Buying a Home Inspection Franchise

Starting a career as a home inspector can be exciting but overwhelming. You’re learning the trade, building a brand, generating leads, and staying compliant with legal standards. While going solo might seem cheaper upfront, it often comes with hidden costs, steep learning curves, and unnecessary risks. That’s why, for both new inspectors and seasoned independents, buying into the right franchise is often the smartest—and fastest—path to long-term success.

1. From Zero to Competent, Fast

Most franchise brands offer structured launch programs that take individuals with zero experience and train them to become licensed, certified, and confident inspectors. But training quality matters. Be sure to vet any franchisor’s program and ask, “Do I get real-world, hands-on inspection experience before I launch?”

Classroom learning and online modules are helpful for understanding foundational codes and standards, but hands-on field training is invaluable.

2. A Smart Move for Established Independent Inspectors

Franchising isn’t just for newcomers. It’s also a powerful growth tool for experienced solo inspectors who are ready to level up. Many independents are highly skilled in the field but struggle with the business side—branding, systems, scaling, and delegation. A franchise offers proven infrastructure and support to help you evolve from a “lone wolf” to a multi-inspector firm.

By joining the right franchise, you gain:

A scalable business model with systems that work

Marketing programs that attract and convert leads

Operational and administrative tools to streamline your workflow

Business coaching, training, and accountability

A trusted brand name that agents and clients already recognize

There’s nothing like plugging into a network of winners. As my mother used to say, “Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are.” 

3. Marketing Support That Matters

Most new inspectors don’t know how to market themselves, and the time, cost, and knowledge required to build a strong pipeline are significant. In fact, most business failures stem from poor marketing. The right franchise will provide ongoing mentorship on how to:

Visit real estate offices and build agent relationships

Execute a strategic, localized marketing plan

Leverage branded materials like flyers, brochures, digital content, expo kits, and vehicle signage

Use a professionally designed website

Incorporate professional photography and headshots into personalized print and digital campaigns. 

This isn’t just helpful; it’s mission-critical. In this industry, strong marketing is often the difference between surviving and thriving. Sales and marketing aren’t just about closing a deal; they’re about establishing your business as a trusted, go-to name in your community.

4. Ongoing Training, Long-Term Success

The best franchisors don’t train you once and walk away. They provide continuing education and support throughout your career, including:

Regular sales and marketing meetings

Legal updates and continued technical training and code updates

Template and report-writing improvements

Training on additional services such as chimney, sewer scope, infrared thermal imaging, radon, mold, pool, and commercial inspections.

You’ll also be directed to top-tier training providers, so you’re never left guessing where to turn.

5. Built-In Business Infrastructure

You’re not just buying a name; you’re buying a proven system. The right franchise will guide you through setting up:

Your LLC or S-Corp

A business bank account

Insurance and legal protections for your reporting

Administrative workflows to stay organized, efficient, and compliant. 

You’ll also gain access to vetted providers for labs, tools, schools, and advanced training taught by well-known and respected industry professionals.

6. A Brand That Sells

A franchise gives you instant brand recognition and often a referral pipeline from other franchisees and the benefit of national marketing campaigns. That can be a huge advantage in competitive markets. If you aspire to build a multi-inspector firm, franchisors also provide the operational systems, mentorship, and tech to scale.

7. Investing Smart: Cost vs. Return

Let’s look at the numbers:

Franchise fees typically range from $40,000 to $75,000

Royalty fees are around 7% of gross revenue

National brand fund contributions are usually 3 to 4%

By comparison, most independent inspectors earn less than $30,000 in their first year—with many bringing in less than $20,000. In contrast, first-year Morrison Plus franchisees operating as solo inspectors average between $70,000 and $80,000 in revenue. Within two to three years, those who follow the system and stay committed often scale by hiring additional inspectors, growing their businesses to $200,000 to $400,000 in annual revenue. This isn’t speculation; it’s based on actual historical performance across our franchise network.

And here’s more good news: The SBA has recently made it easier to qualify for microloans up to $50,000—a perfect option for covering your franchise investment and startup costs. When your franchise brand is listed on the SBA franchise directory, it streamlines the approval process and improves your chances of getting funded.

8. Services = Revenue

The healthiest inspection businesses generate 30 to 50% of their revenue from ancillary services. Franchisors not only help you offer them, they help you sell and deliver them professionally. These services include:

Mold testing

Sewer scope inspections

Thermal imaging

Pool/spa inspections

Irrigation inspections

4-point insurance inspections

Roof certifications

Commercial property inspections

Mold and Air Quality Testing 

Energy audits

Termite/WDO inspections

Lead, radon, and asbestos screening.

Franchise systems streamline pricing, training, and delivery so you can offer high-margin services confidently and compliantly.

9. You’re Not on an Island

Report writing is where many inspectors get stuck—or sued. A franchise provides expert support to review your reports, answer liability questions, and help you navigate challenging scenarios. That kind of backup can make or break your reputation.

Fewer Claims, Better Protection

There’s no published national database that definitively tracks home inspection claims by business model (franchise versus independent), but based on industry insights, anecdotal evidence, and discussions within ASHI, CREIA, and major E&O insurance providers, franchises generally tend to have fewer claims and better claim outcomes. This is likely due to standardized training, structured report templates, legal support, and proactive risk management systems. When your systems are vetted and backed by a larger team, you benefit from a higher standard of protection and preparedness.

I’ve seen countless inspectors—both new and experienced—find renewed clarity, structure, and success by aligning with the right franchise system or business model.  The most successful ones didn’t get there by guessing. They built on proven processes, surrounded themselves with the right people, and focused on delivering real value. If you’re exploring your next move, take your time. Ask the hard questions. And whatever path you choose, invest in your growth like your future depends on it—because it does.

Duane Morrison is the founder of Morrison Plus Property Inspections and a current ASHI board member.