Originally Posted By: Larry Nelson
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I tried to post this in the general discussion but it will not let me post there
Hello,
New to the forum. Living in the Des Moines Iowa area… Finding lots of good info here. I am considering seriously a life and career change. I currently work in the industrial manufacturing industry. My experience ranges from Nuclear power plant operation and maintenance in the Navy to industrial maintenance (Mechanical,electrical,plumbing,A/C)… I this time I am researching the possibility of becoming a Home Inspector. I thought I would drop in here and sort of pick the brains of the people on the forefront of the industry to see if I am headed in the right direction as to thoughts and planning. Also hoping you can steer me in the right direction and point out any considerations I may have overlooked. So far I am thinking the steps (and Approx. cost) toward My goal are as follows:
1> Join NACHI $289 ( I have already passed the NACHI test with 8 Based on my research The other associations just don't appear to suit my needs.
2> I feel like I probably need to take a HI training course ( Recommendation welcome) I found prices ranging from $690 - 2000 and more.
Should I take the NHIE or NOT
3> I was considering finding a Local NACHI guy and maybe doing some ride alongs check my own knowledge level and see if I really want to do the job before getting in too deep
4> Set up a LLC (around $400 initially and I think $300 a year here in Iowa) also need get required local and federal business permits : EIN, local permits etc. cost unknown
5> To my knowledge no state HI specific cert or testing required in IOWA
6> Get Insurance for the business:
General liability around $500 per year I think
E&O? (I am not sure if I can afford this at the outset) $4500 or more per year
7> Get tools that I don't already have.
GFCI tester for sure
a good lightweight general purpose ladder ( I figure a little giant type)
ALSO A GOOD UV LIGHT
8> Develop/buy/ beg a good report format Computer based ( I would prolly initially write down my observation on-site then generate the report at home. eventually I would like to be able to generate and and print bind the report on site)
9> ADVERTISE SMOOZE and drum up business. a thought here I noticed that there is a lot of talk about getting real estate referrals ........but I have not seen anybody talk about getting referrals from lending institutions. what think yea experts worth the effort? COST ?????
ANY ADVICE IS WELCOME