, September 8, and runs Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9pm. Check out www.frederick.edu for more information.
@@Luis-xr6ec did u sign up w them ? Make sure ur account is fully canceled. They will change it back to approved and start sending u " opportunity leads " to confuse u and run up ur card. U have to tell them to fully cancel and no opportunity leads. They r reall sneaky w that. Good luck my friend
@@km-nq4tj Yes I did! They charged $60 every time a customer simply inquired rather than accepted the job. Even after leaving them they still would charge. You don’t make money with home advisor at all!
An experienced home inspector can earn between $40-$60K per year. But it takes time to get to that point; I warn my students they should not expect to make money the first year if they're starting their own company. If they're looking to make money immediately, they will need to join a franchise or a multi-inspector firm.
We are both ASHI-certified home inspectors. I didn't go to the ASHI School for my training, though. I took the certification class at Montgomery College.
There is so much critical comments on here but I am so glad to find one of the first female inspectors on TH-cam. Very few women in the profession and I’m getting license to do this. Thanks for sharing
Just Me Good for you
Thank you so much! It is a fun job, and I'm glad more women are entering the field.
I would like to know how it is going. I have been going to school for my real estate license but decided I also want to get certified as a real estate inspector but being a woman I'm a little concerned if I would find work. I need a career which is a guarantee.. I don't want to have to compete because of my gender
@@Sunshi2023
You as well!! Thanks💖
I’m looking into getting my license too !
exactly what i was looking for....an older female who is successful at this career. thanks!
I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that she is successful at her home inspection career. She could be a. Instructor,or endorser,... She could even just be trying to get paid for TH-cam by having subscribers and views on videos ,her herself aren't even interested in lol, don't be easily influenced, learn from the video but don't jump to conclusions about the host.
I’ve graduated with a bachelors architecture but I realized that career is not for me, I’m more of a hands on person. I don’t see myself being behind a desk my whole life. I’ll be trying this career change. I live in Minnesota which doesn’t require any testing or certification but that won’t stop me from taking online courses and becoming a house inspector. This is my dream and I’ll make sure to put in the work and effort while learning.
If you're anywhere near Minneapolis, you should reach out to Rueben Salzman with StructureTech; he's a dynamic person and a very successful home inspector. He'd be happy to fill you in on Minnesota's rules!
structuretech.com/
My favorite part was “houses don’t care” 🤣🤣🤣 naw i needed this tho!
Exactly! Me too XD
Just like covid19!
😆😆😆
Nice to have some clarity. These are questions we home inspectors get and always glad to see a female in the field. This is a great couple and they do good work.
My friend used to do home inspections about 10 years ago, he used to tell me all kinds of stories. Owners would patch up houses just to sell them, trying to hide all kinds of things. He worked for Unispec inspections and in a bad year made $200k. He's not doing that anymore, retired to Mexico a few years ago....
How did he pull that off??
Good for him.
Can you put me in contact with him?
Was he jerkin his clients in the laundry room?? I don't know how my grip would hold up after 120k extra in handies. I used to be an ice cream man, on a bad year I pulled around 302k but depends on the tariffs.on fudge pops.
@@jaysoncolbert6187 lmfao!
At 1:18 - also add in a fifth tool, a non-contact voltage tester. This will allow you to check for live wires.
Yep, carry one of those too. Very handy when I run across knob and tube wiring.
Add a moisture meter as well and a probe for testing air temperature from the HVAC register.
This is way more helpful and encouraging than literally every other video I've seen I love this
Thank you so much!
🤯 Several people suggested I do this after I lost my job...2 years ago. I've been recovering from a 2018 auto accident. This is timely, informative and encouraging!!!
Of all the different jobs I've had, this one has been by far the most satisfying.
What a great video! Straight and too the point by someone who’s been in the business. I actually learned a lot watching this. I’m hoping to be hired on by a company I applied to, so I can be a home inspector, too. Thank you for the advise!
Go for it!
Thank you this was very valuable to watch. I think you have a great positive attitude and it was a very informative video!
Great video. InterNACHI member since 2015. Keep up the good work. I love when I see women in the trade. I worked with plumbers, carpenters,electrician many good trade women.
