<span class="hide-blog-title">The Franchise Informant</span>A resource for National Property Inspections and Global Property Inspections franchisees, aspiring entrepreneurs and real estate professionals.https://npifranchise.com/Blog/PostsNational Property Inspections Franchisee Spotlight: Chris Harrhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1572/national-property-inspections-franchisee-spotlight-chris-harrFranchise,Inspection TipsTue, 19 Dec 2023 21:00:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">NATIONAL PROPERTY INSPECIONS FRANCHISEE SPOTLIGHT: CHRIS HARR</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> December 19, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/motivation">motivation</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p>In our Franchisee Spotlight series, we like to take some time to recognize the efforts of some of our most outstanding franchises. Every year, we partner with new inspectors and seasoned professionals seeking extra support to take their businesses to the next level. While our marketing, technical support, and national accounts all work together for ongoing assistance, we think that one of the most impactful resources our partners gain when joining the NPI family is access to some of the best business owners in the inspection industry.</p> <p>Today’s feature is Chris Harr and his team from <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/harr/">NPI Columbus SE</a>: our 2023 Franchise of the Year. Veterans of the industry, the Harr Team has served Central Ohio since 2002, and in that time, they have established themselves as consummate professionals. They are prime examples of NPI’s core values–Honesty, Integrity, and Professionalism. The Harrs are true mentors, and we’re always excited to see what new strategies their team discovers. With that said, let’s discuss who the Harrs are and what makes them stand out.</p> <p style="margin-top: 30px"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/2023/InVision-94.jpg?ver=CA0gI-QrKrc5c-7Ei1_cLQ%3d%3d" width="100%" /><br /> <em>Chris Harr pictured with his sons Jake and Will at the 2023 InVision Conference Awards.</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">NPI Columbus SE & the Harr Family</span><br /> Founded in 2002, NPI Columbus SE has performed over 15,000 residential inspections and over 5,000 commercial inspections as a family unit. Owner Chris Harr founded the operation, but the business grew quickly with his father-in-law Dave, and his sons Tom, Jake, and Will all joining as additional inspectors. Each member of the family adds their own strengths and perspectives to the organization, making a well-oiled machine.</p> <p>The Harrs also make use of a number of different outlets to bolster their marketing efforts. Check out Tom Harr’s <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFzcBukq2b4" target="_blank">video series</a> breaking down the essentials of home inspections for their clients and agents. NPI Columbus SE continues to innovate and offer new services like indoor air quality testing with <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.airadviceforhomes.com/" target="_blank">AirAdvice</a>.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Specialty Services</span><br /> Today, Chris and his team offer a wide array of services starting with buyer’s inspections, seller’s pre-listing inspections, draw inspections for new construction, and <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/harr/builderswarranty">builder's warranty inspections</a> for new homes. In addition to these services, the NPI Columbus SE team is also licensed and trained to perform radon testing, SewerScans, termite inspections (WDO/WDI), and well water potability and quality inspections.</p> <p>One thing that sets the Harr team apart from their competition is their 6-month warranty. Covering electrical systems, interior plumbing systems, HVAC, and appliances, Chris and his team are able to show how much confidence they have in their work while giving their clients additional peace of mind.</p> <p>Chris Harr and his family have been a staple of the NPI family, and we couldn’t be prouder to recognize them with 2023’s Franchise of the Year honor. To learn more about NPI and its legacy of excellence, check out a few <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Testimonials">testimonials</a> from our franchisees! Interested in learning more about franchising with NPI? Request your <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">free info packet</a> today.</p> 1572Hold The Phone: How Do You Turn Price-Shoppers Into Paying Clients?https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1569/hold-the-phone-how-do-you-turn-price-shoppers-into-paying-clientsBusiness Tips,Inspection Tips,MarketingTue, 28 Nov 2023 20:27:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOLD THE PHONE: HOW DO YOU TURN PRICE-SHOPPERS INTO PAYING CLIENTS?</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> November 28, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=marketing">Marketing</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/client-satisfaction">client satisfaction</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Kimberly Stevens, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Marketing & Business Coach</em></span></p> <p>As a small business owner, getting your phone line to start ringing can sometimes be a difficult task, but once those prospective clients’ calls begin to roll in, that doesn’t always mean you’ll be booking inspections right and left. Often, a lack of conversions can be due to the fact that while some people might make an inquiry, many would-be clients are likely to get a second, third, or even fourth opinion on their search for the best price (or in other words, the lowest price).</p> <p>Marketing experts over at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.firstinsight.com/blog/price-vs-quality-what-matters-most-to-consumers#:~:text=Conclusion,the%20optimal%20price%20and%20value." target="_blank">First Insight</a> break it down by explaining that all businesses are battling the top two deciding factors for consumers: price and quality. The best business owners endeavor to offer a product that is uniquely valuable to their clients, something that goes above and beyond their competition, hoping to become the obvious preferred option. If an entrepreneur has confidence in their product but they aren’t closing the deal, then the problem lies in their ability to <em>explain</em> their product or service’s strengths, leaving potential clients to default to price as the deciding factor.</p> <p>This situation can be incredibly frustrating for owners who are scratching and clawing, trying to find some way to gain traction. The good news is that turning price-shoppers into paying clients is a skill that can be improved with a bit of strategy and practice. To get started, let’s discuss a few things that are essential in instilling confidence in your future clients.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Introduce Yourself And Your Business</span><br /> Once you answer a phone call, the timer has already started in your responsibility to earn your client’s trust. Hopefully, the caller has visited your business website already and has been impressed by your brand, knows your service offerings, and has a familiarity with your industry. But, entrepreneurs should never assume what a caller knows. The first step in earning a client’s trust, is to guide them through the information that they need to know with respect and professionalism.</p> <p>Start with your business’ name first, then introduce yourself: “Hello, <em>[Business Name]</em>, this is <em>[Your Name]</em>. How can I help you?”</p> <p>Though this may seem to be a basic step, this simple procedure does wonders to establish an air of organization and professionalism, as well as to take control of the conversation. Odds are that callers know very little about your specific business and your specific background, so business owners who take the time to mention their unique qualifications, their experience, and their business differentiators throughout the conversation can build their credibility. A credible, experienced business owner is much more likely to earn a client’s trust, than someone who rushes to the quote during a phone call.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Ask Clarifying Questions</span><br /> Every request for a quote should involve a level of clarifying questions if you want to give an accurate expectation, but asking the right questions can also contribute to booking the job. More details can reveal whether they’d be good candidates for additional services or if specific tools might be required to complete the job. In home inspections, learning the neighborhood can also tip off unique expectations if you’ve worked in that area in the past or are familiar with that builder’s tendencies.</p> <p>From the client’s view point, needing to answer more robust questions to get to the quote reveals a knowledge base that they may not have been expecting. Simply showing that you are informed on the nuances of your profession here shows clients much more than a quick quote. Additionally, business owners would be wise to ask about how the caller found their number during the initial inquiry. Was it through a Google search? A referral from a friend? Somewhere else? Knowing what outlets are getting your name out there can help your business whether you book the job or not.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Discuss Your Process</span><br /> After introductions and asking questions, offering to explain the full process of your services should be an essential step of every call. In residential inspections, homebuyers or sellers may look for an inspection simply because someone advised them to do so. Chances are actually pretty high that your explanation of the process could be the first time that the caller hears what your service is and why it is necessary.</p> <p>If a caller still decides to get other quotes, that first clean and clear run-down of what the service actually is will stick with them and, in all likelihood, they will defer back to the person that took the time to explain it to them. Becoming an expert in your profession is one thing, but being able to describe the service to someone unfamiliar with the industry is often what separates successful businesses from the ones that are still finding their footing.</p> <p><em>Note: Finding the right way to schedule a job can also be a time to encourage a caller to make a commitment. Rather than ask the caller for their preferred date, offer them a specific day and time that works in your schedule. It may be shocking, but taking this small decision off their plate with the assumption that they’ll book with you can have a massive impact on overall conversions.</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Explain What Differentiates You From The Competition</span><br /> The goal of many of the points mentioned in this article is basically to get a conversation going. In any service industry, people will tend to give business to anyone that they’ve developed a previous relationship with. Meeting someone new over the afford doesn’t allow for much time to build up a rapport, so business owners should take special consideration on what they can bring up in their limited window to help them stand out from their competition.</p> <p>If you offer a special warranty or unique promotion, be sure to mention that during your conversation. If you are active in your community, or your business has a special relationship with another organization, it may be wise to bring that up as well. Anything that helps get your unique values across to the caller will result in you becoming the memorable, natural option.</p> <p><em>Note: When discussing your values, bring up a story that exemplifies how your business specifically prioritizes these things. Stories are far more memorable in general, and are much more convincing than a simple claim, so rather than saying you value honesty or integrity, remember to bring up a specific example instead! <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/how-to-strengthen-engagement-on-social-media-through-storytelling">Click here</a> to learn more about how learning to tell stories can benefit your business.</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Convert On The Conversion</span><br /> Employing these strategies into your phone calls will surely help your ability to convert a price shopper into a paying client, but why stop there? Happy, satisfied clients can benefit your business beyond a single basic service, so consider bringing up your add-on services if they are relevant to the client. The key here is to be genuine about these additional services - if you don’t truly believe that you’re adding value to your client, then don’t force something on them that they don’t want or need.</p> <p>Take time to describe future services that they might want to have on their radar, and check with them to see if they’d like a reminder email or follow-up phone call six months or a year down the line. If you’ve established a good rapport with the client, a single job could lead to another, and consistently requesting reviews further turns that client’s positive experience into a convincing endorsement for future business. Calls asking for quotes can seem tedious, and too many of them without booking is certainly discouraging. But with the right mindset and strategy in place, that first phone call can be a pathway for success!</p> <p><em>Did you know that National Property Inspections offers training and opportunities for franchisees to practice and improve upon their public speaking and relationship building skills? Learn more about the benefits of franchising with NPI today with a <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">free info packet</a>.</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://www.npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/kim-05.jpg?ver=2019-03-11-150141-657" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Kimberly Stevens, <em>Marketing & Business Coach</em></span><br /> The baby of eight children, Kimberly learned quickly to master the art of communication in order to be heard. She has been with NPI for more than 15 years and is passionate about getting to know our franchisees. Kimberly is a certified marketing and business coach, trainer and speaker, leading training seminars, one-to-one coaching and more. She's a high-energy, fiery red head and an eternal optimist. Her greatest joy is celebrating our franchisees’ victories!</div> </div> 1569Key Steps For Managing Your Work Vehicle As A Home Inspectorhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1560/key-steps-for-managing-your-work-vehicle-as-a-home-inspectorBusiness Tips,Inspection TipsTue, 07 Nov 2023 16:30:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">KEY STEPS FOR MANAGING YOUR WORK VEHICLE AS A HOME INSPECTOR</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> November 7, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Jon McCreath, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span></p> <p>When imagining life as a home inspector, naturally one’s mind jumps to the on-site experience of gathering photos of a house’s interior and landscape, as well as maybe climbing onto a roof or roaming through a crawl space. What people who haven’t actually been a home inspector may not realize is that a surprisingly large amount of our time is actually spent in the car, traveling between locations, especially if you’re an inspector that serves a larger or mostly rural region.</p> <p>Keeping your work vehicle looking sharp and in working order is crucial to running a professional, successful property inspection business. Although you may have a great system already in place, here are a few reminders about how to take care of your mobile property inspections headquarters!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">The Importance of Vehicle Maintenance</span><br /> Keeping a consistent routine of vehicle maintenance and servicing appointments scheduled should be a normal piece of your business’s expenses each year. While it may seem obvious, if an inspector’s vehicle breaks down or is delayed on the way to a job, their entire day’s schedule could be thrown off. Emergencies happen, of course, but changing plans at the last minute can come across as unprofessional, especially if it becomes a regular occurrence.