How do you start a home inspection business?

In a state that licenses home inspectors, the license comes before the first paid job. For the license costs state by state, see how much a home inspector license costs.

Everything after that is the business. A new inspector can join a company instead, or buy into a brand. For the franchise route and its fees, see is a home inspection franchise worth it.

The first choice is the legal form. The Small Business Administration (SBA) guide to business structures says a sole proprietorship does not create a separate entity. The owner can be held personally liable for the business's debts. A limited liability company (LLC) protects the owner from personal liability in most instances, in the SBA's words.

A sole proprietor working under their own legal name does not need to register anywhere, according to the SBA's page on registering a business. A trade name is different. The SBA says most states require a "doing business as" (DBA) name to be registered. An LLC files with the state, usually the Secretary of State, and names a registered agent to receive legal papers.

The SBA puts the total cost to register at less than $300 in most cases. Two state examples, as of October 2026:

• Oregon charges a $100 nonrefundable fee on its LLC articles of organization, and the Oregon Secretary of State puts the LLC annual report at $100.
• Washington charges $180 for an LLC certificate of formation and $70 for each annual report, per the Washington Secretary of State. The initial report is free when it is filed with the formation.

An employer identification number (EIN) is the federal tax number for a business. The IRS issues it online and says there is never a fee for one. With a DBA and an EIN, the SBA notes, the owner can open a business bank account. The SBA also suggests talking with an attorney or an accountant about which structure fits.

Some states require errors and omissions (E&O) or general liability insurance, and some require none. For the state rules and what each policy covers, see do home inspectors need E&O insurance.

Inspectors write reports in software built for the job: an app on site, plus a web or desktop editor. Prices on three vendors' own pages, as of October 2026:

• Spectora charges $109 a month or $1,090 a year for one inspector. Its trial is two free inspections with no time limit.
• HomeGauge charges $89 a month after a 30-day free trial. Online agreements, scheduling, and payments are part of the plan.
• Home Inspector Pro charges $89 a month, with annual discounts and a 30-day free trial. Digital contracts and card processing are in its one plan.

In Russ Motyko's view, the test is to write two or three real reports on each trial. Then show them to a client or a real estate agent before deciding. For more vendors and how each one is priced, see home inspection software compared.

The agreement is the contract between the inspector and the client. It sets the scope, the fee, and what the inspection leaves out. Two states spell out what it has to do:

• Oregon rule OAR 812-008-0202 requires a written contract, signed by the inspector and the client, before the inspection is completed. It has to describe the services and their cost. It also has to state plainly whether a wood destroying organism inspection is included.
• Washington rule WAC 308-408C-050 makes a preinspection agreement mandatory. It lists the minimum contents: the address, the inspector's pay, contact information, the license number, and what is and is not inspected. It also needs a statement that mold, asbestos, lead paint, and other environmental issues are not covered unless the agreement says so in writing.

HomeGauge and Home Inspector Pro build online agreements into their plans. InterNACHI lists unlimited e-signed inspection agreements among its member benefits. An agreement often tries to cap liability at the fee. In Russ's view, whether a court enforces that cap depends on the state's law and how the clause is written. He advises having an attorney in the inspector's state review it. For the contents seven states require, and the states that limit liability caps, see what goes in a pre-inspection agreement.

A new inspector needs gear to see, reach, test, and record. For the starter list and what can wait, see what tools a home inspector needs.

The fee has to cover insurance, software, dues, and the inspector's own pay. For how to research the local rate and build a fee, see how much a new home inspector should charge.

A Google Business Profile puts the business on Maps and Search. Google's help page says a business manages that listing at no charge. The location can be a service area instead of a street address.

Russ Motyko has done more than 3,000 inspections around Portland and Southwest Washington. In his view, agent referrals take 12 to 24 months of steady work to become dependable. For his approach, see how home inspectors earn agent referrals. He also advises holding three to four months of operating expenses in reserve by October, ahead of the slow months.

Each row is a price printed by the agency, vendor, or association that charges it, read on October 29, 2026. Tools, a vehicle, and a website are left out, because no single published price covers them.

Fees and prices change, so check each source before paying. The license, the exam, and state-required insurance amounts are on the license cost guide, and they come on top of this list.