(Lame) Home Inspection Cliches

One of the primary channels through which I've connected with potential clients (and most likely how you came across my services) is via our company website. While I'm not a professional web developer, I took it upon myself to design and continually enhance our website over time. My aim was to create something more than just your typical bland and generic corporate website; I wanted it to reflect my genuine passion for homes and living in our region, a passion I also share through this very blog.

Having visited numerous websites, I must say that home inspectors and professionals in similar industries could greatly benefit from dedicating more time to their online presence. This isn't just about addressing issues related to spelling and grammar; it's also about steering clear of tired and overused cliches that you won't find on my website or social media platforms. Here are a few of these cliches that I frequently come across, along with my personal perspective on them.

"I Inspect Each Home as if it Were My Own"
While I consider myself a responsible driver, I can't claim to be flawless behind the wheel. I once worked at an auto repair shop, and part of my responsibilities involved driving customer vehicles. I made sure to handle those cars with utmost care for two key reasons: first, I took their trust very seriously, and second, I wasn't as intimately familiar with those cars as I was with my own. Similarly, when it comes to home inspections, I understand that I possess the skills to identify and address most home issues. However, I don't inspect my own home as rigorously because I know it inside out. A home inspection is a one-time event and in a home I don't know the history or layout of ahead of time. As such, I approach it with even greater care and attention than I would my own home.

"Your Home is Your Most Important Asset"
While this statement holds true for many individuals (including myself), as a home inspector my duty is to deliver the best inspection possible, regardless of my client's circumstances. I've conducted inspections for new homeowners, investors, sellers, and even on behalf of tenants, and if not explicitly informed, I would have no way of knowing the property's intended use. My role is centered on assessing safety and functionality, not making judgments about a home's future purpose.

Generic Pictures of Homes
Many home inspector websites feature stock photos of immaculate houses in perfectly manicured neighborhoods. However, you won't find such images on my site. All the photos on my website are original, often captured using our drone, and none of them depict specific houses in Nova Scotia. This approach is simple and ethical: I never share any personal information, client or otherwise without written consent, including what the exterior of a home looks like. Additionally, considering the ongoing housing shortage, many homes aren't picture-perfect (I have never come across a home without issues, my own included), and I believe it's important to reflect this reality.

The only stock home photo you will see on our website!

Cliche and Keyword Loaded Blogs
I've come across countless blogs that are clearly written solely for the purpose of maximizing search engine visibility, a practice commonly referred to as SEO in the industry. I once encountered a home inspector who used the phrase "your (city) home inspector" a staggering 14 times in a single blog post! My primary goal with this blog, on the other hand, is to share valuable knowledge and insights. If it happens to help someone discover our company, all the better.
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One of the key objectives I had in mind when I founded my own company was not only to provide top-notch, affordable inspection services characterized by professionalism but also to convey that home inspections and learning about how houses function can be engaging and enjoyable, rather than dull and monotonous. Steering clear of cliches is just one of the ways in which I aim to stand out from the crowd, offering a unique and refreshing approach to this industry.