</p> <p>One thing that inspectors can do to quickly improve their vehicle’s lifespan is to keep it covered or out of the elements whenever not in use. Inclement weather and severe wind can damage vehicles, but even direct sunlight can damage a car’s paint and interior. Whether your vehicle’s performance or just its appearance deteriorates, ensuring a reliable vehicle should be at the top of any home inspector’s checklist.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Remember: Your Vehicle is a Reflection of Your Business</span><br /> Speaking of the vehicle’s appearance, the overall look of an inspector’s work vehicle might be the most direct reflection of their business to the outside world on a day-to-day basis. Especially after installing a well-designed, eye-catching vehicle wrap or other exterior branding, pulling up to an inspection with an attractive, clean vehicle is a great way to quickly instill confidence in agents and clients alike.</p> <p>While clients may not commonly see how you organize your tools or other equipment inside your vehicle, there is a decent chance that if they do see an orderly vehicle, they would assume that your other business practices are similarly well run. As home inspectors, anything that we can do to further instill confidence in our clients should be utilized. Investing in tool bags and other vehicle organizers are always wise for safety purposes since loose supplies could cause distractions while on the road, or even accidents in the worst scenarios. Keeping your vehicle clean and tidy should result in the entire process running more smoothly!</p> <p><em>Note: Safe driving should always be exercised whether on the job or off the job. With that said, reckless driving is particularly harmful to your business when you are operating a moving billboard. Inspectors, be wise and safe on the road at all times!</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Prepare for the Unexpected</span><br /> Finally, as your mobile business headquarters, your vehicle can be a great resource for emergency scenarios. Be prepared for emergencies with items like a spare tire, a jack, and a lug wrench. Keeping back-up tools would be wise as well, such as flashlights, batteries, and extra footwear for roof access.</p> <p>In addition, savvy business owners would be wise to keep extra marketing materials on hand to share add-on services or other promotions. Business cards, brochures, or door hangers can all come in handy, and having easy access to these items can be advantageous should the opportunity arise. The most successful business owners are also relationship builders, looking for extra chances to spread the word when the time comes.</p> <p>Since home inspections can vary greatly and you never quite know what you’ll come across, inspectors would also be smart to keep a first aid kit in their vehicle should an accident occur on-site. Safety of your employees and yourself should always come first, so these supplies should be considered essentials. For solo operators, it would be a smart practice to keep someone off-site notified of your schedule so that they can regularly check in.</p> <p>Overall, experienced home inspectors know the value of a great work vehicle. Be sure to take good care of yours for a safe and successful day-to-day operation!</p> <p><em>Interested in learning more about life as a home inspector? Request a free <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">info packet</a> and get in touch with our recruitment team today!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/jon-blog-05.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Jon McCreath, <em>Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span><br /> A former NPI franchise owner and real estate agent, Jon joined the NPI corporate team in 2019. With his inspection expertise and foundation in classroom instruction, Jon teaches and mentors new franchisees during their two-week training course in Omaha. He also handles technical support calls during and after office hours and guides franchisees through the state licensing process.</div> </div> 1560Tips for Delivering a Bad Inspection Reporthttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1546/tips-for-delivering-a-bad-inspection-reportBusiness Tips,Inspection TipsTue, 10 Oct 2023 15:53:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">TIPS FOR DELIVERING A BAD INSPECTION REPORT</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> October 10, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/client-satisfaction">client satisfaction</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Jon McCreath, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span></p> <p>There’s a reason why “don’t kill the messenger” is such a commonly repeated phrase. Delivering bad news is a tough position to be in, especially when someone is caught blind-sided by the message. Even though you may have not been the cause of the situation, you were the one that disrupted the status quo. Whether fair or not, the one that delivers bad news often becomes the villain, and no one wants to be the villain.</p> <p>Home inspectors are frequently caught in the awkward position of needing to deliver information that clients probably don’t want to hear. The truth of the matter is that issues and defects in homes would exist whether the inspector discovered them or not. It’s only through a thorough home inspection that buyers can make their biggest investment with confidence. For property inspectors, delivering bad news in a calm and courteous manner is a skill worth building. Start by setting the right expectations.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Don’t Hide from the Report</span><br /> Many negative reactions from clients can be curbed through establishing a proper understanding before the inspection even begins. Inspectors know very well that no home is perfect, but sellers and buyers (especially first-time homeowners) need to be reminded of this early on. Tell your clients that your job is to discover every major item that could use a repair or update so that they avoid surprises later.</p> <p>Agents and sellers appreciate inspectors who aren’t “alarmist,” but that doesn’t mean hiding points of concern. A good inspector is able to accurately explain any issues or defects without falling into spaces of speculation or hypotheticals, which aren’t ultimately helpful. Context is important, but some inspectors can get caught in the weeds of over-explaining. Clients will have questions, so a good inspector focuses first on providing the information that they need, then expanding upon any areas of confusion or unease.</p> <p><em>Note: Some phrases and explanations - although they come from a good place - can relay an unintended message! For example:</em></p> <p><em>“I’ve got some bad news…” - Leading with this suggests that a home’s issues are beyond salvaging before they’ve even heard about the defect. Present each home’s features as they are, and offer recommendations for how to resolve any issues.</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Come with Answers and Solutions</span><br /> During an inspection, it can be valuable to take additional notes and pictures when things are discovered that you know will be a topic of discussion. Most buyers will have a limited knowledge on home maintenance and the price range connected to big ticket home features. Perhaps the most important part of a home inspector’s job is to walk their clients through these important features, and discuss processes moving forward.</p> <p>The best way to put a client’s mind at ease after discovering something unfavorable about a house is by providing a solution. Resources for trusted repairs (including their names and numbers), as well as DIY solutions should help put clients at ease as they learn about these issues. With that said, inspectors should be careful about providing referrals since any mistakes or errors caused by these professionals could place blame back on the inspector. When making referrals, offer three or more names, and then point them back to their agent for advice.</p> <p>It may be valuable to point out to clients that they can use any professional they prefer to resolve the issue. The referral options are there mostly to prompt them into their next action and to reassure them that they aren’t trapped in an impossible situation. A client’s imagination can run wild. Good inspectors are able to manage this speculation and lay out a realistic, doable course of action.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Be Compassionate and Show Support</span><br /> Remaining calm and sticking to the facts can seem like a nice strategy on paper, but the emotions attached to home ownership can be heightened. A home purchase is likely the largest financial investment a person will make in their lives, so although a home inspector may become comfortable in the routine of their job, it is important to realize the stress and anxiety that is natural in every residential transaction.</p> <p>Act with empathy and kindness while explaining the details of your report, and remind clients that you are their advocate–you’re on their side! Delivering sour news after an inspection takes plenty of tact and sensitivity. Reassure your clients that they don’t have to manage these issues on their own, and follow up with them sometime after wrapping up your report. An additional check-in to answer remaining questions will reinforce this idea and help solidify their decisions.</p> <p>An inexperienced inspector might deliver their report without adequate elaboration and leave their client with what they perceive to be an insurmountable problem on their hands. It is through bringing these concerns into a realistic, navigable perspective that inspectors can keep sales safe while building trust with their clients and agents.</p> <p><em>For more information on communicating with clients, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/how-to-communicate-more-effectively-with-clients">see what our marketing coach recommends</a> about building those interpersonal skills! Questions about franchising with NPI? Learn more <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">here</a>!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/jon-blog-05.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Jon McCreath, <em>Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span><br /> A former NPI franchise owner and real estate agent, Jon joined the NPI corporate team in 2019. With his inspection expertise and foundation in classroom instruction, Jon teaches and mentors new franchisees during their two-week training course in Omaha. He also handles technical support calls during and after office hours and guides franchisees through the state licensing process.</div> </div> 1546What to Research Before Becoming a Home Inspectorhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1543/what-to-research-before-becoming-a-home-inspectorBusiness Tips,Franchise,Inspection TipsTue, 19 Sep 2023 15:19:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">THINGS TO RESEARCH BEFORE BECOMING A HOME INSPECTOR</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> September 19, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Celeste Black-Harr, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Recruitment Coordinator</em></span></p> <p>There are plenty of attributes that draw those with an entrepreneurial spirit into the home inspection space. Whether it’s the opportunity to own a business, innovate within a market, or control a personal schedule, many look to the prospect of being a home inspector as the answer to their career goals. The only issue is that, with the wealth of information there is out on the internet about how to get started as a home inspector, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.</p> <p>Owning a successful home inspection business begins with asking the right questions. How can I be sure that my business will be profitable? What business model should I choose? What hours should I list for my business? No two businesses are the same, and while there isn’t necessarily a cookie-cutter model for success, there are a few places worth starting before getting caught up in the minutiae. With this in mind, here are some important areas of research from which every prospective home inspector would benefit.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Check Out Your State Website</span><br /> The first step of becoming a home inspector should always start with nailing down an area of operation and reviewing that state’s associated requirements. While there is a level of standardization that comes with an average home inspection (see <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.nachi.org/sop.htm" target="_blank">InterNACHI's Standards of Practice</a>, for example), states vary considerably regarding their own barrier of entry, insurance requirements, background checks, and expectations for continuing education.</p> <p>For example, Texas is one of the states with the most stringent requirements to become a home inspector due to its 154-hour classroom course requirement combined with either 12 months of real estate inspector experience and 200 completed inspections, or with 200 additional approved classroom hours (at the time of writing this article). Meanwhile, there are some states that do not regulate home inspections at all (such as California, Iowa, and Georgia). Committing to starting a new home inspection business without an awareness of the barrier to entry can be a crucial mistake if unprepared to handle the requirements.</p> <p>Though the additional hurdles in some of the more regulated states can seem unfair, those who are willing to work through the extended process are likely to benefit from the experience. For starters, they’ll have a more robust understanding of the industry right from the beginning. For an overview of requirements in your area, take a look at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.homeinspector.org/Resources/State-Regulations" target="_blank">ASHI's interactive map</a> to get started!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Take a Survey of the Competition</span><br /> Next up is to look at the existing state of home inspections in the proposed area. Some areas are naturally much more competitive than others, with many different types of inspection teams oversaturating the market. Others might only have a few independents vying for agents’ attention. While it may be more difficult to make a splash in an active market, that shouldn’t be cause to throw in the towel immediately, of course! This is just another area where being prepared is wise, and planning how to differentiate oneself will come a long way.</p> <p>Some markets might have experienced independent inspectors, wherein a new inspector with the support of a franchisor could immediately stand out from the pack. In other areas, there may be a special relationship that a savvy new inspector could use to solidify their initial standing. Regardless, it’s important to have a clear picture of the state of the region early on. <em>For more information on taking a step forward with market research, check out our previous discussion on <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/surefire-strategies-to-increase-your-market-share">building market share</a>!</em></p> <p><em> </em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Understand Your Market Standards</span><br /> Experienced property inspectors know that every home is unique, with their own quirks and challenges. In the same way, different styles of homes require vastly different needs in a home inspection depending on region. In certain regions, older homes with chimneys may be the common, while warmer climates have different heating and cooling standards. Preparing in advance the type of physical requirements involved in home inspection and understanding what the regular day-to-day will entail is crucial.