Thinking of the HI biz..questions on training

[Mark C. Ferro]

Hi Ralph, I took the Carson Dunlop HI program through correspondance that was offered through a community college here in Hamilton Ontario and was granted a College Certificate for completion of the program.

I took the 10 course program part-time over a 2.5 year period at a total cost of approx $5000 Canadian (that included all the texts and CD Roms). I also went out on about 10 inspections with a local HI in my area for practical experience. In my opinion there is no substitute for proper training in this field.

[Greg Veal]

Ralph,

Sounds like you have the basis to start, made some decisions, go for it.

Good Luck

[Ralph Morella]

Originally Posted by gveal

Ralph,

Sounds like you have the basis to start, made some decisions, go for it.

Good Luck

Thanks Greg..Since we are in the same area I am sure we will eventually meet. Possibly at a training event here in Atlanta. Or just for coffee to talk HI....

Anyway, I am looking forward to this business. As I mentioned earlier, I am looking to do this on the weekends to start. I am not planning on quitting my day job to pursue this unless I can be sure I can make the same amount of $. I am hoping to get myself established in case my IT job gets outsourced. Hopefully not for a couple of years.

Ralph

[Dan Bowers, CMI]

Ralph -

What Erby said is correct. My comments were not intended to sway you away from a course like what Erby mentioned. Its just expensive (last time I checked it was around $3,900 or so for 1 week including room and board). One of my high school buddies kids recently got into HI in another state and needed to attend a school approved in that state. ITA was approved in his state. He flew to the school (couple of states away); stayed in a newer "Extended Stay America Hotel" (with kitchenette, etc); meals while there; and paid for the tuition, books, etc for what he said was $3,150 AND he got more experienced instructors. At the school I teach at: the 8 Day Course; hotel stay (if needed) in nearby motel with kitchenette, food, tuition, books and flying in from either coast (if needed) would be about $3,200.

I was the local ASHI Chapter President when the 2 principles of the school Erby discussed were 1st reviewed for Full ASHI Membership, so I'm fully aware of who they are, etc.

[Greg Veal]

Ralph

Email me at vealhomeinspection@yahoo.com if you want to get together. I'm not an instructor, I haven't seen it all or done it all, but I 'm willing to share what I can. I love to talk, so says my wife and friends and clients about what I do.
You're IT savey, that's obvious, and I was going to suggest going on line with Kaplan/ITA for initial training. The also have a local Atlanta Office/Training center. I'm probably going to sign up for a couple of courses through the winter/spring.
But since you have already signed up and started, have fun.

[Ralph Morella]

Thanks Dan...

I wanted to keep local if possible. The training I signed up for suits my current work schedule because it is on Saturdays. They also provide a membership for $500/yr which allows you to get E&O insurance for S1350/yr. As anyone knows, when starting out in this business, a new HI is lucky if he/she can get E&O for less than $3000 (At least from what I have seen). And the membership also provides another avenue for referrals.

Anyway, I am looking forward to starting this business up after the first of the year. Working on all the necessary details while I am attending the training.

Ralph

[Ralph Morella]

Thanks Greg.

I will definitely look you up after the first of the year. Maybe sooner..

Ralph