Market Insights

Home Inspection Platforms

1. Industry Overview

Home inspectors perform ~5 million inspections annually in the U.S., with ~30,000 inspection businesses operating.1 On average, inspectors charge $3772.

Software Market Share Estimate (2024)

Market Share Chart

Monthly Pricing Comparison

Feature Strength Comparison

2. Spectora

Overview: Founded 2015 in Denver by Michael & Kevin Wagstaff; cloud‐native, all‐in‐one inspection platform with report writing, scheduling, CRM, websites & more4.

Year Founded

2015

Ownership & Investors

  • Bootstrapped until 2024
  • Majority stake sold to Radian Capital ($90 M valuation)
  • Founders now board members; Peter Osberg, CEO5

M&A History

  • Apr 2025: Acquired HomeGauge
  • 2024: Exclusive partnership with LaunchPad Home Group (50k+ annual inspections)

Core Features

  • Responsive web editor + iOS/Android app
  • Automated scheduling, CRM, e-signatures, payments
  • Website hosting, SEO services, Spectora Lead Network
  • Advanced plan: team management, analytics, QuickBooks integration

Value Proposition

Modern UX, rapid updates, strong community; explicitly does not monetize inspector data.

SWOT Analysis

  • Strengths: Intuitive interface; real-time sync; community-driven roadmap
  • Weaknesses: $99/mo subscription; limited legacy template depth
  • Opportunities: AI for photo recognition & narrative generation; enterprise rollouts
  • Threats: Competitor bundling (Porch); cyclical real estate downturns

Technology & Innovation

Cloud-native microservices, weekly releases; exploring ML/NLP for auto-comments and defect detection.

Financials & Projections

  • ARR estimated $8–10 M (9,000 × $99/mo)
  • Projected ARR $15–20 M by 2028 via upsells & HomeGauge integration

Pricing & Clients

  • $99/mo or $999/yr per inspector; $89/mo per additional seat
  • Client mix: solo inspectors, small firms, franchises, ~70% US, 30% Canada/intl.

Corporate Structure & Org Chart

~40 employees: Engineering (~20), Client Success (~10), Sales/Marketing (~8), Leadership.

Timeline

  • 2015: Founded
  • 2017: Public launch
  • 2020: COVID growth to ~5,000 users
  • 2021: Advanced plan release
  • Aug 2024: Radian Capital investment
  • Apr 2025: HomeGauge acquisition

Mission Statement

“Build the best software in the industry to empower home inspectors everywhere.”

3. HomeGauge

Overview: Founded 2001 in Asheville, NC by Russell Buchanan. Desktop-centric with cloud report delivery; veteran tool with strong customization and support.

Year Founded

2001

Ownership & M&A

  • Nov 2017: Acquired by American Family Insurance (AmFam)
  • 2017: Acquired HomeHubZone assets
  • Apr 2025: Sold to Spectora (Radian Capital) and integrated into Spectora family

Core Features

  • Windows desktop report writer + mobile companion app
  • Create Request List™ for repair negotiations
  • HomeGauge ONE portal: scheduling, agreements, invoicing
  • Website templates & hosting; SEO add-ons

Value Proposition

Deep template customization; trusted by inspectors for 20+ years; dedicated U.S.-based support.

SWOT Analysis

  • Strengths: Extensive narrative library; CRL feature; veteran user loyalty
  • Weaknesses: Legacy UI; Windows-only desktop; slower dev cycle pre-2025
  • Opportunities: Cloud writer via Spectora tech; cross-sell SEO & websites
  • Threats: Cloud-only migration; internal overlap with Spectora

Technology Trajectory

Transitioning to cloud via HomeGauge ONE; future: unified web writer, AI-assisted narrative, analytics from historical data.

Financials & Projections

  • Pre-acquisition ARR ~$4–5 M (est.)
  • 5–10% annual growth forecast; integrated into Spectora ARR post-2025

Pricing & Clients

  • $89/mo (annual discount available); legacy one-time $995 license option
  • Core: veteran inspectors, franchises, regional roll-ups; ~5,000 active licenses

Corporate Structure

11–50 employees (LinkedIn): support (~10), engineering (~5–8), small sales & marketing, led by President Paul McIntyre.