</p> <p>Additionally, many enter into the industry without a clear idea of what their market expects to be charged for a home inspection. While <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/diversification-in-small-business-why-its-important-to-try-new-things">add-on services</a> like radon testing, sewer scope inspections, and mold testing can cause their own price fluctuations, prospective property inspectors would be wise to look into what the average inspector is comfortable charging for a typical home in their area. Projecting realistic profits will allow for a more reasonable plan for growth, a requirement before thinking about any specific business goals.</p> <p>The more market research conducted up front, the better off a home inspector will be, as metrics like the number of real estate agents and brokers in an area, the inventory of homes on the market, and the number of new developments can considerably help direct business and marketing strategies. Becoming as familiar as possible with the realities of one’s personal area is a great way to increase preparedness and confidence for any new business.</p> <p>For more information on the realistic day-to-day of being a home inspector - <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/an-average-day-in-the-life-of-a-home-inspector">here is an idea</a> from someone with first-hand experience.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Consider Your Personal Goals</span><br /> While these external bits of research are paramount to starting off strong in the inspection industry, the final preparatory step before committing ultimately comes from a personal perspective. Determining personal goals for the business, and planning for what the business looks like one year out, five years out, and ten years out falls back on what each person wants to get from the experience.</p> <p>Some are looking to grow their business so that they operate throughout their entire state, planning to hire then take a step back into a more managerial role a few years down the road. Others might be drawn to the industry because of the self-control it allows and the flexible schedule that leaves room for family. Clearly laying out goals and motivations like these are critical, but they aren’t the type of thing that can be discovered through online research.</p> <p>Through this introspection and advanced research, future home inspectors can lay the groundwork for a successful business ahead of time. For more information on how to take the next step in becoming a property inspector, give <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">our recruitment team</a> a call or shoot us an email! We’d be happy to chat.</p> <p><em><em>Learn more about operating a successful property inspection business by visiting <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog">our blog</a>! Quick questions? Visit <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/FAQ">our FAQ</a> for answers to some of our more common inquiries.</em></em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional Images/Authors/author-photos_celeste-01.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Celeste Black-Harr, <em>Recruitment Coordinator</em></span><br /> With a background in customer service and office administration, Celeste joined National Property Inspections, Inc. in 2022. Her experience in customer service is the driving force behind helping all new franchise owners get started and developing those strong business relations! In her daily role as Recruitment Coordinator, Celeste onboards new NPI and GPI franchises from across the United Stated and Canada.</div> </div> 154311 States Taking Action Against Radonhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1538/11-states-taking-action-against-radonInspection TipsTue, 15 Aug 2023 14:15:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">11 STATES TAKING ACTION AGANIST RADON</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> August 15, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Jon McCreath, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span></p> <p>Each year, more and more people are becoming aware of the threat that radon poses to families and homeowners. The World Health Organization, along with the most prominent national and international health agencies, have been appropriately <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/radon-and-health" target="_blank">banging the drum</a> to increase broad awareness of the odorless, colorless gas (which is now the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/risk_factors.htm#:~:text=After%20smoking%2C%20radon%20is%20the,rocks%2C%20soil%2C%20and%20water." target="_blank">per the CDC</a>).</p> <p>Even in states where radon’s presence is not as prevalent, experts are advising that the gas’ concentration can vary even from house to house. For home inspectors that have not yet invested in radon testing as an outlet for <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/diversification-in-small-business-why-its-important-to-try-new-things">diversification</a>, signs are pointing towards a higher emphasis on the importance of knowing your home’s radon levels. While radon testing can be a valuable service offering anywhere, here are a few regions of particular interest.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">High Presence in the Midwest and Plains</span><br /> Radon levels are recorded in the units of “picocuries” per liter (written as pCi/L), perhaps better understood as one-trillionth “curies,” a unit created to measure radioactivity content named after Marie Curie. With radon entering homes through the breakdown of uranium gases in ground soil, the World Health Organization considers any reading above 2.7 pCi/L a health concern, and the EPA compels action at anything above 4.0 pCi/L.</p> <p>In states in the midwest like Nebraska, their most populated areas are seeing their highest average levels of radon in homes, with lower story inhabitants facing the most exposure. Per a <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.ketv.com/article/new-report-shows-elevated-radon-levels-in-8093-nebraska-counties/42437850" target="_blank">news report</a> in early 2023, Nebraska actually ranks in the three worst states when it comes to radon danger due to glacial movement in its distant past, apparently only better off than Iowa and Minnesota. In a setting where anything above 4.0 pCi/L is a danger, homes in Nebraska’s most populous counties (Washington, Douglas, and Sarpy) recorded radon levels above 100.0 pCi/L.</p> <p>To combat their extremely high radon levels, Minnesota’s homes have been built to be radon-resistant since 2009, featuring either active or passive radon mitigation systems (per <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/air/radon/radonresistant.html" target="_blank">Minnesota's Department of Health</a>). As home inspectors, ensuring that buyers and their families end up in homes that are safe is a top priority. It is through services like radon testing that homeowners can take their health into their own hands.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">A Concern for Private Wells</span><br /> The most common way that radon gas enters into houses is through cracks in the foundation and other small gaps in areas like basements and garages as uranium breaks down in the soil. However, another concern for many is radon contamination through reliance on private wells for water access. In states where private water wells are common, like New Hampshire, radon can attack homes from multiple angles.</p> <p>According to a study performed by the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.usgs.gov/news/state-news-release/new-maps-show-probability-radon-and-uranium-new-hampshires-groundwater" target="_blank">United States Geological Survey</a>, many areas in New Hampshire, including Canaan, Enfield, Hanover, and Lebanon saw elevated levels of radon and uranium in its ground water. While public water supplies are closely monitored, tested, and treated, around 40% of the state relies on private wells for their own drinking water. For these families, well water potability and quality inspections should be a high priority for ongoing monitoring and defense.</p> <p>One mineral particularly known for its uranium content is granite, so while all homeowners that utilize private wells should be aware of the related risks, the Granite State should take particular notice of these concerns.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Fighting Radon in the Rockies</span><br /> Radon increases the risk of lung cancer for everyone, but for people who also smoke, their likelihood of developing lung cancer while affected by high levels of radon exposure increases tenfold. In states throughout the Rocky Mountains and in the Black Hills, the high presence of natural metamorphic rocks and uranium deposits is consistent with dangerous levels of radon.</p> <p>In January, EPA launched the “<a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-encourages-rocky-mountain-and-great-plains-region-residents-test-your-nest-and" target="_blank">Test Your Nest</a>" campaign for homeowners in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming to highlight a need for radon testing and mitigation in those regions. According to the EPA, these states all have large portions set within “Zone 1” of their national Radon Zones map (which corresponds to the highest potential of average indoor radon levels above 4.0 pCi/L). These natural conditions have led to troubling effects such as lung cancer being Utah’s leading cause of cancer death in the state, despite it having the lowest rate of smoking in the US.</p> <p>Radon action is a real need in the U.S., and home inspectors are the perfect resource to combat this issue. If radon testing isn’t in your repertoire yet, now is the time to make a change.</p> <p><em>NPI knows the importance of action against radon. That’s why we provide resources for our franchisees to offer the best radon testing in the industry. To learn more about how NPI offers support for ancillary services, talk to <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">our recruitment team</a> today!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/jon-blog-05.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Jon McCreath, <em>Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span><br /> A former NPI franchise owner and real estate agent, Jon joined the NPI corporate team in 2019. With his inspection expertise and foundation in classroom instruction, Jon teaches and mentors new franchisees during their two-week training course in Omaha. He also handles technical support calls during and after office hours and guides franchisees through the state licensing process.</div> </div> 1538An Average Day In The Life Of A Home Inspectorhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1521/an-average-day-in-the-life-of-a-home-inspectorFranchise,Inspection TipsTue, 01 Aug 2023 19:47:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">AN AVERAGE DAY IN THE LIFE OF A HOME INSPECTOR</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> August 1, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Jon McCreath, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span></p> <p>There are many aspects of the home inspection industry that draw people into the profession. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/the-signs-that-say-youre-ready-to-be-an-entrepreneur">Entrepreneurs</a> love the opportunity to become their own boss, others will be drawn to the flexibility inherent in the job, and still others are drawn to the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/technologies-that-are-innovating-home-inspections">unique technologies</a> that are constantly innovating the industry. Professionals transition into the industry every year, but many do so without having a full picture of what life will be like as a home inspector.</p> <p>For those who are interested in making a career change, the best way to start off is by shadowing an active home inspector for a day or two to get a better feel of the lifestyle and nature of work. However, it can be understandably difficult to find someone willing and ready to train potential future competition for themselves. So, to bridge the experience gap, here is a breakdown of what an average day as a home inspector can look like.</p> <p><em>Disclaimer: Home Inspectors have an inherently flexible job that can be shaped to fit many different lifestyles and preferences. The described daily schedule in this article describes only one home inspector’s experience after finding what worked for them.</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Starting the Day Off Strong</span></p> <p><em>5am: Wake Up</em></p> <p>Before this makes you too nervous: No, home inspectors don’t have to be early birds in order to be successful in the industry. However by waking up earlier, extra time can be spent wrapping up inspection reports from the previous day and sending them off to clients in the mornings. Home inspectors spend a considerable amount of time writing their report, which <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/tips-to-streamline-your-report-writing"> can be streamlined</a> with experience and practice. Whether this report writing occurs early in the morning, or at the end of the day, home inspectors need to consider how they would like to structure their day in order to allow for availability at their preferred times. For example, many inspectors enjoy reserving evenings for family and friends and plan accordingly.</p> <p>After preparing for the day, most inspectors will set off for their first inspection! Again, this is where things can vary considerably. Many home inspectors serve a larger area and, if that is the case, they will grow accustomed to time in their vehicles and exploring their city or region. Once arriving at the property, the actual home inspection can take place.</p> <p><em>Note: Many inspectors develop their own preferred process for conducting a property inspection, and there isn’t necessarily one “perfect” way to go about it. As long as the inspection follows the appropriate standards of practice and the unique state, city, or even county-specific regulations, they have the freedom to model their routine to their liking. For more information on developing a home inspection process, give our <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/developing-an-inspection-process-that-works-for-you">previous article</a> a read!</em></p> <p>One exciting aspect of property inspections is that no two properties are the same. Home inspectors see so many unique houses. Some might be old and well-maintained, and others might have a few “creative” DIY fixes that can complicate an inspection. Because of this and the natural added time for inspecting larger properties, an inspection can last anywhere from two hours to four hours. Inspectors will also be expected to examine crawl spaces and roofs, among other physical requirements. The best home inspectors are confident maneuvering throughout properties in a variety of weather conditions.</p> <p>Once finished with the inspection, inspectors will meet up with their agent and client to wrap up and answer any questions. Home buyers rely on home inspectors to provide an unbiased perspective on the condition of their new home, and real estate agents will value the inspectors that can explain their findings in a calm, non-alarmist way. In-person communication skills are sought after in the home inspection industry.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Repeating the Process</span></p> <p><em>Noon: Lunch</em></p> <p>With the morning wrapped up, inspectors have the opportunity to grab lunch before heading to another home inspection. Depending on market activity, the number of inspections that can be expected every day will vary, and it may take time for a new business to grow into a reliable, consistent schedule. Still, some regions might be naturally limited to one or two each day due to population or size, while other inspectors may come to expect more. Regardless, the best business owners will find things to do on the days that they don’t have another inspection booked.</p> <p>Making use of extra time can be as simple as reorganizing a chaotic office space or cleaning out a work vehicle. Small business owners should be aware that they are often the face of their company, and simple things like a well-maintained truck can leave an impactful impression on clients. Other great uses of extra time include working on bookkeeping, returning calls from clients and agents, and planning future marketing efforts.