Episode 2: Home Inspections with Adam Anderson
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Adam Anderson from A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections to explore the world of home inspections. Adam shares his journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, delving into the challenges and rewards of building a home inspection business. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the home inspection process, discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry, and provides valuable advice for both potential home buyers and those considering a career in home inspections. With a focus on the importance of communication, setting realistic expectations, and understanding the scope of inspections, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the real estate and home inspection industries.
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Part 1: Becoming a Home Inspector
In this episode, Dave and Chris welcome guest Adam Anderson from A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections. Adam shares his journey from working for a large New Brunswick-based multinational food company to becoming a home inspector in 2015. He discusses his desire for a career change, influenced by his father’s varied career and entrepreneurial spirit, and how he was drawn to home inspection as a way to work technically, with people, and for himself.
Adam details the training process for becoming a home inspector, which initially took him to Florida but is now available virtually in Canada. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and shadowing in the training process, alongside the extensive book training required by the Carson Dunlop training module.
The conversation also covers the standards of practice in home inspections, the variability among different associations, and the hope for standardized guidelines in the industry. Adam reflects on how the industry has changed since he started, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a shift in the types of inspections being conducted due to the competitive real estate market. This included pre-inspections for sellers and advisory services that offer a quicker, albeit not standard, inspection to accommodate the fast-paced market.
Adam’s story provides insight into the home inspection industry, the challenges and changes faced by professionals, and the importance of adapting to meet the needs of the market while maintaining high standards of practice.
Part 2: The Business of Home Inspections
In the second segment of the podcast, Adam Anderson continues discussing the nuances of home inspections, focusing on the value of advisory services, the significance of radon testing, and the evolution of the home inspection industry amidst changing real estate dynamics. He shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship, including scaling his business beyond New Brunswick into Ontario and leveraging the franchise model for growth.
Adam also delves into the impact of technology and communication strategies on the home inspection business, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new tools like video communication to enhance customer experience. He offers practical advice for homeowners preparing for inspections, highlighting the importance of providing access to various parts of the home to avoid incomplete reports. The conversation touches on the protective role of home inspections for all parties involved in a real estate transaction, not just buyers.
This segment provides a deeper understanding of the home inspection process, the strategic considerations of running a home inspection business, and the evolving landscape of real estate and home inspections. Adam’s experiences and strategies offer valuable lessons for professionals in the home inspection industry and those interested in entrepreneurship and real estate.
Part 3: The Art of Home Inspections
In the third segment of the podcast, Adam Anderson delves into the intricacies of conducting home inspections and managing client expectations. He emphasizes the importance of providing clients with comprehensive information to make informed decisions about their potential home purchases. Adam discusses the challenges of maintaining objectivity and neutrality during inspections, ensuring clients receive unbiased information about the condition of the property.
Adam also touches on the standards of practice that guide home inspections, explaining how these standards serve as a checklist to ensure thorough and consistent evaluations. He shares insights into the entrepreneurial aspects of being a home inspector, including the peaks and valleys of business, the importance of managing schedules, and the challenges of maintaining a steady workflow.
The conversation shifts to advice for those looking to hire a home inspector and for individuals considering entering the home inspection industry. Adam stresses the importance of doing research, understanding the inspector’s standards of practice, and recognizing the people-oriented nature of the job. He also discusses the balance between providing enough information to be helpful without causing unnecessary alarm or speculation about potential issues with the property.
Adam concludes by highlighting the value of experience in navigating the complexities of home inspections, including knowing how to communicate potential issues effectively without triggering undue concern. He advocates for understanding and respecting the standards of practice and encourages clients to review the information provided by inspectors to set realistic expectations for the inspection process.
Part 4: Limitations of Home Inspections
In the final segment of the podcast, Adam Anderson wraps up the discussion by emphasizing the limitations and scope of home inspections. He clarifies that a home inspection is not a warranty but rather a snapshot of the home’s condition at the time of inspection, designed to inform potential buyers about what they are investing in. Adam addresses common misconceptions, such as the expectation for home inspectors to predict future issues like plumbing failures that occur after the inspection.
Adam also provides practical advice for homeowners and potential buyers, highlighting the importance of understanding that home inspections are visual and based on the accessible parts of the home at the time of the inspection. He encourages clients to review the standards of practice and the inspection agreement to set realistic expectations about what the inspection can and cannot cover.
The conversation concludes with information on how to contact Adam and his team at A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections in Fredericton, including online booking options for those who prefer not to communicate directly. The hosts express their appreciation for the valuable insights Adam has shared and acknowledge the positive feedback from clients who have used his home inspection services.
This comprehensive discussion offers a deep dive into the home inspection industry, the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship in this field, and valuable advice for both those seeking home inspection services and individuals considering a career as a home inspector.
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