Timeline

  • 2001: Launch
  • 2004: Online report delivery
  • 2010: Video & CRL
  • 2013: Mobile Companion
  • Nov 2017: AmFam acquisition
  • 2020: HomeGauge Protect warranty
  • Apr 2025: Spectora acquisition

Mission & Clients

“Help inspectors deliver professional, reliable reports and grow their business.” ~5,000 active; part of 15,000+ combined Spectora family.

4. Other Competitors

4.1 Home Inspector Pro (HIP)

  • Overview: Founded ~2006 by Dominic Maricic; robust desktop + mobile report writer.
  • Features:
    • Cross-platform desktop & mobile apps
    • Customizable templates & narrative libraries
    • PDF & online report hosting
    • Built-in agreements; integrates with scheduling systems
  • Pricing: Subscription ~$74/mo; formerly one-time license ~$699 + maintenance.
  • User Base: Large share alongside HomeGauge (~30–40% late 2010s); passionate InterNACHI community
  • Competitive Position: Similar to HomeGauge in customization; now part of Porch ecosystem
  • Recent Developments: Cloud backup added; integration with Porch’s Repair Pricer & ISN

4.2 Horizon (Carson Dunlop)

  • Overview: Launched 2004 by Carson Dunlop (training/education firm); cloud-first with built-in narrative content.
  • Features:
    • Web-based writer + offline-capable mobile app
    • Encyclopedic narrative library & illustrations
    • Client/web portal with “Home Reference Book” links
    • Basic scheduling & client notifications
  • Pricing: Subscription ~$67/mo; free/trial for Carson Dunlop students
  • User Base: Strong in Canada; niche U.S. use by those trained at Carson Dunlop
  • Competitive Angle: Professional content library; less flexibility but plug-and-play narratives
  • Recent Notes: Acquired by Co-operators Feb 2024 for insurance integration; potential bundling with policies6

4.3 Inspection Support Network (ISN)

  • Overview: Founded mid-2000s by Dan Huber; cloud-based scheduling/CRM for inspectors.
  • Features:
    • Online order & calendar management
    • Automated emails/SMS for confirmations & follow-ups
    • E-signature agreements & payments
    • Business analytics & reporting
    • Integrations with major report writers
  • Pricing: ~$4–5 per inspection; volume discounts; some bundled Porch offerings
  • Position in Market: Dominant back-office platform; integrated by competitors; 14,000+ inspectors
  • Recent Notes: Under Porch, used to feed homebuyer leads for insurance/warranty upsells; some privacy concerns among inspectors6

4.4 Palm-Tech

  • Overview: Late ’90s PDA-origin; simple desktop + mobile data capture.
  • Features:
    • Checklist-driven mobile app
    • Photo insertion & PDF output
    • Cloud drive sync
    • Basic calendar
  • Pricing: One-time license ~$899; now subscription option under Porch
  • User Base: Solo inspectors valuing offline speed; few thousand legacy users
  • Competition & Trajectory: Niche for low-complexity; under Porch for smaller firms; minimal active development

4.5 3D Inspection System

  • Overview: Early ’90s desktop; “Data Driven Documents” focus.
  • Features:
    • Highly customizable report templates
    • 3D Mobile Inspector sync app
    • Optional business modules (scheduling, invoicing)
  • Pricing: One-time purchase ($300–$1,000 depending on edition); optional annual support
  • User Base: Power-users & multi-inspector firms; niche loyal following
  • Competitive Position: Ultimate flexibility vs. steeper learning curve; stable independent vendor

4.6 Tap Inspect

  • Overview: Launched ~2011; mobile-only design by inspectors for inspectors.
  • Features:
    • On-site PDF generation on smartphone/tablet
    • Signature capture & immediate delivery
    • Photo annotation & comment libraries
    • Basic scheduling & notifications
  • Pricing: Subscription ~$60/mo (unlimited inspections); pay-per-inspection options
  • User Base: Solo tech-savvy inspectors; low-volume operators
  • Competitive Position: Speed & simplicity over depth; often a stepping stone to more comprehensive platforms

4.7 SnapInspect & zInspector

  • Overview: Property management inspection apps repurposed by some home inspectors.
  • Features:
    • Custom checklist creation
    • Photo/video capture
    • Cloud report hosting
  • Pricing: Tiered by users/properties (SnapInspect ~$99+/mo; zInspector free/basic up to $30+/mo)
  • Competitive Position: Generalist apps; not tailored for home purchase but used for ancillary inspections
  • Recent Developments: Enhanced dashboards; Zapier integrations; increased rental-inspection focus