</p> <p>Although some inspectors might try to get away with as little marketing as possible, marketing efforts are often the key to what <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/how-to-stand-out-in-a-competitive-market">separates businesses from the competition</a>. The best advice for learning about what type of marketing works best is simple: try everything! Home inspectors that are willing to experiment strategically are the most likely to see <em>sustained</em> success in the industry.</p> <p><em>6pm: Dinner</em></p> <p>After wrapping up the afternoon activities, home inspectors can dedicate the rest of their days to whatever they like (dedicating time in the mornings to report writing pays off here!). Full days as a home inspector can be long, admittedly, but the payoff is well worth it when surrounded by the right team. If you are interested in learning more about starting your own home inspection business, start with a <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">free info packet</a> today. More questions? Contact our <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:recruitment@npiweb.com">recruitment team</a>!</p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/jon-blog-05.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Jon McCreath, <em>Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span><br /> A former NPI franchise owner and real estate agent, Jon joined the NPI corporate team in 2019. With his inspection expertise and foundation in classroom instruction, Jon teaches and mentors new franchisees during their two-week training course in Omaha. He also handles technical support calls during and after office hours and guides franchisees through the state licensing process.</div> </div> 1521Technologies That Are Innovating Home Inspectionshttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1502/technologies-that-are-innovating-home-inspectionsInspection Tips,MarketingTue, 25 Apr 2023 15:20:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">TECHNOLOGIES THAT ARE INNOVATING HOME INSPECTIONS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> April 25, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=marketing">Marketing</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/time-management">time management</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/goggle">Google</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/facebook">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/digital-marketing">digital marketing</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Jon McCreath, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Training Director</em></span></p> <p>The home inspection industry is a far different animal than it was just a decade ago. With new toys and tools designed to provide more thorough and precise services, home inspectors have the potential to elevate their product to higher levels than ever before. While adopting new technology can be viewed as intimidating or overly expensive compared to the value added to a single inspection, home inspectors should consider how much these tools can separate themselves from their competition.</p> <p>Many trending home inspection tools not only add increased accuracy to their inspection reports, but they can cut down on the time it takes to perform an inspection considerably. As any small business owner knows, additional time means more opportunity to market or book additional jobs, leading to more revenue. Read on to learn more about some of the advanced, industry-changing tools that every home inspector should consider adding to their toolset.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Drones, Robots, and Scopes</span><br /> The first major category of tools that can elevate a home inspector’s value are those that offer increased access and mobility. Tools like aerial drones and crawling robots give home inspectors the ability to view areas that were previously too dangerous to get to, or even inaccessible in the case of tight crawl spaces or overly steep roofs.</p> <p>InterNACHI’s <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.nachi.org/sop.htm" target="_blank">Standards of Practice</a> describes a home inspection as “...a <strong>non-invasive, visual</strong> examination…” of a home or property. Since a quality home inspector is defined by how well they can see defects within a property, tools like drones and robots that extend their sight are highly valued by the most successful professionals in the industry.</p> <p>Another tool that allows additional vision for home inspectors are scopes, which are small cameras attached to retractable, flexible cables. These scopes allow home inspectors to access areas too narrow for crawling robots such as piping or chimney flues. Sewer scopes, in particular, can be an enticing add-on service worth incorporating into a home inspector’s marketing plan.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Thermal Imaging Cameras</span><br /> In coordination with the previous tools and devices mentioned, thermal imaging cameras have radically changed what property inspectors are capable of finding during an inspection. Thermal imaging cameras are capable of detecting the differences of surface temperatures within an area, depicted through a color-coded range with colder colors reading as blue and hotter colors as red.</p> <p>With thermal imaging technologies, home inspectors can locate water leaks, potential mold, electrical issues (such as faulty outlets, circuits, or electrical panels), and even possible pest activity. When attached to drones or crawlers, home inspectors can see more, in more areas than ever before, and with more detail than ever more.</p> <p>The key to unlocking all the benefits of utilizing a thermal imaging camera only comes after proper training and experience, however. The wealth of information that the camera provides to home inspectors is only valuable if they can correctly interpret the information, after all. In particular, thermal imaging cameras pair well with tools like moisture meters that allow inspectors to confirm their readings.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Client Communication and Coordination Software</span><br /> Finally, maybe the biggest change that’s continuing to revolutionize the way home inspectors conduct their business is the advancements in software. Client communication has never been as seamless and user-friendly as it is today, with online schedulers and the option of automatic reminders for appointments sent directly to clients’ emails or phones.</p> <p>With the right processes in place, home inspectors can develop a consistent flow of automatic review requests as well, setting a consistent feedback loop in place to platforms like Google, Facebook, and Yelp. By collecting more reviews, home inspectors can expect more online visibility for new clients and agents, a wider net for developing relationships, and more business. For business owners that haven’t yet adapted to these new advancements in the industry, they risk losing ground and presence in spaces that are continually increasing in market relevance.</p> <p><em>At National Property Inspections, our team keeps a close eye on market and industry trends so that we can set our franchisees up for success. To learn more about starting a franchise with NPI, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">schedule a meeting</a> with our recruitment team today!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/jon-blog-05.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Jon McCreath, <em>Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span><br /> A former NPI franchise owner and real estate agent, Jon joined the NPI corporate team in 2019. With his inspection expertise and foundation in classroom instruction, Jon teaches and mentors new franchisees during their two-week training course in Omaha. He also handles technical support calls during and after office hours and guides franchisees through the state licensing process.</div> </div> 1502Watching For Wildlife: How To Add Value By Inspecting For Animalshttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1491/watching-for-wildlife-how-to-add-value-by-inspecting-for-animalsBusiness Tips,Inspection TipsTue, 18 Apr 2023 18:50:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">WATCHING FOR WILDLIFE: HOW TO ADD VALUE BY INSPECTING FOR ANIMALS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> April 18, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/client-satisfaction">client satisfaction</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Jon McCreath, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Training Director</em></span></p> <p>Good entrepreneurs are always looking for ways to pull ahead of their competition. In the property inspection industry, business owners often will achieve a larger market share by expanding their <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/expanding-your-business-with-add-on-services">add-on services</a>, or through <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/best-foot-forward-marketing-your-strengths-to-customers">emphasizing their own unique strenghts</a> that separate themselves from the crowd.</p> <p>These strategies are great things to build upon! However, the best thing an inspector can do to establish themselves is to deliver the best primary product possible. This can mean writing an unmatched inspection report, or consistently catching things that the other guy misses. A great way to add value to a property inspection that other inspectors might skip out on is to inspect for animals.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What To Do When Inspecting For Animals</span><br /> Some property inspectors may feel the instinct to shy away quickly from anything related to wildlife during a property inspection, and this is understandable! Property inspectors are trained to evaluate key home systems and aren’t experts on animal species or the best wildlife defense strategies.</p> <p>According to InterNACHI’s Home Inspection <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.nachi.org/sop.htm" target="_blank">Standards of Practice</a>, a property inspector is not required to determine “...the presence of evidence of rodents, birds, bats, animals, insects, or other pests.” Property inspectors understandably may avoid this area when possible rather than speaking on a subject where they lack expertise and risk liability issues.</p> <p>With that said, InterNACHI’s Standards of Practice also exclude things like mold, radon, and air quality - all great add-on services! When a property inspector puts in the effort to familiarize themselves with the basic signs of animal intrusion, they can advise clients to speak with the appropriate professional consultant for further action.</p> <p>Inspecting for wildlife is just one small way that inspectors can add value to their overall service, and provide homebuyers a satisfying inspection experience.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Get To Know Which Animals Affect Your Region</span><br /> To start, inspectors should learn more about the wildlife that is known for home intrusion in their area. Some animals are fairly universal nuisances like mice, but others can be very regionally specific.</p> <p>Mice and rodents can famously squeeze their way into homes through the smallest of openings, and other animals take advantage of neglected home maintenance by creating their own entrances or nesting hovels. To check for intrusion more effectively, inspectors should start with the exterior and search for areas of easy entry.</p> <p>Common entry points include chimneys (especially those without caps, or ones that are aged), ineffectively sealed doors and windows, and ventilation systems. Inspectors would be wise to not alarm any homebuyers with these details unless there are clear signs of intrusion, but noting any of these issues during an inspection could tip off an inspector of a wildlife problem before even setting foot indoors.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Familiarize Yourself With Common Signs Of Previous Wildlife Intrusion</span><br /> Very often, homeowners won’t put preventive measures into effect until they’ve had issues with local wildlife. If a property has clear signs of defense measures for local wildlife or recent interior access maintenance, this could indicate a potential issue new residents should be aware of.</p> <p>Vent screens, hardware cloth, and wire screening can all be signs of previous preventive measures. Additionally, special care towards keeping garbage cans secured through tight lids or heavy duty barrels might hint towards issues with scavengers.</p> <p>While home inspectors should always focus on the job they were hired to do first, keying in on these small details can help ensure clients don’t discover an unwelcome visitor down the road!</p> <p><em>National Property Inspections is a tight-knit network of professional property inspectors spanning the US and Canada. To learn more about the benefits of teaming up with hundreds of experienced inspection industry professionals, learn more with our <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">free info packet</a>!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/jon-blog-05.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Jon McCreath, <em>Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span><br /> A former NPI franchise owner and real estate agent, Jon joined the NPI corporate team in 2019. With his inspection expertise and foundation in classroom instruction, Jon teaches and mentors new franchisees during their two-week training course in Omaha. He also handles technical support calls during and after office hours and guides franchisees through the state licensing process.</div> </div> 1491The Tools That Make A Property Inspectorhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1473/the-tools-that-make-a-property-inspectorInspection TipsTue, 14 Mar 2023 17:49:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">THE TOOLS THAT MAKE A PROPERTY INSPECTOR</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> March 14, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a></p> <p>Outside of a few mainstays, property inspectors tend to have a very diverse array of tools from professional to professional, depending on their regions and the unique demands of their homes and commercial properties. While states and Standards of Practice may make only a small set of tools necessary to complete the job, property inspectors have a great opportunity to add value to their inspections, cut down on time spent, and keep themselves safer by expanding their tool kit. As an inspector, your tools will change with time. Today, let’s discuss some of the basic tools to help you get started, then move on to the tools that could take your inspections to the next level.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">The Inspector’s Basic Tool Kit</span><br /> A property inspector has an important job - one that could not be completed without a few basic tools. First, the inspector will need a way to record any defects that they encounter during an inspection. A basic digital camera with a flash is all that an inspector needs to get started documenting each job. Many inspectors will even opt to use a phone, since basic smartphone cameras have come a long way in increasing their clarity. Either way, inspectors should have plenty of memory and a solid way to save and store the pictures that they gather during their jobs.</p> <p>Flashlights and screwdrivers are the next must-haves every inspector will need. While cost-effective flashlights can do the trick at first, inspectors may want to invest in higher quality, shock resistant options that should last longer and provide more power when working in attics and maneuvering through crawl spaces. It may also be worth keeping a backup on hand - no one wants to be stuck in a dark or restrictive space after their flashlight fails.</p> <p>Some of the last tools that should be on every inspectors required list are receptacle testers, water gauges, and ladders for roof inspections. Again, depending on the demands in your area, there may be other necessary tools you’ll need, but these should at least get you started.