I don't know. I grew up on a job site. Worked for a GC for about 8 years doing various tasks. Before that I was one of the lead maintenance men for a vacation resort at the beach. I also ran my own property maintenance business for 5 years before taking my home inspector courses at the age of 40. Having some kind of background in construction/maintenance might not be necessary but it will make you better than the rest who don't. It just will
Agreed! I’m a Construction Engineer, 11 years flood and restoration Project Management, 6 years Home Warranty inspector, 2 years Roofing Project Manager/Estimator, 2 years Construction Site Superintendent and Asbestos/Mold certified. Just started my own home inspection business at 50, didn’t feel I was ready for the huge responsibility until my experience was at a level I was comfortable with. Kickin ass now though!
Not true at all. Some of the worst home inspectors Ive met have been former contractors/construction guys. To be a great inspector, you need attention to detail, patience, a wide understanding of all the home's components, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a desire and willingness to continually learn and sharpen your skills and knowledge base. Being a former construction guy guarantees NONE of that. One of the best inspectors I ever encountered was a waiter before he got into inspections and was completely green when he started inspection training. I think your assessment is very short sighted and overlooks the true qualifications that separate the bad inspectors from the good/great inspectors.
@@benjaminschwartz1242 My statement is true to some degree. Calling it not true at all just because you've met some bad ones is ridiculous. You're applying the variables of people who have a terrible work ethic and a lack of pride in their work. That's completely off base from what I was talking about. I've met some terrible inspectors both with or without a background in maintenance/construction too. I never said having that background will nullify a lack of work ethic or pride in your work
I'm not sure what direction I am going in next. This is a possible option I've been thinking of.
Thank you for the info. I appreciate it much.
Thanks for the video. Would love to see you make one showing a day in the life of.
That's a great idea! I will add it to the list.
Thank you for this video! I'm only 17 and looking into this because I'm trying to find what to study in college and this sounds really interesting! But I would probably be only 19, and still a girl when I start looking for a job and I'm afraid no one will take me seriously!!! You say the market is good but I'm still worried people will hate on me and think I am unqualified if I don't have construction experience.
Previously I was considering becoming a dental hygienist but that actually sounds too boring and physically taxing (yes you can get serious back problems from being bent over like that, and carpal tunnel)
did you end up going through with it?
i worry that peopl wont take me seriously eitheir because i look young and am tiny.... what did you end up doing??
@@dekarmes start by working for another inspection company and gain experience
I've been a home inspector for over 20 years and getting the phone to ring and get a good amount of consistent work is still the hardest thing to overcome. Say what you want but that is the biggest hurtle of all and a pretty darn big one at that. Some people are much better at it then others but you have to figure out if your that guy/gal or not. Personally I hate marketing with a passion and even with internet advertising its still hard as heck and costly. I have known quite a few women inspectors and in fact when I first stated looking into it a girl helped me out and took me on several of my first inspections way back in 2000. She is still at it today too.
I really appreciate the time you put into this video. Currently in the banking profession and have been researching becoming a home inspector and your video answered alot of questions. Thank you!
Glad you liked it! We're happy to answer any other questions you may have about the profession.
Inspections by Bob LLC i will certainly take you up on that. Is there a good email to contact you at. Thank you!
Sure! Send your questions to: questions@inspectionsbybob.com.
Inspections by Bob LC
You rule girl!!!! I’m a girl thinking of getting mine too. Thank you for doing this!
Such a encouraging video thanks so much I love the added humor it really made it nice to watch
My cameras are my most important tools. DSLR with a variety of lenses, 360 camera for documenting conditions room by room, Flir Thermal Camera, and the Iphone camera used to build the report. I took over 200 pictures during an inspection.
Great- very encouraging! I got a kick out of the Inspector Gadget jingle- nice touch lol🤣
Thank you for doing this video, Miss Sisson; you've been very helpful. If I lived in Maryland, I would take your class; but unfortunately, I have only online courses available to me here in Mississippi. Could you recommend a good provider of online course study? They're nearly all accepted by my state.
