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What We Look For (And What We Don’t): The Fireplace and Chimney — What’s in Scope for Your Inspection There’s something timeless about a fireplace—until it backdrafts, smokes out the living room, or sends carbon monoxide into your home. That’s why I check every fireplace I can see—but there’s a big difference between a home inspector and a certified chimney sweep. And no, I’m not starting a fire during your inspection. What I Actually Inspect in a Fireplace Firebox – I visually inspect the bricks or panels, look for cracks, gaps, and signs of deterioration or previous repairs. Damper – I test for operation (if accessible) and note rust, damage, or signs that it doesn’t fully open or close. Chimney structure (exterior) – I inspect the visible portions of the chimney for damage, leaning, cracks, missing caps, or poor flashing. Gas starters or logs – I inspect visible piping and note unsafe installations or leaks. But no, I don’t ignite it. What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not ✅ I’m looking for: obvious safety issues, signs of wear, visible damage, rust, smoke staining, and exterior structural red flags. ❌ I’m not starting a fire, removing ash, running a chimney camera, or verifying clearance-to-combustibles. Those are outside the SOP. What a Chimney Sweep Looks For That I Don’t Chimney sweeps follow the NFPA 211 standard, which defines three levels of chimney inspections: Level 1 – A basic inspection of accessible portions of the chimney and fireplace. (Pretty close to what I do visually.) Level 2 – Includes a camera inspection inside the flue and is required after a home sale, major weather event, or if changes are made to the system. Level 3 – Involves opening walls or removing components to investigate serious damage or safety concerns. This is a full-on tear-apart job. I don’t do Level 2 or Level 3 inspections. If I see damage, creosote buildup, or anything that makes me pause, I recommend a certified chimney sweep for a deeper look. It’s not about passing the buck—it’s about keeping you safe. FAQs: Fireplaces During a Home Inspection Do you start a fire in the fireplace to test it? No. Lighting a fire during a home inspection is unsafe and beyond the scope of a visual inspection. I check what I can see, including the firebox, flue opening, and damper. What happens if the chimney is dirty or damaged? If I see heavy creosote buildup, cracked bricks, rusted components, or missing caps, I recommend a certified chimney sweep perform a Level 2 inspection. What if the fireplace is a gas insert? I visually inspect the gas starter or log set. If it’s safe and operational, I note the condition. I do not ignite gas logs or test combustion. Why can’t you see all the way up the flue? Most home inspectors are limited to what’s visible with a flashlight. Chimney sweeps use cameras and tools that allow for internal inspection of the full flue system. → Next up: Post 28: How We Use Thermal Imaging During Inspections ← Previously: Post 26: Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Checks During a Home Inspection Curious what it’s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?

What We Look For (And What We Don’t): Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Checks During a Home Inspection Technically, most inspection standards—like NACHI and ASHI—don’t require appliance testing. They’re considered “personal property” and outside of scope. But here’s the thing: appliances break, leak, or just stop working all the time. They’re also expensive. That’s why I inspect and test them anyway—and I document everything. Our approach at Inspections Over Coffee is simple: if the appliance is permanently installed, plugged in, and safe to test, we’re going to make sure it works. What I Actually Test and Document Dishwasher – I run a full or partial cycle, checking for leaks, drainage, door seal, and proper startup. I take a video. Stove and Oven – I test all burners and the oven at bake temperature. I document temperature rise on digital readouts and take photos of ignition (gas or electric). Microwave – I test basic function with a cup of water and confirm it spins, heats, and stops properly. Washer and Dryer (if installed) – I turn them on briefly to check operation and listen for abnormal noise or vibration. If connected, I document that they powered up and cycled. Refrigerator (if present and running) – I note interior temps, leaks, or visible damage—but I don’t make temperature guarantees. What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not ✅ I’m looking for: appliances that power on, run basic cycles, don’t leak, and don’t present safety risks. I take video/photo proof of each one tested. ❌ I’m not testing: appliance diagnostics, Wi-Fi features, water line pressures, or internal temps beyond what’s visible. And if it’s unplugged or clearly unsafe? I leave it alone and note it. Why This Goes Above Industry Standards Just to be clear: NACHI, ASHI, and most state boards don’t require appliance testing. They classify most appliances as “beyond scope.” But we believe that ignoring them is a missed opportunity to protect the client. If the dishwasher leaks or the oven doesn’t turn on, that’s something a buyer deserves to know—before they move in. FAQs: Appliance Testing During Home Inspections Do all home inspectors test appliances? No. Many don’t. Industry standards don’t require it, and some inspectors skip them entirely. At Inspections Over Coffee, we test and document them as long as they’re connected and safe to operate. What if the appliance is unplugged? If an appliance is unplugged or appears unsafe, I don’t test it. I document the condition and let the client know. Sometimes sellers disconnect units intentionally. Can you guarantee the fridge is cold enough or the oven is accurate? No. I verify that they power on and respond to controls, but I don’t calibrate temps or guarantee long-term performance. That’s outside the scope of a home inspection. Do you include appliance issues in the inspection report? Yes. I note what was tested, whether it operated normally, and include video or photo proof. It’s included in the digital report along with system notes. → Next up: Post 27: The Fireplace and Chimney — What’s in Scope for Your Inspection ← Previously: Post 25: Inspecting Garage Safety — More Than Just a Door Test Curious what it’s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?

