Preview: figures awaiting verification
Some numbers on this page haven't been checked against their sources yet.
Home Inspection Business
An analytical, report-heavy service that examines a house's systems for buyers and sellers, usually booked around a home sale.
Figures last verified October 31, 2026
$2,258 – $4,758*Pending verificationSourcesCalifornia Secretary of State — Business entities fee schedule (Rev. 06/2018)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026InterNACHI — Membership(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Spectora — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Global Test Supply — Testo 606-1 Moisture Meter for Building Materials(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Global Test Supply — Testo 862-1 Thermal Imager(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Global Test Supply — Fluke TiS20+ Thermal Imager Kit(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 7 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Startup cost
Coming soon
Time to first revenue
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Physical demand
Yes
Can run solo
Busiest spring and summer, with home sales
Seasonality
* Startup cost excludes budget lines we haven't sourced yet.
Risk Meter
Eight factors from this guide's own data, each scored 1 (lowest risk) to 5 (highest). Every score shows why.
Overall risk
Elevated
3.2 out of 5
Average of 6 of 8 factors, weighted equally. 1 is the lowest risk and 5 the highest. It measures risk, not how much you'll earn, and it isn't a prediction. How we score risk.
Money at risk
Not scoredAt least $4,758
3 startup lines aren't sourced yet, so the real total is higher. We'll score this once the budget is complete.
Time to earn it back
Not scoredNot scored yet
Some startup or operating cost lines aren't sourced yet, so a payback time would look shorter than it really is.
Franchise closure rate
4 / 513.5% a yearPending verificationSourcesPillar To Post 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026HouseMaster 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026WIN Home Inspection 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026National Property Inspections 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 12, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Closures = terminations + non-renewals + outlets that ceased operations, divided by franchised outlets at the start of the year.
Average of 4 brands: Pillar To Post 10.3% (2025); HouseMaster 21.3% (2025); WIN Home Inspection 15.5% (2025); National Property Inspections 6.7% (2025). Our calculation from each FDD's Item 20.
Loan default rate
5 / 512.1% vs 7.2% for all industriesPending verificationSourceSBA 7(a) FOIA loan-level data, files as of September 30, 2026 (our count by NAICS code)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Charged off = the SBA wrote off the unpaid balance after the borrower stopped paying. An industry code can include businesses unlike this one.
38 of 313 SBA 7(a) loans to Building Inspection Services (NAICS 541350), approved FY2010–2019, were charged off. Our count from the SBA's loan-level data; 22 loans were still open, so the final rate may be slightly higher.
Demand trend
3 / 5About the samePending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2019, U.S. file (cbp19us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2023, U.S. file (cbp23us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026
Building inspection services (NAICS 541350) employer establishments +6.5% (7,036 to 7,496) vs +5.1% for all industries, 2019–2023.
Licensing and rules
1 / 5Light
California has no home inspector license; only a city or county business license, with inspector duties set by Business and Professions Code §7195 and following. Termite reports need a separate license (see Licensing).
Customer concentration
3 / 5A few large customers or referral partners
Each home buyer pays once, but much of the work comes from a limited number of real estate agents who recommend inspectors.
Physical demand
3 / 5Moderate
From the guide's at-a-glance rating; see the risks section for details.
Franchise vs. Independent
Same type of business. Two very different paths.
| Franchise (4 brands) | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $21,000 – $58,500Pending verificationSourcesPillar To Post 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026HouseMaster 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026WIN Home Inspection 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026National Property Inspections 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 12, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands. | $0 |
| Initial investment | $41,000 – $134,290Pending verificationSourcesPillar To Post 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026HouseMaster 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026WIN Home Inspection 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026National Property Inspections 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 12, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands. | $2,258 – $4,758*Pending verificationSourcesCalifornia Secretary of State — Business entities fee schedule (Rev. 06/2018)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026InterNACHI — Membership(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Spectora — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Global Test Supply — Testo 606-1 Moisture Meter for Building Materials(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Global Test Supply — Testo 862-1 Thermal Imager(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Global Test Supply — Fluke TiS20+ Thermal Imager Kit(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 7 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded. |
| Ongoing royalties | 7% – 8% of revenuePending verificationSourcesPillar To Post 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026HouseMaster 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026WIN Home Inspection 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026National Property Inspections 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 12, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands. | None |
| Operating costs (5 years) | $29,235Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — Home inspector insurance cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Spectora — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026InterNACHI — Membership(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522 (LLC tax voucher)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths. | $29,235 |
| Brand, training, and support | Included | You build your own |
| 5-year total cost | $107,675 – $233,965 | $31,493 – $33,993* |
Franchise fee
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $21,000 – $58,500Pending verificationSourcesPillar To Post 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026HouseMaster 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026WIN Home Inspection 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026National Property Inspections 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 12, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands.
