With training, exams, and licensing out of the way, you’re ready to work as a home inspector. The next step is finding work and building value in your new career. You can do this by working for a home inspection firm or starting your own business.
Many home inspectors come from different backgrounds. For example, Paul Sullivan from Wrigley Home Inspections started out as a social worker and Michael Ashburn from Ashburn Inspections, LLC was a spa owner.
Work-Life Balance
Home inspection firms offer a number of work-life benefits. The most notable perk is that independent inspectors can shape their businesses in ways that align with their values and goals. This can result in a higher income potential and the ability to work with clients, real estate agents, and other professionals on a more personal level.
Unlike other trades that require substantial investments in equipment, a home inspection business is relatively inexpensive to launch. With a laptop and basic inspection tools, new inspectors can start their careers on a budget that fits their lifestyle.
Additionally, working as a solo inspector means having the flexibility to schedule inspections when it best suits them. However, both Chavez and Wells recommend establishing boundaries with family time and quality rest to ensure a healthy work-life balance. This may include scheduling an extra inspection or delegating phone calls to a team member. It may also mean purchasing professional liability insurance early on in order to reduce the risk of costly mistakes that can impact an inspector’s financial stability.
Mentorship
Home inspection firms can benefit from being part of a professional home inspector organization. These organizations provide a variety of valuable resources, including discounts on insurance premiums and access to legal advice. They also provide a platform for networking with other professionals in the field.
When a potential client interviews you, it is important to be able to set yourself apart from other home inspectors. This will give them a sense of trust and assurance that you are qualified to perform their inspection. To do this, dress professionally and avoid t-shirts that display sports logos or offensive content.
It is also important to keep in touch with your network contacts and maintain relationships. A good way to do this is to send out a monthly or bimonthly newsletter on topics related to home inspection and real estate. This will help you stay top of mind and generate referrals over time. It is also a good idea to use a customer relationship management system (CRM) to track your contacts and clients.
Earning Potential
While many home inspectors focus on pre-sale inspections and operate within a geographic region, there’s plenty of room for niche markets in the industry. From radon and asbestos to indoor air quality, specialized offerings help build brand awareness, solidify an inspector’s name as a local expert and attract additional customers.
Investing in continuing education and industry certifications bolsters an inspector’s value to clients, allowing them to command higher rates for their services. Additionally, cultivating relationships with real estate agents, mortgage loan officers and other professionals in the industry results in valuable referrals and new clients.
As an independent home inspector, you have the flexibility to work as much or as little as you like each week. This freedom allows you to spend time with your family, pick the kids up from school and still make a great income. And if you want to offer a new service or change your marketing approach, no one’s stopping you.
Flexibility
A firm may have all the tools and resources you need, including software for preparing and filing reports and a computer for the field. They might also provide insurance, which is a major expense early on.
A home inspection firm will likely have a database of real estate agents who refer clients to their inspectors. This can be a great source of leads. Also, it’s easier to keep track of client communications and invoices through a single system rather than multiple programs. This will reduce the time and effort needed to manage your business. The right home inspection firm can make all the difference in a busy market. With a solid foundation and a well-thought-out plan, you can set yourself up for success.