How to Become a
Home Inspector in
Michigan

Reviewed by Patrick Knight
Licensing Hub

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Getting Started

Your Path to Becoming a Home Inspector in Michigan

Becoming a home inspector in Michigan can be a solid career choice, especially with the state’s active, fast-moving real estate market. Michigan takes an open approach here. It relies on the free market rather than a state licensing board, so anyone can start working as an inspector right away, without courses or exams.

Since the field stays open to everyone, real estate agents and clients often check out inspectors on their own. They look at voluntary certifications and proof of insurance to decide who to trust.

Home inspector at work in Texas

Michigan Home Inspector
Licensing Requirements

Michigan takes a different approach than most states. Inspectors here can work without a state license, required training hours, or a state exam. Following the standards set by national organizations helps build a business that stands out. Below are the key requirements to become a home inspector in Michigan:

Licensing Required

No, a license is not required to perform home inspections in Michigan.

Education Hours Required

None mandated by state law.

Field Training Required

None required by state law

Exam Required

None required by state law (passing the NHIE is voluntary but recommended).

Application Fee

$0

Fingerprinting

No, state fingerprinting and background checks are not required. 

Continuing Education Hours

None required.

License Renewal Cycle

N/A (No state license exists).

THE PATH FORWARD

4 Steps to Become a Home Inspector
in Michigan

Take the first step toward becoming a home inspector in Michigan. Here’s everything you need to launch a rewarding career.

WIN is the only home inspection franchise with TREC-approved training

Michigan leaves training up to you, so choosing a good course matter. A good program teaches you how to inspect a home the right way and write a report that holds up. Look for courses that follow the Standards of Practice from major associations. You will learn the basics: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structural systems.

Since Michigan gives you the choice on how to prove your skills, the NHIE is a great way to show you are ready. The exam has 200 multiple choice questions, split across three sections, with a four hour time limit. Each attempt costs about $225.

Veterans take note: you can get your NHIE costs covered through the GI Bill. Just submit VA Form 22-0803 with your receipt.

Even experienced inspectors are human, so protecting yourself financially matters. 

  • General Liability Insurance covers you if you accidentally damage something during an inspection. 
  • Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance covers you if a client says you missed something important. Most Michigan brokerages want proof of E&O coverage before adding you to their preferred vendor list. 

Real estate agents act as trusted guides for their clients, and they tend to favor inspectors who carry certification. Joining ASHI or InterNACHI, especially their Great Lakes or Michigan chapters, is a smart move for steady work. Earning “Certified Inspector” status shows clients and agents that you follow a real Code of Ethics and set of standards.

If starting on your own your own feels overwhelming, joining a franchise like WIN Home Inspection can accelerate your path to business ownership, with comprehensive training for 35+ services, proprietary technology, and robust marketing resources.

Michigan Market

Michigan Market Nuances:
Radon and Weather

To do well in Michigan, inspectors benefit from building skills that go beyond the basics. Knowing what makes homes here different sets you apart.

Radon Testing

Radon gas shows up at high levels across many Michigan counties. If you want a strong, competitive business, offering radon testing is a smart move to make. Just make sure you follow EPA or AARST-NRPP standards when you test.

Weather Stress

Michigan winters put real demands on houses. You will want to get really good at spotting the signs that show up in older rust belt homes, such as water making its way into basement foundations, and roofs carrying the weight of heavy snow and ice dams.

You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone

Getting licensed is just the first step. WIN backs you up with a proven brand, a national footprint, and decades of real operating experience, so you can focus your energy on growing the business, not figuring it out alone.

#1 Ranked

Home Inspection Franchise
For Four Years In A Row

41,000+

Positive Google Reviews
From Happy Clients

45 States

Presence Across
The Nation

Certified. Insured. Trusted.

A Brand Michigan Homeowners Recognize On The Street

Every WIN franchise rolls out with the same recognizable identity, national trust, and proven playbook behind it.

WIN Home Inspection Vehicle
WIN Home Inspection

Kickstart Your Home Inspection Business

If you’re serious about becoming a home inspector in Michigan but want to skip the trial-and-error of starting from scratch, explore becoming a franchise owner with WIN Home Inspection. WIN helps you navigate the entire Michigan path, guiding you far beyond the basics. Our in-house training program certifies you in 35+ essential services. This includes high-margin specialties like radon testing, air quality testing, sewer scope inspections. These are highly sought-after skills in Michigan that allow you to charge more per job and significantly increase your annual earnings. This comprehensive training is included in the franchise model, so there are no outside schooling costs. We provide the end-to-end marketing, proprietary technology, and ongoing support you need to build a highly profitable, multi-stream business from day one.

In Their Own Words

Hear Directly From WIN Strategic Partners

Tim Dornford
Tim Dornford
WIN Strategic Partner | Florida
Jeff Williams
Jeff Williams
WIN Strategic Partner | Washington
Michael Strickland
Michael Strickland
WIN Strategic Partner | Georgia
Dave Fisch
Dave Fisch
WIN Strategic Partner | Arizona
Now Expanding

Ready to Own Your Territory?

See where opportunities are available today and grow with WIN’s proven systems, 35+ essential services, and dedicated support team.

Detroit
Grand Rapids
Warren
Sterling Heights
Ann Arbor
Lansing
Dearborn
Livonia
…and many more
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Frequently Asked Questions

Home inspectors in Michigan earn a median annual wage of about $69,890, though first-year inspectors typically start lower while building a client base. Experienced inspectors doing higher volumes can earn significantly more.

Disclaimer: Requirements are set by the state regulator and are subject to change. This information is provided as a general guide and is reviewed regularly, but regulations can change at any time. WIN Home Inspection assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or outdated details, and we recommend confirming the latest requirements directly with the relevant state agency before you apply.

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