- Independent
- $0
Initial investment
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $41,000 – $134,290Pending verificationSourcesPillar To Post 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026HouseMaster 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026WIN Home Inspection 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026National Property Inspections 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 12, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands.
- Independent
- $2,258 – $4,758*Pending verificationSourcesCalifornia Secretary of State — Business entities fee schedule (Rev. 06/2018)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026InterNACHI — Membership(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Spectora — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Global Test Supply — Testo 606-1 Moisture Meter for Building Materials(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Global Test Supply — Testo 862-1 Thermal Imager(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Global Test Supply — Fluke TiS20+ Thermal Imager Kit(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 7 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Ongoing royalties
- Franchise (4 brands)
- 7% – 8% of revenuePending verificationSourcesPillar To Post 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026HouseMaster 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026WIN Home Inspection 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026National Property Inspections 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 12, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands.
- Independent
- None
Operating costs (5 years)
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $29,235Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — Home inspector insurance cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Spectora — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026InterNACHI — Membership(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522 (LLC tax voucher)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths.
- Independent
- $29,235
Brand, training, and support
- Franchise (4 brands)
- Included
- Independent
- You build your own
5-year total cost
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $107,675 – $233,965
- Independent
- $31,493 – $33,993*
5-year totals assume $74,880–$124,800 in yearly revenue (our forecast presets at full volume), the same sourced operating costs (insurance, software, fees) on both paths, and both the lean and professional independent plans. Franchise investment figures come from each brand's disclosure (FDD Item 7) and already include the franchise fee. * Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet. Adjust the assumptions.
What franchisees report taking in
From each brand's own disclosure (FDD Item 19), copied exactly. These are gross sales before royalties and costs, not profit, and not a promise of what you will earn.
Pillar To Post
Item 19 reports average and median annual sales for franchised units open all of 2025 and 2024, grouped by number of inspectors, plus job sizes and resale prices.
- Median 2025 gross sales, one-inspector franchises (163 units open all of 2025)$134,411 a yearPending verificationSourcePillar To Post 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Average was $144,195; 70 of 163 units (43%) reached it. Range $32,720 to $570,912. Excludes 22 one-inspector units that opened, closed or did not report in 2025. Gross sales before royalties, fees and all expenses, not profit. Self-reported by franchisees and unaudited. Some outlets have earned this amount; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, franchises with two or more inspectors (114 units open all of 2025)$340,006 a yearPending verificationSourcePillar To Post 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Average was $446,742; 34 units (30%) reached it. Range $82,409 to $4,174,270. Gross sales before royalties, fees and all expenses, not profit. Self-reported by franchisees and unaudited. Some outlets have earned this amount; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, all franchises (297 units open all of 2025)$192,612 a yearPending verificationSourcePillar To Post 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Average was $307,908; 85 units (29%) reached it. 187 of the 297 units had sales under $250,000. Excludes 25 units, including 17 that closed in 2025. Gross sales before royalties, fees and all expenses, not profit. Self-reported by franchisees and unaudited. Some outlets have earned this amount; your results may differ.
- Median job size in 2025, one-inspector franchises$653.75Pending verificationSourcePillar To Post 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Average $668.37. Revenue per job, which may include add-on services; not the price of a basic inspection.
HouseMaster
Item 19 reports 2025 average and median gross sales and inspection fees, grouped by how many units each franchisee owns. The FDD also says 50 franchised businesses closed in 2025.
