Introduction

Introduction

 

My name is Dan Osborn and I have been inspecting homes since 2003.  In that time I have inspected over 2,200 homes and have made over 2,200 mistakes.  Hold on, let me rephrase that, I have learned over 2,200 lessons.  In March of 2007 I was “talked into” partnering to create and run a home inspection school; Certified Adult Training School - CATS of Albany, located in Upstate New York.  After 2 years and the dissolution of the partnership, I wound up running the school and teaching the classes myself; kind of a one man show.  During these years of operation the school ( I ) have trained over 200 inspectors and  I have made over 200 mistakes – excuse me: rephrase-  I mean learned over 200 lessons.

 

In these numerous experiences of inspecting, teaching, and witnessing the students I have taught go off on their own to “learn their own lessons”,  I have come to the realization that the days of a one man show in the field of home inspection should be gone for good. 

 

Just because you know the ins and outs of home construction doesn’t mean you will be a good or successful home inspector.  The well hidden secret in this industry is that your success is not based on how well you inspect the house, but how well you market yourself, run your business, connect to the client and connect to the realtor.  It is essential that you are a people person and have excellent communication skills.

 

Many of my students come from a building contractor’s or technical background with extensive knowledge in their field.  The assumption that these skill sets will translate to home inspection is only partially true and can get them into trouble.   There is a knowledge base required for the terminology and to have a comprehension of the systems of a home, their function and condition.  However, the most exhaustive technical knowledge will be useless if no one will hire you, or if when hired your inspections anger the parties involved by making major issues out of things that could be calmly reported as defects.

 

An education that includes a business model and a mentorship program to guide the inspector through the reality of the interpersonal nature of Home Inspection is invaluable.  Knowledge is wonderful, but the ability and opportunity to communicate that knowledge is at the heart of the home inspection industry.

 

In response to the need I see for a more beginning to end guided teaching model I am offering an online home inspection training course.  I can inform and prepare those who wish to enter the field of home inspection drawing upon all the mistakes I have made, both in inspecting and teaching.  I have developed this training to remedy the fact that Home Inspectors (by the nature of the business) have been and are essentially on their own and by themselves. 

 

That need not be so anymore.  Because of the technological advances over the last 10 years, a new trainee and new Home Inspector can have my essential support network at their fingertips.  Counseling and coaching is available to all of my students and graduates.  My program begins with you being counseled even while you are considering this course.  I will help you frankly assess your potential to succeed in this school and in the business of Home Inspection.  I will not sugar coat my opinion as we assess your goals and help decide if this is a realistic choice for you.  Once you start the course, I am here to answer questions, review and critique your practice inspections and coach you on your reports for your real inspections. 

 

My goal is to ensure that you have all the skills needed to properly and systematically inspect a home and write a thorough and professional report that follows the Industry’s Standards of Practice.  I need graduates that exemplify the quality work I demand and reflect positively on this school.  Whether or not you have a background in the building trades, the education and counseling you receive from me will prepare you to communicate your knowledge to your client in a clear and professional way making you an invaluable counselor to them.