Home inspections provide potential homeowners with valuable information about the structural integrity and overall condition of a house. They can also identify costly repairs and help prevent unexpected issues from arising after closing. The standard home inspector’s job is to look at the basic structure and components of a house, including plumbing, electrical, the roof, attic and crawl spaces. A well-trained independent home inspector is able to spot things that may not be visible to the naked eye, such as a lack of insulation or a leaking water heater. They can also determine if a home is built on unstable ground or in flood zones.
While a full-time career as an independent home inspector isn’t for everyone, it can be an excellent choice for those who like working for themselves and enjoy building their own brand and cultivating professional relationships and loyal clients. The flexibility to set their own schedules and choose their own clients makes the independent route attractive to many home inspectors who work in this field.
In order to become licensed in the state of New York, home inspectors must complete a 140-hour course that includes classroom instruction and hands-on practice at real homes. In addition, an individual must carry general liability and errors and omissions insurance, as well as a surety bond with specific limits. Some inspectors may only carry a surety bond, which meets the state’s licensing requirements, while others, like Matthew Query of Freedom Home Services, LLC in North Carolina, choose to have E&O and GL coverage that provides more protection.
Starting a solo home inspection business is not only cost-effective, but it allows individuals to build their own brands and cultivate professional relationships with real estate agents. This can help them stand out in a saturated market and find their niche. In addition, being self-employed gives home inspectors the freedom to expand their offerings by becoming certified in additional services such as radon and mold testing.
When looking for a home inspector, it’s important to ask about their experience and how long they’ve been in the industry. Those with longer experience tend to have more knowledge and expertise when it comes to identifying potential problems, which can save you time and money in the long run. They’re also likely to have more connections with other professionals in the industry, which can be beneficial for obtaining referrals from clients.
Choosing the right home inspector is an important decision that can affect your safety and peace of mind during your purchase process. Ideally, you want an experienced and qualified home inspector who can provide you with a thorough and accurate report. To find out more about what to expect from a home inspection, contact your local association of independent home inspectors or talk to real estate agents for recommendations. By doing your homework, you’ll be able to make the best decision for your family and yourself.