Continuing education
It is important for a home inspector to continue their education so that they can become the best inspector possible. Below are five ways home inspectors can continue their education to improve themselves and their companies.
Attend Conferences and Seminars
Attending conferences and seminars is a great way for a home inspector to increase their knowledge about the home inspection industry. Speakers will cover a variety of topics that allow the home inspector to learn the latest news and techniques in home inspection. This will allow them to stay ahead of the curve and be prepared for anything they may see on an inspection. Conferences also give inspectors the opportunity to visit with different product vendors related to home inspections. Here, they can learn about the latest technology, advancements in home inspection software, and what’s new in the industry.
Connect/Network with other Home Inspectors
A great way to connect and network with industry contacts is to join an association. There are many benefits to joining an association, including educational resources, monthly news, online forums, discounts, and much more. Online forums allow home inspectors to bounce ideas and questions off of each other, making it a great place to learn. Inspectors can also connect and network at conferences, seminars, and association meetings.
Attend Classes/Training Related to Home Inspections
To continue their education, a home inspector should consider attending additional classes and training. There are several training courses available for new and veteran inspectors. These continuing education courses include marketing and business courses, such as online advertising, selling, and client relationship building. Learning these aspects of the business is critical for making their company a success. Technical classes are also offered, such as what to look for when inspecting roofs, electrical components, and plumbing. These types of classes help an inspector avoid potential issues and cover themselves from liability. For an inspector who is looking to diversify themselves, there are also specialty courses available. Some of these courses include mold, radon, and termite testing, among others. Attending continuing education classes is a great way to stay educated, as well as, give the inspector the ability to offer additional services to their client.
Take Additional Courses, Not Necessarily Related to Home Inspections
Classes that do not directly relate to home inspections are often overlooked by inspectors. Some of these courses include report writing, communication skills, business practices, and legal issues. Inspectors who decide to continue their education with classes like these can really separate themselves from other inspectors who lack this kind of training and knowledge. Even though these types of classes aren’t directly related to home inspections, they can help a home inspector improve the quality of their service.
Job Shadowing
New and veteran inspectors can both benefit from shadowing another professional while on a job. New inspectors can gain a great deal of knowledge and useful information by shadowing veteran inspectors. If they can find someone who is willing to show them the ropes, this is a great first step for inspectors looking to break into the industry. Veteran inspectors can benefit from shadowing professional contractors on repair or maintenance jobs. Gaining additional knowledge that can be used on the job will help them become a better inspector.
Continuously trying to learn and improve yourself is a must in any business. In order to run a successful home inspection business, the inspector needs to be the best inspector possible. Continuing to learn will not only benefit them and their business, it will also benefit their client.