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Tools That Will Add Value</span><br /> Some tools are necessary to complete the job, but others can expand what you offer in your inspections. Moisture meters are fantastic tools that can help you confirm elevated moisture levels that you might suspect during an initial run through. Set your moisture meter to “search” when locating excess moisture, and then set it to “measure” to collect a reliable measurement.</p> <p>While standard cameras can work for a good portion of a property inspection, inspectors can upgrade this tool to expand their capabilities. Infrared cameras capture temperature anomalies within an area by clearly dividing readings into blues for cooler temperatures and reds for warmer temperatures. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npicommercial.com/blog/posts/commercial-thermography-inspections-an-underutilized-cost-saving-strategy">Commercial thermography</a> might also be a valuable addition to a commercial property inspection!</p> <p>There are so many new technologies entering the industry that can add ease to an inspection and allow for opportunities to improve a report (Did you know <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/property-inspections-are-reaching-new-heights-with-drones">drones</a> can be operated with infrared cameras, too?). Inspectors that are looking to remain competitive should do what they can to stay updated on each new innovation.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Tools That Can Save Time</span><br /> Another way to add value to your service (and to just make your life easier) is to add tools that cut down on time costs. Screwdrivers are great, but power tools can remove screws that are stripped or too tightly secured. Ladders are a necessity too, but telescoping ladders are easier to maneuver and can provide extra flexibility when attempting to access a roof.</p> <p>A more basic addition that inspectors should look at early on is either a tool vest or another type of carrying case to store their tools. Many tools are only used in niche situations and can be stored in a truck, but carrier cases attached to your uniform will mean that you can carry more of your basic tools that you want to keep on hand. Quicker access will also translate to a more fluid process overall.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Tools That Will Keep You Safe</span><br /> Finally, these tools might also be considered necessities if you want to be safe in the field. At the very top of the list for safety tools, respirators are the best way to protect an inspector from hazardous particulates that they are sure to come across (such as asbestos, radon, and other carcinogens). Full mask respirators will also protect from particulates that can even enter through the eyes. Use of a respirator is highly recommended in crawl spaces and attics.</p> <p>In addition, inspectors would be wise to invest in gloves, safety glasses, and voltage testers to check whether any wires are live. While inspectors may be interested in saving money where they can when starting out, safety is not an area that should ever be overlooked.</p> <p>An inspector’s tool kit says a lot about what they value in an inspection. What do your tools say about you?</p> <p><em>If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of joining a nationwide network of property inspection professionals, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">learn more</a> with our free franchise info packet!</em></p> 1473Email Etiquette: How to Present Your Business Through Emailhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1445/email-etiquette-how-to-present-your-business-through-emailBusiness Tips,Inspection Tips,MarketingTue, 10 Jan 2023 16:48:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">EMAIL ETIQUETTE: HOW TO PRESENT YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH EMAIL</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> January 10, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=marketing">Marketing</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/client-satisfaction">client satisfaction</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/time-management">time management</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/networking">networking</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Stepha Vesper, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Senior Communications Strategist</em></span></p> <p>Running a successful small business is all about relationships. In the past, relationships could thrive solely over dinner and phone calls, but the way that professionals communicate is rapidly evolving. Today, business owners must learn how to communicate over email in order to grow and maintain relationships, but sometimes the way to do that isn’t clear.</p> <p>Let’s review some of the latest standards of email etiquette, including how to conduct oneself to reinforce professionalism.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Dress Yourself Well </span><br /> In person, it is important to maintain a professional appearance. In some industries that could mean a suit and tie, whereas in others that might mean wearing a well-groomed uniform. In the same way, business owners need to have a good email appearance that conveys that same sense of professionalism.</p> <p>Especially when emailing a prospective client or an unfamiliar potential partner for the first time, the email address is the first impression. Use an address that contains your business name, and ideally one that does not use public-use domains. For example, every National Property Inspections franchisee receives their own npiinspect.com email. An email that conveys a direct association with a business rather than something too general or personal does a lot to build credibility.</p> <p>Creating a professional signature is another strong way of presenting yourself well in an email. A strong signature includes the sender’s full name, business title, company name, and contact information. To go a step further, signatures that include a headshot and graphics with on-brand colors and logos shows that the sender is part of an well-established business. Strengthening these aspects makes an email pass the “first impression” test with flying colors.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Monitor Your Language </span><br /> Moving past the superficial details and into the content of an email, there are a few key aspects that drive home a professional tone. In the past, standards for general language were very strict and narrow in emails. However, as email has increasingly become a part of daily life, casual language has gradually become more acceptable in the professional space.</p> <p>Depending on the industry and your familiarity with the recipient, a flexible tone is more acceptable today, and sometimes can even be preferable. Still, conversations with new clients should always be as professional and respectful as possible.</p> <p>Start with a standard greeting (Hello [name], Good Morning [name], etc.), and avoid things like “text speak” over too many exclamation points which can create a sense of over-eagerness. When looking to incorporate humor, remember that text-only communication lacks crucial tone and facial expression which comes along with face-to-face conversation. Sarcasm can easily be misconstrued as rudeness, and humor generally has a high chance of being misunderstood. Sometimes, it is just better to save jokes for other venues.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Respect Their Time </span><br /> Develop good responsive habits over email to prove your interest. Oftentimes, the difference in where a client might choose to do business depends simply on whoever replies the quickest. A good rule of thumb is to respond to every email in no later than 24 hours. In situations where more time is required for a quality response, a shorter email communicating a timeframe will be much appreciated.</p> <p>A good way to track your email conduct quality is to consider whether the “ball” is still in your court. In this analogy, whoever has the “ball” is with whoever needs to respond next in an email chain. Professionals should strive to reduce the time that a client is waiting for a response as much as humanly possible. Rather than leaving a conversation vague when additional research is required before a response, try replying with a quick, “Thanks for the message, I will follow up with you within [x-timeframe].”</p> <p>Further, strive to respect your clients’ time as much as possible by recognizing their preferred working hours. In many industries, conversations can take a pause during the weekends. Waiting to send a response early the next Monday allows for the opportunity to disconnect for all parties involved. Though this may seem like a difficult balancing act, erring on the side of being overly-responsive is usually preferable to leaving a client hanging.</p> <p><em>For more information on how to speak with a frustrated client, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/how-to-respond-to-a-frustrated-client">check out our recent blog on the topic</a>. To join our network of expert home inspectors, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">check here</a> for your next steps!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional Images/Authors/author-photo_stepha-01.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Stepha Vesper, <em>Senior Communications Strategist</em></span><br /> Stepha has more than five years’ experience in marketing, content creation, SEO and copywriting. Her favorite part of her job is assisting franchisees with their digital marketing strategies so they reach their goals that much faster. When she isn’t at work, Stepha is going on adventures with her husband, Zach, perusing used bookstores, reading or writing.</div> </div> 1445Developing An Inspection Process That Works For Youhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1444/developing-an-inspection-process-that-works-for-youBusiness Tips,Franchise,Inspection TipsTue, 03 Jan 2023 16:37:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">DEVELOPING AN INSPECTION PROCESS THAT WORKS FOR YOU</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> January 3, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/time-management">time management</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Jon McCreath, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span></p> <p>Every successful entrepreneur finds a process that works for them. Certainly they take note of the proven strategies that work in their industry, and they adjust their approach when they come across new ideas. For someone just starting out in their industry, this also means plenty of trial and error. While you develop your own routine for running your business, one of the best habits you can work to gain is becoming organized.</p> <p>There is a wealth of information out there for how to do this as a small business owner, or even as a person in general. For example, keeping a to-do list, removing unnecessary clutter in your workplace, and keeping a strict schedule all work wonders to increase a sense of accomplishment throughout your day. However, anyone who has worked in the property inspection industry knows that there is a lot to juggle as a home inspector.</p> <p>As we discuss some recommended processes that have proven to work in the inspection industry, remember this disclaimer: Do not be afraid to tweak these strategies to fit your own style! The main takeaway should be to find your routine and stick to it. Whether that routine closely reflects what we’ll outline here, or deviates considerably, be strict about the routine that you craft for yourself.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">During the Pre-Inspection Period </span><br /> Prior to the inspection, there are a few steps that every inspector should know to do. Review and receive the pre-inspection agreement, discuss the scope of work involved in the inspection, and outline the standards of practice. In addition, take the time to do as much preliminary research that you can manage.</p> <p>Take advantage of public listings on websites like <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.zillow.com/" target="_blank">Zillow</a> or <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.realtor.com/" target="_blank">Realtor.com</a> to get a background on the property and better orient yourself when you arrive. This sort of preparation can be considerable in contributing to the efficiency of your actual inspection.</p> <p>If you haven’t taken the time to organize your jobs yet, you can start as you book your new inspections. For the best security, consider using an external hard drive or using the cloud for storage (or use both!). This should improve the performance of any laptop or desktop you are using, and it provides some extra flexibility as you move forward.</p> <p>Experiment to see what format works for you, but try creating a folder for each year, and then dedicate a new folder for each job. In there, you can store copies of the pre-inspection agreement, a copy of the listing, and everything else pertaining to the inspection. One part that inspectors tend to mismanage is their photos. Within each individual inspection’s folder, create a photo folder and save all of them there. Systems like these can save a lot of work for yourself down the road.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">During the Inspection </span><br /> The key to a smooth and efficient inspection is to work on your routine. A first step should be to find your “home base.” For your tools and other equipment, the garage can be a great space to organize and orient yourself. A good space for your computer can be the kitchen, and when you’ve developed a comfortable routine, this space can be a good one to start working on your report.</p> <p>With your equipment organized, an initial walkthrough can be a great way to develop your strategy and familiarize yourself with the property. While most inspectors have an order that they prefer, a home’s layout can sometimes lend itself well towards some sort of deviation.</p> <p>Another situation where some deviation from your plan may be necessary is when a homeowner or client must be present at the property. This may be more common with elderly clients or with clients who have young children. Balancing efficiency with how you accommodate your client can be difficult, but your clients’ preferences are crucial. Remember to carry an inspection checklist to keep yourself on track, especially in these situations when deviations are unavoidable.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">After the Inspection and the Wrap-Up </span><br /> During what we’ll call the “Post-Inspection,” a great way to be efficient with your time and to build satisfaction with your clients is to take control of the wrap up with a consistent “speech” or breakdown. This can take a few different forms depending on what you find your clients to appreciate the most, but consider using the “Four Cornerstones” speech.</p> <p>The main concept behind this speech is to explain the most important systems in a home, and to break down what their home’s systems are in its current state. Explain the home’s four cornerstone systems: Structural Roofing Mechanical Water Management</p> <p>These systems are the most expensive for homebuyers to repair, and they are the most common areas that can create issues for inspectors in disputes. Feel free to tell your clients about their importance, why it matters to you as an inspector, and why it should matter to them. After discussing this and covering any other points of interest in their homes, this strategy tends to reduce questions and increase confidence in homebuyers.</p> <p>All in all, an organized wrap-up should take around 15-30 minutes, and with a refined process, you will be in great shape to move on to your next process. Every step along the way is important when creating a strong business model. If you’re attentive to the smaller details, things tend to run much smoother.