Thank you very much for the video,am just watching your video,very educative,encouraging because an currently a student undergoing Home Inspection Course.I love the words of encouragement.
I think I just found my new job. I love the idea of being able to work by myself.
I’m a young female hoping to get my license this year thank you for this video!!!
Go for it! It feels so good to know the work you do can potentially save lives.
Did you get your license?
Happy to see a female here. I'm a five year licensed inside property adjuster, but looking to go in the field of inspections in my down time.
You put this together very well!
I hired the first female as a electrician at my home town. Talk about a adventure! She ended up being the highest paid electrician at that town!
Yes!
Loved the video but the only suggestion I would make is a Lavalier Lapel Microphone because I had a such a hard time listening with only one ear .. glad I found this video because I know a little more into my career choice
Thanks! I did get a lavalier mic shortly after I did this video. You're right that it makes a tremendous difference.
I’m starting a home inspection certificate at Carroll community college September 11 th and I’m glad I came across this video I’m glad I saw it it informed me a lot thanks
Great video! I am a begginer in this Cartier. Please educate me what kind of car should I buy? Cheap and fits with this job. Any thoughts ?
0:53 Regarding tools, do you carry a level, to check decks, gutter slope, concrete grade, etc? What about a moisture meter? Thermal camera? Just curious, because I've seen home inspectors catch otherwise invisible problems with tools like these. Oh, and what about a camera?
The more I think about it, the more I want to call BS on this video. Does she carry a non-contact voltage meter? An outlet wiring checker? If not, then as an untrained home buyer, I did a far more thorough inspection than she could have possibly done (and found one wing of the house wired without ground, among other things!)
Of course I carry more tools; all I was showing was the bare bones basics. I also have a moisture meter, thermal camera, non-contact voltage sniffer, gas sniffer, pressure gauge, GFCI tester, two ladders, respirator, binoculars, an ice pick (to probe for rot), story pole to check heights (quicker than a measuring tape), wood block to test garage doors, box cutter to cut paint from around panel deadfronts and attic scuttles... and yes, a camera.
1:00 To quote the video verbatim, "You actually only need four tools to do a Maryland home inspection. One of them is a one-story ladder. You also need a good flashlight. You need a simple circuit tester, and a screwdriver. That's all you need." That section is misleading at best (because you can get away with just those four tools to do a substandard inspection that somehow satisfies the Maryland requirements?), or total bullshit at worst. As you said, you carry many more than those four tools. This section of the video does not help your business, it may well hurt you, implying that you do substandard work. Consider replacing it with material that better illustrates your capabilities and experience.
I am taking a class right now for home inspections and it told me the exact same thing she told me. She is just passing the information onto others. She never talked about her own business doing this. It would be more of a mistake for someone to imply such a thing.
😂😂😂😂
Informative. We are always looking for well trained and equipped home inspectors. Men or Women. Construction experience is prefered but not required. In So Cal. Just give us a google.
I have a question. What can full time home inspectors expect to make in their first year?
Thanks for this video i'm considering this as a career
I was thinking about getting my license but then my mom said she doesn't think I'll be able to handle the Attics a crawl spaces because it comes with a lot of pest, dead rats/mices and feces. So now I am rethinking it.
While I do see all of that, it’s not really that often. Rodent feces are the most common, but I wear a respirator. Unless you are phobic about things like spiders, or freak out at spotting a snake skin, you get used to it. When I started, I was sure I would panic in attics or crawl spaces, but quickly found out I was made of sterner stuff than I imagined. So go for it; you’ll never know your strength until you try!
Thanks for the insight. Im looking to start a new career. And HI is high on my list
Extremely helpful. Just what I needed. You’re the best!!
I’m looking now for a great school so many don’t know which are great and which aren’t
Did you find one?
Yes a female!! I need to see this thank you!! Looking for a new career for 2021 hoping Pandemic is over in Michigan by mid next year....
You can do it!
Great video, thx.
Excellent video. Thanks for sharing!
Any school you recommend for the home inspection certificate ?
InterNACHI
Great video! Thank you
Nice video. Leaving a sales job at a national bus dealership to become an inspector. I absolutely hate sitting at a desk and know 100% that I will Love this new profession.
