There are four things to consider when looking for the best home inspector course: appropriate level, qualified instructors, accreditation, and job shadowing or role playing. Home inspector courses are available from a wide range of community colleges and dedicated online schools. A home inspector course provides training in all aspects of being a home inspector. Keep in mind that a single course will not be able to provide the training necessary to become a licensed home inspector, but can provide some insight for property owners, or as part of a longer home inspector training program.
The level of home inspector courses varies quite widely, depending on the institute and its target audience. Read the course description carefully, and make sure that it provides the appropriate level of detail for your needs. If you are taking a home inspector course to help you become a home inspector, make sure that the course is appropriate. People who are taking a home inspector course for personal interest should make sure they have the background necessary to understand all the concepts being presented. This will ensure the experience is enjoyable, not frustrating.
Home inspector courses should be taught by qualified instructors who are experts in their field. The level of skill of the instructor has a huge impact on the depth of material that can be covered, as the instructor is responsible for writing the course notes, creating the recorded lectures, and facilitating discussions. Traditional schools offering online courses typically use the same instructors as their classroom courses. Read the biographies of the instructors with care, to make sure that you are corresponding with the instructor and not a teaching assistant.
When comparing different home inspector courses, it is important to check the accreditation status of the school. An accredited school has been reviewed by an independent agency to ensure minimum standards are met. If you decide to use an online school, verify the status of the school independently, to make sure that it is valid. If not, the cost and time spent on the class is wasted. Although the standards are minimal, schools risk losing their status if the quality of the course material drops, which is an additional incentive to provide quality classes.
The best home inspector course provides an opportunity for job shadowing or role playing. These exercises allow students to walk through the same process as their clients. This will help them understand their responses, pressures, issues, and concerns. Talk to your instructor to make sure that there is time for this built into the course.
