My journey has begun! Just passed the first course. I’m very excited and scared and anxious all at once. But here’s to jumping in with both feet. #newbie
25 years in construction will hopefully help!
What is one thing you could tell me that you wish somebody would’ve told you when you first started?
Use common sense and don’t over think or try to analyze the scope of what this occupation does. Especially from your background.
Participate on this forum! You can learn a lot and also get to know some good people.
Fully understand your agreements, insurance and scope of work. Report writing (tech in general) is the hardest part aside from drumming up business.
Welcome to the forum Brad.
Best of luck with your endeavors.
I sure wish I would have started inspecting after 25 years in the building trades. Unfortunately I waited 35 years. LOL
It can help.
To Join InterNachi.
Take your time. If you do not know something do not guess. Do research or come here for answers.
Hi Brad, The main transition I found was that in construction you are results/project oriented and that with home inspections it will be a necessity to become more of a people oriented person.
Not only personal interactions, but also report writing - most of your clients will have limited building science and not have your background (you will unconsciously assume they know basics, at least I did at first). In order to translate your past experience and knowledge you will have to almost learn to inspect your clients to see where they are at.
Research is key. Also, the gradual art of report writing.
Thank you John for your wisdom! (And everyone else!)
Very good point I hadn’t really considered. I am also a pastor so I’m already in the people business. Cultivating relationships is key in ministry.
With your construction background and people skills you have the foundation to succeed Brad.
I luckily had the foresight to get some before it was needed, but always keep toilet paper in your vehicle. There won’t be any at many new construction/vacant properties you arrive at right after you finish your morning coffee.
Good one! Inspectors do need an EDC checklist outside of tools.
Toilet paper
Change of clothing
Extra shoes
SEVERAL towels
Rain gear
If you wear glasses, get a second pair for the truck
Personal protection (and I am not talking about condoms, but…)
Battery jump box
Extra Coat
All I have for now
Yea, I’ve got almost all of those things most of the time. Some of those things you wouldn’t initially think you’d need can really throw a wrench in the gears if you need it and don’t have it.
I didn’t have towels on me the first time I had a dishwasher drain leak. I had to use my coveralls to soak it up
Another item I regularly keep stocked is a value sized bag of gum. I don’t want to talk in the clients face for ten minutes with horrible coffee breath.
The first time I had to grab my pos drone out of the air because it quit responding to the controller, I learned to pack a few bandaids in my bag. Turns out spinning propellers can do some damage.
I’ve had to use the bandaids a few times since for other mishaps.
I can’t believe I forgot this. I have carried a bandaid in my wallet for 40 years. (not the same one the whole time )
I had to run to Home Depot and get a 18’ collapsible pole to fish mine out of a tree one time. Hopefully I won’t need it again.