Is a Home Inspection Business Profitable?
Breaking Down the Numbers, Margins, and Real Potential
Yes, a home inspection business can be very profitable—especially when you build it with the right systems. Most successful inspectors earn between 65–80% gross margin. That means for every $100 they make, they keep around $65 to $80. Many earn over $100,000 a year, and that number can grow when you add services or build a team.
The Simple Math
| Metric | Part-Time Solo | Team-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Jobs per Month | 25 | 100+ |
| Avg. Revenue per Job | $400 | $650+ |
| Monthly Gross | $10,000 | $65,000 |
| Operating Cost % | 35% | 70% |
| Potential Profit | $6,500 | $19,500 |
Even part-time inspectors can earn $3K–$5K a month with very little overhead.
Why Home Inspection Has High Margins
- No office needed
- Can start solo
- No shipping or inventory
- Tools last for years
- Expenses are fixed or grow slowly
Once you're trained and have your gear, each new job adds mostly profit.
How to Make Even More
- Add-on Services: Mold, radon, sewer scopes, pools, or commercial inspections can raise job revenue by 30–50%.
- Premium Packages: Offer faster reports, priority slots, or home health audits for more income per job.
- Hire Inspectors: One new team member doing 10 jobs/week can bring in $234K in revenue annually.
Franchise vs. Starting Alone
| Factor | Independent | Franchise w/ Inspections Over Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Ramp-Up Time | 12–24 months | 3–6 months |
| Branding Cost | High | Included |
| Training | Optional | Included + Ongoing |
| Confidence Level | Low (new) | High (proven) |
| Liability Risk | High | Lower with systems |
What Kills Profit (and How IOC Fixes It)
- Slow start? IOC launches fast with tested systems.
- Bad marketing? IOC includes campaigns and SEO.
- Too much tech cost? Tools like CRM, scheduler, and reports are bundled.
- Burnout? You get templates, admin help, and support from peers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How soon can I make money?
- Most franchisees are cash-flow positive in 3–6 months.
- What’s the average profit margin?
- Solo inspectors often keep 65–80% of revenue.
- How much can I earn?
- Solo: $150K–$300K+. Teams can go far beyond that.
- Is there too much competition?
- Demand keeps growing. With our brand and exclusive territories, you stand out.
Want Real Support on the Path to Profit?
If you're curious and crunching numbers, let's talk. We’ll show you how this business really works—and how it can work for you.