Why a Home Inspection Career?

There are many reasons to consider a home inspection career. Have you been considering a new career path? Are you looking for a career that offers flexibility, stability, and endless opportunities? If so, a career as a home inspector might be the perfect fit for you. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider a career in the home inspection industry.

1. High Demand for Home Inspectors in Texas

To begin with, the real estate market is always active. Houses are bought and sold everyday in America. Each transaction should include a home inspection to ensure the property’s condition meets the buyer’s expectations and the lender’s requirements. Accordingly, the constant flow of real estate sales ensures home inspectors are in high demand.

Data from the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) indicates there are 293,183 licensed real estate agents or brokers in Texas. An abundance of the licenses are currently active. At the same time, TREC states that there are 6,428 license holders in the state. A quick look indicates that approximately half of the licenses are expired or inactive. So, there are roughly 3,200 actively licensed inspectors in the state.

If we assume that half of all agents and brokers are active, that gives us approximately 150,000 active professionals. That means there are nearly 50 agents or brokers for every home inspector in the state. So, there is a huge potential market. This alone is a compelling reason to consider a career in home inspection.

2. Home Inspectors have Independence

Equally important, a home inspector can start their own business. Many home inspectors choose to operate their own businesses. This entrepreneurial path allows you to work independently, and make decisions about how you want to run your business.

In addition, being your own boss means you have control over your business operations. In short, you will be able to set fees, choose clients, and choose your own schedule. Therefore, the autonomy can lead to greater job satisfaction and a sense of ownership over your home inspection career and your life.

3. Lucrative Earning Potential is a Big Reason to Think About a Career in Home Inspection

Undoubtedly, home inspectors can earn a high level of income. With this in mind, exact incomes can vary based on location, experience, and the number of inspections completed. It is not uncommon for home inspectors to enjoy a comfortable living.

Calculating a Home Inspector’s Hourly Earnings

Average Fee per Inspection: $400^
Number of Inspections per Week: 5
Total Weekly Earnings: $400 * 5 = $2,000

Number of Inspections per Month: 5 inspections/week * 4 weeks = 20 inspections
Total Monthly Earnings: $400 * 20 = $8,000

Average Time per Inspection: 4 hours^
Total Time per Week: 4 hours/inspection * 5 inspections = 20 hours/week
Hourly Rate: $2,000 / 20 hours = $100 per hour

^Prices vary depending on the age and size of the house.
^^Time spent on an inspection varies depending on the age and size of the house.

4. Low Barriers to a Home Inspection Career

Few careers offer the opportunity to build a high-income business in such a short amount of time. Once more, startup costs are minimal. Achieving the same financial success in other fields typically requires years of education, costly degrees, and significant startup capital. Home inspection, however, stands out as a fast-tracked path to business ownership and financial independence. (This is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It will take hard work to be successful.)

In a matter of months, with the right education, you can begin working as a certified home inspector. Compared to other entrepreneurial ventures, the initial investment is modest. Startup costs primarily cover education, licensing fees, insurance, and basic equipment. However, the income potential is substantial enough to overcome the costs quickly. Many inspectors start earning a solid income right away, with experienced inspectors routinely making six-figure salaries.

Startup Costs

The Texas licensing examination costs $199. This includes both the state and national exams.

Licensing fees for the state of Texas are approximately $350.

While inspectors can spend thousands of dollars on home inspection tools, it is not required nor necessary. There are very few required tools necessary to complete a high quality home inspection. A tape measure, level, GFCI tester, screw driver, surge tester and water pressure meter should get an inspector through.

Insurance will cost an inspector approximately $100 a month, depending on the amount of coverage and the insurance provider.

Finally, at The Inspection Academy, the Texas course bundle costs less than a single semester of college*.

A home inspection career offers an opportunity to build a business with relatively low upfront costs and a short timeline. It’s not a quick route to riches. In short, the field rewards the dedicated, diligent, and those willing to invest in themselves. With modest startup costs and significant earning potential, home inspection is an attractive career path.

So, what is the only thing standing between someone and a career in the home inspection industry?

The most important need for aspiring inspectors is properly designed home inspector training courses.

If you are ready to change your life, let The Inspection Academy help you become a home inspector. This time next year, you could be enjoying the benefits of your new career.

*For the 2023 academic year, the average tuition for a semester of colleges is $4,512 for in-state residents.

5. Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Finally, the home inspection industry offers unparalleled entrepreneurial opportunities for those ready to take control of their careers. In 2023, over four million homes were sold in the United States. For this reason, the real estate industry maintains a strong demand for qualified home inspectors. Correspondingly, home inspection is a lucrative and stable industry for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Clearly, the home inspection industry provides the perfect balance of independence and scalability. Not to mention, you can operate as a solo inspector or expand into a multi-inspector firm. The home inspection business model offers flexibility and growth potential. Low startup costs, minimal overhead, and a straightforward licensing process means you can launch your business quickly. Once students pass their examinations, they can begin earning a significant income within a matter of months.

For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, the home inspection field is a gateway to a fulfilling and profitable career. With the right education, dedication, and determination, you can create your own successful business.

Texas Home Inspector Interviews

This is a great video interview with licensed Texas home inspectors.