Home Inspection

It’s a great time to build a career in home inspection. Real estate is a massive industry in Canada, and demand for certified home inspectors is on the rise. While Canada’s white-hot real estate market caused a boom in unconditional sales and resulting drop-off in home inspections during the height of the COVID pandemic, realty giant REMAX reports inspections are back on the rise and that increasing demand is creating job opportunities. The Canada Job Bank, for one, is forecasting roles for nearly 11,000 new home inspectors between now and 2031.

Home inspection is a vital part of the home-buying process. A certified home inspector can help spot any red flags like leaks, bad wiring or structural issues that a buyer will need to know about before making what could be the biggest purchase of their lives. Many sellers and renovators enlist inspectors as well to help mitigate any risks and identify opportunities to increase the sale value of their home.

Given the importance of, and booming demand for home inspectors, there’s no shortage of Canadian schools offering home inspection courses. Public and private colleges, private organizations and even a few universities deliver diploma and certificate programs teaching students how to conduct effective home inspections from the ground up. Courses on air conditioning and heat pumps, electrical inspection, heating, interior and insulation, plumbing and roofing teach students critical technical essentials, plus communication skills to help home inspectors effectively explain the inspection process and results to their clients.

A certified home inspector can land a job with inspecting companies and consulting firms, or become a solo operator. And you’re not limited to inspecting houses; the skills you develop can help you branch out into commercial property inspection or quality control on new construction. The Job Bank reports the median salary for a home inspector in Canada is $32.97 per hour, working out to $63,434 per year.