</p> <p><em>If there are any processes that have worked for you (that we didn’t discuss here), feel free to share them on the NPI/GPI Private Group! If you are interested in joining a vast network of property inspection professionals with your own franchise or as an employee, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">our recruitment team would love to speak with you</a>.</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/jon-blog-05.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Jon McCreath, <em>Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span><br /> A former NPI franchise owner and real estate agent, Jon joined the NPI corporate team in 2019. With his inspection expertise and foundation in classroom instruction, Jon teaches and mentors new franchisees during their two-week training course in Omaha. He also handles technical support calls during and after office hours and guides franchisees through the state licensing process.</div> </div> 1444How To Respond To A Frustrated Clienthttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1439/how-to-respond-to-a-frustrated-clientBusiness Tips,Inspection TipsTue, 27 Dec 2022 16:04:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO RESPOND TO A FRUSTRATED CLIENT</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> December 27, 2022 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/client-satisfaction">client satisfaction</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/facebook">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/google-my-business">Google My Business</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Zach Vesper, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Senior SEO and Marketing Strategist</em></span></p> <p>Everyone has been there. Something did not go as planned, and the irritation in your client’s voice is obvious. Maybe you even made an honest mistake at some point in the process. Obviously, nobody is perfect. At some point in your career, you’ll miss a callout, or you’ll simply have to work with someone who behaves unreasonably.</p> <p>Conflict is a natural part of running a business. Though there are plenty of strategies that you could employ to avoid it in the first place, sometimes friction is unavoidable. You’ve found yourself there, and the question is, what do you do now?</p> <p>According to the White House Office of Consumer Affairs, the average disgruntled client shares their experience with 9 to 15 other people, and 13% of dissatisfied people tell more than 20. Addressing frustration is one of the most important things a small business owner needs to learn. Let’s review a few go-to tips to de-escalate frustrated clients, whether in-person or online.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Remember To Keep Calm </span><br /> Whenever you encounter a client whose experience did not line up with their expectations, it is important to stay calm. Tensions can easily rise over the phone or in person, and rash reactions will always lead to regret. Do not match an angry comment with one of your own. Your professionalism and calm demeanor will be contagious, leading to a much easier resolution process.</p> <p>This rule applies to every sort of encounter, whether in person, while replying to emails, or during a response to a negative review. A good strategy that you can employ while responding in writing is to make sure you sign your name at the end. If doing so makes you want to pause, it might be time to go back and make some edits. Take ownership for your statements and react with professionalism as a standard. You will thank yourself later.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Listen and Take Notes </span><br /> Since you are able to keep your own emotions in check, listening to your client’s concerns will be much easier. While some clients may come to the table behaving in a way that may seem irrational, realize the value that their complaint can provide for your business. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.superoffice.com/blog/customer-complaints-good-for-business/" target="_blank">According to a report released by customer service experts at Super Office</a>, only 1 in 26 unhappy clients will voice their dissatisfaction. While no one wants their clients to be frustrated, it can provide great information about how you conduct your business.</p> <p>Maybe there is a process that you have been using that could be improved. Or, maybe you have a way of speaking that is easily misunderstood. This feedback can be an opportunity to make your product better or improve the way you conduct your business.</p> <p>Be active and purposeful as you listen to your client’s concerns. Note down each aspect of their frustration, so that you can address them item by item. This is, admittedly, much easier to accomplish when replying to a review or responding to an email. However, do your best to take each concern seriously and address them on their own merits. And as a last note, remember to thank your client for the feedback! When applied correctly, it can end up improving your business, and it builds trust with your frustrated client.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Show Empathy For Their Situation </span><br /> Some of these actions are easier said than done, but remember not to take any anger personally. Their frustration is attached to the situation, and sometimes it stems from circumstances totally outside of your service. Be quick to give your client the benefit of the doubt, and do your best to see things from their perspective. Again, this can be difficult, especially when dealing with clients who seem irrational. However, sincerity can go a long way toward repairing a messy situation.</p> <p>One helpful tip that you can keep in mind is to remember that you are an expert in the industry and, usually, you will be working with someone with very little experience regarding the home inspection Standards of Practice. Be patient, and explain things more than once when necessary, allowing for a generous interpretation for your client’s feelings.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Address The Issue </span><br /> Once you have fielded the complaint with tact, you will be ready to address the issue. This is where you can really bring a strong response home and de-escalate the situation. Sometimes frustrations can come from simple misunderstandings or miscommunications, and resolution can simply come from reaching out.</p> <p>In your response, be sure to speak clearly. Use language that is easy to understand for beginners (while avoiding condescension), and rely on the facts and data that you have on hand. Clear, tangible evidence should do the work for you in bringing understanding for the parties involved. While it is important to sympathize with your client’s frustrations, be careful not to admit fault with liability in mind. Reserve apologies for when you can rectify the situation (if necessary).</p> <p>If possible, exceed expectations when addressing a concern. Going above and beyond to mend a relationship that has been hurt can transform a negative review potentially into a powerful advocate for your services. Still, when having a conversation on a public forum, your goal should be to take things offline as quickly as possible. Hashing out a disagreement with random spectators present can look as bad online as it does in public.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">When In Doubt, Seek Help! </span><br /> While you can utilize all of these tips on your own, feel free to reach out from the beginning! Your marketing team is happy to help out with any difficult discussions that you might be anticipating. With your NPI franchise, you gain a team that can advocate on your behalf - and we have plenty of experience crafting copy to address all sorts of scenarios. Contact Zach at <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:Zach.Vesper@npiweb.com" target="_blank">Zach.Vesper@npiweb.com</a> for expert advice on your tone and language, or to just have another pair of eyes on your responses.</p> <p><em>If you are interested in becoming a small business owner, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">check out our free information packet</a> for more details on franchising with National Property Inspections!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://www.npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/zach-05.jpg?ver=2019-03-11-152018-130" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Zach Vesper, <em>Senior SEO and Marketing Strategist</em></span><br /> Zach brings more than six years of SEO experience to the table, making him your go-to web optimization specialist--he knows how to help your website reach the first page! He's always more than happy to answer your questions about all things Google. Zach is a film buff, an old-fashioned connoisseur and an avid reader of science fiction. When he’s not working, he’s hanging out with his wife, Stepha.</div> </div> 1439Pre-Inspection Agreement: Why They're ALWAYS A Must-Havehttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1417/pre-inspection-agreement-why-theyre-always-a-must-haveBusiness Tips,Inspection TipsTue, 01 Nov 2022 20:49:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">PRE-INSPECTION AGREEMENTS: WHY THEY'RE ALWAYS A MUST-HAVE</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> November 1, 2022 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/money-management">money management</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Jon McCreath, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span></p> <p>In establishing a successful inspection franchise, there are so many things to worry about. From learning how to best market yourself and your services, to offering the best possible product, new inspectors have plenty of areas that can command their attention. In these moments, it is important not to overlook the standards and the basics of the business. One standard process that you should never skimp out on is the pre-inspection agreement. Let’s review the pre-inspection agreement and its unique importance.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Background</span><br /> A pre-inspection agreement is a standard form which outlines standards, scope of work, and expectations for an upcoming property inspection. There are many reasons why this form has become a stock-standard part of every inspector’s business plan, but of particular note are the liability protections that they provide. Although no inspector intends to find conflict with a client, a disagreement is likely to come up at some point. The pre-inspection agreement is the rule-setter that keeps every inspection fair and clear.</p> <p>Some basic aspects that a pre-inspection agreement describes include:</p> <ul> <li>Home Inspection Fee </li> <li>Inspection Report Due Date </li> <li>Standards of Practice </li> <li>Exclusions </li> <li>Specific Inclusions </li> <li>Liability Limitations</li> </ul> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Considerations</span><br /> Some inspectors are more strict than others with how they administer and handle their pre-inspection agreements. Some inspectors may proceed with an inspection prior to receiving a signed agreement, then withhold their report until receiving the agreement and payment. However, to practice complete safety in regards to liability risks, inspectors it may be safer to avoid any contact with the specified property up until they have received a pre-inspection agreement.</p> <p>Though franchisees of National Property Inspections receive a standard pre-inspection agreement, all inspectors should consider edits with their region’s, state’s, and even county’s guidelines in mind. Special additions related to climate and natural events, in particular, should be made with respect to the unique needs of an inspector's region (eg. provisions related to earthquakes in California or ocean damage in coastal zones). There are many samples out there available for reference, but it is recommended to retain an attorney to move through an agreement with a fine-toothed comb, crafting something more personalized that covers any unique needs.</p> <p>In addition, a pre-inspection agreement is a requirement by any E&O (Errors & Omissions Liability) or GL (General Liability) insurance partners. Inspectors should submit their pre-inspection agreement to their insurance provider for review, in consideration for any additional edits, additions, or omissions that they might recommend.</p> <p>State regulations can make things easier for inspectors at times, and at other times more restrictive or specific (see New York, New Jersey, or Texas, for example). Be sure to check whether your state is regulated or unregulated, and adjust your agreements accordingly! Though sample agreements can be found in many places, these are generally meant to be used only as references, and would not provide the same amount of protection that a properly edited and vetted agreement would allow.</p> <p>Lastly, it is important not to go too far when considering edits and exclusions. Though pre-inspection agreements are vital to protecting an inspector, an agreement that is too complex, or offers too little consideration for the client can cost an inspector jobs. A well-crafted pre-inspection agreement should be personalized and offer fair protections, but not needlessly complicated.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Conclusion</span><br /> It is common for inspectors to find their own process that works for them. Some are more talkative than others, while others specialize in particular additional services. However, some things are standard for a reason. Protect yourself and your business by crafting an iron-clad pre-inspection agreement, and proceed with caution until you have received a valid signature.</p> <p><em>Inspectors do important work, but when you’re dealing with someone’s home or business and things go wrong, you will not regret doing the appropriate work in advance. To have a team of professionals at your side, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">choose National Property Inspections</a> for your property inspection franchise! </em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/jon-blog-05.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Jon McCreath, <em>Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span><br /> A former NPI franchise owner and real estate agent, Jon joined the NPI corporate team in 2019. With his inspection expertise and foundation in classroom instruction, Jon teaches and mentors new franchisees during their two-week training course in Omaha. He also handles technical support calls during and after office hours and guides franchisees through the state licensing process.</div> </div> 14175 Podcasts to Grow Your Small Businesshttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1416/5-podcasts-to-grow-your-small-businessBusiness Tips,Franchise,Inspection Tips,Marketing,Social MediaTue, 25 Oct 2022 20:27:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">5 PODCASTS TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS </span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> October 25, 2022 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=Inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=marketing">Marketing</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=social-media">Social Media</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/digital-marketing">digital marketing</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/motivation">motivation</a></p> <p>As a National Property Inspections franchise owner, you are one part inspector, one part marketer, one part entrepreneur. Needless to say, there can be a lot on your plate. To stay on top of the competition and to become the best leader in your industry, it might be valuable to find a podcast to help you on your way. Today, experts are freely offering their years of experience and personal stories to listeners through an easily consumable medium. Here are a few podcasts that could help you grow your inspection business!</p> <div style="margin-bottom: 20px"><a href="https://www.nachi.org/podcast.htm" target="_blank"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional Images/Podcasts/internachi.png?ver=g6ieL5tTXwUeOTO0AwUawA%3d%3d" width="350px" /></a></div> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">1. Home Inspector Podcast by InterNACHI</span><br /> <strong>Average length:</strong> 1-5 minutes, with an occasional “webinar” podcast that can be between 1 and 3 hours.