- Median 2025 gross sales, single-unit franchisees (71 franchisees reporting)$100,766 a yearPending verificationSourceHouseMaster 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Average was $138,881; 25 of 71 (35%) reached it. Range $3,165 to $906,597. Excludes businesses that opened in 2025, did not report, or closed (50 closed in 2025). Gross sales before royalties, fees and all expenses, not profit. Self-reported by franchisees and unaudited. Some outlets have earned this amount; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, two-unit franchisees (13 franchisees reporting)$273,875 a yearPending verificationSourceHouseMaster 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Average was $244,470; 8 of 13 (62%) reached it. Gross sales before royalties, fees and all expenses, not profit. Self-reported by franchisees and unaudited. Some outlets have earned this amount; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 inspection fee, single-unit franchisees$528Pending verificationSourceHouseMaster 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Average $537; range $128 to $996.
WIN Home Inspection
Item 19 reports 2023–2025 gross revenue for franchisees open at least a year, split into those above and below $100,000, plus average fees per inspection. The FDD says 35 franchisees closed in 2025.
- Median 2025 gross revenue, franchisees with $100,000 or more (94 of 168 franchisees)$205,898.84 a yearPending verificationSourceWIN Home Inspection 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Average was $269,804.55; 33 of 94 (35%) reached it. Excludes franchisees under a year old, non-reporting or non-compliant ones, and 35 that closed in 2025. Gross sales before royalties, fees and all expenses, not profit. Self-reported by franchisees and unaudited. Some outlets have earned this amount; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross revenue, franchisees under $100,000 (48 of 168 franchisees)$70,554.49 a yearPending verificationSourceWIN Home Inspection 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Average was $65,990.74; 48 franchisees (29% of the system) were in this group. Gross sales before royalties, fees and all expenses, not profit. Self-reported by franchisees and unaudited. Some outlets have earned this amount; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 fee per home inspection, franchisees with $100,000 or more$591.98Pending verificationSourceWIN Home Inspection 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Average $607.33. Includes orders with add-on services; excludes commercial inspections.
National Property Inspections
Item 19 reports 2025 annual gross sales for 152 single-territory franchises open all year, with top and bottom percentile groups.
- Median 2025 gross sales, all single-territory franchises (152 open all of 2025)$90,468 a yearPending verificationSourceNational Property Inspections 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 12, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Average was $132,622; 47 of 152 (31%) reached it. Range $8,925 to $1,226,028. Excludes 37 businesses that opened, closed (13), were in ramp-up, or did not report. Gross sales before royalties, fees and all expenses, not profit. Self-reported by franchisees and unaudited. Some outlets have earned this amount; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, bottom 50% of single-territory franchises (76 units)$44,724 a yearPending verificationSourceNational Property Inspections 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 12, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Average $49,636. Gross sales before royalties, fees and all expenses, not profit. Self-reported by franchisees and unaudited. Some outlets have earned this amount; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, top 50% of single-territory franchises (76 units)$146,800 a yearPending verificationSourceNational Property Inspections 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 12, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Average $215,608. Gross sales before royalties, fees and all expenses, not profit. Self-reported by franchisees and unaudited. Some outlets have earned this amount; your results may differ.
What a franchise does give you
Franchises cost more, but the fees buy real things. Weigh them honestly.
- A known brand that real estate agents may already recognize
- Structured initial training in inspection technique and report writing
- Required report software and booking systems already set up
- National and regional marketing paid from the brand fund
- A network of other owners to learn from
Going independent means
- You keep 100% of what you earn after costs — no royalties.
- You build your own brand, systems, and customer base.
- You need more self-reliance, especially in the first year.
Startup Budget
One-time costs to launch, from cited sources. Totals are added up from the lines below.
