I recently started going down the list of the InterNACHI curriculum. I’m 31 and have been working in aviation maintenance and inspections for about 13 years now. My current job leaves me with more free time than I’ve had before, along with a very flexible schedule. I’d love to hear some stories from folks that have pursued this path as a secondary career. Does it keep the garage fridge full of beer or does it seem that you are working only to pay your E&O insurance?
These inspectors are the bane of the industry. They generally don’t give a rat’s ass about the industry, only to keep their beer/poker/play money rolling in. I make it a personal mission of mine to drive every single one of them out of business. This is my livelihood. I will not allow these dirtbags to take food out of my families mouths!! I know there are MANY other veteran inspectors that feel the same as I. If you’re not gonna bother putting in the effort, don’t bother even trying. McDonalds is now paying $15+/hr. Go for it! They love part-timers!!
Yup - they are the 199 dollar special inspection guys, only way to get business is to offer them cheap and get the low hanging fruit, taking inspections away from the rest of us who work hard at what we do (not just for my beer money) but to pay my rent. Then the media has trouble identifying why the inspector missed all of the important stuff when they are bashing the profession and fail to mention it never pays to hire the fly by night cheapo inspectors.
I’m genuinely curious how you know I won’t put in the effort? Like you, I have a family to feed, which is why I am maintaining my current employment while embarking on this journey. Perhaps the beer fridge was a poor analogy so let me reword it. “Are there any new home inspectors that are able to keep the kid’s bellies full or does it seem like you are working to pay for insurance?” Or are new inspectors also the bane of the industry?
Thanks for the reply. I have no intentions of trying to undercut or low ball anybody. I don’t think I have the potential here to exceed what I make with my primary employment so I can’t quit, but apparently part-time is a touchy subject.
I sell against part-timers all day. I get it, I was part time when I started as well, but its going to be hard to compete against the guys that have contacts and are going after it full time. You may pick up a few here or there, maybe even 1 a week… but when I’m on the phone quoting against a part timer or a newer inspector, I get the work 99% of the time because many clients want full time inspectors. The only reason I loose out is if they insist on a night or the weekend. But here’s the thing, nights and weekends are crucial and family time. Starting part time to build something with a vision is great, but part time just as a side hustle may never get traction, but maybe you will.
I have learned a long time ago not under estimate what God or a man can do.
“The world is full of unrewarded genius, hard work and perseverance are omnipotent”
That being said, maybe you can market yourself as a niche inspector. You will take jobs after 5 and on Sundays. There are many inspectors that will not. You can be the “short notice, after hours specialist”
But do YOURSELF a favor (not just the industry), charge real money for real work. Do not let desperation devalue your commodity. Best of luck.
Thanks, Brian, for the valuable advice. I understand what undercutting the industry can do. Working aviation maintenance, shade tree maintenance facilities have the ability to put a hurting on those of us that have the proper equipment and resources to do a job correctly. Finding that niche market, like you described, is exactly what I had in mind.
Go for it. Just because you do it part time doesn’t mean you’re a poor or cheap inspector. But as you originally stated, part time may only cover your E&0 and pay for specific tools over a period of time. Don’t expect keeping the beer fridge full for a year or two…
It really depends on your location, and the amount of homes for sale. I say go all in, get your education, and then hit it hard.
I know many people say it takes years to go full time, but I jumped in feet first, and was full time my very first month. However, I live in a very busy market. (and I had about 20 years construction experience under my belt)
I wish I had the faith and current financial security to do that. I’ve got a plan set out for 6, 12, 18 months then yearly after that with the goal to go full time in less than 18 months. As a response to OP, if you offer the same level of inspection that a full time inspector offers than sure, you can succeed. Alot of it relies on your available time, if its nights and weekends you’re less likely to have the business opportunities.
I would never do an inspection at “night.” Sunlight is one of your best allies, along with rain, believe it or not. Weekends, in my situation, are a no problem with me. Got one booked for this Saturday.
