I recently finished my CPI and passed the NHIE. While I found the InterNACHI courses extremely thorough, there’s no substitute for experience. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a local NACHI CMI and mentor in my area take me on several ride alongs to show me the ropes. For anyone new to inspections, if you’re able to find someone to shadow, it can be very benefitial. In states that don’t require in-field training for new home inspectors I think it’s important to be able to enter the field as well prepared as possible. Not only does it build your confidence in recognizing defects and determining the cause, but you’ll also build a routine that speeds you up while limiting the possibility of overlooking issues.
9 Likes
Great idea. I’d like to find someone like that in southwest Florida.
1 Like
Ted, you may want to contact some CMIs or CPIs within 40 to 50 miles, or closer, to your area and communicate with them. Maybe one, or more, will help you. Some inspectors feel as though they are training their competition by ride-alongs or mentoring or hiring and some are into it just for the $.
Here is the link for CMIs: Find a Certified Master Inspector®
And the link for CPIs: Find Certified Home Inspectors Near You - InterNACHI®
And Mentors: Home Inspector Mentoring - InterNACHI®
2 Likes
I was waiting for you to post that 
I’d help the guy, but I suspect he’s 4 hours away from the Villages.
2 Likes
Maybe he’ll find that the locals aren’t receptive and enjoy that you are willing. 
Here is a picture of Nick inspecting the exterior electrical service on a new construction home last week.
7 Likes
Thank you, Larry, that’s really helpful and I will follow your advice. I’m hoping to see some of you at the convention in October. I’ve already registered and I’ll be there from Wednesday evening through the end.
2 Likes
Mark, I am fully committed to this so if I can’t find anybody within 50 miles or so, I am going to take you up on your offer. I will certainly be no competition to you in the villages as I live down north of Naples almost in Lee County.
1 Like
Sure, it’s just a bit of a hike to Naples is all.
I don’t see business that way. I’m already competing with a big number of inspectors and having other friendly inspectors around me can only help me if I run into a jam. It’s a big tide, it can lift many boats.
2 Likes
Nick inspected a log cabin today. Every ride along is different and educational.
Nick treated me and Brian to pizza after the inspection and we talked about setting up a new business and insurance and logos and marketing and a bunch of good stuff.
Nick will be a good inspector, and he has friends to guide him toward success.
10 Likes
I live a little closer to you, in Tampa. You could spend a day or two with me if you’d like
6 Likes
That’s great Daniel thank you. I will take you up on that.
Will you be at the convention?
1 Like
Yes, I’m planning on being there at least one of the days
1 Like
So I’m planning on being at the convention as well. I’m going to be there Friday and Saturday just because I booked a room. I didn’t feel like dealing with TV to Orlando drive twice. It’s here, I figured I may as well shake some hands and learn something.
We should start a thread about who is going to be there.
3 Likes
Great idea about the thread
1 Like
This sounds like an wonderful idea.
I would love to learn more about this plan and its potential implementation.
What is the best way to approach a practicing inspector for a mentorship? Call and explain what I’m looking for or send a text or email that they can read when they have time?
I have always preferred an email. Personally, I only want my phone to ring for one reason…to book an inspection.
2 Likes
Hi! My name is Nick. I’m currently working on my initial CPI designation, having completed Home Inspection Training with Carson Dunlop in July.
This thread is interesting to me now that I have a sense of the market in my area. There are some inspectors who have been quite forthcoming with advice and support, and others less so. As I begin my Home Inspection practice, I like to think of fellow inspectors in my area as team mates versus competition, where we can help each other in various ways, and be back up to each other if one is unavailable, ill, on holidays etc. Maybe some might see this as idealistic, and I wouldn’t expect everyone to be on the same page.
I don’t want to be too verbose, so I’ll leave the comments there, but I would like to ask: What you think is fair compensation for going on a ride-along? Also, have you found clients, homeowners, and real estate agents amenable to this arrangement? Thanks and greetings, Nick in northern Ontario
It does not really matter what we think; it only matters what the inspector who allows you to tag along thinks. So, the best you can do is ask. Let them know you are willing to compensate and talk it over. That my 2 cents.
2 Likes