A home inspector performs a thorough inspection of both the interior and exterior of homes and provides clients with detailed written reports of their findings as well as recommendations for any necessary repairs. Many times the inspector will suggest that the individual hire an expert to get a more qualified opinion if there are tell-tale signs of damage.
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Start a home inspection business by following these 10 steps:
- Plan your Home Inspection Business
- Form your Home Inspection Business into a Legal Entity
- Register your Home Inspection Business for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Home Inspection Business
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Home Inspection Business
- Get Home Inspection Business Insurance
- Define your Home Inspection Business Brand
- Create your Home Inspection Business Website
- Set up your Business Phone System
We have put together this simple guide to starting your home inspection business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.
Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.
STEP 1: Plan your business
A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:
- What will you name your business?
- What are the startup and ongoing costs?
- Who is your target market?
- How much can you charge customers?
Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.
What will you name your business?
Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Home Inspection Business Name Generator
If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.
When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:
- Your state’s business records
- Federal and state trademark records
- Social media platforms
- Web domain availability
It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.
What are the costs involved in opening a home inspection business?
Obtaining training and certification is one of the initial costs, and obtaining a business license is another. Home Inspection insurance is also a crucial startup cost, since customers will be advised to hire inspectors who carry it for the protection of both parties. Other startup costs include a dependable vehicle and some basic office and inspection equipment. Essential office equipment includes a computer capable of running home inspection software, telephone, fax, color copier, and a quality digital camera. You’ll also need a desk, chairs, and shelving as well as report binders and business cards. Basic inspection tools include ladders ($200-$500) and testing equipment such gas and moisture detectors, circuit tester and a voltage “sniffer”, and an infrared thermometer. You’ll also need some basic tools such as screwdrivers and pliers. Depending on whether your equipment is new or used, startup costs can range from $10,000 to $30,000.
What are the ongoing expenses for a home inspection business?
Ongoing expenses for a home inspection business include:
- Maintaining a business license and professional liability insurance
- Office supplies
- Vehicle and equipment maintenance
- Continuing education
Who is the target market?
Preferred customers are homebuyers, real estate agents, and mortgage lenders.
How does a home inspection business make money?
A home inspection business makes money by charging clients for their time, experience and expertise in discovering potentially costly damage as well as any safety hazards in homes for sale, thereby saving homebuyers money.
How much can you charge customers?
The cost of a home inspection depends on the size and complexity of the structure or structures to be inspected. Fees range from $200 to $470, with an average of approximately $325. A separate termite inspection typically costs $300, while an inspection for the presence of radon gas averages $750. The more training and equipment your home inspection business has, the more earning opportunities it will have also.
How much profit can a home inspection business make?
Annual income for home inspectors, depending upon education and experience, ranges between $26,000 and $66,000, with an average of $45,000. Unlike other types of businesses, people own their homes for an average of eight years, which means that any repeat business is unlikely to come from clients, though it may come through recommendations from real estate agents or mortgage lenders.
How can you make your business more profitable?
One way to make your business more profitable is by advertising how much money your services are saving your clients. Home inspections are routinely used as a contingency in purchase offers, which means that your services can result in your clients being able to back out of a contract with no financial penalty. A home inspection is a money- saving investment. By acquiring vital information about the condition of a home, your clients can save thousands of dollars by making a counter-offer that takes needed repairs into consideration.
Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!
STEP 2: Form a legal entity
One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your home inspection business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.
This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.
In practice, this means that if your home inspection business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.
Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?
Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.
Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).
STEP 3: Register for taxes
You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!
You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?
There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.
STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card
Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
Open a business bank account
Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.
Get a business credit card
Getting a business credit card helps you:
- Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business’ expenses all in one place.
- Build your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.
Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.
STEP 5: Set up business accounting
Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.
Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.
STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
State & Local Business Licensing Requirements
Certain state business permits or licenses may be needed to go into business as Home Inspector. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.
