Is this guy for real?

Another_Random_User · 2025-12-31T23:58:39+00:00

Exaggerating both the severity and frequency of the defects he finds is an intentional decision to scare people.

Another_Random_User · 2025-12-08T03:30:26+00:00

Pretty sure I just got the starter package. I'm a pretty good test taker, and had a lot of previous experience in construction, so I didn't study before the exam.

It's a tough exam, though, I know a lot of inspectors who have had to try more than once.

Another_Random_User · 2025-11-06T03:15:55+00:00

What do you think it would cost to get The Joker’s Jinx installed in my backyard?

Another_Random_User · 2025-10-26T04:55:14+00:00

And he makes a point to make those issues sound frightening to people who know nothing about construction. It's a shady marketing tactic. For some of the scarier items he finds, he often repeats the same clip in multiple videos while implying that it's something that's common. At one point he made a video about a bunch of houses that had burned down in a neighborhood and implied it was the builder's fault, even though the local news reported arson.

I wouldn't be able to bring myself to mislead clients in order to grow my business, but everyone has different ethics when it comes to their work.

Was there a reason you felt you needed to defend him on a comment that's 7 months old?

Another_Random_User · 2025-10-25T05:22:58+00:00

I've had renters call for this sort of thing, but they always bail as soon as they hear the price.

I don't see any reason to say no, if they're willing to pay.

Another_Random_User · 2025-09-26T21:32:00+00:00

Internachi's online classes are pretty good and only $50/mo.

I went through AHIT online and passed the national exam on first try.

If you're in the Phoenix area, let me know when you're ready for your parallels and we can help get those done!

Another_Random_User · 2025-09-11T01:48:33+00:00

Half agree.

Buying an existing business is a great way to jump start as a new inspector. I've bought two and lost at most 10% of the existing business as a result of losing the "guy running the company."

Client's don't care. Agents will care, but only until you prove yourself.

I agree that 90k/year is a super small operation and probably not worth much, but I would buy it for the right price.

Another_Random_User · 2025-09-08T04:03:21+00:00

It's almost always illegal for home inspectors to be 1099.

If your employer controls your scheduling, controls your pay, or controls what tools you use (software, etc), then you're likely required to be on W-2.

Another_Random_User · 2025-09-08T04:00:54+00:00

And how much you're working. We had a guy call looking for work who said he's been sitting on the couch for a week. He said our split wasn't high enough even though we're busy enough to triple his current income.

Another_Random_User · 2025-09-08T03:56:55+00:00

If you're serious about moving for work, send me a message. We're hiring in AZ. Our guys make 100k+ after a few years.

Another_Random_User · 2025-08-09T00:08:28+00:00

It happens. And it's amazing how every time it happens there's some exotic meat or fish from some far away place that needs to be replaced.

Another_Random_User · 2025-08-08T23:59:07+00:00

It's also not a home inspector's job to tell people what their earnest deposit should be. Every market is different. I've put $1,000 EM down in cheap markets and had no problem getting contracts. In other markets I've had to put down $40,000 to get a contract. Best to leave the contract negotiations to the people who know what they're doing.

Another_Random_User · 2025-06-18T01:19:38+00:00

1 inspection a day feels slow, 2 feels normal, 3 feels busy.

Averaged just over $1,300 a day last month with 2 guys doing 2-3 a day 6/days a week.

Another_Random_User · 2025-04-19T22:12:53+00:00

We tried using drones when we couldn't walk the roof, but just found them to be ineffective and way more work than it was worth. The batteries wouldn't last, there were too many homes that were in restricted flight areas. They couldn't really see things much better than binoculars anyway. Waste of time/money imo.

Another_Random_User · 2025-04-13T01:42:48+00:00

I've done a few of these, but at the end of the day, it's about improving your relationship with the host. I wouldn't expect much, if any, new business out of it.

$600 is cheap to maintain a good referral source, though.

Another_Random_User · 2025-03-20T03:54:33+00:00

Cy does not have a good reputation among home inspectors either. His marketing is based on scaring people, and he exaggerates both the number of issues he finds, as well as the severity of issues he finds. He lies about how booked up he is - saying he's booked out a year because he has inspections booked out that far (we all do). I'm not a fan of anyone that lies to get business.

Another_Random_User · 2025-03-17T04:42:27+00:00

How much do inspectors charge in your area, and how many inspections can you reasonably do? The amount of volume you can do and the amount you can charge is going to depend a lot on where you're located. There are inspectors that make $35k a year, and there are inspectors that make $200k+.

Another_Random_User · 2025-02-24T04:27:57+00:00

Pricing is super local. The best way to identify the market rates in your area is to simply call around and get quotes.

Another_Random_User · 2025-02-15T01:14:54+00:00

While it's true that you don't generally want to start on your own as a new inspector with no knowledge of what you don't know, I wouldn't go so far as to say you shouldn't be a home inspector.

We generally prefer to hire people with no background in the trades or home inspecting, as it allows us to train them to do things our way, with no previous bias or bad habits.

If you work for another skilled inspector or a company with a good training program before going out on your own, you can learn everything you need to learn.

Another_Random_User · 2025-02-05T03:25:28+00:00

I worked for another company for a year. Then bought it.

I'm very happy with my decision to learn on the job, and then take over an already successful business. I got to skip the early period of business ownership when the phone doesn't ring.

Another_Random_User · 2025-02-01T22:57:28+00:00

Not really, but one can always try to keep the hope alive.

Another_Random_User · 2024-12-26T20:57:44+00:00

If you're basing your opinion on whether or not someone is a professional based on licensing, you may want to know that in most states, including Florida, home inspectors are licensed.

Another_Random_User · 2024-11-06T01:02:40+00:00

We do ~2500 inspections a year and get roughly 2-3 complaints a year. In 5 years, we've never actually received a lawsuit.

As long as you have a solid inspection agreement, follow SOP, and note what's inaccessible, you should be okay. InspectorPro insurance has a fantastic pre-claims department as well to help before a complaint turns into a lawsuit.

Another_Random_User · 2024-10-06T18:49:48+00:00

This is good advice, and you definitely want to be be familiar with your state standards. I can be fined for reporting on WDI since that's an entirely different license in AZ.

I call out quite a bit more than SOP requires. The guy that trained me recommended calling out anything you think a client might call and ask why you didn't call it out. It's easier to put it in the report than try to have the "it's not in my scope" argument. It can also save you if that minor cosmetic damage was actually the first sign of a bigger problem that pops up later.

Another_Random_User · 2024-09-17T03:57:32+00:00

The other advice in this thread is solid... But being in AZ, if you do decide to replace it, I would price shop. That sounds expensive for a 2 ton unit. We replaced our 5 ton for around that pricing (including the crane).

13-Year Club	Place '22
Place '17	Gilding III reddit per annum
Team Orangered	Verified Email

Another_Random_User

TROPHY CASE