Maximize Your HomeTeam Franchise with Ancillary Services

HomeTeam Inspection Service, the 200-plus-unit home inspection franchise, has built an incredible brand centered on its thorough, education-based, efficient inspections — always performed by a team. This alone positions franchise owners to partner with local real estate agents and develop long-lasting relationships, but tapping into the ancillary services offered by HomeTeam allows franchise owners to diversify revenue streams, increase the lifetime value of a given customer and even unlock other opportunities as the expert in the local market.

“There is a long list of ancillary services that HomeTeam franchise owners can offer their customers, but we don’t make those decisions for our owners,” said Matt Cook, director of business development. “Every region will have different needs, but we encourage our owners to say yes to an ask whenever they can. We really lean into the idea that, with HomeTeam, one call does it all®.”

According to Cook, 70% of HomeTeam’s annual revenue nationwide comes from whole-house inspections. The other 30% is driven by ancillary services, most of which are quite profitable.

“The beauty of the home inspection business is that it is a low-overhead business model with a high price tag for the amount of time spent on the inspection,” he said. “When owners can add another service to an existing whole-house inspection, they’re further increasing that profit with just a slight increase in the amount of time and manpower required to complete the job.”

The Power of Ancillary Services

For many franchise owners, the thought of adding new services to their offerings — and completing the training necessary to do so — can feel daunting. While there are plenty of potential add-ons, it’s important to choose carefully and be intentional about growth.

Brad Lawler, a HomeTeam franchise owner of several territories across Kentucky and Indiana, recommends owners identify an ancillary service they’ll be excited to offer at the start of their expansion journeys.

“One thing that I always tell franchise owners is to pick one service that you’re passionate about and that the market demands,” says Lawler. “You don’t have to do everything at once. It’s often better that you don’t. I’m a cautious guy, and being cautious and moving intentionally in my business has probably saved me from making some big mistakes as it relates to investing in equipment or training that I can’t really monetize.”

Franchise owners should focus on providing services that complement their existing skill sets and market needs. This way, they can market multiple services to a single customer base.

“You’re already at the home,” Lawler said. “Why not offer a more comprehensive package?” 

High-Demand Services to Consider

While demand for specific services will vary from market to market, there are plenty of add-ons for HomeTeam owners to consider.

Radon Testing
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can pose serious health risks if found in high concentrations. HomeTeam franchise owners can offer radon testing as an add-on service to help clients ensure their home is safe, providing peace of mind and an essential health safeguard. 

While the risk of radon-related troubles is higher in some markets than others, as outlined by the EPA’s zone map, unresolved radon in a home can have serious consequences. In markets where it’s likely to be an issue, it’s a clear add-on for franchise owners and consumers alike.

“My region is in the highest risk category for radon according to the EPA,” Lawler said. “That was a clear addition for us to make because radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for nonsmokers. It’s something homeowners are eager to address. Since we’ve added the service, more than half of our customers engage us for radon testing.”

Mold Testing
Mold can cause significant health issues, particularly for those with allergies or sensitivities. HomeTeam inspectors can offer mold testing to assess air quality and detect harmful spores in a home, providing vital information for homeowners concerned about mold toxicity.

Lawler explains that, while mold is a major concern of many homeowners, do-it-yourself tests from big-box stores are not as reliable as a professional test. HomeTeam’s partnership with EMSL Labs allows for clients to have industry professionals interpret the final air quality reports. When people are concerned about allergies, hidden mold or mold toxicity, they’re willing to pay for a thorough inspection.

Termite and Pest Inspections
Termite damage can be costly and is often invisible to the untrained eye. Offering termite and pest inspections helps franchise owners detect infestations early, protecting homeowners from expensive structural damage.

Indoor Air Quality Testing
Poor indoor air quality can lead to various health problems, especially for those with respiratory conditions. This service allows franchise owners to measure contaminants in a home’s air, ensuring the living environment is safe and clean.

Sewer Scope Inspections
Sewer scope inspections are critical for identifying issues like blockages or leaks in a home’s sewer line. This service provides homeowners with a detailed look at their plumbing system, helping prevent future costly repairs.

Commercial Building and Property Inspections
Inspecting a large building is much more efficient with a team. With the right people and training, HomeTeam franchise owners can grow their businesses beyond the residential market.

“We’ve done quite a few large spaces. I recently got a call to inspect a 120,000-square-foot building that a client wants to purchase and repurpose,” Lawler said. “There are a lot of opportunities for us in that regard because we’re the only ones in our market to do it.”

Drone Roof Inspections
Using drones allows HomeTeam inspectors to assess the condition of roofs safely and efficiently, especially in hard-to-reach areas. This service is ideal for providing thorough inspections without the risks associated with physically climbing onto roofs.

“My director of operations is a retired Army Blackhawk pilot, so he does a lot of our drone inspections,” Lawler said. “We prefer to walk a roof any time we can, but sometimes it’s just not safe. Having a licensed pilot and high-quality drone in our toolkit has been a great asset.”

Lawler does emphasize that, for inspectors looking to add drone inspections to their list of services, having the proper qualifications is key.

“This is one of the services that you need to think carefully about before adding. Trying to do drone inspections with a hobby-type drone and an unlicensed pilot is a terrible mistake,” he said. “The investment necessary to secure a quality drone and equip the team with the education necessary to stay out of trouble with the FAA is notable, so it’s not a choice to make on a whim.”

Building Trust and Expertise

In addition to capturing multiple streams of revenue, one of the significant advantages of offering ancillary services is that it opens up new customer bases beyond the traditional relationships with real estate agents. For example, Lawler’s expertise in mold inspections has made him a go-to resource for a wide range of clients. 

“Now, restoration companies and even homeowners call me directly,” he said. “They trust our expertise, and because of that, we’ve become a leading name in mold testing in our market — without even spending a dime on SEO. People are looking for experts, and when they trust your knowledge, they’ll come to you for solutions.”

For HomeTeam franchise owners, adding ancillary services is not just a way to increase revenue. It’s a strategic move that can open doors to new client bases, build trust and drive long-term growth. 

“Ancillary services have been crucial in expanding my business,” Lawler said. “Without them, you’re limited by the amount of time you have to do inspections. Adding ancillaries allow you to generate additional cash flow during those same blocks of time while also broadening your reach as the local expert. Taking this approach allows you to grow your business more dramatically than you would be able to by focusing solely on whole-home inspections.”

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/hometeaminspectionservice.