<br /> <strong>Releases:</strong> Twice a day every weekday.</p> <p>As inspectors, a great starting point podcast is the Home Inspector Podcast by InterNACHI. The majority of releases are extremely short, sometimes with no introduction at all. These topics briefly explain how to perform a specific task relating to property inspections. The Home Inspector Podcast is a great option for inspectors looking to brush up on their knowledge or looking for quick, easy review material.</p> <p>The webinar releases are obviously much longer and seem to be direct uploads of online classes and presentations. These webinars are clearly not made with the podcast medium in mind, as the speakers frequently reference visual aids that are not available to listeners. However, the content is still valuable beyond these disconnects. For a podcast relating directly to the practice of property inspections, the Home Inspector Podcast by InterNACHI is the best option.</p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-bottom: 20px"><a href="https://www.everyonehatesmarketers.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional Images/Podcasts/everyone-hates-marketers.jpg?ver=3EefflrEATPsULS26VrH-A%3d%3d" width="350px" /></a></div> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">2. Everyone Hates Marketers</span><br /> <strong>Average length: </strong>15 minutes to 1 hour.<br /> <strong>Releases: </strong>Formerly weekly, though there has been a pause since mid-July 2022.</p> <p>Introducing every episode with “Bonjour, bonjour and welcome,” listeners don’t have to wait very long to get to know this podcast’s host Louis Grenier. A seasoned marketer and marketing consultant, Louis Grenier presents his interview-based show as a no-nonsense, actionable podcast aimed at delivering marketing advice that can reach across industries and cultures. In each episode, it is clear that Grenier is looking to pull easily digestible tips that his audience can actually use in their businesses. And, yes, he is french.</p> <p>Louis Grenier has a dry sense of humor and a mind for efficiency in his podcast. As a small warning, there is some light language on occasion, though there is nothing prominent enough to dissuade people from giving the podcast a try. Unfortunately, the show seems to have taken a bit of a hiatus while Grenier has been focusing on an online marketing education and coaching program.</p> <p>From the knowledgeable guests, to the wide range of valuable marketing information, this is a fantastic podcast for anyone looking to improve their overall marketing skills. Seriously, give this one a try. </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-bottom: 20px"><a href="https://100mba.net/show/" target="_blank"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional Images/Podcasts/100-mba.PNG?ver=YmbqtgD8a4H8QpjZssvoMg%3d%3d" width="350px" /></a></div> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">3. The $100 MBA Show</span><br /> <strong>Average length:</strong> 15 minutes.<br /> <strong>Releases: </strong>One every weekday.</p> <p>Omar Zenhom, co-founder of Webinar Ninja, hosts this regular, quick, and focused show, along with an occasional long-form interview focused around general business advice. Topics can range widely from things like preventing burnout, to the value of UTM links on your company website. The main throughline is the short episode length and the focus on a single, practical tip.</p> <p>While it may be worth mentioning that the first 3 minutes or so of an already short podcast is taken up by the introduction, self promotion, and maybe a sponsor, this podcast is another solid choice for business advice. In particular, this podcast might interest people looking for a consistent, short show to add to their daily routine.</p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-bottom: 20px"><a href="https://vandeeb.com/podcast/" target="_blank"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional Images/Podcasts/van-deeb.jpeg?ver=oRuYUoLnqEdLeh5inz1geg%3d%3d" width="350px" /></a></div> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">4. The Van Deeb Podcast</span><br /> <strong>Average length: </strong>20-30 minutes.<br /> <strong>Releases:</strong> Once a month.</p> <p>The eponymous Van Deeb is a motivational speaker who provides advice mostly related to personal development and inspiration. With a lengthy sales background, Deeb’s advice sometimes draws on this perspective and how to present yourself in social scenarios. One strength of this show is the statistical backing he brings to statements on overall cultural trends. These additions instill confidence in the listener, and strengthen Deeb’s credibility.</p> <p>The Van Deeb Podcast is a good show for small business owners managing a team of employees. With this podcast, there is a wealth of advice on running a positive workplace, showing appreciation, and retaining employees. Although he does have an occasional guest, the majority of episodes consist of Van Deeb diving into a particular subject on his own. </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-bottom: 20px"><a href="https://www.marieforleo.com/podcast" target="_blank"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional Images/Podcasts/marie-forleo.jpg?ver=-DwTgn4A3oqxisrraziTwQ%3d%3d" width="350px" /></a></div> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">5. The Marie Forleo Podcast</span><br /> <strong>Average length: </strong>Varies anywhere from 5 minutes to 65 minutes.<br /> <strong>Releases: </strong>Once a week.</p> <p>Marie Forleo is an author, business owner, and life coach lauded as a thought leader for the next generation by Oprah Winfrey. Forleo’s podcast is modeled primarily around an interview-based format where she finds innovative thinkers or industry specialists who can bring their unique perspective on a few detailed subjects. Industry leaders guest to promote a book or service of theirs while speaking on marketing, business, or lifestyle-related topics.</p> <p>A particularly dynamic figure among women, Marie Forleo is a charismatic, positive speaker with a wealth of experience and connections in the business world. This show is a great generalist podcast that should appeal to a wide range of listeners. Often, Marie branches out from business talk, widening the scope of the discussion into ethics and lifestyle philosophy. </p> <p> </p> <p><em>This list is by no means exhaustive. What is your go-to podcast that has helped your business? Email <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:marketing@npiweb.com"> or share your recommendations on NPI’s private Facebook group!</a></em></p> 1416It’s National Heat Awareness Day: Keeping Cool in Sweltering Conditionshttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1384/its-national-heat-awareness-day-keeping-cool-in-sweltering-conditionsInspection TipsFri, 27 May 2022 17:16:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">IT’S NATIONAL HEAT AWARENESS DAY: KEEPING COOL IN SWELTERING CONDITIONS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> May 27, 2022 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a></p> <p>Today is National Heat Awareness Day. This national holiday was created to remind service members and outdoor laborers to keep cool while working outside in the upcoming summer months. Here are our best tips to beat heatstroke and other temperature-related illnesses such heat exhaustion and dehydration.</p> <p>As an NPI inspector you may find yourself on top of roofs, underneath decks, examining foundations, or in crawl spaces over the course of the summer. During the hot summer months, it’s important to know the signs of heat-related illnesses and what you can to do to prevent them.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Warning Signs </span><br /> While there are milder forms of heat-related illnesses, heatstroke is the worst. According to the Mayo Clinic, the main indicator of heatstroke is having a temperature of at least 104 degrees or higher. Other signs of heatstroke include confusion, dizziness, profuse sweating, slurred speech, the cramping of extremities, vomiting, coma, and in the most serious of cases–death. These symptoms are only made worse when performing strenuous activities while outside on exceptionally hot days.</p> <p>Other warning signs of heatstroke are looking flushed in appearance, having a headache, and an irregular heartbeat. While some people experience a rapid heart rate due to the stress of heat plus exertion, others encounter a slowed heart rate, which signals that they may be close to passing out.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Risk Factors </span><br /> One of the risk factors associated with heat-related illnesses is the age of the affected individual. The root cause of heatstroke is the fatigue and ultimate failure of the central nervous system and damage of internal organs. This is important to note as those ages four and younger and people 65 and over have fragile nervous systems.</p> <p>The usage of certain medications can also be hazardous. If you take medications that act as a form of diuretic, you must be careful as these medications may cause dehydration. It’s also important to be cautious while taking medications that restrict blood vessels such as blood thinners, as these affect the circulation of blood to upper and lower extremities, sometimes causing dizziness and confusion. If you take any antidepressants, it is also imperative to be aware of how you are physically feeling while completing home inspections in warm weather as antidepressants can suppress psychological indicators that you may be struggling internally.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Prevention</span><br /> The most important method of preventing heat-induced illnesses is to stay hydrated. According to the Mayo Clinic, while the minimum amount of water consumed daily is eight glasses, it is imperative to drink closer to 11 glasses for women and 15 glasses of water for men while performing strenuous activities in extremely hot conditions. It’s also imperative to be careful of your alcohol consumption in this type of weather, as alcohol contains properties that can further cause dehydration.</p> <p>Taking breaks is also an important tactic to keep in mind while working in hot weather. Taking breaks can prevent burn out and undue stress on your central nervous system. It also gives you the chance to hydrate and find a cool, air-conditioned space to take your break in, such as your vehicle. This would also be a good time to apply more sunscreen as this type of weather is synonymous with sunburns and skin damage.</p> <p>Dressing appropriately for the weather is also a good way to avoid heat related conditions. While outside in extremely warm weather, it is important to wear loose, breathable fabrics. Wearing tight or restrictive clothing prevents proper ventilation to the skin and can cause one to overheat.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Take-Aways</span></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate.</span><br /> Make sure to stay hydrated on humid or hot days to prevent heat exhaustion or stroke. And be mindful of the type of beverages you consume, as it does make a difference! The best way to stay hydrated is by drinking water or low-sugar sports drinks. Drink enough water before you feel thirsty to stay on top of your water intake. Try to limit your alcohol consumption before, during, and after performing strenuous work on sweltering days as doing so may lead to further dehydration.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">2. Watch out for Warning Signs.</span><br /> If you find yourself feeling confused, dizzy, or short of breath, it’s time to seek medical attention as these are signs of heatstroke. In extreme cases, heatstroke can lead to organ damage, coma, and even death. Make sure you don’t ignore these dangerous symptoms–your health depends on it!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">3. Prevention</span><br /> Before leaving your home for an inspection, check the forecast in your area to ensure that you’re properly dressed. Wear loose, breathable clothing to allow for ventilation and body temperature regulation. Be aware of how your body is responding to the heat and take breaks when necessary.</p> <p>For this and more inspection safety tips, make sure to visit us at: <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.npifranchise.com/blog">npifranchise.com/blog</a>.</p> 1384National Property Inspections Franchisee Spotlight: Cory Andersonhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1375/national-property-inspections-franchisee-spotlight-cory-andersonBusiness Tips,Franchise,Inspection TipsTue, 19 Apr 2022 19:13:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">NATIONAL PROPERTY INSPECTIONS FRANCHISEE SPOTLIGHT: CORY ANDERSON</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> April 19, 2022 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/client-satisfaction">client satisfaction</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/motivation">motivation</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/networking">networking</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/news">news</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a></p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/2022/Cory_Anderson.jpg?ver=1xLjhFkpN0Cs9iHLoV1RGg%3d%3d" style="margin: 0px 0 25px 0" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"> <p>National Property Inspections’ Franchisee Spotlight recognizes our most innovative and successful NPI and GPI franchises. By sharing their stories, helpful tips and lessons learned, every franchisee can learn what it takes to grow their business. We're proud to feature our reigning 2021 Franchise of the Year, Cory Anderson of <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/knoxville" target="_blank">NPI East Tennessee</a>.</p> <p>After purchasing an existing franchise in 2017 in Knoxville, TN, Cory and his team have been on an upward trajectory that's landed him in the top four percent of our organization. He’s also recently expanded to cover both Chattanooga and the Tri-Cities area.</p> </div> </div> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Tell us about yourself! What was your previous career, and how did you come to NPI?</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Cory Anderson:</span> I have an agricultural technology degree from the University of Tennessee and worked in the agricultural field for about 7 years prior to coming to NPI. During my agricultural career, my wife and I purchased multiple rental homes and loved learning about and investing in real estate. Our home inspector was Steve Hancock, who started the original NPI Knoxville franchise in 1995. </p> <p>During our last inspection with Steve, he announced that he would be retiring and told us that we would need to find another inspector. After many conversations over coffee and lunch, I convinced Steve to continue working for a year and train me with the understanding that I would buy his business. When the year was up, Steve officially retired and left me the business.</p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6"> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What are some tips you would tell other inspectors who are looking to make their first hire? </span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Cory:</span> I made my first hire about 6 months after I purchased the franchise. I would recommend hiring based on character and not concentrating so much on experience. I look for qualities like good listener, good grammar, kindness, curiosity, patience, good morals and ethics, etc. Also, think about the qualities that make a good inspector (attention to detail, good communicator, honesty) and make sure your new hire fits these characteristics.</p> </div> <div class="col-sm-6"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/2022/knoxville-02.jpg?ver=fSZV0snxCJCFWnHn-nqIkg%3d%3d" style="margin: 0px 0 25px 0" width="100%" /></div> </div> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What’s been your most lucrative add-on service? What have you found to be the most successful way to upsell this service? </span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Cory:</span> Currently, our most lucrative add-on service is radon testing. We add a clause to our pre-inspection agreement explaining the importance of radon testing and require the customer’s initial on that portion before the pre-inspection agreement can be officially signed. This gets them thinking that radon may be a larger issue than they thought, and this system has drastically increased the number of radon inspections we now conduct.