The Inspection Insider

Most inspectors do everything right… up to the moment the report is delivered.

Solid inspection. Clear photos. Good explanations. Report sent on time.

Then we go quiet.

And that’s the trap: we treat the report like the finish line, when it’s actually the moment the relationship either continues… or fades out in the client’s inbox.

Here’s a simple fix you can set up once and run every time.

Here’s the fix: Stop treating the report as the finish line.

THIS WEEKS PLAY:
⏩ The “Two Questions” Follow-Up That Gets Replies (and Referrals)

This is a simple 24-hour check-in you send after delivering the report. It invites clients to reply with questions while the inspection is still fresh—building trust, reducing confusion, and keeping you top-of-mind for future referrals.

Why? Because clients don’t remember every detail in your report.

They remember two things:

  1. How confident you made them feel, and

  2. Whether you disappeared after you hit send.

If you want more repeat business and referrals, the “after the report” moment matters more than most inspectors think.

THE SCRIPT
💻How to do it

Send this 24 hours after delivering the report.
(Not the same day. Not a week later. One day.)

Text or email is fine. Keep it short. No marketing voice.

Subject: Quick question about your inspection report
Message:
Hey [Name] — quick check-in now that you’ve had a chance to review the report.

  1. Any questions now that you’ve had a chance to review the report?

  2. Anything you’d like me to clarify so you feel confident about the next steps?

Happy to help — just reply here.

THE WHY
💲Why it Works

  • It creates replies. Replies build trust, and trust is what turns into referrals later.

  • It positions you as the calm pro. Most inspectors disappear right when questions show up.

  • It doesn’t corner you into a call. You’re opening a door, not committing your calendar.

DO THIS TODAY
📈10 Minute Task

Pick 5 clients from the last 30 days and set up a simple reminder or automation so this message goes out 24 hours after the report.

🛠️Pro Tip

Automate your follow up emails with your online booking system!

🔗 Bookmark This: building-center.org

Building Intelligence Center (building-center.org) — A handy reference site inspectors use to quickly identify HVAC/Water Heater & appliance brands and decode model/serial numbers to estimate equipment age, plus other manufacturer and product-reference info that’s useful when writing reports.

The ads are a bit much but you can go AD FREE for only $15 a YEAR!

Ron Henderson, CMI
Certified Master Inspector

Questions? Comments? Drop me a line at: [email protected]

P.S. If you’re a Realtor Check out The Grind Works 👇🏼

The Grind Works

The Grind Works

The Grind Works Newsletter delivers client retention strategies and referral-winning ideas that helps Realtors stay remembered and consistently generate repeat and referral business.

Disclaimer: The content in The Inspection Insider is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, professional, engineering, or safety advice, and it is not a substitute for professional judgment. Inspection practices, requirements, and standards vary by location and association—always follow your local laws/regulations, standards of practice, and manufacturer documentation. Any examples, scripts, or suggestions should be adapted to your business and used at your discretion.
Affiliate links: Some links in this newsletter may be affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission (at no additional cost to you). I only recommend tools/resources I believe provide value to home inspectors.

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