Home inspector for home buyers

Home buyers, usually referred by real estate agents, mortgage brokers or lawyers. Some investors also pay.

A fixed fee per inspection, usually based on the home's size and age, with optional extras such as radon testing, sewer scope or thermal imaging.

• Understanding how houses are built
• Clear, honest report writing
• Explaining problems calmly to anxious buyers
• Comfortable on roofs, in crawl spaces and in attics

• Licensing rules differ by province. For example, British Columbia requires a home inspector licence, while other provinces may have no licence but expect training or association membership. Check with your provincial regulator before you advertise or take any paid work
• Errors and omissions insurance as well as commercial general liability insurance
• Your reputation depends on referrals, so expect a slow first few months
• Winter snow can limit roof and exterior checks, so plan how you will handle this in your reports
• Check with your municipality whether a business licence or home-based business permit is needed

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $15,000, depending on your training, tools, reporting software and insurance. Check what your province expects before you budget.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many inspections you win and your pricing. Work depends on referrals, so expect a slow first few months. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Licensing rules differ by province. For example, British Columbia requires a home inspector licence, while other provinces may have none but expect training or association membership. Check with your provincial regulator before advertising or taking paid work, and check insurance and municipal licence needs.