I think I screwed up (car)

General Inspection Topics General Inspection Discussion
#1

I currently work part-time as a janitor and used some of my paycheck to pay for a course in home inspection. I’m going slow, as I do most of the housework right now, but I’m really enjoying the education.

But I think I screwed up by taking the course. I wanted a trade job, as I think they are more interesting and I can’t afford to go back to a university after my bachelor’s degree. I was hoping to get certified and take up an inspection job so I could afford a car (and later move to a cheaper state than California, where I am now.) It looks like I needed a car before I started training, however.

Should I quit now, or keep taking the course?

#2

So you have no experience, no car, no budget for marketing and startup? Go get a full-time job.

#3

Find A Job With benefits. Starting a home inspection business with no experience will not end well.
Keep training and learning but there is no quick start to a decent income.

#4

I was hoping to get a second job with an inspection firm, not start my own.

#5

I wasn’t hoping to start my own business, but to join one. My husband will be getting benefits from his job as well, but I’m hoping to use my education here to get a second one.

#6

You know something… conducting a home inspection is nothing like just walking around some home with a flashlight. Get a grip!

I suppose you have been exposed to these fly by night inspections schools that say you can make $100K in your first year. Guess what … aint gonna happen.

Sorry to burst your bubble but…

Cheers

#7

I never said anything of the like and I have no idea where you got such a notion. Also, what does making up things like that have to do with a car?

I said I wanted a job. That means spending hours writing reports after feeling my way through crawlspaces, checking dank basements, tying myself to a roof, and checking dozens of meters. I’m expecting 5k a year for that at best.

#8

500 hours at Walmart will get you what you want.

#9

Jennifer, Where are you located? California is a tough state to hire someone in. Call some of the local inspectors(if not all) and see what it would take to give you a chance. I have hired people with less and they turned out great. Some still work with me and some I have given vehicles to when they were ready to go on their own.

My assistants get paid while they train. I do make them sign a Non-compete. If you were to work for someone for a few years, learn, grow you could always move up or move-on.

#10

What is your college degree in?

#11

Now this is a good, helpful post.

Dougy’s, not so much.

#12
#13

Sorry if you feel offended.

It is beyond reasonable to expect to conduct home inspections without a car/truck.
You should provide prospective employers with a resume if you are looking for a job, don’t you think?

I made my comment based upon my impression of your original post.

Hope this clears up any misconceptions.
Cheers

#14

I mean seriously.

#15

It is not beyond reasonable to conduct an inspection without a vehicle. I could see easily where in a place like Manhattan it could be a a detriment.

#16

http://www.found****.com/pictures/bizarre/bike-trailer.jpg

#17

Jay Marlette started riding a bike for his East Bay, California home inspection service, Houseman, in 2007 to do business in a more environmentally friendly way. He’s easily recognized by the ladder attached to his Xtracycle. His approach is not without its challenges—customers often wonder at first if they’ve hired someone crazy. That fear though is soon replaced by inspiration. Marlette saves money on vehicle maintenance costs and the bike generates other returns: it serves as low-cost, high-visibility marketing that attracts customers who want to do business sustainably.

#18

Nice helmet.

#19

Just wondering how many inspections you have done in Manhattan?:wink:

Cheers

#20

None, but I would not own a car if I lived there. When I go, I certainly don’t drive into the city.