TOPIC: Getting Started and general concerns help

Hey everyone,
I'm a newly certified inspector (just licenced) but have a few concernes. Mainly, just not sure If I've done things right. Want some feedback to help the industry on how to tackle the issue of what things need to be done to become a good inspector.  I've done the online course (4000+ slides), read the book, took the test (passed), but was blindsided by the number of questions that I wasn't sure about.  Getting the tools together to start, bought the HIP sofware and tablet, got the basic insurance, now ready to imbark. This was a process that was helped by this website and the NACHI website, but still things were cumbersome. 

Is there something that is out there or something that could be developed that could aid a new inspector with this process?  Althought I'm through it, and I have found the feedback from the forum incredibly helpful and enlightning, could a new inspector section be helpful and ease the process of searching for these tidbits helpful for: tools, insurance, inspection techniques, etc helpful?

I know these items are covered in the forums, but for the sake of the betterment of getting new inspectors ready to do the job right and know what they are expected of, would it be beneficial to have a section dedicated to getting them started right?

I am thankful for what I've learned from the site so far, just wanting to ensure the next guy may have an easier go of it.

Hi Greg,

One of the most important things you could do to help yourself is to start doing some ride-alongs with another inspector.  Post your location on here (and update it in your Profile) and lets see if we can hook you up with someone. Some guys will do it for free, others ask for $100 fee (appx) to take you along.

I agree, and I'm looking in to doing just that.  Main point is to provide a list of things like this to the development of new inspectors that will help with their development, i.e. get licenced, get insurance, ride alongs, join NACHI and do the four free inspections to get familiar (if desired).  I think most new inspectors will figure out what is required, would just be helpful to provide a "journeymans" guide as to how to get from "I'm interested" to "now I ready to do inspections on my own." Maybe a link to inspectors who are willing to support new inspectors with a "shadow" would be the type of think I'm getting at.  Thanks for your reply.  I'll make sure my profile is updated.  Not only looking after myself, but everyone in general.  Thanks again.

Just went to updates, no place to input location.  I'm in Southern Oklahoma area, Ardmore.

Click on Profile up above.

Try contacting John Sopher in Oklahoma City: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If he can't do it let me know and we'll find someone else. You can also try Gregory Smith (ATD Home Inspections) in Ardmore as he uses HIP but you're competition so he may not do it. Let me know!

Part of the problem is different states have different requirements to become licensed or start a business.  Only about half the states have licensing so in the states without licensing you simply declare you are a home inspector.  You follow whatever SOPs or standards you choose or not.  In licensed states, the legal path is a bit more obvioius. 

Local customs vary widely.  Some claim that most of their business is billed at closing.  Others claim all their inspections are paid at time of inspection.  Some have access to MLS lockboxes by joining as associate members while others cannot join as associates. Some areas have 3 story buildings with flat roofs and you need tall ladders.  Some areas are nothing but single story ranches. 

The tools and techniques also vary.  Gas sniffers, thermal imaging cameras, mositure meters, boroscopes, and other tools are beyond most SOPs but can provide valuable information.  There is great debate about how much to exceed the SOP and the legal liability you take on by performing the more extensive and diligent inspection.  Do you protect yourself more by exceeding the SOP and technically exhaustively inspect thereby providing more information to the client or are you better to do the minimalist inspection and hide by the SOP?  Does it depend on your training, expertise, and certifications?

Like any new task, it is easier if you have a mentor to help lead you along.  Associations are filled with experienced practioners who often are willing to help a newbie along.  Attend LOCAL home inspector associations to find a mentor.  Attend LOCAL meetings and don't get hung up in the national association bickering and bashing.  Belonging to the national associations is only one source of information and belonging does not make the inspector better.  The inspector makes the association better.

HIP forums do offer technical advice along with product support.  There are seveal other forums that may have a wider audience that discuss technical topics.  Inspection News and The Inspection Journal are two that come to mind.  Inspection News has a section dedicated to tools.  Of course each of the national associations have their own forums.  You probably need to follow several to see who is shooting from the hip and who is more on target with their answers.

And to kick the other anthill, Codes.  How much should an inspector know and discuss codes?  The answer varies from every home inspector should have completed ICC R5 designation to home inspectors don't need to know anything about codes.  Buy Code Check Complete.  Read it, refer to it, look up things that make you go Humm? during inspections.  You will find that many of the things you "just know" are wrong are wrong because they don't meet code, not just because "that is the way things are done".  Information is power.  Empower yourself by learning more about the codes.