What’s a fair cut or fair fee to pay someone who helps me out with bigger home inspections?
Specifically, I’m wanting to hire someone who can help out with certain sections of the inspection.
They could inspect the interior and then help me ensure that I’ve remembered to turn down the thermostats, turn off lights and appliances before leaving. They could help me with finding the tripped GFCI outlets that are tied to a circuit somewhere else.
Is that a reasonable thing to ask?
Will the agents, buyers and sellers expect my assistant to be certified? Should I expect them to be certified?
I’m thinking about providing an assistant with an Iphone to use with Home Inspector Pro (HIP). Maybe someone on here has experience with merging reports in HIP?
How easy is it to merge reports with HIP? Is an extra subscription for that extra phone worth the investment?
Lately I’ve noticed some of these bigger houses get me exhausted. Even after multiple Monster energy drinks and a morning coffee.
I have no experience with merging reports in HIP. However, have you considered paying someone an hourly wage? There are lots of ways to compensate someone, but the hourly model is tried and true, especially if they are an assistant. As for whether they need to be certified… If you are in a licensed state then I would say yes they need to be. I would expect that a client would expect anyone who is “inspecting” to be licensed or certified. You should check with your insurance company. I’ll bet they would want this person licensed or certified.
Likely you will attract a newer inspector eager to learn. Pay them a $100 bucks so you won’t feel bad and buy them lunch. If they turn out to be super valuable, help you make more money, then revisit it. Even if an experienced inspector shows interest, you will still supervise because it is your butt on the line. All you can do is ask them what is it worth to them? Transparency and honesty will work it all out.
I often work on relatively large commercial or retail projects solo. They may take all day. I take several short breaks through out the day. In which I usually sit down for 3-4 minutes. Eat half an apple, a protein bar, and drink some water throughout the inspection. Protein is better than caffeine—just my 2 cents. But I do drink coffee and an occasional energy drink, but the payout is minimal.
Years ago I was having almost daily issues with cramping after spending extended time in the attic and completing my inspections. I stumbled across Zipfizz at Costco (lady giving out samples) and those issues evaporated. Also has an energy kick.
That was my pay scale. $100 dollars for 3.5 hours work, James.
Myself, I never let them build or addon to my reports at the start. Because there style was vastly different and even had to let some inspectors go because the argued with me.
Ensure the prospective inspector/helper uses the same reporting software would be my advice James. And be patient.
They can propel your business and you want them to succeed. The more you make the more they make. It is symbiotic.
That’s some good nutritional advice. I usually have a piece of fruit and a can of sardines with crackers and a pickle at some point during the day when I’m working on inspections.
I’ll have to get me a box of those to try. Thanks, Dave!
