👉 Watch the full episode to hear how top inspectors approach client presence, reporting, and running a successful inspection business.

Ken shares real-world insights from years of high-level experience, while the conversation dives into home inspection best practices, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and how inspectors adapt to different markets and client expectations. From the role of technology in inspections to balancing efficiency with quality, this episode breaks down what actually drives success in today's home inspection industry. You'll also hear different perspectives on inspection standards, client communication, and whether having buyers on-site improves or complicates the process.

Whether you're a home inspector refining your workflow or a homebuyer trying to understand what to expect, this discussion highlights how communication, consistency, and adaptability lead to better outcomes.

🔧 What You'll Learn

- Should buyers attend a home inspection?

- How top inspectors approach client communication

- The role of SOPs in home inspection businesses

- How inspection practices vary by market and region

- How to balance efficiency, quality, and work-life balance

🎧 Listen to more expert conversations on The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast for insights on home inspection, business growth, and industry best practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Home Inspection Excellence

01:46 Ken Humphries: A Veteran Home Inspector's Journey

05:30 The Importance of Client Presence During Inspections

09:20 Utilizing Technology: The Role of Infrared Cameras

13:05 Balancing Client Interaction and Inspection Efficiency

16:35 Streamlining the Inspection Process

20:22 The Debate on Inspection Standards and Practices

23:57 Finding Work-Life Balance in Home Inspection

28:38 Evolving Roles in Home Inspection

29:49 Market Trends and Pre-Offer Evaluations

31:26 Personal Connections in Inspections

32:09 Inspection Techniques and Time Management

36:56 Safety vs. Comfort in Home Inspections

40:07 SOPs and Regional Variances in Inspections

52:19 The Importance of Functionality in Inspections

53:02 The Importance of Customer Education

56:07 Balancing Time and Client Interaction

59:00 The Role of Reports in Client Understanding

01:02:00 Work-Life Balance in Home Inspections

01:04:55 Different Approaches to Inspections

01:07:40 The Value of Client Presence

01:10:25 Continuous Learning and Adaptation

01:13:20 Finding Common Ground in Inspection Practices

The links:

Register for Inspection Fuel this Sept 28-30 in Louisville, KY: http://www.inspectionfuel.com.register

Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.theridealong.show

Sign up for our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter

Can you run a successful home inspection business and build trust with home buyers in a state without licensing or regulation? In this episode of The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast, we break down what it really takes to operate with excellence in unregulated home inspection markets. And our guest is a man who needs little introduction!

Brent Fletcher joins the show this week to discuss how home inspectors can build trust, maintain high standards, and deliver consistent value—even in states where there are no licensing requirements. From setting your own standards of practice to developing strong client communication and professional systems, this episode explores how inspectors can rise above the lack of regulation and differentiate themselves in competitive markets.

We also cover how homebuyers and real estate agents evaluate inspectors in unlicensed states, and what separates average inspectors from those who build long-term, reputable businesses.

Whether you're a home inspector working in an unregulated state or considering entering the industry, this episode provides practical insight into running a home inspection business with professionalism, integrity, and consistency—regardless of licensing requirements.

Key topics:

- Differences between regulated and unregulated home inspection markets

- How Colorado inspectors operate without licensing requirements

- The importance of certification and standards (e.g., InterNACHI's SOP)

- Client confidence and reputation-building in unregulated states

- The role of social media in establishing inspector credibility

- Common pitfalls and mistakes in first inspections

- Building inspector accountability and professional reputation

- Practical tips for new inspectors to gain confidence and experience

- The impact of licensing on pricing and market competition

- Future trends and developments in home inspection regulation

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Brent Fletcher's inspection background in unregulated Colorado

02:17 - Building essentials: vapor barriers and passive house construction

04:23 - Colorado's construction landscape: basements, slab on grade, and regional differences

05:56 - Developing educational content with a dedicated office space

06:42 - The value of a professional studio environment for content creation

08:00 - How unregulated states like Colorado handle inspection standards and oversight

09:14 - The implications of no licensing requirements and inspector accountability

11:12 - The importance of online reviews and certification checks for clients

13:46 - The potential for unlicensed inspectors to operate without standards

15:10 - Differences in pricing and competition in unregulated vs regulated markets

16:43 - How clients in Colorado recognize inspector credibility without formal licensing

17:48 - The role social media plays in building trust and professional reputation

19:38 - Establishing inspection standards and ongoing training programs

22:09 - The impact of licensing on liability, liability insurance, and market quality

24:23 - The influence of regulation on inspection quality and accountability

27:09 - Costs associated with licensing and the potential market effects

30:39 - Protecting home buyers through education and due diligence in unregulated states

33:24 - The significance of personality and professionalism in social media marketing

34:45 - The ongoing discussion around regulation and professional standards in home inspection

35:44 - Insights into training new inspectors and establishing credible mentorship programs

39:55 - The importance of experience, humility, and continuous learning in early inspections

42:42 - Common issues encountered in inspections: appliances, water lines, and fireplaces

45:07 - Mistakes made during first inspections and lessons learned

50:00 - Managing busy schedules and personal growth as a home inspector

51:01 - Brent Fletcher's online presence and industry influence

The links:

Sign up for Inspection Fuel V this Sept. 28-30 in Louisville, KY! https://www.inspectionfuel.com/register

Follow Inspector Fletch on social media @inspector_fletch!

What makes great home inspection software more than just technology? The people behind it.

In this special edition episode, we take a closer look at Porch Group's Customer Success team and how they help home inspectors get the most value from Porch inspection software and services like Palmtech, ISN, Home Inspector Pro, and other tools like ACC and Guardian Inspection Payments used by professional inspectors across the industry.

Unlike many tech platforms, Porch provides live support from real people, giving inspectors direct access to experts who understand both the software and the home inspection business. The Customer Success team helps inspectors troubleshoot issues, share best practices, and ensure they're using their tools as efficiently as possible.

Porch Customer Success also provides shared company resources and account reviews, helping inspectors optimize their workflows, improve report delivery, and get the most out of the software they rely on to run their inspection businesses.

If you're a home inspector using Porch software—or considering it—this episode explains how dedicated customer success support can improve your efficiency, reduce frustration, and help you grow your inspection business.

Topics Covered:

- Live customer support for home inspectors

- Porch Group inspection software services

- Palmtech and ISN support resources

- How customer success teams help inspectors optimize their tools

- Software training and account reviews for home inspection businesses