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Everyone views a dwelling as a secure haven, but a residence requires occupancy to truly become a home.
Most domiciles undergo inspection during their construction phase or when significant renovations are necessary.
Furthermore, homeowners seek the services of a home inspector when they wish to sell their property.
The prerequisites for becoming a home inspector in Hawaii are relatively minimal, making this the ideal resource if you aspire to pursue this profession.
Article Table of Contents
Home Inspector Job Description in Hawaii
It’s crucial to understand that a home inspection’s primary purpose is to identify any issues the dwelling may possess.
This differs from a home appraisal, which aims to determine the property’s value based on various factors.
A home inspector checks:
- The functionality of the heating and cooling systems.
- The integrity of the plumbing.
- The electrical systems within the structure.
- The condition of the roof.
- The stability of the house’s foundation.
- Any damage caused by fire, water, insects, or other environmental factors.
Following the inspection, the inspector is required to produce a comprehensive report detailing their findings.
This report can significantly impact the property’s appraisal and its chances of a swift sale.
Depending on the building’s age, a specialized home inspection may be necessary to check for issues such as termites, pests, lead, asbestos, mold, mildew, radon, chimneys, or other unique elements.
This specialized inspection may incur additional fees.
Although there are no specific prerequisites for becoming a home inspector, individuals in this profession must obtain a license.
Completing Your Home Inspector Training in Hawaii
The oversight of home inspectors in Hawaii is managed by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
To become a licensed home inspector, candidates must complete a 120-hour training course in home inspection.
Several institutions offer training programs for aspiring home inspectors, so let’s have a look at them!
Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) 
Their course is offered only online and is priced at $695.
It includes valuable benefits like:
- A free report-writing software,
- A one month of InterNACHI membership,
- A one-year of access to Edcetera Home Inspection
The course has no set time limit for completion and grants a certificate and certification number, fulfilling the 35-hour practice requirement for licensing.
AHIT 
AHIT has three course packages, priced at $699, $899, and $1399, respectively.
Each package offer has different perks added, with the priciest package including all content.
AHIT offers free access for 5 days free to all its content as a trial.
Subscribers can learn without strict deadlines, taking as little as 3 weeks or their preferred pace.
Colorado veterans can use GI Bill reimbursement for the National Home Inspector Exam.
InterNACHI School 
This reputable institution offers free training courses to association members.
These courses are available online, ensuring accessibility to a broad audience.
InterNACHI also provides various perks to its members, including support for marketing and business development.
Its members also have free access to the continuing education classes needed to renew their licenses.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| ICA | online |
| AHIT | online |
| InterNACHI School | online |
Passing the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in Hawaii
It’s essential to note that there isn’t a state-specific exam for obtaining a home inspector license in Hawaii.
Instead, candidates must pass a national-level exam.
The advantage is that this exam can be taken online.
However, several prerequisites must be met before taking the test.
The most important is the completion of the education and training requirements mentioned above.
Candidates will register for one exam that is recognized at the national level.
This is the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) comprises 200 questions (25 unscored) and has a duration of 4 hours.
It covers topics such as property and building inspection, site review, analysis of findings, reporting, and professional responsibilities.
The exam fee, around $225, varies by location.
Candidates who do not pass an exam must wait 30 days before attempting it again.
Insurance as a Home Inspector in Hawaii
Home inspectors in Hawaii are required to have insurance coverage while practicing their profession.
Most home inspectors across the nation get these policies:
- General liability policy at around $40 per month
- Errors and omissions insurance at around $59 per month
After completing all the required steps, individuals can submit their license application along with the associated $300 fee.
Both the application and fee can be submitted online.
Home Inspector Salary in Hawaii
If you are investing time and effort into a career that requires exams and training, it’s essential to consider the potential earnings.
In Hawaii, the median salary for a home inspector is approximately $57,815 per year.
Below, we provide a breakdown of median salaries in different cities across the state.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Ewa Beach | $57,467 |
| Kaneohe | $57,467 |
| Pearl City | $57,467 |
| Honolulu | $57,467 |
| Kailua | $57,467 |
| Waipahu | $57,441 |
| Kapolei | $57,338 |
| Haleiwa | $57,082 |
| Hilo | $57,082 |
| Kahului | $57,082 |
Regional Salary in Hawaii
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | 40 | $63,730 | $30.64 | $85,100 | $49,680 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 560 | $85,030 | $40.88 | $127,210 | $48,650 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a freelance home inspector in Hawaii?
The short answer is yes.
You can work on your own, open your own home inspection firm either as a sole proprietor or LLC, or become an employee of an already established firm.
What other requirements are there to become a home inspector in Hawaii?
As a rule of thumb, there are no requirements for this position.
However, employers can require for:
- A background check
- High school diploma or GED
- A personal insurance policy
What skills are needed for a home inspector in Hawaii?
Here are the most useful skills for this occupation:
- Interpersonal Skills
- A Working Knowledge of Construction
- Self-Motivation
- Attention to details
Read the full guide: How to Become a Home Inspector
Home Inspector by State