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What do you enjoy most about the home inspection industry? </span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Cory:</span> I really like the fact that we are helping people make one of the biggest decisions of their life on a daily basis. I also like the fact that home inspection is a relatively young industry. I feel like the sky is the limit in what we can do as home inspection business owners. I enjoy thinking ahead, trying to come up with different services to add, and thinking of better ways of doing what we're already doing. I think a home inspection business is an extremely good investment that has a very bright future ahead.</p> <p> </p> <p><em>Thank you, Cory, for taking the time to share your business tips and philosophies! Your dedication to your fellow inspectors and willingness to share your secrets to success earned you your much-deserved 2021 Franchise of the Year award. We look forward to seeing what's next for <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/knoxville" target="_blank">NPI East Tennessee</a>!</em></p> 1375Going Up? Staying Safe When Inspecting a Roofhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1360/going-up-staying-safe-when-inspecting-a-roofInspection TipsTue, 15 Mar 2022 15:04:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">GOING UP? STAYING SAFE WHEN INSPECTING A ROOF </span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> March 15, 2022 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Jon McCreath, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span></p> <p>As an inspector, your job is to give as much detail about the home as possible. That means going into every nook and cranny you can to try to spot problem areas. However, there may be times when accessing a section of the home just isn’t possible. In fact, inspecting it could even put you in harm’s way. One such portion of the home where you always need to exercise caution is on the roof.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Roofs and Falls </span><br /> Roofs can be extremely dangerous if you aren’t careful. Over 150,000 people each year require emergency care due to falling off a roof. Nearly 10 percent of those either result in life-threatening injuries or are fatal. All it takes is one mistake and you could find yourself needing medical assistance. But with some preemptive assessments, your risk of falling off a roof can be greatly reduced.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Examine the Roof’s Condition </span><br /> Before you even get on top of the building you’re inspecting, try to get a visual from the ground. Look for potential hazards such as growth on tiles, missing or severely worn sections, and even any signs of water or ice. These can make any roof a minefield of falling dangers, especially roofs that have steeper angles. If you spot any of these issues and feel as though it’s not safe to climb, you definitely shouldn’t risk it.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">The Right Outfit </span><br /> The clothes you wear on a roof inspection really do make a difference. Namely, what’s on your feet. Shoes or boots that have good treads, flat soles, and are heavier are usually the best. While it may seem like a cleat-style would be best since it can stick into the roof, you could end up damaging the shingles with them. That could result in an unhappy client who then has to repair the shingles you damaged. You should also check that the shoes you’re wearing don’t have any mud or debris on them, as dirty soles can impair traction.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Ladder Choices </span><br /> Along with being safe on the roof, ladder safety is just as important. First, you need to make sure that you’re using the right one for the job. That includes checking the material, height, rating, and even the condition of the ladder you use. When choosing the material, aluminum is your best friend as it’s lighter to carry around a jobsite. A ladder that can be adjusted for the roof height will make things easier for you. (Remember that the top should extend three feet above the contact point of what you lean the ladder against.) Lastly, to find the duty rating you should work with, calculate the weight of yourself + your equipment and add some extra for leeway.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Climbing On Up </span><br /> As you go to set your ladder in position, look for a clear area to work in. It should be flat and free of any water or other items that could cause it to slide out. If your clients are on the inspection with you, place flags or cones around your ladder to prevent anyone from knocking into it. When climbing to the roof, go slow and place your foot firmly on the step. Don’t try to reach or grab for anything as you could lose your balance and fall off. Once you're up, perform your inspection at a safe pace and remember to watch your footing.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Consider Extra Help </span><br /> Sometimes a client may want a visual of the home even though you’ve deemed it unsafe to inspect. In cases like these, utilizing a drone could be useful. A quality drone will provide high-resolution photos and videos to give an overall assessment of the roof. If you plan on using drones on your inspections, you’ll need to be sure you’re properly certified, and clearly explain what they entail to your customer. Drones are a great compromise for when you want to stay safe and keep your client happy.</p> <p><em>Want to know more about ladder and roof safety? Reach out to Jon McCreath at <a href="mailto:jon.mccreath@npiweb.com">jon.mccreath@npiweb.com</a>.</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/jon-blog-05.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Jon McCreath, <em>Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span><br /> A former NPI franchise owner and real estate agent, Jon joined the NPI corporate team in 2019. With his inspection expertise and foundation in classroom instruction, Jon teaches and mentors new franchisees during their two-week training course in Omaha. He also handles technical support calls during and after office hours and guides franchisees through the state licensing process.</div> </div> 1360Handling Claims Made Easyhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1359/handling-claims-made-easyBusiness Tips,Inspection TipsTue, 08 Mar 2022 15:56:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HANDLING CLAIMS MADE EASY </span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> March 8, 2022 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/client-satisfaction">client satisfaction</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Bill Erickson, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Executive VP</em></span></p> <p>Every inspector fears the day when they’ll have a claim filed against them. Whether it’s clearly your fault or not, it can feel like a giant weight coming down on you. You can quickly find yourself exhausted from spending time and money trying to resolve the problem. However, just a bit of preemptive work on your end could make claims not as scary.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Expect to get a claim at some point. </span><br /> Try as you might to avoid a claim altogether, it’s unlikely you’ll dodge one forever. But don’t worry, you’re not the first and certainly not the last person to deal with a claim from a disappointed customer. You can’t control every situation, so the best thing you can do is try to prepare for what you can. Preparing for the fact you’ll face a claim one day will give you a head start when you’re actually faced with one. Claims are intimidating, but proper preparation will make them less overwhelming.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Don’t push a claim to the back burner. </span><br /> The worst thing you can do after you’ve received a claim is to put it off. It’s likely that your insurance provider details the process of reporting a claim. Not reporting it in a reasonable timeframe could result in them providing less or even no coverage for you. That can make it hard for you to apply for insurance in the future as well. Always remember that avoiding the issue will end up making it worse than it needs to be, so act quickly.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Collect every relevant document you have on hand. </span><br /> To make it easier on yourself and your team, track down every relevant piece of information. This can include email chains, your report summary, and any other correspondence you’ve had with the customer. This will help make it clearer as to what transpired before, during, and after your inspection. Put everything into one file so that you can easily access and look back at it during the process.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Stay current with your insurance policies. </span><br /> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/staying-covered-choosing-an-insurance-provider">Your insurance coverage</a> is your best friend when it comes to claims. It’s your first line of defense in protecting your business and your reputation. Always stay on top of your policy renewals and of course your licenses as well. A lapse in either could result in fines, reduced coverage, and higher fees.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Strengthen your inspection agreement. </span><br /> An inspection agreement can be the difference between coming off a claim unscathed or being on the hook for a large settlement. Always be sure you know what’s in your inspection agreement, and have it signed by the client. This gives clients the responsibility of reading and understanding what you do and don’t do during the inspection process.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Always remember you’re not by yourself. </span><br /> Again, keep in mind that you aren’t the only person in history to deal with a claim. Lots of people have dealt with them, which means there are many places you can turn to for help. Just remember to stay calm and reach out whenever you need to.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Looking to start a National Property Inspections franchise? </span><br /> Request your free, no-obligation info packet at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.npifranchise.com/learn-more">npifranchise.com</a>.</p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://www.npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/bill-05.jpg?ver=2019-03-13-110700-887" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Bill Erickson, <em>Executive Vice President</em></span><br /> With more than 30 years of experience in marketing and sales management, Bill has created many of the NPI diversified marketing programs. On a daily basis, Bill handles customer relations and provides marketing training and support to franchisees. Outside of NPI, Bill and his wife, Julie, enjoy entertaining friends and family at their 1890’s Victorian Queen Anne home where there always seems to be another renovation project underway.</div> </div> 1359Flipped Upside Down: What to Expect When Inspecting a Remodeled Homehttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1348/flipped-upside-down-what-to-expect-when-inspecting-a-remodeled-homeInspection TipsTue, 15 Feb 2022 14:43:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">FLIPPED UPSIDE DOWN: WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN INSPECTING A REMODELED HOME</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> February 15, 2022 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/client-satisfaction">client satisfaction</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Jon McCreath, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span></p> <p>Flipped homes are becoming more and more common on the housing market. Nearly 6 percent of all home sales in 2020 were from flipped homes, with many counties and states seeing continued increases. It comes as no surprise with the popularity of home remodeling shows and flipping becoming a popular choice for people looking for additional income. But they can oftentimes be troublesome for you and your clients.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Flips Fraught with Issues </span><br /> Like professionally constructed homes, flips can have a variety of issues. Some of the most common involve structural defects, faults in the plumbing or HVAC systems, insect infestations, and improper wiring or other repairs. All of these can lead to a buyer racking up thousands of dollars in repairs on top of their already expensive purchase. Usually, first-timer flips have more problems, but rushed remodels are also notorious for flaws. As a flip project goes on, the investor will start losing money and might cut corners to try and break even. This comes at the expense of a future buyer.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Legal Gray Areas </span><br /> Along with rushing a job, some flips may not have all the right paperwork. While trying to upgrade a property, it’s not unusual for a flipper to not have all the permits in order. Doing your research on a property can make you more aware of potential renovations that a buyer should check. Remember that it’s not your responsibility to pull the permit history, but you can recommend someone else examine them. Your client will be better educated about their potential purchase and able to stay safe.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Clear Up Misconceptions </span><br /> With flips, there can be the misunderstanding that everything is fixed to standard. However, you know as an inspector that this isn’t the case. There will always be issues with any home, be it old, new, or even recently fixed up. Clarifying this point with your client will get you all on the same page and manage their expectations.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Cover Yourself </span><br /> With any inspection, it’s important that you have yourself covered. Having your inspection agreement signed will help shield you in case a client has a complaint. You might even want to include a section detailing that the property has undergone recent renovations. This will again reiterate to your client that they should be prepared for problems to be shown on your final report. And of course make sure that <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/staying-covered-choosing-an-insurance-provider">your insurance is up-to-date</a>.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Do Your Job </span><br /> As complicated as a flip inspection can be, the best thing you can do is give your best service. Properly document everything you see in your report, and <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/the-importance-of-photo-documentation-during-an-inspection">take photos</a> of your findings as well. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/keys-to-writing-a-quality-inspection-report">A quality report</a> is always the best way to protect yourself and your client. Going over your report and properly explaining it will give your clients the information they need to make a decision. Just remember to not rush and to take your time. The better job you do, the happier your client will be!</p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/jon-blog-05.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Jon McCreath, <em>Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span><br /> A former NPI franchise owner and real estate agent, Jon joined the NPI corporate team in 2019. With his inspection expertise and foundation in classroom instruction, Jon teaches and mentors new franchisees during their two-week training course in Omaha. He also handles technical support calls during and after office hours and guides franchisees through the state licensing process.</div> </div> 1348