Hello all. I am a commercial construction project manager and thinking about using that experience to start a home inspection business. I’ve been reading the forum for a while, and absorbing as much information as I can. I have not done any of the prelicensure work yet.
Before I jump in with both feet I would like to tag along with an experienced home inspector to see what the job is all about and if it’s something I want to pursue. Anyone willing to let me shadow on a few inspections? Should I do the prelicensure course before I do any job shadowing? I’m in the Fort Myers area, but willing to travel to avoid competing in this market.
Thanks to everyone who participates in this forum. It’s a great resource.
A follow up question as I’m thinking through the start-up process for my business:
How does a brand new inspector with few connections go about finding clients? I assume most of the larger real estate agencies have inspectors they refer to already so I don’t want to waste my time talking to them if they aren’t going to offer me work. Is this thinking correct?
Maybe smaller or independent realtors? How do I find them?
Can I get a foot in the door by offering lower prices than my competitors in order to get work and then increase prices as my volume increases?
This is all assuming I don’t set up a website for buyers to find me. That’s another expense that I don’t want chipping away at my margin, especially when I only intend to do this part-time. Thoughts?
How does a brand new inspector with few connections go about finding clients? I assume most of the larger real estate agencies have inspectors they refer to already so I don’t want to waste my time talking to them if they aren’t going to offer me work. Is this thinking correct? ( Nope. Inspectors enter and leave the market all the time. Inspectors fall in and out of favor all the time for various reasons. And, you never know where your marketing and presence will hit and start to drive business. More exposure more chance of success)
Maybe smaller or independent realtors? How do I find them? Just drive around your intended market. You will see the office once you start looking for them.
Can I get a foot in the door by offering lower prices than my competitors in order to get work and then increase prices as my volume increases? You can but 1. You are leaving $$ on the table and 2. Inspectors hate that. You time is valuable so dont devalue someone elses time because you want to learn.
This is all assuming I don’t set up a website for buyers to find me. ( You need a website. It does not have to be professional; 40000 site, but in today’s market is almost mandatory. ) That’s another expense that I don’t want chipping away at my margin, especially when I only intend to do this part-time. Thoughts?
Thanks Todd. I appreciate your feedback. Once I’m closer to getting my license I will start driving around with business cards and stopping at every real estate office I see.