Hello, I just passed the NHIE exam and have completed my certifications from INTERNACHI. Im looking for some help from you seasoned pros on taking the next step. Im tempted to start a business on my own because the market is relatively slow right now and I don’t see many job openings for home inspectors in Middle Tennessee. Who do you guys use for Liability and Omissions insurance. What do you pay monthly? Does anyone know if there is a time limit to use my Internachi certification and my State exam to get certified before it expires. I know I could definitely use some hands on training before starting my own gig but other inspection businesses so far are not interested in hiring or allowing ride alongs. Any help would be much appreciated thanks y’all.
Also want to thank INTERNACHI for what I have achieved so far. It’s a great program and I would recommend this course to anyone looking for a new career.
Check with @bhull1 from https://www.knoxehi.com/
He may be able to help some.
So, what is your background in residential building construction?
You need to work on your report template.
It must comply with TN HI Rules.
You need an inspection agreement.
Again, follow the TN HI Rules.
If you add a bunch of crap from here, take it to your lawyer. Don’t have one, get one.
Print out TH HI Rules.
Starting at page #9, memorize it and keep it with you at all times.
INACHI Standards are not compatible with all states.
The TN Rule is all you are to follow. Add to your Inspection Agreement and your Report Template what is required.
(b) Home inspectors shall… abide by rule.
(b) Home inspectors shall:
- Provide a written contract, signed by the client or the client’s legal representative
that shall:
(i) State that the home inspection will be in accordance with the Standards of
Practice promulgated by the commissioner;
(ii) Describe what services shall be provided and their cost;
(iii) State that the home inspection report will not address the items set forth in
parts (5)(a)4. and 5. of this rule; and
(iv) State, when an inspection is for only one or a limited number of systems or
components, that the inspection is limited to only those systems or
components.
(b) The home inspector shall describe:
(a) The home inspector shall inspect:
All this must be covered in the Inspection Agreement and/or Inspection Report.
Keep looking for your Insurance.
Marketing:
Welcome, A-A-Ron.
Do like David said. Follow the TN SOP. It is very similar to the InterNachi SOP.
There are lots of InterNachi inspectors in the Nashville area. How many have you called to ask for a ride-along?
Check out a list of mentors at this link, and let us know if any are not willing to help out and just want the status of being on the list but don’t actually help members.
No time limit, but I would not wait. Since you have your required education under your belt, and have passed the NHIE you should go ahead and get your license taken care of. This would also make you a little more marketable to one of the few multi-inspector firms in the Nashville/Middle TN market. As for E&O, I recommend InspectorPro. They also will write your GL insurance. On top of that I recommend obtaining a standalone GL policy(umbrella policy) to cover your business. No clue on what the monthly fee is, I pay it yearly.
Hello David, thanks for the helpful response. I was a roofing contractor for 10 years. Ive worked in industrial construction for another 10. Im I decided I wanted a to find a career that was more forgiving on my body that I could do well into my sixties. I will definitely get more familiar with TN laws and SOP. Thankyou for the documentation
A-A-Ron LOL, I love that key and peele skit lol. Thankyou for the Internachi mentoring link
Hello Scott. thanks for responding. So in order to get licensed I have to have proof of insurance but I haven’t decided if Im going it alone or going to learn the ropes working for someone. I figured having passed the NHIE and completing the 90 hour coursework would make me an easy hire for a company. I realized that I was only a few courses away from completing the INTERNACHI certification so I decided to spend the time to finish that up.
Thankyou for the help
Yes that’s good advice. I feel very confident examining components in a residential dwelling but I know that it would be incredibly helpful to learn how the seasoned veterans prioritize their time as well as soaking up all of their secrets and tips they have learned. Thanks Larry
Just an FYI, the InterNACHI cert does not mean very much to established inspectors. In my company we do not take on anyone that does not have a license already just for our own liabiltiy. I might be a little jaded since I have been doing this for so long!
Hey, we are not looking to hire ATM, it’s the slower season but probably will be come end of Jan/Feb. Where abouts you at? Feel free to DM me 
Hello Chase, I live in Franklin TN. If you have an opening in Jan/Feb that would be brilliant.