If you hate to see people get a bad deal, and you have a talent for noticing details, a career in home inspection might be right up your alley. Whether you're looking for a job on the side to help supplement your income, or an opportunity to start your own business, this field offers many opportunities. Home inspection is a pretty standard practice in the home-purchasing process, and it's integral to ensuring the safety, sufficiency, and value of a home. It isn't just about carrying around a flashlight and knocking here and there on a few walls, though. Home inspection requires a significant amount of commitment, knowledge, and experience, so inspectors study diligently in home inspection schools to learn the tricks of the trade.

Learn the Home Inspection Ropes
There are hundreds of different home inspection schools out there. Most of them offer classroom time, as well as online courses, and even at-home DVD instruction, so if you have a will, there's definitely a way. When students embark on a home inspection course, they will learn about many different aspects of the job, including how to examine foundations and soils, appliances, exterior and interior features, heating and ventilation, roofs and attics, and plumbing. They will also learn about the most common types of defects you'll find on the job, and how to properly prepare an inspection report. You'll also learn how to maximize the use of the home inspector's basic tools: a respirator mask, a 25 foot tape measure, a voltage tester, a disposable camera, and a flashlight.

Home inspection schools will give students the skills they need to inspect newly built or previously owned homes, condominiums, town homes, manufactured homes, apartments, and even commercial buildings. Once students have completed a home inspection course, many states require that they apply for a license or certification. Even in the states in which licensure or certification is not required, most hiring home buyers will only hire those who have it.  Requirements for a license or certification vary state by state, but usually include obtaining a minimum level of education, having a set amount of experience with inspections, purchasing liability insurance of a certain amount, and passing an exam. Licenses aren't good for life, however. Licenses and certification must usually be renewed every few years, and annual continuing education is normally required.

After completing courses at a home inspection school and obtaining licensure or certification, most inspectors also join a home inspector organization, such as the National Association of Home Inspectors.

Examine Home Inspection Career Potential
Many home inspectors work full-time for a home inspection company, but every home for sale needs a home inspection. Because of this, real estate agents, brokers, and lenders all require a professional inspector to verify the general condition of a home.You can choose to partner with any or all of these people, while still keeping your own schedule.

A small investment in a home inspection school will lead to a great annual income. The regular practice of having a home inspection is a relatively new development, so employment of home inspectors is increasing rapidly. Licensed home inspectors can earn between $45,000 and $65,000 a year!