With the new HGTV show, Home Inspector Joe, coming out later this month, Home Inspectors are going to be getting a lot more press. Many people are going to associate their idea of a home inspector with this show and this person. I don't fit this bill. I'm a woman, I'm not your typical handyman, and I'm 54. To this I say, don't judge a book by its cover.
Sure, I don't have a background in construction, but when it comes to home inspections, that doesn't matter. I took all the required course, acquired all the required hours, passed the licensing exam, and am officially licensed by the state of New York. So I'm qualified. Also, I should add that even though only 17% of all home inspectors are women, we may have the upper hand. I'll explain why. But first, how did I get here?
March, 2020, everything shut down and we all went remote. At the time I was working as a college administrator and adjunct professor, teaching a playwriting course. I contracted Covid, and was super sick, like going to the ER sick. Still, I managed to finish out the semester online, and complete all my job duties. June, 2020 I got a call that I was getting laid off due to budget constraints and my job was being eliminated.
Being a responsible person, I sought out a new and similar job. After submitting dozens of applications to colleges and universities to no avail, I branched out and applied to dozens of tangentially related jobs. Nothing. A year later and with unemployment benefits soon running out, I had to do something. And that something was home inspections.
But, again, why? Well, why not? I love watching home improvement shows. I've done my fair share of home improvement jobs myself. In fact, my partner and I redid our whole kitchen and attic space. Sure, I have an MFA in Writing for Stage and Screen, with a large student loan bill to prove it, but the times they are a changing. With the housing market booming, starting my own business seemed like a perfect solution to my job needs.
There is another reason too. I have a child with special needs. Having a regular 9 to 5 job didn't give me the flexibility to be available to him. Running my own business does. Also, after completing all the requirements, I have done several free home inspections for friends to get in some practice. What I found is that I'm really good at it, and it's fun.
That's right, I said fun! This kind of job really satisfies my craving for perfectionism and attention to detail, something that a lot of women, including myself, excel at. As a woman, being mindful and observant is in my nature. Wanting to be helpful to my clients is in my nature too.
I understand that many people might have a bias when it comes to hiring a female home inspector in her 50s. But, then again, a lot of people might be excited about supporting a woman-owned business. I hope you're one of them. If you're interested in learning more about the the home inspection services I provide, check out my "services" page.