TOPIC: Question About Becoming a Home Inspector

Bruce, thanks for the nice and descriptive answer. To clarify when I said "move around" I didn't actually move to another city or anything I just meant actually moving around and not sitting at a desk 9 hours a day. The other things mentioned regarding insurance, physical discomfort all of that stuff does not hinder me at all. I have contacted the various associations mentioned recommended by this forum with the same question posed here and they all gave me the same reply which went a little like this "Sure become a member take the courses and proceed". I just want to gauge if its is bs like the many different online programs and schools offered in so many other careers and subjects or is it legit.

Mike, I know many guys that had little construction background that have become successful home inspectors, one even runs a 30 man inspection company 3 years after starting. On the flip side the average inspector in the industry only lasts 3 years. The biggest problem which you already hit on is a lack of the ability to market themselves. To back that up, guys that have websites with us tend to go to my website talks and implement and are around much longer (something you'll have down with your background). But to make it you'll need to bust your but and study a lot. There are colleges and schools out there that offer extensive courses with extensive ride alongs. Those are the ones you want. A 20 hour, 2 week course won't cut it.

Most guys that start out had experience in one trade as they were formally a plumber, electrician, etc. But that still means they had to learn everything else. Basically you can make it, expect to study a ton and expect to make very little your first year. You might consider working with another inspection company for awhile, especially if you don't have money in the bank to tide you over. When you do make it, you can do quite well, especially in populated areas.

Mike, Ditto what Dominic is saying here. My first mistake when first starting out was not knowing how to market my business. I had a ton of experience, and exceeded my training credentials, but wasn't really getting much business. Once I got a decent website thru HIP (and this isn't just a PLUG for HIP) I saw my business start to increase, and my Google rankings going up. A good website, which you must already know, will make a huge difference. And most of the guys on this mb are great at helping you out, plus you can get a ton of information and tips about anything concerning home inspections. I'm now approaching my 3rd year as a professional HI, and though my business is not where I would have liked it to be by now, it is certainly growing. And my state isn't exactly booming in real estate.  I am still researching various marketing methods, but buyer beware, there are a ton of phone calls from "marketing experts" that want to take your money. It may be best to do a few ride alongs if you can find a willing, experienced, inspector. So, back to what Bruce said, it is not easy be any means. It is very difficult, sometimes physically taxing, and mentally exhaustive to try and give a good, thorough report to your client while trying not to upset the agent when her house didn't close because you found things that discouraged her buyer from closing. Overlook something and you may get sued. Find too much and the agent won't use you again. You have to find the happy medium. Do some research, make sure you are willing to take the risks, then go for it!  A good report program is invaluable. HIP has a great reporting software program and great website templates that you can customize! Good Luck..

Yes, many people have become home inspectors without having a background in building or the trades.  Yes, marketing seems to be the tipping point that either makes or breaks most inspectors.  Just because a home inspector is the most technically competent, does not mean he will have the most business or even a successful business. 

Think of this way.  You are starting a business.  Regardless of your technical depth and breath of knowledge, you still have to get clients to come thru the door and buy your product.  Dominic is correct that marketing is the key.  You have to decide who you want for a customer base and them market to them.  Some choose to market to real estate agents because they already have found all the buyers.  Some choose to market directly to home buyers.  Some choose to market to both.  The two groups have different needs and you will need two distinct marketing programs.

What I have found is the most successfull home inspectors are the best marketers, not necessarily the best technically.  They are usually competent but put more focus on marketing over technical superiority.  HIP has a host of tools to help you market a home inspection business.

Keep in mind that as a business owner you will have to wear several hats.  One is a business owner who must do all the "business" stuff of marketing, accounting, taxes, long range planning, budgeting, etc.  Another hat is technician who goes into the field and provides a service to a customer.  A third hat is Salesman who is able to strike up a conversation and sell their product to every person they meet.  Three different skill sets.  Usually people are good at two but occasionally falter a bit or flounder around on the third.  Just not enough time in the day to excel at all three.

Kinda like the old axiom: Good, Fast, Cheap - pick any two but you cant have all three.

I'm one of the rare one's without any building trade experience prior to entering the profession.  I will admit that I had to hit the books and do a great amount of research including a 10 day ITA class and shadowing to guys for about 50 inspections before I felt comfortable doing my first inspection.  Even with building trade knowledge/experience that is no guarantee that it will be easy.  As Bruce said, we have to know everything!  You can never stop learning about what we do on a day to day basis in our profession.

Thanks guys. Lots of good info guys. As far as marketing is concerned I will have no problem having a good site and also being able to SEO my site. Also I have close relations who are real estate agents who I may be able to collaborate with. Scott would you mind giving me your email address or if you prefer I can pm you to ask you some questions about entering the field without building trade experience.