|
|
|
 | Work more with investigations of commercial buildings |
| Charge higher fees |
| Usually investigate indoor air quality issues more so than electromagnetic fields |
| Government standards are used, though many people are sensitive below government
standards |
| To greatly speed up the start-up time |
| To provide ongoing support and suggestions |
| To eliminate many unnecessary activities |
| To have a package deal, with report formats, equipment, etc., all field-tested |
| To learn from Enviro Health experience To be shown how to inspect, i.e., walked through the process |
| To save money on unnecessary equipment and courses |
| To enter into the development flow, i.e., this is an evolving field, and more knowledge is continually being presented |
| To be introduced to a worthwhile and meaningful career, one that doesn't pollute the atmosphere except for auto fumes and used up batteries |
Please refer to the various letters of
reference for the inspection service. The
apprentice-like program is new.
|
Enjoys people and visiting new surroundings.
There is a great deal of people-contact, and communication skills are important. |
|
Able to maintain a professional stance, even while being considerate and compassionate. The good inspector is a house inspector, not a medical counselor. |
|
Attention to details. She or he is thorough, knowing that a seemingly minor point might turn out to be significant - such as taking a water sample at the refrigerator water filter or checking in the bathroom sink cabinet for mold. |
|
On comfortable terms with the systems of a house. Where are the main sources of concern? If there were only fifteen minutes left in the inspection, what would the inspector look at? |
|
Upbeat - Worrying about the environment does no good and changes nothing. I try to think positively, change what can be changed, and let go what cannot be changed. You want to help people, not overwhelm them. |
|
Curious -- There are new things to learn every day. I have the feeling of working on a gigantic picture puzzle, with more and more pieces being filled in. It can get addictive! And you will be wearing 20 hats. |
|
Has money to buy the equipment -- You can get by with less than I have, but you should continually be putting money aside for the next instrument. I waited to get started, because I wanted my first clients to have as thorough an inspection as the ones who came afterwards. A reasonable kit should run
$13,000-$15,000. My equipment was over $20,000. |
| Is a good marketer -- Even though every household in the country should have one of these inspections, it is often not an easy sell. The service is new, and people don't realize how useful it can be to them. |
|
If we charged $99 for the inspection, lines would form outside the door. But a full inspection takes about a day to do, and then the report write-up and microscope time take another day. We have to be paid for that, but many people who need the service do not have the money, and others who have the money may not want to know what's wrong with their homes. Some feel the cost is too high, not realizing the time, effort, equipment, and experience that have gone into this operation. One spouse may want the service, and the other says it's not in the budget. This service is ahead of its time. It is a necessity, not a luxury, for those who care about their health and their families' health. |
|
Enjoys public speaking. Public education will be an important part of your business. |
|
Must be able to build a business - or support an expensive hobby. Clients will not flock to your door from an ad in the papers. |
|
Has adequate typing skills. However, a client suggested that L & H voice recognition software which types from your voice input would be useful. |
|
Keeps up with the latest developments through reading and conferences. Subscription to a few technical journals is important. |
|
Must have physical strength and endurance. The equipment is heavy, and the inspection work can be physically demanding. I arrive on-site with about seven cases of equipment for the full inspection. |
|
© 2001 May E. Dooley -
Enviro Health Environmental Home Inspections |
