by 
Everyone perceives a house as a sanctuary, a place of safety.
Nonetheless, a house only truly evolves into a home when it becomes inhabited.
Most houses undergo inspection during their construction or when significant renovations are necessary.
A home inspector is also a crucial figure when homeowners contemplate selling their property.
In Michigan, the prerequisites for pursuing a career as a home inspector are relatively straightforward.
If you aspire to become one, you’ve landed on the right page.
Article Table of Contents
Home Inspector Job Description in Michigan
The fundamental aspect to grasp about home inspection is its core purpose, which is to uncover any issues a house might conceal.
It should not be confused with a home appraisal, which aims to determine the property’s value based on various factors.
A home inspector’s responsibilities encompass the assessment of:
- The functionality of heating and cooling systems.
- The integrity of plumbing.
- The electrical systems within the property.
- The condition of the roof.
- The stability of the house’s foundation.
- Any damage caused by fire, water, insects, or other environmental factors.
Upon completing the inspection, the inspector must compile a comprehensive report detailing their findings.
This report holds significant sway over the property’s appraisal and its prospects for a swift sale.
Depending on the age of the house or building, a specialized home inspection may be necessary, involving checks for:
- Termites
- Other pests
- Lead
- Asbestos
- Mold and mildew
- Radon
- Chimneys
- Other unique elements
This specialized inspection may entail additional fees.
While there are no specific prerequisites for becoming a home inspector, a professional in this field must possess a valid license.
Complete Your Home Inspector Training in Michigan
The oversight of home inspectors in Michigan falls under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
LARA mandates that candidates complete a 120-hour training course for home inspection.
Additionally, candidates must engage in 35 inspections under the supervision of a licensed home inspector.
Various institutions offer training programs for aspiring home inspectors
Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) 
Their online course is priced at $695 and comes with numerous benefits.
Here are some of them:
- Complimentary report writing software,
- One year of access to Edcetera Home Inspection (typically priced at $99)
- One month of InterNACHI membership
- No time limit for course completion,
- A certificate and a certification number,
- Fulfillment of the 35-hour practice requirement for licensing.
InterNACHI School 
Another option is InterNACHI School, a reputable institution offering free training courses to association members.
These courses are accessible online, ensuring convenience for all.
InterNACHI also provides various perks to its members, including support for marketing and business development.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| ICA | online |
| InterNACHI School | online |
Pass the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in Michigan
It’s crucial to understand that Michigan does not have a state-specific exam for obtaining a home inspector license.
Instead, candidates are required to pass a nationally recognized exam.
The advantage is that this exam can be taken online.
However, several prerequisites must be met before taking the test:
- Completion of the education and training requirements mentioned above.
- Successful completion of 25 home inspection reports reviewed by a licensed home inspector supervisor.
Candidates in Michigan have to take the national licensing exam as there is no test at the state level.
The National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE), consists of 200 questions (25 of which are not scored) with a duration of 4 hours.
The exam covers topics such as property and building inspection, site review, analysis of findings, reporting, and professional responsibilities.
The exam fee, approximately $225, varies based on location.
Candidates who do not pass an exam must wait for a 30-day period before attempting it again.
Insurance as a Home Inspector in Michigan
Home inspectors in Michigan are expected to carry insurance coverage while practicing their profession.
Here are the most popular insurance policies that home inspectors have:
- General liability policy at around $40 per month
- Errors and omissions insurance at around $59 per month
Upon completing all these 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 Michigan
For those dedicating time and effort to a career that involves examinations and training, it’s natural to inquire about potential earnings.
In Michigan, the median salary for a home inspector is about $54,650 per year.
Below, we provide a breakdown of median salaries in various cities across the state.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | $56,861 |
| Ypsilanti | $56,861 |
| Whittaker | $56,802 |
| Wayne | $56,082 |
| Salem | $56,802 |
| Southfield | $55,597 |
| Addison | $55,669 |
| Berkley | $55,656 |
| Taylor | $55,627 |
| Riverview | $55,568 |
Regional Salary in Michigan
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | 100 | $74,170 | $35.66 | $108,070 | $45,350 |
| Battle Creek, MI | 40 | $56,880 | $27.35 | $74,360 | $33,470 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 1,990 | $55,080 | $26.48 | $77,150 | $32,220 |
| Flint, MI | 80 | $59,050 | $28.39 | $76,200 | $34,390 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 390 | $57,070 | $27.44 | $84,020 | $30,720 |
| Jackson, MI | 40 | $67,740 | $32.57 | $133,860 | $31,010 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | 70 | $61,310 | $29.48 | $74,700 | $35,160 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | 140 | $68,880 | $33.12 | $85,630 | $39,100 |
| Monroe, MI | 40 | $59,420 | $28.57 | $79,410 | $36,770 |
| Muskegon, MI | 40 | $63,020 | $30.3 | $73,050 | $37,280 |
| Niles-Benton Harbor, MI | 50 | $59,630 | $28.67 | $74,330 | $37,150 |
| Saginaw, MI | 50 | $61,160 | $29.4 | $104,780 | $30,400 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other requirements are there to become a home inspector in Michigan?
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 Michigan?
Here are the most useful skills for this occupation:
- Interpersonal Skills
- A Working Knowledge of Construction
- Self-Motivation
- Attention to details
Can I work as a freelance home inspector in Michigan?
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.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Home Inspector
Home Inspector by State