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July/August, 2007 "Risky Business” Prospering in your home inspection business requires two core values that should govern every inspection you do. They are "absolute integrity" with your client and "impeccable risk management" with yourself, a delicate balance. This career path is still evolving from its original inception as a "trade", through expansion into an "industry" and now its present metamorphosis into a respected, responsible and accountable profession with its own professional Association, Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics, specific educational requirements and professional designation as RHI. But make no mistake; it is still very much a work-in-progress with steep learning curves, and your own participation as a Home Inspector can still help to influence the future shape of this new profession. Back to "absolute integrity", you are responsible to provide adequate skills, procedures, current knowledge and clear impartiality. If you don't believe that, the courts will eventually convince you. As for "impeccable risk management", that starts with your advertising, continues with booking inspections, and includes the wording and clarity of your inspection contract, the reporting system you use, your procedures, your verbal communications and the process you employ to diffuse or manage complaints when they occur. Something still to come through the Association, hopefully, is access to effective, relevant and comprehensive risk management courses. On a brighter note, you are in the business of helping people. You give your clients more peace of mind about their investment when buying a home for their family. Doing your job well brings appreciative kudos from your new friends and builds an effective referral base for your business. This profession is anything but routine and boring. You are out there dealing with passionate people in their own environment and you are their very own professional expert. After thirty years I can tell you that any day can bring new and exciting experience. You should always expect the unexpected, keep an open mind, and be willing to learn. This may be a Risky Business, but it's mostly a Great Business! Peter Salmon, Founder and Franchisor of Home-Alyze® |
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