Good luck!
You need to find a different person to follow. You will fail following this video rules. Just trying to help
A-Action Home Inspection
Do you find that real estate company’s won’t call you back after you their present prospective home buyers with a real honest report?
My realtor recommended a home inspector to me which I found out latter was his buddy. After getting into the house I found out that the inspection report failed to mention important findings. I think that was pretty shady on their part.
It doesn't bother us, to be honest. We don't market to real estate agents; our business comes from referrals from previous clients, a great website, and also from agents who want the best for their clients. Our reports are thorough, but fair, and we take the time to explain the significance and implications of the conditions we find.
Most Realtors have their favorite inspectors which they will offer to you. Certainly check them out for their thoroughness and online reviews. But getting a referral from someone who has previously used a home inspector is the best way to choose one. (Even though I'm an inspector, we chose Ms. Bob when we bought our most recent home.) About 10% if my business now is inspecting a home once someone has moved in and found that the inspector they hired did a poor job.
This video Blows my mind.
This video was very informative! I have a bit of an odd question. It's obvious that inspecting a roof is required. In the case where an Inspector may have a fear of heights, what methods or solutions are available to address this issue?
Fear of heights would be a pretty serious disadvantage in a home inspector. Climbing ladders takes skill, planning, and awareness, and should be approached with caution, but not fear. There are many times when walking a roof isn't possible (weather, slope, material, etc.), and in those cases I use what I call my "World's Longest Selfie Stick" which is a 24-foot extendable pole with a wifi camera on it; this lets me get a pretty good look at what's up there.
Our inspector used a drone.
Outstanding Welmoed! I’m sure lots of prospective inspectors started from this great video...
Thanks! And thank you for making such a fantastic reporting system... and for the incredible customer support!
What a great informative video thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you! Feel free to suggest topics for future videos!
Does a water heater expansion tank work properly if it is on its' side?
Absolutely! The thing is to make sure it is properly supported, so it’s not just hanging from the fitting.
Thank you!!!!! I needed this!
Great content!
Thank you! Let me know if there are topics you'd like to see covered in our videos!
Awesome Video, Currently a pest control tech that performs a lot of soil pretreatments and this is very fascinating 👏
Thanks!
I love this lady.
"-and houses really dont care."💯
-As long as you're qualified, Jack or Jane can inspect.
1 story ladder? What if its a 2 story house?
I don't have the safety equipment to climb a roof like that. I'm not a roofer and don't have roofer's insurance. Our insurance policy limits us to a 17-foot ladder, which will get me to a point 14 feet off the ground.
Great point and I would add that every training course states that you are not required to climb on roofs, geez every Home inspector wants to be a hero just buy a drone most of the defects on the roofs are dead obvious
Drones are also slowly making their way on the Home Inspector scene. It's not boots on the (ground)roof...but it's certainly an option.
This looks like a badass career field
I agree! How many jobs let you go into a huge variety of homes and find all the weird stuff that's wrong with them? Not to mention freaking people out when you come out of a crawl space covered in cobwebs and carrying a shed snakeskin!
aaand to inspect a car for road worthyness all ya need is a good class, the class should go for at least a couple hours, after that your good to go, no need for those pesky years of experience in the mechanical field, no sir... one class and your all set!
@27AlexN Actually a good comparison @John John. There is more one learns from doing inspections, knowing construction methods, engineering physics, and being around other inspectors than you can get out of the best training classes. Would you hire a nurse who just graduated to operate on you??? Good luck with that.
Unless you are a very good general contractor you wouldn’t have the breadth of knowledge required to be a home inspector from just working in the construction industry. A drywaller doesn’t know about electrical systems. A roofer doesn’t know about HVAC systems. A plumber doesn’t know about foundations, etc. A home inspector doesn’t necessarily need to know how to build a truss, how to pull wire for electrical, how to plumb a kitchen sink, or whatever - they only need the have enough expertise to identify problems during a visual inspection. In depth knowledge of each system of a house is not required but a good, broad understanding of each system is needed. You can get that from about 150 hours of training.
