What to do if you're a new home inspector starting a business from scratch! Featuring Abby Bullock

What to do if you're a new home inspector starting a business from scratch! Featuring Abby Bullock

SIGN UP ASAP FOR THE INSPECTION SUPPORT NETWORK FIRST-YEAR MASTERCLASS: https://riverside.com/webinar/registration/eyJldmVudElkIjoiNmEyNmYwMDM3ZWUzM2RjNmE3MzRjYjliIiwic2x1ZyI6Imlzbi13ZWJpbmFyIn0= What would an experienced home inspector do differently if they had to start over today? In this episode of The Ride Along: A Home Inspection Podcast, hosts Brad Lowery and Matt Brading sit down with Abby Bullock of Merit Property Inspections in Tampa, Florida, to answer one of the biggest questions every new home inspector should ask: "If I was starting over as a new home inspector knowing what I know today, what are the five things I'd do differently?" Whether you're just starting your home inspection business, attending inspection school, or looking to grow your inspection company faster, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you avoid costly mistakes and build a successful career. Abby shares hard-earned lessons from her recent launch, including how to market your inspection business, how to grow an audience with social media quickly, attract your first clients, invest in the right tools, and develop the mindset needed to thrive in today's home inspection industry. Chapters: 00:00 Intro and setup 00:20 "If you started over today…" 01:40 Announcement: Inspection Support Network masterclass 02:39 Welcome Abby Bullock and her background 03:25 Abby's inspection journey and social media growth 05:03 Why Abby's content feels authentic 07:55 Lessons from being a newer inspector 09:55 Social media as a support system 12:18 Going out on your own and the liability of ownership 14:32 How long it takes business momentum to build 15:45 When Abby knew she was ready to go independent 17:24 What surprised Abby about business ownership 19:48 Advice for risk-averse inspectors 22:00 Why inspection may not be a great side hustle 24:42 Biggest challenge in Abby's first months full-time 26:25 What she would change about building the business 27:20 How Abby got clients before social media 31:11 Answering phones while in the field 33:49 Knowing when to stop doing everything yourself 37:17 Purpose, identity, and why business ownership fits Abby 40:25 Building relationships with real estate agents 46:57 Creating content while working inspections 48:46 Paid boosting and marketing strategy 53:27 Financial discipline and learning to manage risk 56:31 Final advice for new inspectors 57:31 Wrap-up and closing chaos The links: Register for Inspection Fuel this Sept 28-30 in Louisville, KY: http://www.inspectionfuel.com.register [http://www.inspectionfuel.com.register] Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.theridealong.show [https://www.theridealong.show] Sign up for our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter [https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter] #howtogrowabusiness #entrepreneurlife #homeinspection #newbusinessideas

Lumberyard mold: what it is, how it's treated, and what home inspectors should say about it

What causes mold in brand-new homes before anyone even moves in? In this episode of The Ride Along: A Home Inspection Show, hosts Brad Lowery and Matt Brading sit down with Jordan Mason to break down one of the hottest topics in the inspection industry: lumberyard mold, microbial growth in new construction, and what inspectors need to know before calling it out. From attic sheathing stains to full-scale mold remediation, this conversation dives deep into the real-world challenges home inspectors face when evaluating moisture intrusion, ventilation problems, and indoor air quality concerns. Jordan shares practical insight into mold testing, soda blasting, chemical remediation methods, building science principles, and how poor moisture management can impact both health and property value. Whether you're a home inspector, mold assessor, remediation contractor, realtor, builder, or homeowner, this episode delivers actionable insight you can apply in the field immediately. Topics covered in this episode: ✔️ Lumberyard mold vs active microbial growth ✔️ Mold in new construction homes ✔️ Moisture intrusion and humidity control ✔️ Mold remediation methods explained ✔️ Soda blasting vs chemical treatment ✔️ Ventilation and attic airflow issues ✔️ Building science for home inspectors ✔️ Indoor air quality and health concerns ✔️ Mold testing and inspection best practices ✔️ Protecting property value during real estate transactions If you're serious about becoming a better inspector and staying ahead of industry trends, subscribe to The Ride Along: A Home Inspection Show and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. 👍 Like the video 💬 Drop your thoughts/questions in the comments 📲 Share this with another inspector or contractor Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healthy Homes and Mold Awareness 10:20 Understanding Lumberyard Mold and Its Implications 28:31 The Risks of Dormant Mold and Air Quality Management 30:33 Building Community in Home Inspections 31:58 Addressing Mold Concerns in Home Inspections 34:40 Inspector and Builder Responsibilities 38:21 Understanding Mold Remediation Techniques 42:09 Innovative Solutions for Mold Issues 49:27 The Importance of Context in Mold Testing 55:13 Preparing for Future Storms and Mold Risks The links: Register for Inspection Fuel this Sept 28-30 in Louisville, KY: http://www.inspectionfuel.com.register [http://www.inspectionfuel.com.register] Sign up for the newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter [https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter] Leave us a VOICEMAIL here: https://www.theridealong.show [https://www.theridealong.show]