What We Look For (And What We Don’t): Inspecting Garage Safety — More Than Just a Door Test The garage is where home inspection myths live. People think we’re here to test the water heater, poke around in attic hatches, or inspect the panel—sure, those might be in the garage, but those systems get covered elsewhere. Here? I’m focused on safety, structure, and whether your garage is going to be a problem waiting to happen. Here’s What I Actually Inspect in the Garage Automatic vehicle door – I test openers, safety sensors, emergency release, and whether the door reverses properly. Yes, I video it. Water intrusion at vehicle door threshold – Garage floors should slope gently out. If I see standing water or evidence of past flooding under the door, I document it. Firewall between garage and home – That drywall between the garage and living space? It’s not just drywall—it’s your first line of defense in a fire. Combustible storage or fire risks – I don’t judge, but if you’re stacking cardboard next to a furnace, I’m going to flag it. What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not ✅ I’m looking for: door safety operation, obvious trip hazards, signs of water intrusion, and missing or damaged fire separation walls. ❌ I’m not inspecting: the water heater, electrical panel, or attic insulation in this post—those are each covered in their own system sections. I also don’t move personal belongings to see behind them. Fire Safety Starts with the Wall You Overlook The wall between the garage and the house is a big deal. It should be fully drywalled, with any attic access or doors rated to slow the spread of fire. I look for breaches, missing tape, or damage. It’s not code enforcement—it’s basic fire safety. Water Intrusion Is a Bigger Deal Than You Think Water entering from under the garage door doesn’t just ruin boxes. It can seep under walls, damage trim, or invite pests. I document stains, rust at metal tracks, or signs that water regularly pools in the garage. FAQs: Garage Inspections Do you inspect the garage door and opener? Yes. I test for full operation, auto-reverse safety, sensor alignment, and visible mechanical condition. I document it with a video. What is a firewall in the garage? It’s the drywall barrier between the garage and living space, intended to slow the spread of fire. I inspect for completeness and breaches. Do you test for leaks in the garage? Only what’s visible. I look for signs of past water intrusion under the door or walls, but I don’t flood test or open walls. Do you inspect the water heater and electrical in the garage? Yes—but not as part of the garage section. Those are inspected under their own categories earlier in the report. → Next up: Post 26: Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Checks During a Home Inspection ← Previously: Post 24: Doors & Windows — How Small Details Reveal Bigger Problems Curious what it’s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?

