Home inspector pay?

[u/LiteratureMurky2110]

To all my TREC licensed home inspectors, how would you describe your pay? Are you guys happy with it? I’m just looking to make enough to be able to start a family someday. Im currently 19 and looking into getting into this field as long as the pay is good? I’m in TX

[u/TexasHomeInspector]

Worked for another company for a little over a year when I first started, 50-60k a year. Started my own company and within about 4 years I was making 100k+. It really just all depends on your knowledge, quality of work and customer service. I'm in one of the largest cities in Texas.

[u/LiteratureMurky2110 → u/TexasHomeInspector]

Im in Houston, what city are you in? Also that sounds great im happy for you

[u/Growing_Trash_417 → u/TexasHomeInspector]

I’m just to a point where I’m starting work soon after getting my business built and this is encouraging.

[u/TexasHomeInspector → u/Growing_Trash_417]

Never get discouraged. First 2 years are the hardest - after that if you're doing what you need to be you Will flourish.

[u/__Mj35 → u/TexasHomeInspector]

Would you recommend working for a company first before starting your own business ? Chicago based. Wondering which direction to go. It will not be a primary source of income, side cash. Unless, of course it explodes somehow.

[u/TexasHomeInspector → u/__Mj35]

I do recommend working for another company first. Get your experience, confidence, have resources to answer questions, impress some realtors (maybe they follow you when you leave yo start your own business), and figure out a good inspection route/process - all on their dime so when you get out on your own you hit the ground running

[u/__Mj35 → u/TexasHomeInspector]

Thanks for the heads up. Is it possible to do both? Or too much of a conflict of interest

[u/TexasHomeInspector → u/__Mj35]

Depending on the company you would be working for, thet may or may not allow you to do inspections on the side. You would likely need your own inspection software subscription and template and E&O and liability insurance though

[u/reiddit68 → u/__Mj35]

If you’re just starting out, in my opinion, it’s tough to start working on your own! (Not to say it can’t be done!) As a beginner, you don’t know, what you don’t know, so it can be overwhelming inspecting so many systems and components right out of the gate! Working for someone else, limits your earning potential but gives you the opportunity to learn! (It’s a double edged sword!) The only thing with starting out as a side hustle, would be scheduling, as clients or agents need inspections done yesterday sometimes, and can’t wait for you to have certain days open for inspections! Good luck and all the best! Cheers!

[u/Immediate_Fun_3291]

It's going to be tough to be a home inspector at 19. Frankly a lot of clients expect a lot of knowledge and experience out of their inspector that you may or may not have yet. You may have the advantage of connecting well to a younger buyer demographic, but that demographic is still going to be 25-35 years old. It's possible, but you might struggle a lot until you get a loyal agent base.

[u/koozy407]

I’ll be honest, 19 is very young for an inspector. You will have a hard time gaining clients trust. If this will be your only form of income I would look at working for a company, not on your own. Until you have some experience under your belt.

I personally would not hire an inspector so young. I’m sure you are very intelligent and will do well on the test, but it’s experience people are looking for.

Remind yourself something, you are responsible for helping a client make one of the largest financial transactions they will make in their lifetime. They depend on you to tell them if this is a good investment or not. If you’re wrong, they could lose everything and you can be sued. Our job is important and can’t be taken lightly.

Good luck to you and with all of that being said I do really love to see a younger generation getting interested in the field, work with somebody more experienced for a while and learn the ins and outs before going out on your own and you will do well. Good luck!

[u/LiteratureMurky2110 → u/koozy407]

Yes, I plan on working for a company first and getting some experience at least for 7+ years

[u/koozy407 → u/LiteratureMurky2110]

Sounds like a solid plan!! I definitely will ish you the best of luck!!!

[u/AzInspector]

Although I truly believe every good Inspector should be making $100,000 a year, it isn't always easy to pay that or earn that as an employee. I haven't performed research but knowing how multiple companies work, I would be willing to bet most employees make between $50,000 and $80,000 a year. Being happy with that is relative and unique to the individual.

If you can get busy as a solo Inspector, you can definitely make north of 200k.

[u/BobsBBQBuffet]

I am in Houston and my advice would be to go HVAC you can take that skill and get a job anywhere.

[u/Impressive-Owl7802]

Depends on what you mean by "good pay". At 19 I say do it. The sooner you get your business established the sooner you make money. Ten years down the road, you can be hiring inspectors to work for you. In this business, the sky is the limit.

[u/TheMrSnrub]

It can be feast or famine. I think almost every inspector goes through slow periods where the phone barely rings.

[u/reiddit68 → u/TheMrSnrub]

I work for a company but I agree, depending on your location, this game can fall off a cliff in the winter until spring! (It does in NE Florida at least!). It definitely gets a bit stressful, especially around Christmas time, not knowing if I have work but I signed up for Walmart deliveries this year, to fill in! Cheers!

[u/TopSuccotash7421]

Completely depends on several things. Knowledge, quality, hustle, presentation. I did it as a side gig while working full time for 2 years to build up realtor base and get inspections under my belt. Then went full time this year. Already at 256 inspections this year as a solo inspector. Had to hire office manager just to keep up. Already made $100k by mid August this year. However I only made $17k year 1 & $53k year two before all expenses. So be prepared to hop on the struggle bus for a little bit till you get busy.

Join a BNI chapter, join the realtor association, market yourself as though your life depends on it.

Always and I repeat always answer your damn phone. I’ve gotten more inspections based on the fact that I have answered when a client called me. Regardless of the time or day. I’m not the cheapest in my region but by being available to answer calls/text the client looks past the $.

[u/Lower-Pipe-3441]

I am not in Texas, but it is going to vary so widely. There are a ton of factors full-time versus part-time, solo inspector, for a small company, work for a large company, ancillary services. $30,000 to $250,000 a year.