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| California LLC filing (Articles of Organization plus first Statement of Information)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia Secretary of State — Business entities fee schedule (Rev. 06/2018)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026$70 for Form LLC-1 plus $20 for Form LLC-12, from the Secretary of State fee schedule dated June 2018. Confirm current fees at bizfile Online. | $90 | $90 | $90 |
| City or county business license | Data coming soon | ||
| InterNACHI membership, first year (training and certification path)Pending verificationSourceInterNACHI — Membership(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026All-Access Membership, $499 a year (or $49 a month), no contract. | $499 | $499 | $499 |
| Inspection report software, first year (Spectora annual plan)Pending verificationSourceSpectora — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Annual subscription for one inspector. The monthly plan is $109 a month. | $1,090 | $1,090 | $1,090 |
| Moisture meter (Testo 606-1)Pending verificationSourceGlobal Test Supply — Testo 606-1 Moisture Meter for Building Materials(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Retailer sale price; regular price listed at $182. | $155 | $155 | $155 |
| Entry-level thermal imager (Testo 862-1)Pending verificationSourceGlobal Test Supply — Testo 862-1 Thermal Imager(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Retailer sale price; regular price listed at $499. | $424 | $424 | $424 |
| Ladder, flashlight, outlet tester and hand tools | Data coming soon | ||
| Marketing launch (cards, agent outreach, listings) | Data coming soon | ||
| Total (sourced lines only) | $2,258 | $2,258 | $2,258 |
Share of mid estimate
- California LLC filing (Articles of Organization plus first Statement of Information)4%
- InterNACHI membership, first year (training and certification path)22%
- Inspection report software, first year (Spectora annual plan)48%
- Moisture meter (Testo 606-1)7%
- Entry-level thermal imager (Testo 862-1)19%
Budget spreadsheet
Every line with its sources, included in the complete kit.
The total leaves out 3 lines we haven't sourced yet. We don't guess.
AlternativeASHI membership, first year: $499 – $499Pending verificationSourceASHI — Join and renew(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Standard dues billed annually. Monthly billing is $49.16 a month plus a $91 flexibility fee.
An alternative or addition to InterNACHI; many inspectors choose one association. Not included in the total above.
24-Month Forecast
An example to plan with. Every assumption is yours to change.
This is an estimate, not a prediction
Ticket is what Thumbtack says most people pay. Jobs per week, ramp-up and variable costs are our assumptions, not operator data. Seasonality follows Pillar To Post's quarterly sales shares (FDD Item 19). Change any assumption to match your market. Your results will differ.
- Break-even
- Month 2
- Year-1 revenue
- $45,319
- Year-2 profit
- $61,548
Show monthly table
| Month | Jobs | Revenue | Costs | Profit | Cumulative cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Mar) | 3.6 | $1,310 | $618 | $692 | -$1,566 |
| 2 (Apr) | 6.4 | $2,303 | $717 | $1,586 | $20 |
| 3 (May) | 7.8 | $2,797 | $767 | $2,030 | $2,050 |
| 4 (Jun) | 9.1 | $3,290 | $816 | $2,474 | $4,524 |
| 5 (Jul) | 10.1 | $3,653 | $852 | $2,801 | $7,325 |
| 6 (Aug) | 11.5 | $4,130 | $900 | $3,230 | $10,555 |
| 7 (Sep) | 12.8 | $4,606 | $948 | $3,659 | $14,214 |
| 8 (Oct) | 11.1 | $3,994 | $886 | $3,107 | $17,321 |
| 9 (Nov) | 12.1 | $4,368 | $924 | $3,444 | $20,765 |
| 10 (Dec) | 13.2 | $4,742 | $961 | $3,781 | $24,546 |
| 11 (Jan) | 13.6 | $4,884 | $975 | $3,909 | $28,455 |
| 12 (Feb) | 14.6 | $5,242 | $1,011 | $4,230 | $32,685 |
| 13 (Mar) | 14.6 | $5,242 | $1,011 | $4,230 | $36,916 |
| 14 (Apr) | 20.1 | $7,238 | $1,211 | $6,028 | $42,943 |
| 15 (May) | 20.1 | $7,238 | $1,211 | $6,028 | $48,971 |
| 16 (Jun) | 20.1 | $7,238 | $1,211 | $6,028 | $54,999 |
| 17 (Jul) | 19.4 | $6,989 | $1,186 | $5,803 | $60,802 |
| 18 (Aug) | 19.4 | $6,989 | $1,186 | $5,803 | $66,604 |
| 19 (Sep) | 19.4 | $6,989 | $1,186 | $5,803 | $72,407 |
| 20 (Oct) | 15.3 | $5,491 | $1,036 | $4,455 | $76,862 |
| 21 (Nov) | 15.3 | $5,491 | $1,036 | $4,455 | $81,318 |
| 22 (Dec) | 15.3 | $5,491 | $1,036 | $4,455 | $85,773 |
| 23 (Jan) | 14.6 | $5,242 | $1,011 | $4,230 | $90,003 |
| 24 (Feb) | 14.6 | $5,242 | $1,011 | $4,230 | $94,233 |
Pricing
What customers typically pay, from large-sample cost data.