What We Look For (And What We Don’t): Doors & Windows — How Small Details Reveal Bigger Problems Doors and windows can seem like minor details—until they don’t open, close, or seal the way they should. That’s why I always give them a close look. They’re not just access points—they’re also clues. Especially when they don’t line up, stick, slam, or fog over. And let’s be honest: if you’ve got kids, I’m probably going to find a few dents on the backs of your bedroom doors. That’s not a judgment—it’s part of life. But it can also be a hint that something’s been banged around more than expected. What I Check on Every Door and Window Interior and exterior doors – I open and close all accessible doors. I check latch alignment, gaps, and how they swing. Windows – I open and lock every operable window I can safely reach. I check for stuck sashes, fogging, cracked panes, and broken hardware. Weatherstripping and seals – Drafts, light gaps, or missing trim get noted. Visible damage – Especially on the backsides of doors, window sills, and areas exposed to heavy use or moisture. What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not ✅ I’m looking for: alignment issues, sticking, non-functional locks, fogged double-pane windows, and signs of water intrusion or improper installation. ❌ I’m not looking to: evaluate energy ratings, measure air infiltration rates, or test every single lock or storm window in the house. Why Doors and Windows Tell Me More Than You Think When a door suddenly won’t latch or swings shut on its own, it’s not just annoying—it might be the first sign of foundation movement. Same with windows that suddenly stick in one room but not others. It’s a pattern I’m always watching for. One bad fit? Maybe poor installation. Multiple doors on one side of the house all acting up? That’s structural movement, and it gets flagged. Thermal Imaging Can Reveal More Once I’ve tested function, I use a thermal camera to scan around windows and doors. That’s how I catch cold air leaks, hidden moisture, or missing insulation. Especially in older homes, a clean thermal image doesn’t just look cool—it tells me those windows are still doing their job. FAQs: Doors and Windows During a Home Inspection Do you test every door and window? All accessible ones, yes. I open and close them, test locks, and check operation. If something is blocked or locked by the homeowner, I document it as not inspected. What does a fogged window mean? Fogged double-pane windows have failed seals. That means lost insulation value and potential moisture between panes. I recommend replacement when needed. Why do my doors stick in summer? Seasonal humidity causes materials to swell. But if multiple doors start sticking or misaligning, especially in one area, I check for signs of movement in the structure. Can you tell if my windows are energy efficient? I can’t verify energy ratings, but I do look at overall condition, function, and thermal leakage. Fogging, drafts, or poor operation are noted in the report. → Next up: Post 25: Inspecting Garage Safety — More Than Just a Door Test ← Previously: Post 23: Interior Rooms — Signs of Damage You May Be Overlooking Curious what it’s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?

What We Look For (And What We Don’t): Interior Rooms — Signs of Damage You May Be Overlooking This part of the inspection might look simple—walk through the rooms and make sure things aren’t falling apart, right? But it’s more than that. By the time I’m walking your guest bedroom or primary bathroom, I’ve already been through that space two or three times—checking outlets, plumbing, HVAC airflow. Now I’m taking a step back and asking: what are the walls, floors, and ceilings telling me? What I’m Looking for in Interior Rooms This phase of the inspection is all about damage, distortion, and deterioration. I’m scanning for: Cracks in drywall or plaster – especially around doors, windows, or in corners. Misaligned trim or casing – a subtle hint that the structure has shifted or settled. Uneven or warped flooring – water damage, poor installation, or movement below. Stains on ceilings or baseboards – even faint discoloration can indicate past or active water damage. By Now, I’ve Already Seen This Room a Few Times Think about it. If I’ve already tested your outlets, fixtures, plumbing, and HVAC—all of which come through these rooms—this is like the final pass. This time, I’m looking not at systems, but at symptoms. Some are cosmetic. Some are more serious. I treat every room like a crime scene—but the friendly kind, with thermal cameras and a smile. What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not ✅ I’m looking for: stress cracks, signs of settling or movement, moisture staining, and evidence of deferred maintenance or interior neglect. ❌ I’m not looking to: verify paint types, cosmetic blemishes, or design preferences. I’m also not opening finished walls or performing mold sampling. Clues That Might Point to Structural Problems Some cracks are cosmetic. But others? They’re not. When I see wide diagonal cracks at doors, bowed drywall, sloping floors, or daylight at trim joints, I take a closer look. These symptoms might point to deeper issues with the foundation or framing—and that’s when I recommend structural evaluation. Thermal Imaging Helps Spot Water Issues Beneath the Surface If I just ran all your sinks and tubs and the thermal camera shows a cold patch on the floor, that’s a leak you probably didn’t know you had. Interior moisture is sneaky—it shows up in ceilings, walls, and behind baseboards. Thermal imaging helps me catch it while it’s still invisible to the eye. FAQs: Interior Room Damage During Home Inspections Do small cracks in walls matter? Maybe. Hairline cracks are common in older homes. But larger diagonal cracks near doors or windows may indicate settling or movement. I document them and explain what to watch for. Can you detect hidden leaks behind walls or floors? I use a thermal camera after testing plumbing. If water was just run, I can often see cold patches where water is collecting. I recommend further evaluation if something looks suspicious. Do you report cosmetic issues? Only if they relate to damage or functionality. Scuffed paint or mismatched trim is not something I typically include unless it’s part of a larger issue like water damage or shifting. What if floors aren’t level? I note any visible slope or bounce, especially if it suggests structural movement. A structural engineer can provide a full evaluation if needed. → Next up: Post 24: Doors & Windows — How Small Details Reveal Bigger Problems ← Previously: Post 22: Signs of Plumbing Trouble — What an Inspector Looks For Curious what it’s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?

