What are the pros and cons of being a home inspector?

Beginning small also means that there is little start-up cash needed, and you only need a few tools, to begin with, and over time, you can grow your kit as you begin to make larger profits. Best of all, because you are the boss, you can choose the days you work so that you can achieve a perfect work-life balance.

This can be especially helpful if you have a family as you are able to choose hours that will work around all the responsibilities that come with being a parent. In addition to the perks of owning your one business, the possibilities for career growth as a home inspector are sky high.

Many home inspectors move on to become building contractors, real estate agents, or other industry professionals. The industry is relatively recession-proof and it may even see steady growth even during recessions or slow periods. As the population continues to grow and more people move into homes, the demand for inspectors will increase.

Lastly, a home inspection business can be fulfilling on a personal level as you are able to help people within your community. As a home inspector, you are able to answer questions that the average homeowner would not know, which gives you the opportunity to educate your customers.

This is fulfilling as you are not only helping them to find their new home, but you are also giving them the ability to build their own knowledge. Knowing you've helped someone is very rewarding.

In contrast, there are several drawbacks to being a home inspector including the pressure to get things right. As with all industries, the stakes are high in a home inspection business. After all, people are paying you to get it right. One mistake, and you might be looking at a large lawsuit.

It can also be stressful, as inspectors often have to deal with homeowners who are anxious about their homes and want to know every detail about the inspection.However, don't let this put you off because as long as you are insured, the burden can be taken from your shoulders if things are missed or mistakes are made.

Another con to being a home inspector is that the job field is highly saturated. This means that there is a lot of competition from other inspectors and businesses and that there are many people who have the same skills and qualifications as you. This can make it difficult to find work, especially if you are new to the business.

Once again, this should not discourage you from pursuing a career if that is really what you want to do. It simply means that you will need to hustle, work hard, and network with other professionals to get your name and business out there. You will have to work hard to stand out from the competition.

One of the biggest areas of concern and possibly a con for a home inspector is the variation in industry standards. Regulations and other industry standards vary in different areas, neighborhoods, and states. This means you will have to update your education as well as your knowledge of policy changes and new requirements in the industry.

For example, if you were to move, you may have to re-register with another state. This can be a hassle as you may have to become certified all over again. However, your skills as a home inspector will always be relevant, so training again shouldn't be a problem.