For more information about local licenses and permits:
- Check with your town, city or county clerk’s office
- Get assistance from one of the local associations listed in US Small Business Associations directory of local business resources
Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.
Home Inspector Licensing
Home Inspector Licensing is generally regulated by having pre-license learning requirements that vary state to state. While some states do not require prerequisites for receiving a Home Inspector License, it is a process that many states are trying to legislate due to requests from realtors and homebuyers. Additionally, becoming AHIT certified will increase the competitiveness of a home inspector where there is still no state requirement. Here is a state-by-state map of Home Inspection Licensing requirements.
Service Contract
Home Inspection Businesses should require clients to sign a service agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms, conditions and service level expectations. Here is an example service agreement.
Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your home inspection business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.
STEP 7: Get business insurance
Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.
There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.
Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.
Find out what types of insurance your Home Inspection Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Home Inspection Business.
STEP 8: Define your brand
Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.
If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.
How to promote & market a home inspection business
One of the best ways to promote your business is by attending events such as open houses where you can network with realtors and potential home buyers. Leaving your business card with local residential construction companies is also an effective way to gain an edge over the competition.
How to keep customers coming back
In this business, licensing requirements vary from state to state. That fact, coupled with the high level of personal trust required, is one reason that word of mouth is the most important element of any advertising campaign. Satisfied customers who have saved money and have been able to increase the level of safety for themselves and their families as a result of your services speak louder than words on a flyer.
STEP 9: Create your business website
After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.
While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.
STEP 10: Set up your business phone system
Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.
There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.
Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com
Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.
Is this Business Right For You?
This business is ideal for those who want to increase home safety by educating homebuyers about any potential dangers or future expenses.
Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?
Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!
What happens during a typical day at a home inspection business?
Daily activities performed by the owners of this type of business include:
- Scheduling appointments with clients
- Exterior inspection of walls, foundation, grading, drainage, garage, and roof
- Interior inspection of plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems
- Fire safety inspection of water heater and all appliances
- Communicating with clients, real estate agents, and bank representatives
- Compiling detailed written reports of all findings
- Recommending repairs and/or more in-depth inspections by experts
- Sales and marketing
- Filing and archiving
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful home inspection business?
Skills essential for success in this business include:
- Technical knowledge that encompasses a thorough understanding all house systems as well as insulation. A basic education designed specifically for this business is available through many community colleges or even online courses.
- Verbal communication skills to discuss key findings with clients.
- Report writing and basic photography skills for purposes of illustration. Detailed reports establish credibility and minimize liability in the event of a dispute and home buyers depend on them to receive financing and/or insurance approval.
- Business and marketing skills to supplement there is a higher reliance on word of mouth advertising because a satisfied customer speaks much more clearly than a constructed advertisement for the service.
What is the growth potential for a home inspection business?
Some home inspection businesses have become successful enough to offer franchise opportunities. The benefits of franchises include assistance in obtaining insurance, reporting tools, ready-made contracts, continuing education opportunities and mentoring by a network of experienced professionals.
Take the Next Step
Find a business mentor
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.
Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
Learn from other business owners
Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.
Resources to Help Women in Business
There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:
- Funding
- Events
- Guides
- Support
If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a home inspection business?
Seasoned professionals advise becoming a member of organizations such as ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. They also advise learning about real estate practices, building codes, and construction trends through workshops, courses, and talking frequently with others in the industry. Taking advantage of the expertise of successful, experiences home inspectors is one of the best ways to achieve your own success in this type of business. It’s also advisable to take courses in accounting and business contract law.
How and when to build a team
While you may perform inspections alone, it’s important to build a team from the beginning. It may take some time to build up your business to the point where you are able to hire employees. However, your team will consist of the professionals you recommend to your clients for the correction or repair of any problems or unsafe conditions you find during the course of your inspection. Your customers will appreciate your knowledge of the quality of work of local professionals.