Before new homeowners can take control of their new residence, most require a home inspection. Home inspection franchises are a crucial part of the home buying process. These essential home services prevent buyers from purchasing a home without knowing about potentially expensive issues. That makes owning a home inspection franchise rewarding and an in-demand opportunity that can thrive in nearly any market.

More than 90 percent of home sales include a home inspection. Though some choose to start their own home inspection businesses from scratch, a franchise can help you get started quicker. Franchise opportunities give aspiring business owners access to proven systems and recognizable brand names.

Why buy a Home Inspection Franchise?

Home inspections as a career or business opportunity can be very appealing.  Owning your own home inspection franchise offers:

  • Flexibility
  • The chance to be your own boss, and
  • The satisfaction of helping others

Despite the many disruptors facing real estate, home inspections are not vulnerable to similar disruptors — someone still has to examine the property to document its condition!

Dispelling the Myths

You only get business from real estate agents.Part of a successful home inspection marketing strategy is networking with other real estate professionals in addition to agents.  There are many moving parts to every real estate transaction and it is important to know who’s who and connect with all potential contacts that may have the need for a home inspection professional. Also, if you provide exceptional customer service, you will grow your business through word-of-mouth as eluded to further on in this article.

You need to have a construction background. It can be an added benefit to have a background in construction, but it is not a necessity. Some of the best home inspection entrepreneurs come from corporate backgrounds, other franchise careers, and everything in between.  Access to professional training and ongoing support is the key to quality and is essential regardless of one’s background.

It’s not a very high-tech profession.Every day, technology is changing our lives and the home inspection business is no exception.  With digital images in reports, online scheduling, email and social media marketing, and high tech tools of the trade such as infrared devices, technology plays an important role in the business.

All home inspectors are created equal. Beyond what the inspector inspects, how an inspector executes the customer experience can be very different and can make or break the inspector’s success. Word of mouth referrals are a big part of the business; rapport with the customer is as important as professionalism.

Home inspections are your only source of income. There are several different types of inspections that you can offer as a home inspector.  In addition to standard home inspections, there is a large market for pre-sale inspections for home sellers, and specialized inspections such as WETT, Septic, and Environmental tests such as Radon and Mould screenings, Vermiculite and Asbestos testing, and much more!

How much does a Home Inspection Franchise cost?

An initial investment in a Canadian Home Inspection Services franchise costs anywhere between $20,000 and $35,000. Most other home inspection franchises fall somewhere in between $40,000 and $60,000.

This is one of the most affordable franchise businesses to break into since many franchisees can run their operations from home and without a lot of overhead.

Do You Need a Home Inspection License?

There is currently no license required to become a home inspector in Ontario.  That being said, there is legislation pending that will require inspectors to obtain a license in the future.  More information about this initiative can be found here: 2017 Home Inspection Act

The Bottom Line

Once you start to build some business, providing quality service can help you grow through word of mouth. A Canadian Home Inspection Services franchise allows you to sidestep a lot of that initial setup work. Starting with an established brand and set of processes can help you get off the ground much faster with your franchise.

Home inspection is a valuable real estate service that isn’t going away anytime soon. This makes it a smart franchise investment for those who want to own their own business in an industry with plenty of room for growth.  When it comes to the home inspection business, there is more than meets the eye!

If you are looking to join a supportive team of inspectors who work together and help each other so no questions are ever unanswered, this is the opportunity for you.  Canadian Home Inspection Services has a comprehensive and very informative web presence and social media infrastructure that helps deliver business leads.  Customers rely on our expertise and often refer to our website for answers to home inspection and general construction information.

To learn more about a franchise opportunity with Canadian Home Inspection Services, visit our Franchise web page.  We look forward to a successful partnership and to helping you grow your home inspection business.