Question for the experienced inspectors

[Sean Olexo]

Hello all,

Obviously, I am new to this forum and would appreciate some advice from the longtime home inspectors out there. I would like to get into the business and searched numerous sites for online education. I came across ahit.com which cost $999 but they will throw in the Inspectit software for free upon completeion of the certification (For this week only). I guess my question is, "Is that a good deal?"

Thanks in advance.

[Nick Gromicko]

No. That is not a good deal.

The very best, approved online courses are free in the inspection industry. Have been for years. www.nachi.org/education.htm

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

Sean, Where are you located? Some states do no allow online education for initial training. If you let us know where you live, you might get some different answers.

Good luck.

[James L. Keilson]

Originally Posted by sstanczyk

Sean, Where are you located? Some states do no allow online education for initial training. If you let us know where you live, you might get some different answers.

Good luck.

That is correct. Many licensed states will require you to take an actual classroom setting type course. After you obtain your License then as Nick mentioned there is no other place that even comes close to the education you get here at NACHI and from many of the seasoned Inspectors here.

Jim

[Sean Olexo]

Thank you guys for the quick response, I live in PA. From what I understand, PA does not require an actual classroom setting nor a final exam, is that true? However, the gentleman that I talked to at ahit suggested I join nachi after completing their course, too funny. I guess a newbie would think ahit has a good deal becuase of their $750 Inspectit software, that comes with the course. If nachi's education is ok for me then what reporting software would you recommed? Never hurts to ask questions.
Thanks again

[Sean Olexo]

I live in PA and will contact lisa about the online courses and see if they are acceptable for PA. Thank you all for the help and thanks Nick for the link. I see they have all the tools you need on the nachi website, even reports.
Thanks again,
Sean

[Nick Gromicko]

Watch our for the diploma mill ASHI-member run PHIC scam in PA: www.nachi.org/phicscam.htm

[Sean Olexo]

Wow that is messed up!! Thanks for the heads up!

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Online education has its place, but online training is worthless. Without classroom training and hands-on learning, you will not be qualified to perform inspections.

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

Originally Posted by jpope

Online education has its place, but online training is worthless. Without classroom training and hands-on learning, you will not be qualified to perform inspections.

I have to agree with Jeff. Until you can physically touch, feel and poke around certain equipment, it is very difficult to understand a 2D picture without some form of reference.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

A question(s) not yet asked, which is very relavent is, do you have any experience in the industry? If so, what? If not, what skills have you that may apply to the industry? What is your motivation to entering the profession, and why do you feel you will excel at it?

Your answers may prompt information you may need to be aware of. Most people have a very different opinion of this profession, which in many cases is not realistic.

Do not spend a single penny until you thoroughly investigate all aspects of the business.

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

Originally Posted by jjonas

Do not spend a single penny until you thoroughly investigate all aspects of the business.

But Jeff...... AHIT advertises that you can make $70-$80k, PART TIME. Isn't that enough proof?

[Eric W. Augustin]

I'm an AHIT Graduate, as are many people here, but I went into their training with 25 years of construction experience with the last 8 years running my own company. AHIT is good, but their material is out-dated. You can't beat what's offered here. I do own and use their Inspectit Reporting software, but it's not perfect right out of the box. They allow you into their templates to make changes, which I highly recommend, and after you know what you're doing you can build a great report generator that's very good. If I had it to do all over again, I'd probably go a different route.

Please feel free to send me an e-mail if you have more questions.

[Robert W. Jude]

spend a little more and attend a real class in person. complete with some mock "graded" inspections

[Sean Olexo]

I have been an electrician since 1992 and have passed the NEC code test. (That was some time ago). Mainly worked as an industrial and commercial electrician, anything residential, I did on the side. I also worked for 8 years as a maintenance mechanic at a local hospital where I received a better understanding of plumbing and hvac. I do have my cfc certification. I will say that my downfall is probably construction experience in homes and decks. (Only helped with small jobs) I guess the reason I want to get into the business is that I am costumer sevice oriented and looking for an opportunity to start my own business. It would be nice to attend a class but not really feasible for me as I have my son evey other weekend and ork full time.