What customers pay
- Standard home inspection, national average$400Pending verificationSourceFixr — Home inspection cost (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Fixr does not publish a sample size.
- Standard home inspection, typical range$300 – $500Pending verificationSourceFixr — Home inspection cost (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Fixr does not publish a sample size.
- Home inspection, national average range (Thumbtack data)$290 – $449Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — How much does a home inspection cost? (updated July 1, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Thumbtack says most people pay around $360. No published sample size.
- Home inspection, California$325 – $450Pending verificationSourceFixr — Home inspection cost (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Fixr state table. No published sample size.
- Radon test (add-on)$125 – $400Pending verificationSourceFixr — Home inspection cost (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Fixr specialty inspection table. No published sample size.
- Sewer inspection (add-on)$200 – $1,000Pending verificationSourceFixr — Home inspection cost (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Fixr specialty inspection table. No published sample size. Needs a sewer camera, which is not in the startup budget.
- Termite inspection$150 – $350Pending verificationSourceFixr — Home inspection cost (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Fixr pest table. In California only a licensed Branch 3 pest control inspector may do this; most home inspectors refer it out.
What similar businesses take in
Context only, not a promise of what you will earn. Government figures cover every business in the industry; guide figures are rougher. Tap the source icon to see which is which. These are revenue, before costs.
- Receipts per firm, NAICS 541350 Building Inspection Services, employer firms with fewer than 5 employees, United States, 2022$193,991 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Statistics of U.S. Businesses 2022, by state and 6-digit NAICS (released April 10, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026$1,265,403,000 in receipts across 6,523 firms, divided by us and rounded to the dollar. Employer firms only; owner-only businesses with no payroll are not included, and Census does not publish this industry in its Nonemployer Statistics. Context only, not a promise or prediction. NAICS 541350 covers all building inspection firms, including commercial inspectors, not only home inspectors.
- Receipts per firm, NAICS 541350 Building Inspection Services, employer firms with fewer than 5 employees, California, 2022$259,782 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Statistics of U.S. Businesses 2022, by state and 6-digit NAICS (released April 10, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026$223,153,000 in receipts across 859 firms, divided by us and rounded to the dollar. Employer firms only. Context only, not a promise or prediction. NAICS 541350 covers all building inspection firms, including commercial inspectors, not only home inspectors.
- Receipts per firm, NAICS 541350 Building Inspection Services, all employer firms, United States, 2022$524,175 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Statistics of U.S. Businesses 2022, by state and 6-digit NAICS (released April 10, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026$3,995,784,000 in receipts across 7,623 firms, divided by us and rounded to the dollar. Includes large multi-site firms. Context only, not a promise or prediction. NAICS 541350 covers all building inspection firms, including commercial inspectors, not only home inspectors.
Key Risks and How to Manage Them
Tied to home sales
Most inspections happen during a home purchase, so when sales slow, bookings drop with them. BLS projects 0% job growth for construction and building inspectors over 2025–35.
How to manage it: Keep a cash reserve, and add services that don't depend on a sale: pre-listing, annual maintenance, new-construction phase and insurance inspections.
Errors and omissions claims
Buyers who find a problem after closing may claim you missed it. In California you owe the care of a reasonably prudent inspector, contract terms that waive that duty are invalid, and claims can be brought for up to four years after the inspection.
How to manage it: Carry E&O insurance, follow a published standard of practice, use a clear pre-inspection agreement, and photograph everything you report.
Dependence on agent referrals
Much of the work comes from real estate agents, and building those relationships takes time. Paying agents for referrals is an unfair business practice under California law.
How to manage it: Build referrals with fast, readable reports and reliable scheduling, and market directly to buyers online.
Attics, crawlspaces and roofs
BLS notes inspectors often climb and crawl through attics and tight spaces. For someone in their late 50s, hot attics, low crawlspaces and ladders are the hardest part of the job.
How to manage it: Use a drone or pole camera for steep roofs, wear proper protective gear, limit yourself to two inspections a day, and decline spaces that aren't safe to enter (and say so in the report).
Slow first year
Franchise disclosures show wide spreads: in 2025 the median single-territory National Property Inspections franchise had $90,468 in gross sales, and the bottom half had a median of $44,724.
