Change of career...

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by ekartal6

I know of some inspectors (not me) that gross $150,000 or more per year. Unless an inspector has a large family or major debt I fail to see why an inspector of this caliber is not stashing money in an IRA. After expenses that would be about $130,000 gross per year at least. If I was getting paid a salary of $130K (after HI expenses) I personally would not have any problem saving some money.

Yes and can you make a guess as too what fraction of a percentage are doing this well.
I expect they have been doing inspections for many many years.
I would say this pole just gives a small sample of how well Home inspectors are doing .

http://www.nachi.org/forum/showthrea...989#post258989
0-1 3626.47%2-3 3122.79%3-5 3122.79%5-7 139.56%7-10 118.09%10 or more 1410.29%


I expect those who do 10 a lot of these could be draw inspections and pay a lot less?

...... Cookie

[ekartal6]

Sorry Roy,

I messed up my last post.

I think the retiree cash flow problem for many is by the time you are making good money your knees give out.

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by jmichalski

Roy - used to be an InterNACHI member, but my membership recently expired and I am not sure I will rejoin here for a number of reasons, but none of which need to be discussed on this thread. (not trying to org bash - just give you some background)
.

Hope it all works out I always enjoyed your posts.
....... Cookie

[jmichalski]

Thanks for the catch, Roy! I thought I removed all such logos from my site long before I was no longer a member. I forgot to check at the bottom of the page..... Already notified the webmaster to get it off!!!

[jmichalski]

I don't count draw inspections as inspections - they are just gas money (or beer money). If people are counting them in that poll, then that would skew the intent of the question and the results, I think - but that's just one man's opinion.

I'm not saying that people don't fail. I am saying that proportionally few of those who plan well and work hard fail. It is no harder in this business than any other (at least not here) and stats across all small businesses suggest that it is more business sense than inspection-related.

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by ekartal6

Sorry Roy,

I messed up my last post.

I think the retiree cash flow problem for many is by the time you are making good money your knees give out.

Welcome to the real world I mess up frequently.
I am lucky as I can still do the roofs duck walk the CS and I think I have most of my factuality's .
My wife does all inspections with me and she might dispute that I am not a bit senile.

.... Cookie
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[Timothy J. Cureton]

What brings you to Northeast Ohio? It is not the healthiest of place to move to. The economy is down, income taxes are high, the job market is not the greatest, but the cost of living is not unreasonable. Just curious as to why you would pick this area over anywhere else in the States.

[Lee J. Muray]

Originally Posted by tcureton

What brings you to Northeast Ohio? It is not the healthiest of place to move to. The economy is down, income taxes are high, the job market is not the greatest, but the cost of living is not unreasonable. Just curious as to why you would pick this area over anywhere else in the States.

My wife's family are from that area, and we want to be close to them...in fact, we'll be living with them for a few months initially, until we find our feet.

Bournemouth is very wealthy, but the cost of living is high. I make £600 -£800 a week ($1200 - $1600) and I still know I'll never be able to afford to buy a home here.

Plus, it's the "Birthplace of Aviation"

[Timothy J. Cureton]

You will find the price of homes in this area very reasonable. The best deals are the repo's if you have the patients to fix them up. Other homes with less work to be done are not too much more expensive. Good luck!

[David B. Manley]

Joe..

Great advice....!

Been there and did the same. Five years later, over 3000 inspections and getting ready to take my services statewide.

Lee, what you need to understand is that everyone manages their business differently. Those that have passed on to other vocations probably shouldn't have been in the industry to begin with or just didn't know how to manage it. But don't plan on being in the black the first 18 months.

Like any other business, market research is key. Market density, transaction volume, competitor base and average dollar per inspection are all relevent terms. Hell, open up next door to me! We can race out the driveway in the morning...lol

Inspectors that know their profession, manage their business like a professional, respect the industry and remain diplomatic during the transaction...well they tend to stay in business. Those that do nothing other than piss and moan about how bad they have it or how the competition is kicking their ***...well that is why they are or will be a statistic.

If you decide to dive in to our profession, remember that at times can be cut-throat so keep the left hand up and watch for the jab. Other than that...welcome. And if you're ever in Florida, let's get a pint!

[RAY THOROMAN]

Hi Lee,

Short story I say go for it. Do the necessary research and preparation. Start part time if you have to. Not sure what type of regulations you have in your area but if they are minimal to none, then you have a small operating expense.

What the worst that could happen no work? At least you will have the tools, know-how, and slowly gain experience.

Example I used to do contracting for several years. I still have all my tools and contractors license even though I have not done any contracting in almost 4 years, I could very easily find work tomorrow if I needed to.

Good Luck,
Ray
http://www.inspectorpages.com/rthoroman
http://www.choosesuperiorinspection.com

Home Inspector in Atlanta, Athens, Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Duluth, Gainesville

[Tom A. Munds]

Originally Posted by Lee J. Muray

Hi everyone,
I hope that, for a first post, what I'm trying to find out is not too broad

I run a small but quite successful Carpentry business in the UK, but when my family and I relocate to NorthEast Ohio in the springtime, I'm considering a career change.

I've been interested in Home Inspection services for a while now, and although I love the finish carpentry work I do currently in England, I feel that if I'm to change professions, my arrival in the States would be a good time to do it. I will be living with the In-laws for a year or so, and I'd be more inclined to work independently rather than as an employee.

This might sound like a Resume, but here goes...

My strengths are:
Strong marketing knowledge, and an understanding of how to run a business;
Excellent communication skills;
Good with my hands;
Practical hands on knowledge of construction and industry standards;
Handle paperwork clinically and methodically.

My questions to you folks, in the know, are;

1) In what appears to be a saturated market, do the better professionals with investment in knowledge and experience earn a good enough living, or is there too much competition from other certified - and non certified - inspectors to make a healthy income.

2) With a background such as mine and a significant amount of dedication to study and research, how long would it take for me to become one of those professionals that I mentioned above. Very subjective, I know, but I'd appreciate whatever you can tell me from experience

3) As apposed to a $3000 - $4000 investment in Carpentry tools, what kind of investment would be necessary initially when starting from scratch.

Any advice would be much appreciated, in the meantime I'll keep searching the archived posts.

Regards

Lee

I'm sorry the news we give you is no any better. I am in Idaho and we were pretty saturated too. We had somewhere around 160 inspectors in our area and w/in the last 6-8 monthes were down to less thn 100.( In SW Idaho anyway. One other thing to think about would be E&O Insurance and General Liability, Some say to carry 1M policy which is about 3800.00/year.
I do it because its fun, I have way too much money invested to turn back now. Good Luck!