What is a Home Inspector?

A Home Inspector provides a visual assessment of the condition of a residential home and property, usually for the buyer prior to closing escrow. It is also somewhat of an educational process for the client, as the Inspector will provide information about maintenance, areas of concern, etc. The inspector will look at everything that is visible and accessible, such as the roof, structure, foundation, the site itself, checking for drainage and landscaping problems, retaining walls, gates and fences. The Inspector will test each system in the home, such as heating, plumbing, air conditioning, appliances, furnace, water heater, etc. If the attic is accessible, the Inspector will enter the space and review the area. If the home is situated on a raised foundation, the Inspector will crawl underneath the structure and provide information to the client. During this entire process, the inspector will be completing a report, which will provide the client with a detailed review of the entire inspection.

Physical Requirements

A Home Inspector's Essential Skills

Troubleshooter: You will need to understand, in detail, building techniques (historical and contemporary) and the functions of all systems of a home. You will be called upon to think on your feet - to troubleshoot existing problem conditions and to offer a range of solutions. You will be called upon to play detective, to determine cause and effect.

Cost Estimator: You will need an intimate familiarity with current pricing for all phases of construction.

Architect: You will be asked to determine if a proposed remodel is practical and workable. You will need to understand what it is that the client intends to accomplish (even when they are not sure), to offer suggestions and to provide approximate costs.

Building Inspector: You will need to know the Uniform Building Code. You will have to determine safety and health hazards.

Marketing Expert: You will have to design or take charge of the design of your image and hence your marketing materials. You will need to be able to track and predict your business based upon your marketing efforts.

Demographic Expert: You will have to determine where to best spend your advertising dollar for greatest returns.

Salesperson: You will be responsible for representing yourself and your company in sales situations in the Realtor's office. You will need to develop the skills necessary to get your "foot in the door," and make appointments.

Public Speaker: You will be called upon to speak to groups of people in real estate offices and in front of realty boards. (At times you could be speaking to hundreds of people about your service.)

Telecommunications Expert: You will have to be good at talking on the phone. You will have to describe the benefits of placing an order with your company, taking that order efficiently, dealing with customer complaints and problems, and satisfying your clients.

Writer: You will be called upon to write reports, letters, featured articles, press releases, flyers and more, for release to the real estate community.

Psychologist: You will need to understand the emotions and needs of your clients as well as all parties to the transaction. You must be able to calm down a worried buyer, threatened seller, irate agent, without jeopardizing your position, without backpedaling.

Expert Communicator: You will have to possess the ability to describe observed conditions in non-threatening language. You must appear as an independent, unbiased authority, prepared to deliver only the material facts, free of emotion.

Training Manager: You will need to train your inspectors so that you are able to duplicate your system. You will also need to be able to train your representatives and office personnel.

Historian: You will need good organizational and managerial skills to be effective. You will need to oversee expenditures, schedules, employee grievances, and see to it that your company appears to the outside world as a well-oiled machine.

Chief Executive Officer: You will be charged with the responsibility for directing the entire organization which can include determining your target market, your company's image, and its relationship to the business community at large. You will have to determine company policies and be willing to adjust and adapt to the changing marketplace. All legal decisions will be on your shoulders, as well as all financial and personnel decisions.