Week 30 – Systems Breaking, Calls Missed, Growth Pain This week, I realized systems don’t fail—people do (me included): I missed a call this week. Then another. Then I noticed a lead that didn’t get followed up on. Then a scheduled call didn’t happen on time. Suddenly, the systems that had been keeping me sane… were fraying. And the worst part? It wasn’t because the systems were broken—it’s because we weren’t using them. Not consistently. Not fully. Growth exposes weak spots: When it was just me, I could track everything in my head. But now I’m moving faster. I’ve got help. There are more inspections, more Realtors, more client types. And that means the margin for “eh, I’ll just wing it” has disappeared. What I’m learning is this: success actually makes things fragile—unless you’ve got buy-in. Unless *everyone* follows the same process, every time, for every client. That “every call is the first call” mindset: I’ve had to remind myself—and my team, out loud—that while *we* have said the same line a hundred times, the client has never heard it before. It’s *their* first inspection. Their first time hearing about thermal imaging or warranties or the repair addendum process. They don’t know what’s normal. That’s why the script matters. That’s why consistency isn’t optional. What I saw slipping, and how we’re fixing it: Phone calls: Missed voicemails. Incomplete answers. Too casual tone. Now we have a call flow sheet on every desk. Booking details: Incomplete addresses. No agent contact logged. That’s now a required checklist item, not a “nice to have.” Client onboarding: Some calls skipped the pre-inspection walkthrough. Never again. It’s templated and required now. The franchise model had the fix—I just wasn’t enforcing it: The Inspections Over Coffee system already has all of this covered. Call scripts. Follow-up automations. Checklists. The works. But no system runs itself. You have to *use* it. And you have to hold people (and yourself) accountable when it slips. That’s the uncomfortable part of being a leader—not just doing the work, but making sure others do it the right way too. Even when it’s tedious. Especially then. Next step: repeat the basics, relentlessly I’m printing the scripts. I’m practicing role-play with my team. I’m reviewing past calls and holding weekly QA. Because as annoying as it is to fix mistakes, it’s way worse to lose a client because you assumed someone else was “probably following the system.” What I’ll repeat from here on out: Honor the client’s first impression. Speak clearly. Follow the process. Even if I’ve said it 1,000 times—because for them, it’s time number one. That’s what turns a phone call into a five-star review… or a ghosted inquiry into a loyal client. → Next up: Week 31: The Psychology of Homebuyers: What I’ve Learned ← Catch the CEO mindset shift that shook me up: Week 29: Why I Almost Didn’t Do This Week’s Post Learn more about launching your own home inspection franchise.

Week 29 – The Post I Almost Didn’t Write This week, I almost skipped the blog entirely: Not because I didn’t care. Not because I didn’t have time. But because I didn’t feel like I had something clean to say. I wasn’t sure if I was making progress—or just circling. The truth is, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to run a business… versus just doing a job. It hit me mid-drive, audiobook playing in my ear—The E-Myth Revisited. Curt had mentioned it, and I figured I’d give it a shot. Fifteen minutes in, I was pausing every five seconds to process a truth bomb. The core idea? Just because you’re good at the work doesn’t mean you know how to run the business that delivers it. Oof. Owning a job vs. building a business: Right now, I’m a good inspector. I do the work. I answer the phone. I meet Realtors. I give good reports. But am I building something that can function without me? Something I could sell one day? Something that grows beyond my calendar capacity? If I’m honest? Not yet. But that’s starting to change. The mental shift I’m wrestling with: With a franchise like Inspections Over Coffee, a lot of the “work on the business” stuff is already built. Systems. Templates. Tools. Messaging. I’m not guessing. But that doesn’t mean I’ve implemented all of it with intention. It doesn’t mean I’ve personalized it, scaled it, or handed it off. My version of working on the business right now? It’s showing up at inspections I’m not doing. It’s training the way I want future inspectors to observe and communicate. It’s leading coffee meetings and real estate presentations, so I can build brand equity that outlives me. The conversation with Curt that snapped me back into motion: He asked me, “If you stopped inspecting today, what parts of your business would keep running?” My answer? Not enough. So now, I’m starting to identify what needs to run *without me*. That’s real CEO thinking. And honestly, it’s intimidating—but exciting too. What I’m going to focus on next: Pick one system per week. Implement it. Not just turn it on—make it *mine*. Maybe it’s a training checklist. Maybe it’s the new agent welcome kit. Maybe it’s a sales script for admin help. But if I do this right, I’ll end this year with a business—not just a calendar full of work. Why I wrote this post anyway: Because growth isn’t just milestones and revenue jumps. It’s questions. It’s discomfort. It’s the quiet moments in your car where you realize you’ve been building the wrong muscle. This blog is about the real story, and this week? This is what was real. → Next up: Week 30: I Tried Delegating and Totally Fumbled It ← Catch how I learned to adapt to all types of Realtors: Week 28: Three Types of Realtors (and How I Learned to Talk to All of Them) Learn more about launching your own home inspection franchise.

