How home inspectors should tackle re-inspections... featuring Brad Zirlott (AKA @duesouthbrad)

Re-inspections are tearing your schedule apart—and you're paying the price. Discover how industry insiders are redefining checklists, pricing strategies, and client management to finally regain control.

Ever wonder why reinspections often turn into frustrating time sinks that eat away your profits and burn out your team? In this episode, home inspection veterans Brad Lowery, Matt Brading, and Brad Zirlott unmask the hidden pitfalls of re-inspect practices — from the chaos of too many slated repairs to the tricky line between quality and client expectations.

Brad Zirlott shares his no-nonsense approach to charging for reinspects, managing builder and buyer frustrations, and setting firm boundaries to protect your time and sanity.

Meanwhile, Matt Brading reveals how team delegation and strategic pricing can help you stay profitable without sacrificing client satisfaction, highlighting the importance of clear communication and expectations.

Key topics:

- The frustrations with re-inspections, especially after repairs, and how homeowners and builders approach repairs differently.

- Strategies for pricing reinspections, including flat fees, per item charges, and managing expectations.

- The importance of clear communication about what reinspections verify—functionality versus craftsmanship.

- The challenge of multiple re-inspections on new construction and the importance of setting boundaries.

- Balancing help and client service with the business realities of time and profitability.

- The potential to delegate reinspections to team members and how company structure influences workflow.

- The industry's need for standardized verbiage and contracts to manage reinspection expectations.

- The impact of industry experience on reinspection practices and pricing.

- How good documentation, reference photos, and establishing boundaries can streamline reinspections.

- The broader industry conversation about pricing, experience levels, and managing client relationships.

Chapters:

00:00 - The common frustrations with home reinspections

02:16 - How to handle re-inspections for builders and resale homes

03:15 - The complexities of re-inspecting repair work

04:13 - Pricing strategies for re-inspections and setting expectations

05:39 - The challenges of multiple reinspections on new construction

06:16 - Industry variations in reinspection procedures and documentation tips

08:08 - Managing reinspection costs and profitability

08:52 - How to approach re-inspections with inspection teams

10:24 - The importance of clear communication and setting boundaries

12:24 - Verbiage and contractual language to mitigate client expectations

13:33 - The risks of multiple return trips and how to balance workload

15:45 - Managing the workload and time management tips

18:23 - The importance of experience in evaluating workmanship

20:23 - Industry standards versus client expectations

26:13 - Setting a fair reinspection fee and avoiding abuse

32:44 - Delegating reinspections to team members vs. doing it personally

35:27 - How to motivate inspectors and maintain morale

42:23 - Technical tips for documenting issues like roof damage and electrical repairs

44:35 - The role of intuition, context, and visual documentation

48:23 - Industry insights on balancing thoroughness with client relationships

54:35 - The importance of positive communication and showcasing good workmanship

58:24 - Final thoughts on industry conversations and encouraging industry-wide standards

About the hosts and guest:

Brad Lowery is a seasoned home inspector, known for his no-nonsense approach to industry challenges.

Matt Brading is an expert in team management and strategic pricing in the home inspection industry.

Brad Zirlott is a veteran inspector with decades of experience, specializing in client communication and quality assurance.

The links:

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