How to do 600+ home inspections per year... with the buyer present!

Should home buyers attend the home inspection—or does it create more problems than it solves? In this episode of The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast, Brad Lowery and Matt Brading sit down with top-producing inspector Ken Humphreys of BPG Inspections to debate one of the most talked-about topics in the industry. 👉 Watch the full episode to hear how top inspectors approach client presence, reporting, and running a successful inspection business. Ken shares real-world insights from years of high-level experience, while the conversation dives into home inspection best practices, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and how inspectors adapt to different markets and client expectations. From the role of technology in inspections to balancing efficiency with quality, this episode breaks down what actually drives success in today's home inspection industry. You'll also hear different perspectives on inspection standards, client communication, and whether having buyers on-site improves or complicates the process. Whether you're a home inspector refining your workflow or a homebuyer trying to understand what to expect, this discussion highlights how communication, consistency, and adaptability lead to better outcomes. 🔧 What You'll Learn - Should buyers attend a home inspection? - How top inspectors approach client communication - The role of SOPs in home inspection businesses - How inspection practices vary by market and region - How to balance efficiency, quality, and work-life balance 🎧 Listen to more expert conversations on The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast for insights on home inspection, business growth, and industry best practices. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Home Inspection Excellence 01:46 Ken Humphries: A Veteran Home Inspector's Journey 05:30 The Importance of Client Presence During Inspections 09:20 Utilizing Technology: The Role of Infrared Cameras 13:05 Balancing Client Interaction and Inspection Efficiency 16:35 Streamlining the Inspection Process 20:22 The Debate on Inspection Standards and Practices 23:57 Finding Work-Life Balance in Home Inspection 28:38 Evolving Roles in Home Inspection 29:49 Market Trends and Pre-Offer Evaluations 31:26 Personal Connections in Inspections 32:09 Inspection Techniques and Time Management 36:56 Safety vs. Comfort in Home Inspections 40:07 SOPs and Regional Variances in Inspections 52:19 The Importance of Functionality in Inspections 53:02 The Importance of Customer Education 56:07 Balancing Time and Client Interaction 59:00 The Role of Reports in Client Understanding 01:02:00 Work-Life Balance in Home Inspections 01:04:55 Different Approaches to Inspections 01:07:40 The Value of Client Presence 01:10:25 Continuous Learning and Adaptation 01:13:20 Finding Common Ground in Inspection Practices The links: Register for Inspection Fuel this Sept 28-30 in Louisville, KY: http://www.inspectionfuel.com.register [http://www.inspectionfuel.com.register] Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.theridealong.show [https://www.theridealong.show] Sign up for our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter [https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter]

No Home Inspection license required? How great inspectors still win in unregulated states

