Originally Posted By: wdecker
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I think that it is very important to remember that technical knowledge and/or expertise is only one aspecty of being a good home inspector. Here are the skill sets needed:
1) Technical expertise: Knowing about construction and having done at least some of it. Handyman knowledge is actually better, since handymen usually knows about many things, but not in depth. We are not code inspectors and don't need to know technical data in depth.
2) Writing skills: Writing a good inspection report is pretty much like writing a good term paper. It must be complete, comprehensive AND address items in a clear, easy-to-understand manner while at the same time be written in such a way as to meet certain legal requirements, as well as being written so as to cover one's backside.
3) Applied Psychology: Dealing with clients, realtors, sellers, tradesmen. Knowing how to read people and react to them depending on where they are. Knowing how to spot a problamatic client before they become a problem. Knowing when to walk away from a client.
4) Allied with #3, marketing knowledge. Demographics, 'idea man'.
5) Artist: Building of web sites, designing brochures, business cards, truck designs, report designs.
6) Accountant: Always necessary if you are running your own company. Having a wife who is a CPA (like me) helps.
7) Business managment: Knowing how to run a company. Especially difficult when you are your only employee. Self management.
![icon_cool.gif](upload://oPnLkqdJc33Dyf2uA3TQwRkfhwd.gif) Lawyer: Need to know how to read laws, standards of practice. Learning how to talk and what to say. Being objective. Contract law.
9) Educator: The most important part of our job is educating our clients. The more they learn and walk away from the inspection with, the better they fee, the better they will understand their house and the better they will take care of it.
10) Computer skills: Writing reports, downloading files and pictures, e-mail, printers. Knowing what equipment to buy and how to use and take care of it. Using this board.
Hope this helps.
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Will Decker
Decker Home Services
Skokie, IL 60076
wjd@DeckerHomeServices.com