Well done! Thanks for the info.
I was just thinking how cool it is a woman is doing this video and then you said it, haha. I’m a woman and very interested in tools and home repair and I think this may be a good career move for me.
Go for it! Even if you don't end up going into the business, you will always have the knowledge you gain by having the training.
I agree with most your misconceptions.
But you need more than a flashlight, ladder, outlet tester and screw driver?
THANK YOU...
What state is the College course in? I am in NJ
I thought you had to have certification s in different construction areas. In NC all you need is a heart beat and a class. Need to make sure you are getting a good inspector. There are certain inspectors around here are paid for by realators big cam
Requirements are different in every state. I don’t know of any that require construction experience. Most only need an approved class and a passing score on the National Home Inspection Exam (NHIE). The market will typically weed out the bad inspectors. Sure, some are willing to be in a Realtor’s pocket; any profession has bad apples. It’s why it’s so important for a buyer to do their own research when choosing an inspector, rather than blindly letting their agent choose for them.
I would think a measuring tape should be something to bring too no?
There's not much to measure, really. We're not required to do so. I do carry one, but mostly end up lending it to my client so they can measure for furniture. I will also measure with my hand/arm/height: for example, my fist is just about 4 inches, so if I can put it through a space in a guardrail with room to spare, it's wrong.
Those who can’t... teach. People like this are dangerous to extent of negligence. Here in central Florida (with some of the tightest codes on earth) all state, county, and city inspectors are REQUIRED to have field experience to various trades. I feel sorry for anyone that paid her money to inspect a house.
John Thomas Not in Florida. In Florida there are requirements: 1) Completion of an approved 120-hour course that covers a home’s structure, electrical system, HVAC system, roof covering, plumbing system, interior components, exterior components, and site conditions that affect the structure. 2) Passing an approved examination. 3) Submitting an application, fee, and submit to a criminal background check.
I think you also need a pick up trunk in order to carry that one story ladder
Not if it's a folding ladder; mine is a Little Giant that extends to 17 feet, yet folds down to a little under 5 feet, so it fits nicely in my Subaru Outback with one of the back seats folded down. I carry two other ladders: an Extend-n-Climb 12 foot for attic scuttles in tight spaces, and a three-step stepstool for when the top screws on the electrical panel are j-u-s-t out of comfortable reach.
Telescoping ladders fold down very small and can go in the back seat of a car.
"Highly trained" might apply is many cases, but watch Mike Holmes to see those who aren't.
Thanks for the video.
Great video!!!
Balsy video Bob and Welmoed. Thank GOD there are more female inspectors coming aboard. You two are a great team...one of the best. Keep up the great work, and stay controversial. I know for a fact that you guys are in a constant state of continuing education. Never stop learning! Been almost a decade since we last spoke (Bob), but this is a great video by Welmoed. You go grrrl.
I'd like to see Welmoed in a dominatrix outfit.
@@zulukono663 Not a chance. But I did cosplay as Ursula from "The Little Mermaid" one year.
I looked into home inspector course at frederick community college and it says program is no longer available
It's still offered! The next session starts on February 10 and runs Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm until February 26. There is also an evening session starting on March 10, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9pm. Go to the FCC website at frederick.edu and search "home inspection".
Hello is it possible to foreign professionals to get the home inspection license? I am structural engineer from Peru with a Japanese master degree.
I don’t see why not. You will need to check the licensing requirements for the state you plan to practice in.
I am sooo sooo tired of corporate life.. is this a job I can do for the next 20 years? I'm 38, looking for a career change
And how physically demanding is it?
it’s a good career if you can find a company who is willing to train.
Good video; thanks for sharing this!
Thanks for watching it!
Exceptional and educational video. Couldnt be better.
You should have to have at minimum 10 years construction experience. To many people have no idea how a house is built or the details of the systems that matter
Very good and informative
Thank you!
Thanks
Yay- glad there's some women like myself in the trades!
I could have sworn i saw her in another video on ten myths on becoming a cardiologist.
"I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TH-cam!"
Can you relocate anywhere in the US with this license?
