Women in Home Inspection
The home inspection industry has long been seen as a male-dominated field, but maybe not for much longer…
Despite its current gender imbalance, there are growing opportunities for women to rock and roll in this field, leveraging the flexibility, unique skill sets, and low startup costs it offers. Here’s why (and how) women in home inspection can find success.
Home Inspection Doesn’t Have to Be Male Dominated
The home inspection industry is still predominantly male, but women are increasingly making their mark. Let’s break down some common misconceptions about this career.
Home Inspection Requires Brute Strength — False
Jobs like home inspection, construction, plumbing, and mechanic work often share a dated misconception: they’re too physically demanding for women (to which we say, “As if!”).
Regardless, the notion that home inspection is physically demanding just isn’t true. In fact, you might break more sweat carrying the aluminum ladder than any other aspect of the job. Other tools you’ll use include:
- Flashlight
- Infrared camera
- Notebook and pen
- Electrical tester
- Gas detector
- Moisture meter
In other words? Handheld objects. Easier than you thought, isn’t it?
Home Inspection Requires Trade School — False
If you thought you’d need to enroll in a trade school or leave home all day to shadow a home inspector in order to learn the job, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
You can become a home inspector from the comfort of your couch.
That means even for stay-at-home moms or full-time working professionals, it’s not only possible to learn this trade during your down time, it’s also realistic.
Home Inspection Is a Life-Consuming Career — False
You might worry that a career in home inspection would mean less (or no) room for you to live your life. After all, the job involves traveling to different homes in your area, several hours per inspection, and then there’s the reports and business admin sides of things.
What if we told you it’s the opposite?
In this career, you’re your own boss. You are in charge of deciding if you want to run your own business, or even inspect as a side gig. One size does not fit all — you can make this career fit your life.
Women Make Great Home Inspectors
For a job that heavily revolves around sniffing out the details, keeping people safe, and communicating findings, there are countless skills women bring to the table.
Effective Communication Skills
Being able to communicate effectively is a crucial part of the job as a home inspector. This is true for face-to-face interactions as well as the way you communicate in your report. The more detail, the better.
As you know, communicating well isn’t only about sharing information — it’s also about listening. Women are typically very good at listening and sharing ideas; some studies even suggest that they communicate with more detail than men.
Being in a new career, especially a male-dominated one, can feel intimidating. Forbes shared tips on how powerful women communicate. When in doubt, check these out.
An Eye For Detail
Having an eye for detail can be a make-or-break trait as a home inspector — you need to be able to search for, locate, and understand all the fine details that could reveal huge safety hazards. If you miss something in your report, you could face some legal issues.
It’s rumored that women have a better eye (and ear) for detail than men in day-to-day life. We think it’s time to put this theory to the test in home inspection, too.
Leadership & Management Skills
According to recent studies, women tend to score higher than men in leadership skills, and they have the empathy and other soft skills needed to be great managers.
As a home inspection business starts to grow, it tends to take on a life of its own.
Here’s an idea of some of the traits you can to bring (probably naturally) to your own home inspection business:
- Empathetic
- Organized
- Safety conscious
- Considerate
- Communicative
- Active listener
- Engaging
- Thorough
- Attentive
Despite the clear advantages to being a woman in this field, you might still face some challenges. Here are a few problems and solutions we have come up with to help you navigate home inspection as a woman.
Though this job may present some challenges for women in the industry, there are a lot of tips out there to succeed as a home inspector despite those obstacles.
Other women inspectors commonly share the following sentiments:
- The more you learn, the better off you are in terms of gaining clients, and respect as a woman inspector.
- Many home inspectors are more welcoming than you’d think — we’re all in this together.
- Find a home inspector mentor or two to help you along the way, whether you need an expert’s opinion on something you see on the job, or even business advice.
- Being a minority in the industry is a great way to stand out, and find your own clientele that is looking for YOU.
Take It From One of AHIT’s Grads
Meghan Icenhour, one of AHIT’s recent graduates, shares that the most important thing you can do as you embark on this journey is to learn, learn, learn.
To get the most out of your training, here’s how to do it like her:
- Ask ALL the questions
- Take advantage of ALL the resources
- Get to know your instructor
- Soak up your time field training
- Have fun!
Luckily, we happen to know a home inspection school where you can do all that, and more…
Man! I Feel Like an Inspector
The home inspection industry offers a wide range of benefits for women looking to pursue a new, rewarding career. Whether it’s the flexibility, low startup costs, or the opportunity to leverage your communication skills and attention to detail, women like you are well-suited for success in this field. And who better to help you launch into your home inspection career than AHIT? Let’s go, girls.
About the Author: Lizzie DesRosiers
