10 Hottest Homebased Businesses For 2000

If you don't mind climbing ladders and slithering into tight crawl spaces, home inspection might be the right business for you. A booming housing market is creating a demand for inspectors nationwide the country, says Don Crawford, former president of the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) and owner of Crawford Inspection Services in Hillsboro, Oregon. Realtors and lenders are calling on home inspectors to satisfy the requirements of their clients, who usually don't welcome unpleasant surprises like leaky basements in their new homes. And while the federal government doesn't yet require inspections as a condition for obtaining FHA and VA mortgage loans, it's strongly recommended. As a result of these factors, the vast majority of homes sold in the future will be inspected.

Little capital is needed to launch the business-$1,000 for basic tools (such as ladders, flashlights and screwdrivers), work clothes, safety gear, business cards and a business phone line should get you started. A home inspector's biggest annual expense is liability insurance, which can cost between $1,500 and $2,000.

States vary in their licensing or certification requirements; check with your state's department of labor before opening your doors. But even if licensing isn't required, Crawford suggests that to be competitive, home inspectors should take a training course offered by NAHI or a local community college. Experienced home inspectors charge about $250 per job, and perform between three and eight inspections every week with each visit lasting about two hours.

Thoroughness and attention to detail are important characteristics of a home inspector. Just as essential, though, are good communication skills. Inspectors generate most of their business through referrals from realtors, attorneys and contractors, so they need to be able to network well. In addition, they work closely with home buyers who aren't always noted for their calm, relaxed attitudes. "This is a stressful time for customers," Crawford says, "so you need to be professional and keep your standards high."-Pamela Rohland

For More Information

National Association of Home Inspectors
4248 Park Glen Rd.
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55416
(800) 448-3942, (612) 928-4641
www.nahi.org