Charles
If you are a home inspector I would check with your state licensing board first to determine if the 'energy audit' would fall under their licensing board of authority. The TX Real Estate Commission has determined that this energy audit falls under TREC Standards of Practice. We are required to get permission from the client to deviate from the TREC standard inspection form required for all home inspections. As a licensed home inspector I have to tell the client that he will be getting two reports from me - the first is the TREC inspection form which identifies the client and address and in all the item categories of the report is a comment stating the client has agreed for the inspector (me) to not report on these item categories of the home inspection report. The second report he will get is the actual energy audit.

Now, just how much more confusion can anyone get in trying to explain to the client that I will not be inspecting these items according to TX Standards of Practice. Is my client going to think he is getting short sheeted? (Go to TREC web and read the standards of practice and take a look at the mandantory form we use. This is a minimum 5 to 7 page report that sayes absolutley nothing of value to my client).

I just finished the class at Kaplan. I thought the class was good and I see so many opportunities for this type of inspection either in conjunction with a home inspection or as a stand alone. Again, check with your local licensing board to see if there are any issues that need to be addressed prior to starting. I should have done my due diligence prior to taking the class so I wouldn't be blind sided with TREC.

Anyway, using CMC report generation will cost you $20 per audit. Suggested pricing is from $75 to $250 depending on stand alone or in conjunction with a home inspection, size of residence, number of HVAC units, travel time/distance, etc,. The suggested time is 20 minutes when doing a HI and 1 1/2 hour as a standalone.

Bottom line - I see this as another service offering I can offer my clients. I'm also looking into a thermo cam of augment this service as well as my mold assessment service. Additional Services - Additional Revenue!

Hope this helps