4.8 ScribeWare

  • Overview: Mid-2010s narrative-centric, desktop + mobile; co-founded by inspector.
  • Features:
    • Polished report templates & narrative library
    • Multi-inspector collaboration in real time
    • Photo editor & summary generation
  • Pricing: Subscription ~$79/mo including library & cloud backup
  • User Base: Niche high-end inspectors; Pacific Northwest stronghold; luxury market appeal
  • Competitive Position: Premium report quality vs. modern UX; independent and inspector-led

4.9 EZ Home Inspection Software

  • Overview: Budget desktop app by EZ Home Inspection LLC; simple checklist style.
  • Features: Basic templates, photo insertion, PDF output; runs on Windows only.
  • Pricing: One-time $299; optional $75/yr support; no cloud service included
  • User Base: Part-time and price-sensitive inspectors; a few hundred to low thousands
  • Competitive Position: Lowest cost entry; limited growth ceiling; minimal updates

4.10 Spectacular Inspection System

  • Overview: Early iPad-centric app; mobile-only reporting.
  • Features: On-device PDF generation; pre-written narratives; offline capability
  • Pricing: One-time $499 or subscription ~$49/mo
  • User Base: Tech-savvy iOS inspectors; niche but loyal
  • Competitive Position: Pre-Spectora mobile pioneer; UX praised but lacks business tools

4.11 Whisper Reporter

  • Overview: 20+ years desktop forms; highly customizable for regulated formats (e.g., Texas TREC).
  • Features: WYSIWYG template design; merge reports; module-based for residential/commercial
  • Pricing: Perpetual licenses ($200-$600) + optional Ascent cloud subscription
  • User Base: Inspectors with specialized/regulatory needs; Texas & niche inspections
  • Competitive Position: Ultimate control vs. steep learning curve; independent vendor stability

4.12 Other Notables

  • Inspector Nexus: Low-cost mobile app (~$30/mo); modern UX; growing user base11
  • InspectIT (AHIT): Training institute-branded Windows app; basic reporting for graduates
  • ReportHost: Early cloud pay-per-report model; no subscription; small legacy user base
  • Inspector Toolbelt: CRM/scheduling with free basic report writer; targets ISN defectors
  • Commercial Tools: Report Form Pro, ProntoForms – used by firms expanding into commercial/HUD inspections

5. Competitive Landscape

The U.S. market is coalescing around two major camps—Spectora/HomeGauge (~50% share) vs. Porch Group (~30%). Independents (~20%) survive via specialization in customization, price, or unique UX.

Market Share Dynamics

Est. Spectora/HomeGauge 50%, Porch portfolio 30%, Others 20%3.

Strategic Approaches

  • Spectora/HomeGauge: All-in-one suite, rapid feature cadence, data privacy stance
  • Porch Group: Subsidized subscriptions + referral monetization (insurance, repairs, moving)
  • Independents: Niche focus—narrative quality, one-time licenses, inspector-led roadmaps

Emerging Trends

  • AI: Automatic narratives; image defect detection
  • Integrations: Real-estate/insurance APIs; IoT data
  • Mobile/Cloud: Reliable offline sync; real-time team collaboration
  • Ancillary Services: Warranties; recall checks; lead networks; marketplace offerings

Future leaders will blend continuous innovation, strong community engagement, and transparent monetization to maintain inspector trust and drive growth.

  1. IBISWorld (ibisworld.com, 2024). U.S. home inspection businesses. Link. Industry research.
  2. Porch (porch.com, 2019). Home inspection usage & cost survey. Link. Buyer survey data.
  3. InterNACHI Forum (2019). Market share estimate. Link.
  4. Spectora (spectora.com, 2025). 9,000+ users. Link. Official metrics.
  5. Spectora Blog (Apr 1 2025). Acquisition of HomeGauge announcement. Link.
  6. Porch 10-K (2022). HIP & ISN acquisitions. Link. SEC filing.
  7. Newswire (Feb 15 2024). Co-operators acquires Carson Dunlop/Horizon. Link.
  8. GlobeNewswire (Jan 14 2021). Porch acquires Palm-Tech. Link.
  9. InterNACHI Forum (2019). Spectacular software review. Link.
  10. Whisper Solutions (whispersolutions.com, 2025). Company history. Link.
  11. Capterra (2025). Inspector Nexus listing. Link.
Scroll to Top