How Much Does It Cost to Start a Home Inspection Business?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 26
Starting a home inspection business can be a rewarding venture, especially in today’s active real estate market. But before you begin inspecting homes and commercial properties, it’s important to understand the startup costs involved. From licensing and certification to tools, software, marketing, transportation, and insurance—this guide breaks down what you’ll need to budget for.
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping home inspectors find tailored insurance coverage. If you're launching your business and need protection, we’re here to help.
Estimated Startup Costs for a Home Inspection Business
Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs to expect when starting your home inspection company:
1. Licensing and Certification
Depending on your state, you may need to complete a training program and pass a licensing exam.
Training courses: $1,000–$3,000
Exam fees: $200–$500
State license application: $100–$300
2. Inspection Tools and Equipment
Essential tools include:
Moisture meters
Infrared cameras
Flashlights
Ladders
Electrical testers
Estimated cost: $1,500–$5,000 depending on quality and specialization.
Read More Top tools for home inspectors
3. Inspection Software
Digital reporting software helps streamline your workflow and deliver professional reports.
Monthly subscriptions: $30–$100
Annual plans: $300–$1,000
4. Marketing and Branding
To attract clients, you’ll need:
A professional website
Business cards and brochures
Social media ads
Estimated cost: $500–$2,000 initially
Market Your Home Inspection Business with Contractor Back Office
Contractor Back Office helps home inspectors build a strong and professional brand by managing essential marketing and operational tools. These services help you showcase your expertise, promote your services, and engage with potential clients—making it easier to grow your business from day one.
Our Services Include:
Website Design & Management – Highlight your inspection services, certifications, service areas, and contact information.
Bookkeeping – Keep your finances organized and ready for tax season.
Social Media Management – Share inspection tips, safety advice, and connect with your local audience.
SEO Optimization – Improve your visibility on search engines to attract more local leads.
5. Transportation
If you use a personal vehicle for inspections, consider:
Fuel and maintenance
Branding decals
Commercial auto insurance
Estimated cost: Varies, but insurance alone can range from $600–$1,200 annually.
6. Insurance Coverage
Protect your business with essential policies:
General Liability Insurance – Covers bodily injury and property damage during inspections
Professional Liability Insurance (Errors & Omissions) – Protects against claims of negligence or missed issues
Commercial Auto Insurance – Covers vehicles used for business purposes
Equipment Insurance – Covers tools and devices used during inspections
Commercial Property Insurance – Protects your office, storage space, or physical assets
Estimated cost: $1,000–$3,000 annually depending on coverage and location.
Total Estimated Startup Cost:
$5,000–$12,000 depending on your location, services, and scale.
Why Work with Wexford Insurance?
Wexford Insurance is a niche-focused agency serving the real estate and property services industry. We help home inspectors find affordable, customized insurance solutions that meet state requirements and protect your business from day one.
Final Thoughts
Starting a home inspection business requires upfront investment—but with the right plan and protection, it can be a profitable and low-overhead venture. From tools to training to insurance, knowing your costs helps you launch with confidence.
Let Wexford Insurance help you protect your investment and grow your business.
Contact us today,