Every state has its own rules. Some states will give you credit for classes taken elsewhere. Maryland requires you to take a class in Maryland to be licensed, even if you are already licensed in another state. Some states have no licensing at all. However, the National Home Inspection Exam is a once-and-done deal, valid across the country.
You've inspired me :) I'm going to get my license
Awesome!! Go for it. Let me know when you get your license!
Inspections by Bob LLC Ive got a question for you, so in my state (Utah) licensing isn't required, but in order to get a job would I need to have to be knowledgeable in the field without a license? Or do companies offer on-the-job training? Thanks!
@@briandiaz834 Your best bet would be to contact an inspector in Utah and get their input. I suggest giving Kurt Salomon a call; his number is 801-523-6060. His website is inspectutah.com. Tell him I sent you!
@The Greek Physik Don't listen to the naysayers! Check your local community college for the required training class. We didn't have construction experience or connections when we started either!
Really good info. Thanks for sharing.
I don't think a professional home inspector just need so such simple tools for the job, the more knowledge you have about the home and it's appliance the more update tools you will need to find out everything as much as possible.
With a few tool as you show, no home buyer will need home inspector at all, they can do it themselves.
They homeowners want their inspector to do more.
Of course I use more tools; I was demonstrating that these are pretty much the minimum requirement. And what we do isn't rocket science; pretty much everything we see and report on is clearly visible. You just need to know what you are looking at! Our clients don't hire us for our fancy tools; they hire us for our training and experience in connecting the dots to tell the story of the house.
Love your honesty. Thank you
do you get paid on the same day or you have to wait 30 days?
We are always paid at the end of the inspection, mostly by credit card but sometimes by check and occasionally in cash. Our report delivery system is set up so the client can’t download the report unless they have paid.
@@inspectionsbybobllc5277 awesome i love it
How much does it cost to become a home inspector?
how much ya got?
i see these online courses go for about $600+. as long as they're internachi and/or ashi recognized, you should be good. there are tools i see these guys using all the time, while some are optional. what she doesn't show you is the camera you'll be taking hundreds of photos with during your inspection.
google the requirements for your state, too.
You can get the necessary training and basic tools for under $3000. But much depends upon where you're located; every state has its own rules.
Great Im in the state of Md Im looking for a good to learn from. Can you recommend a good school for course?
Hi! Most community colleges have pre-licensing classes that are Maryland-approved. I teach one at Frederick Community College; the next session starts on March 10 and runs on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6-9pm, for 14 weeks.
If you're still looking for a certification class, we got Maryland approval to teach our upcoming session entirely online. The class starts on Tuesday, September 8, and runs Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9pm. Check out www.frederick.edu for more information.
That water heater looked sketchy to me right off the bat lol
Awesome videos
"Highly trained" might be true for many, but watch Mike Holmes to see who aren't.
And dont sign up with homeadvisor. They will run ur business into the ground
Agreed. Home Advisor is absolutely horrible for almost any industry.
YES! 😒
@@Luis-xr6ec did u sign up w them ? Make sure ur account is fully canceled. They will change it back to approved and start sending u " opportunity leads " to confuse u and run up ur card. U have to tell them to fully cancel and no opportunity leads. They r reall sneaky w that. Good luck my friend
@@km-nq4tj Yes I did! They charged $60 every time a customer simply inquired rather than accepted the job. Even after leaving them they still would charge. You don’t make money with home advisor at all!
How much can I make a year....good video though
You will make nothing following her rules.
An experienced home inspector can earn between $40-$60K per year. But it takes time to get to that point; I warn my students they should not expect to make money the first year if they're starting their own company. If they're looking to make money immediately, they will need to join a franchise or a multi-inspector firm.
Great Video
Great information 👍🏽
Thanks!
Houses really don’t care😂 so true!
Did you go to ashi?
We are both ASHI-certified home inspectors. I didn't go to the ASHI School for my training, though. I took the certification class at Montgomery College.
Such proffessions suited for Karens and Darrens.. 😏
I'm not sure what you mean. Can you explain?
nice video are u actually home inspector sold many houses before
Yes, I'm a licensed home inspector in Maryland. I don't sell houses; that's a real estate agent's job.