It’s obviously slower than most of us would like and what it’s been over the past few years which, of course, results in less inspection revenue. So, what are you guys doing to fill in the gaps? I’ve taken on a few handyman jobs and also bartend a couple nights a week which is super-fun. The lack of responsibility compared to inspecting is a nice “mind break.”
After 23 years in this biz I’ve come to just expect these downturns and thankfully saved a few bucks over the last “cycle” of being busy. I also sold my multi-inspector company which put a couple bucks in my pocket. I’m curious what all you do to fill the fridge when not inspecting?
I started out as a handyman/service business 2 years ago after I left my 35 year career as a manufacturing Programmer Analyst. I do the handyman stuff as well as watching homes, GC smaller construction projects for snowbirds and every other thing people ask me.
My goal is to not spend any retirement savings for the next 10 years.
Inspection is my side hustle ;). I’d prefer it the other way around since I make more money when I do inspections. I do get inspections, but some days I feel like everyone would prefer a plumber or electrician.
I have flipped a couple of homes in the past few years. Flipping houses and home inspection are quite complimentary in that you get a good handle on the effort level involved to do a particular fix or upgrade. It also gives me more confidence inspecting homes in that you are not just talking the talk, you are also walking the walk.
So true… some of my best training and education has come from actually doing things I’m reporting on. Once you’ve been deep into a project you’ll always remember it while inspecting something similar.
Neither did mine! But I make sure I get plenty of “beauty sleep’” Hasn’t worked yet, but I’m hopeful.
A decade or so ago Baltimore County laid off most of their county Inspectors. Then they decided to require licensing for rental properties. As a result these are all farmed out to Maryland licensed inspectors. Baltimore City jumped on that bandwagon about 5 years ago.
I have plenty repeat business for rental inspections as they need to be renewed every 3 years. Set your own rate and get paid by the property owner (landlord).
Boy Bert, you have your hands full. Inspector, photography, and insulation… You ARE a BOSS
For me, the concrete biz is still working the crap out of me, but am going to be taking my Part 107 exam soon, so hopefully that will open some other doors…
If we learned anything during covid, it is that a mask only needs to be visible somewhere on the face to provide 100% protection from dust, germs and government oversight.
My side hustle is owning rental properties. Lets me decide how much I do and gives me flexibility. If I’m super busy, things might sit a little longer than ideal, but it’s fun for me.
After doing all the marketing you should do, local marketing conditions and too many inspectors for a market will yield the survival of the best. As I like to say the 80/20 rule, 20% of the inspectors doing 80% of the business. Side hustles help as discussed, and may take over if more profitable.
Here’s my “office” in Maui where I bartend. It’s a close call but I think it might be a little better working conditions than being chased by racoons in crawl spaces.
No side hustle needed. The downturn in the market will affect the home inspectors in bed with REA’s. This is not my business model and thank God for that! Successful home inspectors have already learned how to pivot and stay busy.
