What will I be doing?

If you have experience in the building trade and are looking for a profitable home-based business, consider starting a house-inspection service. This service involves the inspection of residential and commercial buildings for safety and compliance. Typically, if an individual is buying a home, he or she will have it inspected before the closing. As part of your service, you will make sure the plumbing, electrical wiring, and gas furnace are working and in compliance with codes. You may check the structure for evidence of termites or other pests. You’ll climb into crawlspaces and attics. You’ll check out the roof and foundations of the structure. In short, you’ll assess the general condition of the building and point out any problems. You may also provide this service to building owners, insurance companies, bankers or other clients interested in the condition of the structure.

What will I need to start?

To inspect structures, you must know what to look for. You’ll need training and experience in the construction trade, in architecture, in electrical and/or plumbing systems, in heating systems and related topics such as pests. You’ll also need some tools such as an outlet tester, electrical tools, plumbing tools, pipe wrenches, screwdrivers, a ladder and some flashlights. Your toolbox will be your best friend.

In addition to a local business license, your state or city may require a building inspector’s license. Also consider professional trade certifications.

Who will my customers be?

Customers for your house-inspection service will include homeowners, home buyers, lenders, real estate agents, investors and insurance companies. Some house inspection services specialize in working with one type of client while others prefer more variety. A service in the Midwest specializes in working with local real estate agents who sell buyer assurance programs.