After years of running a building business, Gordon knew the physical demands of staying on the tools were becoming harder to sustain. He and Emma found a way to keep using that experience through Jim’s Building Inspections Kenmore, while building a business focused on helping buyers, sellers, and property owners make better-informed decisions.
Watch the video above, or keep reading for the full Q&A.
Why Did Gordon and Emma Decide to Get Off the Tools?
Coming in October, Gordon and Emma will have been with Jim’s Building Inspections for two years.
Their move happened quickly once they found the right opportunity. One of them spotted a Facebook post from Sam and, by the following day, they had an appointment with him. Gordon says that after meeting Sam, they were sold.
Gordon and Emma chose Jim’s Building Inspections because Gordon could keep using his building experience without relying on the same physically demanding work. After years on the tools, he wanted a more sustainable path. The inspection model let the couple stay in property, work together, and continue helping clients.
Emma saw building inspections as a way to keep Gordon’s practical knowledge working in a different capacity. Gordon is the builder and inspector, while Emma is also a pool safety inspector and handles much of the client communication.
For builders considering a similar transition, the Jim’s Building Inspections franchise guide explains more about the division, training, and business model.
Gordon and Emma had already run a business for a long time. They also looked at a lot of other opportunities before deciding. What changed their view was understanding the processes and support available within Jim’s Building Inspections.
They also valued their relationship with other franchisees. Emma says they do not see other franchisees as competition. Instead, they support one another, while Sam is also there to support them as their franchisor.
How Can Building Experience Be Used in Property Inspections?
Gordon and Emma believed clients were not always getting enough practical support when dealing with building problems or property inspections.
Toward the end of Gordon’s building career, a large part of his work involved rectifying problems. Emma says he became increasingly frustrated when people were not properly helping customers through those situations.
That experience shaped how they approach inspections. They do not want the relationship to end when a customer pays for a report. They want to understand the reason behind the inspection, encourage clients to attend where possible, explain findings verbally, and then provide the written report.
Their work covers pre-purchase building and pest inspections, pre-sale building and pest inspections, new construction stage inspections, asbestos sampling and testing, visual asbestos inspections, mould inspections, property condition reports, and entry and exit reports for rental properties.
This broad range means Gordon can keep applying his building knowledge without returning to the same physically demanding work that pushed him to consider a change.
Prospective franchisees can also see how other operators approach the business in this guide to running a successful Jim’s Building Inspections franchise.
What Makes Gordon and Emma’s Approach to Building Inspections Different?
What is behind the inspection is the customer’s broader property decision, whether they are buying, investing, selling, or simply trying to understand the condition of a property.
A first-home buyer may need more explanation than an experienced investor. A seller may want to understand the property before it reaches the market. Someone building a new home may be focused on checking workmanship during different construction stages.
Emma says that from the first phone call, she wants to know where the customer is in the process and how Gordon and Emma can support them.
They encourage customers to attend the inspection. Gordon carries out the inspection and then spends time verbally explaining what he has found. They provide a written report and continue supporting the customer afterwards.
That matters for buyers who may be looking at an inspection report for the first time. Gordon and Emma want the customer to understand what the findings mean for the property decision they are trying to make.
When Should You Book a Building and Pest Inspection?
A customer could be months away from buying, already under contract with a short deadline, or dealing with another property decision that requires an inspection.
Gordon says there is no single set time when everyone needs to book. Earlier is better because buyers can do their due diligence and know who will inspect the property before a deadline becomes urgent.
At the same time, Gordon and Emma offer a same-day service where possible. If they cannot fit the inspection in that day, they can generally arrange it within a couple of days.
Gordon says some buyers’ agents use a three- to five-day window in a contract clause because they know that timeframe can usually be accommodated.
First-home buyers sometimes contact Gordon and Emma months before finding a property. Emma says they talk those buyers through the process, send them information, provide a sample report, and explain what is involved.
That preparation means the buyer already knows who to contact and what to expect when the right property comes along.
What Building Inspection Services Do They Offer?
If you’re an investor, Gordon and Emma want to understand that because it helps them provide information relevant to the property decision you are making.
Their services include pre-purchase building and pest inspections, property condition reports and other inspection work. They also see demand connected with insurance, particularly in Queensland where storms can lead to further property checks.
Emma says they support insurers and insurance brokers, including checks completed before an insurance broker takes on a new policyholder. She describes this as a type of property health check.
Gordon also says new construction stage inspections are increasing. He believes more people are becoming aware of the value of having work checked while a new property is being built.
For anyone looking at the business rather than booking an inspection, Jim’s Group also explains how to start a Jim’s Building Inspections franchise.
How Do Building Inspections Help Buyers and Sellers?
If you’re selling, Gordon and Emma offer pre-sale building and pest inspections as part of their inspection services.
Gordon includes pre-sale inspections alongside pre-purchase work and other property reports. Their client-first process remains the same: inspect the property, explain the findings, and provide the written report.
Gordon and Emma also travel widely when customers require it. Their Jim’s Building Inspections Kenmore territory covers Kenmore, Bellbowrie, Anstead, Brookfield, Tivoli, Chuwar, Karana Downs and Karalee, extending into Ipswich.
They have travelled as far west as Oakey, west of Toowoomba. Gordon also gives the example of travelling two hours north of where they live for a large volume-builder client.
Their approach is not to automatically limit themselves to their immediate area when an established client needs service.
For builders looking at a similar career change, the Jim’s Group franchise information page provides a broader look at owning a franchise within the network.
Gordon and Emma’s move was not about walking away from their building knowledge. It was about using that knowledge in a more sustainable way. After years in business and on the tools, they found a model that allowed them to keep working in property, help customers through important decisions, and operate as a husband-and-wife team.
If you are considering a Jim’s Building Inspections franchise, learn more about the division or speak with the Jim’s Group team on 131 546.