Frequently Asked Questions 

Q.  Do I need to have building experience to be a home inspector?
A.  Not necessarily.  Successful American Inspectors Society (AIS) members come from every background imaginable.  We can help you get in the home inspection business. You will get the benefit of 40+ combined years experience of AIS instructors. We can help you avoid all the common mistakes of beginning inspectors and get off to a fast start.
Q.  How much money does it take to get in the home inspection business?
A.  Besides the investment for training, you can get started for as little as $200 for basic equipment.  We know of no other business which has so much potential for such a small start-up cost.
Q.  Don't I need a computer and expensive software?
A.  No.  With AIS' unique inspection form developed over the past 20 years, you can complete the report in the field AND collect your fee at the time of the inspection.  No computer is necessary.  For those who want to use a computer, the AIS form is provided on a cd for computer generated reports.
Q.  After the training, will I really be ready to inspect property?
A.  Yes.  After doing three complete hands-on supervised inspections and learning from visual aids in the classroom, you will be confident in your first "solo" inspection.  Our training methods have worked for hundreds of students all across the country.  Check out the AIS curriculum . Because of our unique training system, you will have confidence in yourself and your knowedge.  As a certified member of American Inspectors Society, you will have credibility.
Q. What about franchises?
A.  AIS gives you every benefit offered by a franchise PLUS superior training, vastly superior marketing techniques, a proven system and a superior inspection form at a fraction of the cost of a franchise.  Also, with AIS training, all the money you make in your own home inspection business is yours to keep.  You pay NO fees to AIS or anyone.  AIS instructors are all full-time inspectors and all methods you learn are practical and field tested.
Q.  I have been a home builder/ remodeler for years.  Why do I need training to be a home inspector?
A.  It's true you know a lot about how to build a home, but you need training on how to inspect a home.  You need a proven system to check each component and proper communication techniques.  You also need a good inspection form which will give your client the information he/she needs to make a buying decision and which will limit your liability at the same time.
Q.  I have information from several places offering home inspection training.  How do I choose one?
A.  Make sure the one you choose offers ALL of the following:
1. Instructor(s) are full-time inspectors, and class size is limited, and 
2. Training includes hands-on inspections - at least 3 full inspections in which all
students participate fully (not videos or  simulated hands-on), and
3. Inspection methods are all field-tested and proven to work, and
4. Training includes instruction on how to market your service and build your
 business, and
5. An inspection report form which is easy to read and understand, and which will limit your liability, and
6.  Training will provide certification through a nationally recognized organization.
Q. What about competition? There seem to be several home inspectors in my area already.
A.  AIS members in a very real sense do not have competition because we teach marketing techniques which are not being utilized by the majority of home inspectors. We also provide strategies for capturing referral business which, again, involves no competition.