Week 28 – Three Types of Realtors (and How I Learned to Talk to All of Them) The week I was asked to speak at a real estate office—and realized this job is part psychology: This week I stood in front of a dozen Realtors to talk about inspections—what we look for, how we report, and what we do differently at Inspections Over Coffee. It was a huge milestone moment, and an even bigger lesson in communication. Because these agents? They weren’t all the same. Not even close. Realtor Type #1: “The Sky is Falling” Everything is a deal-breaker. Minor moisture at the water heater? “It’s about to explode.” Slight dip in a sidewalk? “Trip hazard lawsuit waiting to happen.” These agents can get spooked easily, and worse, they can accidentally pass that anxiety to the buyer. With them, I’ve learned to be calm and data-driven. I show the photos. I explain what we saw and didn’t see. I talk about scale and solutions, not just symptoms. I’m not dismissive—but I don’t fuel the fear, either. Because buyers need clarity, not chaos. Realtor Type #2: “No Big Deal” These agents brush everything off. “That’s normal.” “They all do that.” “It’s fine.” Sometimes they mean well—trying to keep the deal alive—but that can lead to unrealistic expectations about what should or shouldn’t be addressed. With this group, I respectfully stand firm. I remind them (and the client) that small things can add up. I explain why we document certain issues—not to alarm, but to empower. I stay calm and friendly, but I never understate risk just to keep the vibe chill. That’s not what we’re paid for. Realtor Type #3: “Right Down the Middle” These agents are gold. They understand the balance: advocate for the client, stay professional, keep perspective. They ask good questions. They listen to the answers. They prep their clients well. Honestly, they make my job a joy. But even here, I stay on script. I don’t match their tone—I match the standard. I stay objective. I assume the seller, the buyer, both Realtors, and a contractor are all in the room when I’m speaking. Because they kind of are. The big lesson this week: We can’t mimic personalities. We can’t swing our tone based on who’s most vocal. What we *can* do is speak clearly, fairly, and in a way that respects *everyone* involved—including the house. That’s been my mental model lately: “Be the voice of the house.” Describe what it’s doing, what it’s showing, and what it needs. No spin. No panic. Just truth, respectfully delivered. The franchise training that helped with this: Curt and the IOC team didn’t just train me on systems and tools—they trained me on tone. How to walk through a summary with empathy. How to frame findings in plain language. How to use consistency to build trust. And that training? It saved me from being yanked into emotional whiplash by every Realtor’s reaction. What I’ll do moving forward: Speak as if everyone’s in the room. Keep my delivery calm, clear, and human. And never forget that behind every inspection is not just a system—but a decision. I don’t take that lightly, and I don’t take sides. → Coming up next: Week 29: Dealing With Unexpected Cancellations and No-Shows ← Catch how I hit my first revenue goal: Week 27: I Hit My Monthly Revenue Goal. Here’s How. Learn more about launching your own home inspection franchise.