How to manage it: Plan to cover living costs for at least the first year and treat early months as time to build agent relationships.
Things you can't legally do
In California you can't repair a home you inspected within 12 months, can't issue termite reports without a pest control license, and can't give engineering analysis unless you're a registered engineer.
How to manage it: Stay in your lane: refer pest, structural and specialty work out, and keep a short list of trusted specialists.
Licensing by State
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction.
More states are coming.
A general guide only. Rules change and vary by city and county — confirm with your local government before you start.
No state home inspector license
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCalifornia Business and Professions Code §7195 (definitions), via California.Public.Law(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Construction and Building Inspectors(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026California does not license home inspectors. Business and Professions Code §§7195–7199 defines a home inspection and sets rules for how inspectors must work, but creates no license or exam. Other states do license inspectors, and ASHI or InterNACHI certification is common and expected by many agents.
Verify with the California Legislative Information — B&P Code, Chapter 9.3 (Home Inspectors)(opens in a new tab)Duty of care and four-year claim window
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCalifornia Business and Professions Code §7196 (duty of care), via California.Public.Law(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Business and Professions Code §7199 (four-year limit on claims), via California.Public.Law(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026An inspector who is not a licensed contractor, pest operator, architect or registered engineer must use the care a reasonably prudent home inspector would use (§7196). Legal claims over a home inspection report must be brought within four years of the inspection (§7199).
Verify with the California Legislative Information — B&P Code §7196(opens in a new tab)No repairs, referral payments or contingent fees
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCalifornia Business and Professions Code §7197 (unfair practices), via California.Public.Law(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026It is an unfair business practice to offer repairs on a home you inspected in the past 12 months, inspect a property you have an interest in, pay agents or owners for referrals, or take a fee that depends on your findings or the close of escrow (§7197).
Verify with the California Legislative Information — B&P Code §7197(opens in a new tab)Termite (wood-destroying pest) reports need a separate license
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCalifornia Business and Professions Code §8516 (wood-destroying pest inspections), via California.Public.Law(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Statements about the presence or absence of wood-destroying pests may only be issued after an inspection by a licensed Branch 3 field representative or operator employed by a registered pest control company (§8516).
Verify with the Structural Pest Control Board(opens in a new tab)City or county business license
Pending verificationRequired almost everywhere in California. Check with the city where your business is based.
The Playbook
A step-by-step guide from setup to growth.
Phase 1
Setup
- Learn a standard of practice and train with InterNACHI or ASHI
- Do practice inspections on friends' and family homes
- Choose your business structure and get a city business license
- Buy core tools and report software
- Get E&O and general liability insurance
- Write your pre-inspection agreement
Phase 2
Launch
Included in the complete kit
Phase 3
Agent relationships
Included in the complete kit
Phase 4
Marketing
Included in the complete kit
Phase 5
Operations and reports
Included in the complete kit
Phase 6
Add-on services
Included in the complete kit
Phase 7
Growth
Included in the complete kit
Suppliers and Tools
Vendors independent operators use.
No supplier pays to be listed. If we ever earn a referral fee from a link, it will say “Affiliate link” right next to it.
Training and associations
Training, standards of practice and certification.
Report and scheduling software
Report writing, booking and payments.
Inspection tools
Moisture meters, thermal imagers and test equipment.
The Kit Is Coming
Everything on this page is free. The downloadable kit (playbook, spreadsheets, templates) is in the works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a franchise?
No. The Open Franchise is not a franchise and does not sell franchises. You start and own your business yourself, with no franchise fee, royalties, or territory rules. We sell guides and kits; that's all.
Do I need a license to be a home inspector in California?
No. California has no state home inspector license. The law in Business and Professions Code §§7195–7199 sets a duty of care and bans certain practices, but there is no license or exam. Many inspectors still earn InterNACHI or ASHI certification, and other states do require a license.
Can I do termite inspections too?
Not without a separate license. In California, termite (wood-destroying pest) reports must come from a licensed Branch 3 inspector employed by a registered pest control company. Most home inspectors refer this work out.
Are these numbers guaranteed?
No. Every cost and price is an estimate from a cited source, shown as a range where possible, with the date we last checked it. Franchise sales figures are gross sales, not profit. Your costs and results will depend on your market and choices.
Figures last verified October 31, 2026. Every number links to its source. See all sources for this page.