A  Look  at  NSPIRE

The home inspection profession has never stood still. Over the years, we’ve adapted to changing markets, new technologies, and evolving expectations about what inspection work should deliver. Those changes have shaped how we work and, just as importantly, where opportunity exists within the profession.

Today, we’re seeing another shift—one that may open the door to new opportunities for inspectors who are willing to explore it.

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with ASHI Members about HUD’s updated inspection model known as NSPIRE. While that conversation focused in part on women inspectors, the broader takeaway applies to anyone in our profession who is thinking about how to expand their work.

From REAC to NSPIRE: A Shift in Focus

Some of you may remember the early days of the REAC program. I had the opportunity to work with HUD as that program was being developed. At the time, it represented a significant step forward in creating a consistent, national approach to inspecting federally assisted housing.

REAC brought structure and standardization to a space that needed it. It created a framework inspectors could work within and helped establish expectations across a wide range of properties.

NSPIRE builds on that foundation, but it also reflects a meaningful shift in priorities. Instead of focusing primarily on scoring properties, NSPIRE places greater emphasis on resident health, safety, and habitability. The goal is not just to evaluate how a building performs against a checklist but to assess how well it serves the people living in it.

That may sound like a subtle difference but, in practice, it changes how inspections are approached and what inspectors are looking for in the field. It also changes the level of demand.

Because these inspections are tied to federally assisted housing programs, they are not driven by real estate cycles in the same way traditional home inspections are. As a result, there is an ongoing need for qualified inspectors nationwide.

A Different Kind of Inspection with a Familiar Skill Set

For those of us who have spent years in traditional home inspection, NSPIRE work can feel different at first, but the core skills are still very much the same. You’re still observing conditions. You’re still evaluating systems. You’re still documenting what you see. What changes is the structure.

You’re not climbing ladders, entering attics, or navigating crawlspaces. You’re not writing narrative reports for a homebuyer who is making a purchasing decision.

Instead, you’re working within a defined inspection framework. You’re following standardized protocols. You’re inspecting multifamily units and building systems, and you’re documenting findings using digital tools that align with HUD requirements.

The work is more consistent from one inspection to the next. For some inspectors, that represents an adjustment. For others, it’s one of the program’s strengths. There’s a level of clarity in knowing exactly what’s expected and how the work is evaluated.

Understanding the Opportunity

What makes NSPIRE worth paying attention to is not just how the inspections are conducted; it’s the opportunity that comes with them.

Traditional home inspection work is often tied closely to the real estate market. When the market is active, inspectors are busy. When it slows, so does the work. NSPIRE operates differently.

Because the inspections are tied to federally assisted housing, there is year-round demand. Properties must be inspected regardless of broader market conditions. That creates a level of consistency many inspectors are looking for, especially when trying to balance workloads throughout the year.

For those interested inspectors, there are also opportunities to travel. Assignments are distributed across the country, and those who are flexible in where they work often have access to more opportunities.

That said, it’s important to be clear about what this is and what it isn’t. This is not a replacement for your home inspection business.

Most inspectors who pursue NSPIRE work use it to supplement what they’re already doing. It’s another lane—one that can help fill gaps, provide consistency, and create additional income without requiring you to step away from your core business.

What Inspectors Should Expect

Like any professional opportunity, NSPIRE comes with expectations.

There is a training and certification process. Inspectors need to learn the standards, understand the inspection protocols, and become comfortable with the reporting systems used in the field.

The work itself requires a willingness to operate within a structured system. There are defined timelines, clear documentation requirements, and quality standards that must be met. There may also be travel involved, depending on the assignments you accept.

For inspectors who are used to working independently, this can feel like a shift. You’re still applying your judgment and experience but within a more standardized environment. That adjustment is often the biggest learning curve.

Once inspectors become comfortable with the system, many find that the structure improves efficiency and consistency in their work.

A Pathway Worth Considering

One of the things I’ve always appreciated about this profession is that there is no single way to build a successful career. Inspectors come to this work from different backgrounds, operate in different markets, and define success in different ways. Programs like NSPIRE add another option to that mix.

For inspectors looking to expand their services, create more consistency in their workload, or apply their skills in a different setting, this is a pathway worth considering. For women inspectors in particular—and for anyone looking to broaden their role in the profession—it offers flexibility and an opportunity to engage in work that has a direct impact on housing quality and resident safety.

Looking Ahead

If there’s one constant in this profession, it’s change. The inspectors who tend to do well over time are the ones who stay aware of how the industry is evolving and are willing to explore new opportunities when they align with their goals. NSPIRE is part of that evolution.

It won’t be the right fit for everyone, and that’s OK. But for those who are looking for ways to expand their work, it’s worth understanding—and worth considering.

Final Thought

I’ve had the opportunity over the years to see how national inspection programs develop and how inspectors adapt to them. What stands out to me about NSPIRE is not just the structure of the program but the consistency of the work and the focus on real-world conditions. At the end of the day, this is still inspection work, just applied in a different way. And for some inspectors, that difference may represent an opportunity. 

Marvin Goldstein is President and CEO of Building Inspection Service (BISCO) in Southampton, Pennsylvania. As a building inspector for decades, he brings deep technical expertise and seasoned leadership to the firm. He has been influential in advising HUD on public housing policy and strategic initiatives, helping shape standards that impact communities nationwide. Goldstein has been an ASHI member since the beginning of ASHI in 1976, proudly recognized as ASHI Member #32. He was the 2012 ASHI President and served on the ASHI Board of Directors as treasurer in 2010. You can contact him at mgoldstein@inspectpro.com or 215-870-2648.