I am a new inspector in NY. I am just curious what others with more experience what they recommend I become certified in first. example would be eifs, mold, termite, pool and spa etc. Are there some that you would feel to be more essential then others and or vis versa?
Just my thoughts…
As a new inspector, you might want to direct your energies into becoming proficient at inspecting first. Ancillary services can be subbed out for now. As your confidence level grows, as your knowlege grows and as your experience grows, you will have a feel for what your clients want in an inspection. Then and only then should you look into offering other services. Mold does seem to be a biggie though and is where I would go second.
The above is only MY opinion. Others will disagree and hopefully post their own thoughts.
Brian Jones
Not to contradict Brian, I’m sure every area is different. In my neck of the woods, Termite would be my first ancillary, followed closely by radon. Both could be subbed, but 9 our of 10 inspections I do includes a termite report. About 1 in 3 does radon. 1 in 50 does mold or some other service. (rough guesses on the stats.)
Up where I am, mold is a lot more prevalent than termites. It’s everywhere.
I’ve gutted a lot of rooms due to mold, replaced a lot of wood members due to rot but I have not seen any termite damage as of yet. (Just lucky I guess)
I would have to agree with Brian. You have done one thing correct, joined NACHI. The first year or so, just concentrate on doing a great basic home inspection for your clients. Sub the rest. Word will get around what a great inspector you are, and business will increase. Then add other services at that time. As a new inspector if you try to do too much, you may start lacking in some areas and disappoint some clients. As we all know the unhappy customers make the most noise. I would just stick with the basic inspection until you get very comfortable. While doing this take the classes you will need for certification in the other areas, that way you will have some money coming in without breaking the bank all at one time. Just my thouhgts.
Hey Jesse what does your local municipal require you to be certified in? mold radon WDO’s, if everything, then look at what is the most predominant as others have said then focus on that particular ancillary item, however it is very important that you focus on the inspection side of things first.
Last thought my opinion only if you have to sub anything out make money on that sub, remember this is your business and you are generating the business for yourself not others, find another nachi member and talk them about taking a 10 to 20 % cut on the sub work.
Good luck
Talk with the real estate agents in your area. All of the areas that you mentioned can be subbed out by other people. Adding ancillary service is basically a “convenience” to the realtor and client.
It is an additional source of income you can conduct as you are already there. However, in this business there is a high probability of you being sued. Many of the areas that you are discussing can increase your liability dramatically. Termite inspections is one. The majority of lawsuits that I see in our state are related to termite damage. The major termite companies here keep a crew on staff to repair the unseen damage 24/7. They settle all complaints out of court without question. Can you afford this?
As some have posted, get your feet on the ground and become a good home inspector first. Stick with the SOP. As you learn more about other areas you can expand in those directions if they are profitable. Learning about WDO (and other subjects) will only make you a better home inspector, and are not a waste of time/money. Having a laundry list of ancillary services may get you a few more inspection jobs, but doing any of them wrong will eat up those profits in one visit to your lawyer’s office.
Thanks everyone all good points. I appreciate all your feedback. I really do like Nachi very supportive and lots of knowledge that can take years in the field to get . thank you