Home Inspector as a Side Job: Pay, Pros, Cons, Qualification

Flexible and profitable hours, the perfect work/life balance, and an indefinable way of understanding houses all add up to a great side hustle.

We all have different passions in life and for many people, their hobby can turn into a side job that lasts for years on end.

Whether you are looking to supplement your income or you want to start making money by doing what you love, becoming a home inspector may be the perfect fit.

Is house inspection something you could do on the side? Conducting inspections is one of the most popular and versatile work/hobby options available. What many people don’t realize however, is that this is a job opportunity not just for experienced tradesmen but for anyone with an interest in real estate and construction.

Home inspectors keep an eye out for problems that could cost their client thousands of dollars later down the road.

This is why it’s important to find a reliable home inspection company.

What it takes to be a home inspector and what you get out of this job is what we are going to discuss today.

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Can you be a home inspector as a side job?

Like some side jobs, being a home inspector can be rewarding in its own right.

You’ll work independently and have the opportunity to choose your hours – as long as you have the availability when needed.

Depending on your location, you may also have the chance to do inspections year round or just seasonally.

Without the requirement of full-time employment, you can take on extra appointments for added income.

Semi-retired or nearing retirement? Being a home inspector gives you the opportunity to strictly focus on your current clients as you transition away from full-time work.

Wherever you are in your life and career, being a home inspector can help you build a steady source of income.

What do home inspectors do?

Unbiased home inspectors examine a property for defects and provide a written, detailed report detailing their findings.

Home inspections are used to determine the safety of the building, as well as its compliance with current legislation on standards of living, structural problems and accessibility.

Although a home appraisal is almost always mandatory and necessary in the U.S., a home inspection is not.

However, it will be your responsibility in case you experience problems in a house that did not undergo an examination and verification process prior to your purchase.

The home inspections are used to gather information that is crucial in the decision-making process, but it is up to you to decide whether you want to purchase the property or not.

Some mortgage lenders require them as a part of the loan process and others do not.

What is the difference between a house inspector and an environmental consultant?

Investment decision-makers often need to know the current and future life cycle cost of a potential purchase or project.

In order to make informed decisions, they need accurate and comprehensive data on the condition of a proposed project or facility.

Environmental consultants assess the environmental impact of a proposed project and recommend its design to avoid or minimize environmental impacts such as air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution and the threat to natural habitats.

As earth scientists and engineers, they strive to preserve the environment by developing projects that adhere to government policies on sustainable development and protection against industrial hazards.

A building inspector, on the other hand, makes an independent assessment of a building after it has been built and tries to discover if there is any defect or fault in its construction and/or materials.

He/she is also expected to report whether the building is properly built meeting local codes and standards as follows:

Structural elements
Safety
Grounds
Roof
Exterior surfaces
Attic
Electrical system
Appliances
Heating and cooling systems
Basement
Garage
Insulation and ventilation

What’s the most pay home inspector makes? How much do part time home inspectors make?

Throughout the United States, a home inspector as a side job can make anywhere between $38k and $100k in a year.

The median annual wage was $61,640 in 2021 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Most inspectors work full time, so periods of heavy construction seasons cause short-term spikes or additional work hours in the months when demand is high.

Evenings and weekends are typical work hours for self-employed home inspectors in addition to the main day job or occasional extra work opportunities.

Do home inspectors work on weekends?

Schedules can vary depending on the home sellers’ needs.

But inspectors can work on weekends, especially where a buyer’s time is limited and they need to know the true state of an investment.

Some people may not want to leave their homes on weekends because of family commitments, so an inspector should also prepare for a likely scenario where a weekday inspection is needed.

Your contract with the house owner should have a provision for this, or the agent should inform you about the urgency of taking care of the inspection promptly.

Worst part of being a home inspector

giving up before trying home inspection business
not setting the right expectations
insufficient savings and start-up capital
terribly dull marketing
mischievous or absurd inspection practices
liability issues
incautious or incompetent business management

How to become a home inspector: Do home inspectors have to be licensed?

Maximizing your income potential as a home inspector is not the difficult part.

In fact, with a little bit of elbow grease, you can make hundreds of dollars each month – as long as you have enough work.

The real challenge is finding time to fulfill your side job responsibilities at your current job and also maintaining your home inspections business on the side.

However, if you are dedicated to becoming successful as a home inspector, the rewards could be great.

Here are the steps you should take to become a home inspector:

find out the prerequisites for obtaining a home inspector license in your state or local area
enroll in a home inspector training class
get your license and/or certification
obtain protection with a liability insurance policy
launch your own home inspection business or seek employment in an established firm
advertise your services as a home inspector
establish business relationships with real estate agents and lending institutions