VA inspections

[Michael R. Dogoda]

Has anyone done any inspections for the VA? I have had realtors ask if I was VA certified? I have done plenty of inspections for active duty veterans and none of them have ever been kicked back? How do you get on the list, or is there such a thing ? or is it even necessary?
Thanks

[kpierce]

In WA, I don't know anything about a "list". I've done multiple inspections for clients with VA loans. The only difference I run into is that they always want the NPMA-33 for WDOs. However, we're required to be licensed for WDOs up here, not sure about FL requirements.

[Frank M. Carrio, CMI]

Originally Posted by mdogoda

Has anyone done any inspections for the VA? I have had realtors ask if I was VA certified? I have done plenty of inspections for active duty veterans and none of them have ever been kicked back?
How do you get on the list, or is there such a thing ?
Yes there is "A List".
or is it even necessary?
Thanks

I have been a VA inspector for many years.

Contact your local VA administration and tell them that you want to conduct inspections for their office.

There are many forms to fill out, criminal background checks, Certifications & Criteria to be met and an extensive written test.

Good luck!

[Kevin M. Leonard]

Frank,
In your opinion is it worth the time & effort?

[Troy Farmer]

I have been doing them for years, and have never had a problem, Based on where I'm at they to require the NPMA 33, I looked into going through the process but the time and effort was to great with little return. The buyers go through their local mortgage companies, so I just didn't think it was worth my time.
Frank have you found it to be a financial success?

[Frank M. Carrio, CMI]

Kevin and Troy,
In all the years that I have been a "Code Compliance V. A. Inspector" I have never had a problem getting paid and or getting paid on time.
Up here we get paid $150 per inspection to include each phase of any "draw inspection". Some new homes can have as many as eight inspections before completion. {NOTE: Banks pay up to $250.00}

Originally Posted by tfarmer

I have been doing them for years, and have never had a problem, Based on where I'm at they to require the NPMA 33, I looked into going through the process but the time and effort was to great with little return.

Originally Posted by tfarmer

I encourage you to "think outside of the box".


Once you are "NPMA certified" you can not only conduct "Bug Inspections" for the VA but.... you can also conduct "Pest/insect" inspections as an independent and Nationally Certified Insect / Pest inspector!

• Up here on average pest inspections range from $175.00 to $250.00 You can do two or three per day!
• The NPMA certification has to be renewed every three years.

I just completed a technically difficult two day course that had a high failure rate so if you are going to take course I strongly encourage you to study the manual that will be sent to you.

• In my opinion it is well worth while!

The buyers go through their local mortgage companies, so I just didn't think it was worth my time.
The "local mortgage companies" have a list of VA Certified/approved inspectors and if you qualify and pass all of the tests and criminal background checks you too can be put on that list!

Frank have you found it to be a financial success?

Some banks pay as much as $150 to $250 per draw inspection so yes I believe it is a "financial success".

• Some of you receive phone calls from "middle eastern speaking people" requesting you to conduct $20-$30 "draw inspections".

These same people are receiving the $150-$250 from the banks who just can't seem to find qualified/certified inspectors!

Once the VA knows that you are a qualified and certified inspector you will permitted to fill out the application forms, the criminal background investigation forms and to take their written exam.
{My exam was 200 questions long.}


Once all of this is completed I strongly urge you to go to each and every bank in your area and speak to the person in charge of approving “Construction / Remodeling / Repair & Renovation Loans” and get on their “VA Approved List of inspectors for new construction and or Draw Inspections!

• You could wind up doing ALL of the banks "New Construction loan inspections".!

There are "different types" of the VA inspectors. I am a "Code Compliance Inspector" and I specialize in “The Americans with Disabilities Act" {ADA} type inspections.


For this type of inspection you not only have to know all of the building codes but you also have to know the ADA/handicap requirements and codes.

I urge you become ICC Certified.

Good Luck!

[Kevin M. Leonard]

Thanks Frank,
Great info.
I am Certified through the Ohio Dept. of Agri for the bug inspections here. They use the NPMA-33 form. I include them with every home inspection.

Is the NPMA cert you mentioned a State or National cert?

[Frank M. Carrio, CMI]

Originally Posted by kleonard

Thanks Frank,
Great info.
I am Certified through the Ohio Dept. of Agri for the bug inspections here. They use the NPMA-33 form. I include them with every home inspection.

Is the NPMA cert you mentioned a State or National cert?

Hi Kevin,
I was told that it is a National Certification.

The presenter was Dr. George Rambo!

[Troy Farmer]

Thanks Frank

[Kevin M. Leonard]

Thanks Frank - I will be contacting my local VA office to check into this.
I appreciate all the info.

[Kevin M. Leonard]

Just contacted my local VA office & they are getting back with me to talk with a gentleman in Cincinnati to get set up for testing.

The Lady I talked with told me she was acually involved with creating the test. I told her I had passed the NHIE & she said "well wait to you see our test - hahaha".

Wasn't quit sure how to take that but it did send a small shiver up my spine.

Many Thanks Frank!!

[Frank M. Carrio, CMI]

Originally Posted by kleonard

Just contacted my local VA office & they are getting back with me to talk with a gentleman in Cincinnati to get set up for testing.

The Lady I talked with told me she was acually involved with creating the test. I told her I had passed the NHIE & she said "well wait to you see our test - hahaha".
Kevin,
I just squirted Pepsi all over my desk!

Wasn't quit sure how to take that but it did send a small shiver up my spine.

Many Thanks Frank!!

I suggest that you and all others who want to conduct VA inspections review ALL of the material that you used for the NHIE and re-take the NACHI test at least 8 to 10 times.


I would also urge you to take ALL of the "Free" NACHI on line courses.

• My test was 200 questions long and it was a "doozy"
• You will need to know the building Codes.
• I have EVERY Code book that the ICC publishes.

I also suggest that at a minimum you buy the ICC “Loose Leaf” version with {Turbo Tabs} of both the International Residential {IRC} & International Building Code {IBC} books {with commentaries}.

Once you are ICC Certified this will open a LOT of doors for you. You can conduct VA {Federal}, City & State Inspections all over the nation.
I highly recommend it!

Good Luck!

[Frank M. Carrio, CMI]

Originally Posted by tfarmer

Thanks Frank

Troy,
You are more than welcome. I hope that this information was of some use to you.

Good Luck!

[Kevin M. Leonard]

Sounds intense. I hope this is a lifetime cert.
For the Ohio Dept. of Agri I have to attend an 8 hour class every 3 years.

Sounds as though it may be worth it.

[Frank M. Carrio, CMI]

Originally Posted by kleonard

Sounds intense. I hope this is a lifetime cert.
For the Ohio Dept. of Agri I have to attend an 8 hour class every 3 years.

Sounds as though it may be worth it.

Intense? ....... You Bethca!

As long as you keep all of your "Outside" Certifications "current" and fulfill your yearly continuing education requirements you will be okay.

I say “Go for it”!