Become a home inspector

In response to a flood of inquiries about pursuing ato start taking steps toward a challenging and
home inspection career and starting a homerewarding career in home inspection!
inspection company, we offer the followingHow would you define a home inspection?
information and also encourage you to join ASHI.A home inspection is a documented professional
Home Inspection Opportunitiesopinion of a home based on a visual evaluation and
Ever since home inspection first came on the realoperational testing of the home systems and
estate scene in the mid-1970s, consumer demand forcomponents to determine their present condition.
the service has been growing rapidly. Home inspectionWhat does a home inspector do all day?
is a young and growing professional consulting serviceA typical home inspector spends his or her day
aimed at helping homebuyers make the biggestinspecting homes for buyers, writing reports,
financial decision of their lives. The consumerspeaking with prospective clients, and marketing to
movement has spawned a new breed of savvy andconsumers or real estate agents. Let's look at a
demanding buyers who want to know all they cantypical home inspection: A client or real estate agent
about their potential homes before making their finalcalls and books an inspection. In many cases, the
decisions. As a result, the opportunity is there forclient has bought the home conditional on the results
you to become an ASHI home inspector.of a home inspection. When the inspection is booked,
The Market is There for You to Become a Homethe fee will have been set ($250 to $500 is
Inspectorcommon). The inspector may have sent the contract
While the numbers continue to grow, the Americanto the client by e-mail or fax detailing the scope of
Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) estimates thatwork, often defined by the ASHI Standards of
77 percent of the homes sold in the United StatesPractice. Most inspectors invite the client to attend
and Canada today are inspected prior to purchase.the inspection.
This means that the market is still underserved andWhen the inspector and client arrive at the inspection
that the remaining growth potential is considerable.the contract is signed (if this has not been done
This trend leaves room for many to become a homeearlier by fax or e-mail). The inspector explains the
inspector and construct a home inspection career, orprocess and begins the inspection. An inspection may
even begin a home inspection company.last from two to three hours under normal
While the market determines what a home inspectorcircumstances. The inspector looks at the roof and
can charge for an inspection, ASHI’s 2005the building exterior, including the garage. Inspectors
Home Inspection Business Operations Study showswill explain the findings to the client as they go,
that the average cost of a home inspection isdescribing the building condition and any
$318— and inspectors can expect to earnimprovements that may be recommended. The
gross revenues of more then $75,000.inspection continues inside the home and includes any
Even more, home inspectors with talent and ambitionbasement or crawlspace, the living spaces, and any
can expand their business services to includeaccessible attic or roof spaces. Inspectors frequently
commercial inspections and expert witness testimony.offer tips for operating and maintaining the home as
Radon, lead-based paint, septic systems and indoorthey go, (e.g. explaining how to turn off water and
air testing are just a few of the services that homepower in an emergency, how and when to change
inspectors can provide for additional fees. Thefurnace filters, etc.).
financial investment and overhead needed to run aAt the end of the inspection, the inspector and client
home inspection business are small compared toreview the findings. Some inspectors prepare and
other businesses, making this a lucrative smalldeliver their written report on site, while other
business opportunity.inspectors write the report, based on their field
Do you have what it takes to be a successful homenotes, after the inspection. The inspection report is
inspector?delivered quickly to the client, often within 24 hours,
Are you the kind of person whobecause the real estate transaction hangs in the
Doesn't want to be tied to a desk all day,balance. The client often pays the inspection fee
Has a desire to run a small business,onsite, and it is not unusual for the client to say
Is interested in construction and how things work,something like, "That is the best money that I have
Has a technical mind and likes to figure things out,ever spent."
Is organized and clear-thinking,Most inspectors perform up to three inspections in a
Enjoys meeting and helping people, andday. The inspector keeps a copy of the report on file
Is willing to learn and take initiative?and processes the inspection fee payment, back at
If that sounds like you, then now is the perfect timethe office.