r/homeinspectors

Hi everyone, after some recommendations if possible.

Looking for a good TIC for leak detection/water damage. Would be keen on hearing people’s experiences with ones their using

Thank you 🙏🏻

Got an email yesterday from somebody saying they wanted to do a Zoom meeting to find out more about my inspection process, blah blah blah. Didn't want to do a phone call. They sent a "zoom" link and it was some b.s. unsecured link to a .es domain. I thought huh, that's weird, googled the URL and it turns out to be a known malicious phishing attempt.

They almost got me too. I had my alarm set for this Zoom call, clicked on the link and Google warned me so it saved my hide.

I responded to the email this morning and it is no longer active. About as red a flag as it gets. So BE WARNED - They're targeting home inspectors and probably getting a few is my guess.

https://preview.redd.it/yovjqu5yia2h1.png?width=1576&format=png&auto=webp&s=b35fd2c56bf36020b6077f90fb4ac5f5a886923b

I hope this is okay- I am not an inspector but work for one essentially as an office assistant/social media manager.

For those of you who are independent or small company inspectors, how do you handle scheduling? Handle it all yourself (calls, texts, etc)? Office assistant/help to handle them? Online only?

He has been inspecting for 20+ years. He covers a decently large area. In the beginning, he handled it all himself. When he got established and much busier, he hired help on the phones. He had an assistant only for phones, but it is difficult to establish set office hours/pay for said person when the calls/texts/emails come randomly throughout the day. He tried a call center to screen calls and pass on information to the office assistant but he didn’t care for it too much.

He does have and use Spectora, but we can’t trust the scheduling feature because of the area he covers. We often have to calculate significant drive time between inspections depending on his schedule that day, which is difficult to do in Spectora.

Hoping to find what works for others to see if we can find a better solution!

I want to know what im missing out on at the core of inspecting a home with these new apps. Curious if there are new features that the older legacy programs dont have other than things like web based vs app, AI writing based on pictures or AI writing narratives based on short comments. Im not concerned about scheduling or billing or methods of sending the report. Dont promote your new app with vague answers, tell how these new apps are bringing something new to the table.

Hey everyone,

What are you all using for an online scheduling software or app? I was thinking of calendly and just saw thay Google calendar is now offering something similar. Im trying to set up myself for online booking and another inspector or 2 (part time at their convience) would be nice.

Thanks

Hello everyone, I just passed my state test yesterday so it’s about time to get going. There’s probably a hundred posts asking which software to use so I’ll avoid asking that directly. One thing I’m curious about is what your feedback has been from clients and realtors for timing.

I’ll start by saying my wife is a realtor for a big builder in the area which is what led me to pursue this career so I’ve been periodically asking questions. I was dead set at the beginning on getting a software that allowed me to write the report as I went through the home. But I’ve spoke to 4-5 mentors from InterNACHI in my area and NONE of them do that. They all just take photos and quick notes and get out of there in about an hour or two and write the report later.

Realtors say they highly prefer this as they’d rather not sit there at the house for 3-5 hours while the inspection would take to build on site. Feels like they would possibly leave your name off their referral list if they’re stuck like that. Whether they actually say that or not. Obviously the client is important here but the realtors are great avenues for additional business.

Thoughts?

Hello everyone, I’m currently working on getting state certified and licensed after I take my exam. I was wondering what software everyone was using and the reasons they are using them. Pros, cons any info to help narrow down the options would be appreciated.

Hello, I recently got my home inspector license in Illinois
Where else can I get the license without doing anther exam ? Because I already have a licensing in Illinois
Thank you !!

I'm currently making 35% as I'm not yet experienced. I will top out at 40% once I've been doing this for a year.

I pay for all my own fuel, vehicle, tools, etc. I have a drone, Flir, tablet, ladders, etc. Boss sets appts, keeps insurance, runs business. I set and retrieve radons. I take and drop off environmental tests. I get same 35% of those test fees. Inspections must be completed as per company policy, which is fine. A three hour inspection generally takes 2-3 hours to do the report. I know this is long, but this is just how they want it.

I'm on west coast in a HCOL area.

Is this fair? I'm feeling it is not fair. I see others of you making 40%, but you have tools and fuel covered, or a company vehicle.

Thoughts?

Hello everyone! I'm part of the team that is responsible for building the https://verify.mytruscope.com/ a paltform for QA/QC teams to annotate issues over the construction drawings.

We're struggling to achieve users on our platform and it would be great if you could sign up for the demo and provide feedback.

The platform itself is pretty straight forward, we use AI to process info on the drawings and automates sheet numbering and titles and we also provide a lot of tools for marking up and tracking issues.

It would be great if you could spend just 5-10 minutes taking a look at it

Thanks in advance!

I have had the same message pop up in my personal email Four times in three days.

"Hello, I hope you’re doing well.

My husband and I are currently in the process of acquiring a property and would like to arrange a professional inspection before finalizing the purchase. Could you please let us know if you are available to conduct the inspection and provide information about your services, availability, inspection fees?"

I have not replied to any of them. I did once early in my career and it was a "we'll wire some money" type deal.

Anyone else getting this?

Hello, I’m seeking to get my home inspection license here in Florida. Are we allowed to shadow fellow licensee’s? Or is there any jobs available for something like this?

I got licensed last year and have done over 100 inspections with a multi, including training. Most of the people I work with have the mentality that we should do years full time before attempting to go solo.

It’s a good company. I like the people and we have full schedules. But only getting 30% without benefits is a drag, and there’s been a lot of pushback when others have negotiated for more, despite the company doing very well. We also don’t do much ancillary services and that’s something I’m interested in. I know this has been asked a bit, but I’m looking for fresh answers.

So for you solo folks, how much experience did you get beforehand? If you were always solo, did you have trouble in making mistakes or a really slow start? How long did it take to build up consistent business? Focus local or set a pretty large range (I’m driving 2-3 hrs a day rn). Realtors these days prefer multi or solo? Any marketing avenues that have been particularly fruitful? Thanks in advance.

What additional services, or certificates do you guys have to stand out from the crowd?