How to Start a Home Inspection Business
Thinking of becoming a home inspector? Here's your step-by-step roadmap to launching a profitable home inspection business—without the guesswork.
If you’re looking for a business that combines low overhead, consistent demand, and flexible scheduling, home inspection is one of the most overlooked but rewarding options in 2025. With the right training, tools, and support, you can launch in 30–60 days—and start earning fast.
🚀 TL;DR: Start Smart, Scale Fast
- 🏁 Launch timeline: 30–60 days with a franchise, 6–12 months solo
- 💰 Typical income: $100K–$300K+ with room to scale
- 🔑 Success factors: Certification, systems, marketing, consistency
Step 1: Understand the Industry
The U.S. home inspection industry is booming—powered by ongoing real estate activity and regulatory requirements. Every home sold needs an inspection, which means repeatable, recession-resistant demand.
- Average fee per inspection: $350–$650+
- Monthly volume: 25–100+ inspections
- Add-on revenue: Mold, radon, sewer scopes = thousands more
Franchise vs. Independent: Solo inspectors often struggle with pricing, marketing, or building systems. Franchises like Inspections Over Coffee™ eliminate guesswork and help you scale faster.
Step 2: Get Certified and Licensed
Home inspector certification is required in most states and ensures legal operation and client trust.
- 🛠️ Complete a course with InterNACHI, AHIT, or a state-approved provider
- 🧾 Get licensed (state-specific)
- 🛡️ Obtain liability + E&O insurance
Franchise Advantage: We include certification guidance and walk you through the licensing process, so you don’t miss any crucial steps.
Step 3: Buy the Right Tools
You’ll need reliable, professional-grade equipment to run inspections safely and efficiently.
- Moisture meter, IR thermometer, electrical tester
- Telescoping ladder, flashlight, tablet
- Home inspection software (e.g., Spectora or built-in IOC system)
Startup budget: $4,000–$6,500. Franchisees get vendor discounts and a guided checklist.
Step 4: Choose Your Business Model
| Biz Model | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Solo | Lower upfront cost, full freedom | Must build systems, website, SEO, SOPs, and client pipeline yourself |
| Franchise | Done-for-you systems, coaching, marketing, and clients | Upfront franchise fee (starts under $10K with IOC) |
🔍 Tip: Solo inspectors take 1–2 years to stabilize. IOC franchisees often get there in 3–6 months.
Step 5: Set Up Your Business Operations
- 🏢 Legal Entity: LLC or S-Corp
- 🛡️ Insurance: General liability + E&O
- 📅 CRM + Scheduling Tools
- 🌐 Website + Google Profile + SEO
Franchise Advantage: With IOC, your CRM, website, marketing tools, and support team come ready to go.
Step 6: Market Yourself Like a Pro
Marketing is where most new inspectors fail. To succeed, you’ll need:
- ⭐ Google Business Profile and reviews
- 👥 Real estate agent networking
- 📲 Social media and email campaigns
Franchise Advantage: IOC gives you marketing scripts, email sequences, digital templates, and live training on how to get referrals.
Step 7: Add-On Services = More Revenue
- Mold inspections ($300–$600)
- Radon testing ($150–$300)
- Sewer scopes ($250–$400)
- Commercial property inspections
💰 These extras can boost income by 25–40% with little added cost.
Step 8: Launch & Scale
Once you’re certified, equipped, and marketing, your job is to show up and deliver:
- 📅 Book 25–100+ inspections/month
- 🌟 Earn 5-star reviews
- 📈 Hire and expand
Franchise Insight: Our top operators grow to multi-inspector businesses with additional territories and income streams.
🎓 Bonus: Business in a Box (Franchise Option)
With Inspections Over Coffee™, you get:
- ✅ Full training & licensing help
- ✅ Done-for-you website + SEO
- ✅ CRM + automation + scripts
- ✅ National brand credibility
- ✅ Community + support + templates
Learn more about becoming a franchise partner →
🧠 FAQs: Answered
- Is it profitable to start a home inspection business?
- Yes. Most inspectors earn $100K–$300K annually, especially with add-ons and marketing systems in place.
- How long does it take to get started?
- Solo path: 6–12 months. Franchise path: 30–60 days with tools and support.
- Do I need construction experience?
- No. Many inspectors come from non-construction backgrounds. Training fills the gap.
- How much does it cost to start?
- $54,000–$96,000 all-in with franchise, including tools, CRM, training, and startup capital.
📞 Ready to Take the First Step?
Let’s talk about your goals, your timeline, and what it really takes to succeed in this industry. No pressure. Just clarity.