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

Is there a right and wrong way to perform a home inspection? In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most debated topics in the home inspection industry — whether there are absolute truths when it comes to inspection standards, reporting methods, and professional judgment. And there's nobody better than Joey McPeek of Peek Home Inspections to speak on the topic. Well known and well respected in the Boise real estate market, Joey's build a reputation for shooting straight... and also pushing back on conventional home inspection norms.

We discuss:

✔ Are there objective "right" and "wrong" ways to inspect a home?

✔ How much interpretation is involved in a home inspection report?

✔ Standards of Practice vs. personal inspection style

✔ Risk management and liability considerations

✔ Should the home buyer be present during the inspection?

✔ Pros and cons of buyer attendance at inspections

From buyer presence at inspections to gray areas in defect evaluation, this episode explores how inspectors balance professionalism, liability, ethics, and client education.

Whether you're a new home inspector, a seasoned professional, considering entering the inspection industry, or a homebuyer wondering what to expect during an inspection... this conversation breaks down the realities behind "right vs wrong" in the field, challenges assumptions, and explores how to balance ethics, standards, communication, and client expectations.

If you're serious about improving your inspection process, client communication, and professional standards, this conversation is for you.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of The Ride Along Home Inspection Podcast for expert insight into inspection standards, client communication, and industry best practices.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction: Is it right or wrong? The foundation of inspection integrity

02:01 - The story behind Peak Home Inspections and the significance of the name

04:37 - Personal insights on the importance of thoroughness and client education

08:45 - Embracing modern tools for faster, more comprehensive inspections

12:14 - Building trust: Joey's experience with social media and client engagement

15:38 - The mindset of doing things the right way and passing that to your team

18:16 - Lessons from construction: Why inspectors need to be assertive and precise

22:43 - Protecting clients through honest reporting and legal safeguards

27:00 - How Joey manages relationships with builders, agents, and clients

30:00 - The bold decision to restrict access during inspections and its rationale

33:25 - Commanding the room and managing buyer confidence

36:36 - Training inspectors with accountability and high standards

40:17 - The importance of rapid response and clear documentation

44:20 - Adapting to unregulated markets and developing effective SOPs

50:00 - Handling client interactions for efficiency without sacrificing quality

55:40 - Analogies for inspection processes: Surgeons, mechanics, and timelines

60:00 - Streamlining reports with multimedia: videos, pictures, and educational content

65:45 - Joey's unique approach to rich, built-in review content

70:45 - What one change would improve the industry? Joey's bold insights

75:45 - The value of personal integrity and avoiding unnecessary fluff

78:11 - Connecting with Joey on social media: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube

The Links:

Follow Joey on all platforms: @peekinspections

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

Subscribe to the newsletter here:https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter

Key Points:

- Joey's approach to maintaining a black-and-white perspective in inspections—right vs. wrong.

- The impact of social media and modern technology on inspection workflows and client education.

- How to command the inspection process confidently and effectively.

- Strategies for protecting yourself legally while providing unmatched service.

- The advantages of video and detailed documentation in reports for resale and legal protection.

- Building a reputation through honesty, professionalism, and client-focused communication.

- Overcoming challenges with unregulated states and developing your SOP.

- Balancing inspection thoroughness with time management and client expectations.

- Joey's perspective on the importance of setting standards in a competitive industry.