Week 27 – I Hit My Monthly Revenue Goal. Here’s How. The moment the numbers confirmed the hustle: This week, I crossed a major line: my first $15,000 revenue month. And I’ll be honest—part of me was surprised. Not because I didn’t think it was possible, but because I wasn’t exactly sprinting to the finish line this time. The work felt steady. The phone rang. The schedule filled. And that was the moment I realized: *the system is working.* Looking back, this wasn’t overnight—it was compounding: In the last six months, I’ve had more coffee meetings than I can count. Realtor happy hours. Office drop-ins. Text follow-ups. It felt slow at first. Like planting seeds in frozen dirt. But now, those meetings are turning into real referrals. And those referrals? They’re turning into *repeat* business. I used to wonder how I’d ever hit $15k in one month. Now, I see how it happens: one relationship at a time, multiplied by consistency. The big difference this month? Consistency finally paid off: I didn’t do anything radically different. But now, instead of chasing every single job, I’ve got Realtors calling me directly. I’ve got a few who default to me for every buyer. And that’s not luck—it’s the result of showing up over and over with the same clear message about what makes Inspections Over Coffee different. What’s working now that didn’t work before: Realtor Relationships: I’ve earned trust. That’s why the calls come in without me begging for them. Scheduling Rhythm: My CRM helps me space jobs, manage days, and stay sane. I don’t overschedule, and I don’t leave holes. Marketing Focus: I’m not spraying and praying—I’m doubling down on what works: personal outreach, quality events, and warm follow-up. The lesson that really sunk in: There’s a lag between effort and outcome. For weeks, those Realtor meetings didn’t seem to “pay off.” But now? The flywheel is moving. And I see how the second half of this year could move even faster—because I’m not starting from zero anymore. I’ve got momentum. The franchise support that helped me cross the line: When I felt like things were moving too slowly, Curt reminded me: “You’re stacking bricks. Keep stacking.” And now that the wall’s getting taller? I’m so glad I didn’t try to shortcut the process or chase gimmicks. The brand, the message, the rhythm—it works. You just have to keep working it. Next goal: consistency, not just a one-time win One $15k month is awesome. But now the goal is to repeat it—and eventually grow it. That means even tighter systems, better time management, and maybe… finally… that first hire on the admin side. What I’ll repeat every single month from here out: Stick with the Realtor outreach. Track it. Follow up. Deliver five-star experiences. Ask for the review. And do it all again. Because this month felt good—but I know the next one can be even better. → Next up: Week 28: I Got Asked to Speak at a Real Estate Office ← Catch my 6-month reflection here: Week 26: Halfway Point — Wins, Mistakes, and What’s Next Learn more about launching your own home inspection franchise.

Week 26 – Halfway In: What’s Working, What’s Not, and What’s Next Six months in, here’s what I know for sure: I’ve got some wins under my belt. I’ve got a few bruises. I’ve got a little money in the bank—and more clarity than I’ve ever had about what it takes to build a real business from scratch. This week felt like a natural pause. A halftime huddle. A chance to look up from the daily grind and ask: What’s working? What’s not? And where do we go from here? What’s working (and working *really* well): Messaging: Realtors are repeating my pitch *back* to me—thermal imaging, warranties, drone footage, videos in reports. That tells me the brand is landing. Reputation: I’ve got reviews stacking up, and they’re not just “good”—they’re specific. People mention how thorough, professional, and calm I was. That’s the goal. Referrals: I’ve now gotten multiple clients through past clients and past Realtors. That’s the beginning of real momentum. Cash Flow: I’ve paid myself, covered my expenses, and even built a small emergency fund. It’s not “retire early” money, but it’s real and growing. Where I’ve stumbled (and where I still need work): Consistency in outreach: I know I need 42 Realtor meetings a month. Some weeks I crush it. Some I coast. Coasting = no pipeline. Follow-ups: I’ve left a few warm leads hanging. Not because I forgot, but because I let busy days become a reason to delay. Time blocking: I’m still too reactive with my calendar. If I don’t block time for outreach, admin, and even thinking—I end up feeling behind. Where to spend marketing dollars (and where not to): What’s worth it: Realtor events & happy hours: Small sponsorships = face time + visibility. Targeted print materials: Leave-behinds that actually reflect the brand (not clip art junk). Website SEO help: Not flashy, but long-term gold. I’m finally showing up for “[my city] home inspector.” What’s not: Lead-gen services that promise the moon: They drain money and give me mismatched clients. Generic digital ads: Without targeting or strategy, they’re a black hole. The biggest lesson so far: Doing the work isn’t enough. You have to *direct* the work. That means knowing what matters most and protecting time for it. Systems help. So does coaching. But ultimately, it’s on me to stay focused when the distractions pile up. The franchise edge I feel most grateful for right now: I’ve been spared 100+ painful mistakes because I had someone to call before guessing. Pricing guidance, messaging help, tool recommendations—it’s all added up to momentum I never could’ve built alone this fast. What’s next: structure and scale My goal for the next 26 weeks: lock in structure. Sharpen my daily/weekly rhythm. Build consistency in outreach, delivery, and systems. Then? Look at scaling. First hire. Bigger reach. And maybe—finally—some margin in the calendar to think like a CEO. What I’ll keep doing (without question): Build slowly. Market clearly. Deliver thoroughly. And never pretend I’ve got it all figured out. Because the truth is—I’m halfway in, and just getting warmed up. → Next up: Week 27: I Hit My Monthly Revenue Goal. Here’s How. ← Catch the resource that saved me dozens of mistakes: Week 25: The Most Valuable Franchise Resource So Far Thinking about starting your own business? Check out this franchise opportunity.