Can you run a successful home inspection business and build trust with home buyers in a state without licensing or regulation? In this episode of The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast, we break down what it really takes to operate with excellence in unregulated home inspection markets. And our guest is a man who needs little introduction! Brent Fletcher joins the show this week to discuss how home inspectors can build trust, maintain high standards, and deliver consistent value—even in states where there are no licensing requirements. From setting your own standards of practice to developing strong client communication and professional systems, this episode explores how inspectors can rise above the lack of regulation and differentiate themselves in competitive markets. We also cover how homebuyers and real estate agents evaluate inspectors in unlicensed states, and what separates average inspectors from those who build long-term, reputable businesses. Whether you're a home inspector working in an unregulated state or considering entering the industry, this episode provides practical insight into running a home inspection business with professionalism, integrity, and consistency—regardless of licensing requirements. Key topics: - Differences between regulated and unregulated home inspection markets - How Colorado inspectors operate without licensing requirements - The importance of certification and standards (e.g., InterNACHI's SOP) - Client confidence and reputation-building in unregulated states - The role of social media in establishing inspector credibility - Common pitfalls and mistakes in first inspections - Building inspector accountability and professional reputation - Practical tips for new inspectors to gain confidence and experience - The impact of licensing on pricing and market competition - Future trends and developments in home inspection regulation Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Brent Fletcher's inspection background in unregulated Colorado 02:17 - Building essentials: vapor barriers and passive house construction 04:23 - Colorado's construction landscape: basements, slab on grade, and regional differences 05:56 - Developing educational content with a dedicated office space 06:42 - The value of a professional studio environment for content creation 08:00 - How unregulated states like Colorado handle inspection standards and oversight 09:14 - The implications of no licensing requirements and inspector accountability 11:12 - The importance of online reviews and certification checks for clients 13:46 - The potential for unlicensed inspectors to operate without standards 15:10 - Differences in pricing and competition in unregulated vs regulated markets 16:43 - How clients in Colorado recognize inspector credibility without formal licensing 17:48 - The role social media plays in building trust and professional reputation 19:38 - Establishing inspection standards and ongoing training programs 22:09 - The impact of licensing on liability, liability insurance, and market quality 24:23 - The influence of regulation on inspection quality and accountability 27:09 - Costs associated with licensing and the potential market effects 30:39 - Protecting home buyers through education and due diligence in unregulated states 33:24 - The significance of personality and professionalism in social media marketing 34:45 - The ongoing discussion around regulation and professional standards in home inspection 35:44 - Insights into training new inspectors and establishing credible mentorship programs 39:55 - The importance of experience, humility, and continuous learning in early inspections 42:42 - Common issues encountered in inspections: appliances, water lines, and fireplaces 45:07 - Mistakes made during first inspections and lessons learned 50:00 - Managing busy schedules and personal growth as a home inspector 51:01 - Brent Fletcher's online presence and industry influence The links: Sign up for Inspection Fuel V this Sept. 28-30 in Louisville, KY! https://www.inspectionfuel.com/register [https://www.inspectionfuel.com/register] Follow Inspector Fletch on social media @inspector_fletch!

How Porch's Customer Success team helps home inspectors win

What makes great home inspection software more than just technology? The people behind it. In this special edition episode, we take a closer look at Porch Group's Customer Success team and how they help home inspectors get the most value from Porch inspection software and services like Palmtech, ISN, Home Inspector Pro, and other tools like ACC and Guardian Inspection Payments used by professional inspectors across the industry. Unlike many tech platforms, Porch provides live support from real people, giving inspectors direct access to experts who understand both the software and the home inspection business. The Customer Success team helps inspectors troubleshoot issues, share best practices, and ensure they're using their tools as efficiently as possible. Porch Customer Success also provides shared company resources and account reviews, helping inspectors optimize their workflows, improve report delivery, and get the most out of the software they rely on to run their inspection businesses. If you're a home inspector using Porch software—or considering it—this episode explains how dedicated customer success support can improve your efficiency, reduce frustration, and help you grow your inspection business. Topics Covered: - Live customer support for home inspectors - Porch Group inspection software services - Palmtech and ISN support resources - How customer success teams help inspectors optimize their tools - Software training and account reviews for home inspection businesses