I am an entrepreneur and was looking for a business that could generate steady, consistent, and eventually good income. I found home inspection to meet that criteria. I did research and found the American Home Inspector Training (AHIT) course and went ahead and paid a lot of money for their online and classroom training. I even went so far as to buy their whole "package" which includes inspection software as well as some marketing support. I thought I was all set and I could just go out and start talking to real estate agents to try to generate business. As I found out the hard way, it's not that easy. I have done several practice inspections. Of course, they were not paid. And from what I have found when trying to break into the business if I am not ASHI certified then it's going to be pretty hard to get any business. Even a good friend that works with Berkshire Hathaway told me they give their customers the "ASHI wheel" and have them select an ASHI-certified inspector. He said he wished he could help me but it is his agency's policy.
With all that said, I feel kind of lost. I have knowledge and training and I'm eager to start working. I set up an LLC, have a pretty nice website, designed a nice logo, and bought all the necessary tools and insurances. I even realized I will need a lot of practice so I hired a contractor to accompany me to as many inspections as I feel I need him for so he can double check my observations so I don't miss anything. But without the ASHI certification I don't know how much work I'm going to get. AHIT avoids the question when I ask them about how to get work. They said just tell them you follow ASHI guidelines and tell them you have done a "number of inspections." I know there is no educated person who is going to accept that answer. Overall, I feel like this may have been a mistake and it may take me a really long time, if ever, before I can break into this business. Do you have any advice you may be able to offer me? Thank you for taking the time.
