To make money, you’ll have to expend some first, just like any other firm. However, doing some study and planning before you spend money will help you make wise investments. Make no mistake: a home inspection business is much like any other, and getting started on the right foot is crucial.
You can educate as you go, but having a good notion of how much money you’ll need to invest is quite beneficial. The more money you can put into your own education, the faster your earnings will skyrocket. Take the time to analyze your costs before opening your store and select what you need to spend in now and what can wait.
It pays to plan ahead when real money is at stake. Investigate the costs in your state and shop around for the great offers on tools and equipment. You’ll be far better likely to spend in your new business with eyes open and no nasty surprises if you have a firm grasp on the finances.
Licensing and training cost
You may even have to complete a license exam, depending on your state. It may or may not have been included in the amount of your education tuition and fees, so do your homework before enrolling in classes to ensure you know precisely what you’re getting. The cost of the National Home Inspector Exam is $225.
Finding the best inspection school for you and enrolling in the required classes. The cost of inspection school varies according on the school you choose, the certificates you desire or need, and other factors. Some states impose a price for obtaining a driver’s license. Prices vary, but they can run into the hundreds of dollars.
If you are obliged to renew your license every few years, these expenses may be recurrent. The licensure examinations are frequently included in tuition when you enroll in a school. This means that enrolling in an inspecting school can help you save money by combining the cost of training and lessons with the cost of the license exam.
Marketing and advertising cost
For home inspectors, marketing is the most undervalued expense. Social media, in-person estate displays, and good old-fashioned cold phoning are all free methods for marketing. However, they are time-consuming, and most inspectors will struggle to generate enough income relying solely on free choices.
The cost of marketing your company might range from nothing to $1,000 or more. To stay busy, you’ll need to create a referral pipeline. Many new house inspectors begin their careers with a “leg up” from a realtor, but you should aim for three or four quality referral partners as soon as possible.
Equipment cost
The last thing you’ll need to buy is house inspection equipment at the very least. Investing in a printer is still a good idea. These can range in price from $70 to $3,000. You’ll also need to account for recurring paper and ink costs. Software packages might cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, however combining things and/or subscriptions can often save you money.
Insurance cost
Insurance can be inconvenient at times, but it is required in many jurisdictions. If yours doesn’t, staying awake at night worrying about all the ways you could be sued or hurt on the job could be worth $600-$1200 a year to help you sleep better.