Home Inspector

In this litigious society, home buyers, sellers, and Realtors are all looking for the best protection they can get. Learning the condition of a home up-front from a third-party professional insures that buyers will know just what kind of home they are purchasing before the sale is complete and, in some cases, even prevents them from making a poor investment. Unfortunately, home inspectors are often targets for litigation, too, so look into certification and licensing requirements in your area and protect yourself by either incorporating or affiliating yourself with a franchise organization. Whichever you choose, your work will change on a daily basis, as you’ll be moving from one home to another to inspect everything from the condition of the wiring to shingles on the roof. You’ll be checking off items in a large binder as you proceed, and this is what you will leave as a permanent record for the potential home owner. It’s a necessary service in this buyer beware kind of market.


Mostly, you’ll need the funds to either develop your own or secure permission to reprint the information contained in each binder you provide your customers. This business will be much easier to get up and running effectively, and in a shorter period of time, if you pay a franchise fee (anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000) to an already established company in this field. That way, you’re also protected legally.


Don’t underestimate the value of contact with real estate agents. Many of your best referrals will come from them. Likewise, thorough and honest inspections will result in satisfied home buyers, a valuable source of word-of-mouth advertising. You’ll have lots of face-to-face contact with them, so excellent communication and people skills are a must.

Approx. cost of start-up:$30,000 to $40,000


Approx. potential earnings:$50,000 to $75,000


Typical fees: $200 to $400 depending on size of home


Where to promote: Yellow Pages, real estate publications, local newspapers, networking with real estate agents, banner ads on Realtor and home-buying Web sites


Qualifications:Thorough knowledge of home construction and building codes or experience in contracting and building, license or permits in some areas Things needed: Electrical tracer; circuit tester; gas detector; basic tools such as screwdrivers, ?ashlights, and ladders; computer; fax; printer; cell phone


Required staff: No


Hidden costs: Insurance, telephone bills, association dues