We recently had the opportunity to connect with CCPIA member KC Bartley, and we’re excited to share some of the highlights of our conversation with you below.
About KC
- Company: Professional Home Inspections
- Location: Kingsport, Tennessee
- Number of Years in Business: 10 years
- Qualifications: CCPIA® Certified Commercial Inspector, Certified Master Inspector®, InterNACHI® Certified Professional Inspector®, EDI Levels 1 & 2, NADRA-Certified, Tennessee-Licensed Home Inspector (#1244), and 10 years of experience as a new construction and remodeling contractor
Member Spotlight Interview
Rob Claus sat down with KC to discuss his career path and how he has grown from being a residential inspector to offering commercial inspections.
Interview Highlights
What is your background and construction experience?
When KC Bartley was 19, his stepfather hired him for exterior remodeling jobs, such as decks, siding, and windows. At 31, he obtained his contractor’s license and hired his own installation crews and an office manager, but found managing others challenging and stressful. After five years, his business closed, leading him to the idea of home inspections. He then researched InterNACHI® and joined, and completed the CPI requirements. He’s been in the home inspection business for 10 years since. He stated,
“The resources that InterNACHI® has are responsible for my success today. They are amazing building blocks, and I still get on there to take my residential continuing education.”
What is your methodology for residential inspections?
KC’s approach to residential inspections is all about consistency and thoroughness. He has a routine that he never deviates from, so he inspects each home in the same order every time. As soon as he pulls into the driveway, he’s already scanning for defects through the windshield. He starts by making several passes around the grounds, including the driveway and walkways, as he looks for their effects on the structure and any trip hazards.
KC continues with the roof, examining the surface, flashing, and roof covering’s condition, followed by the gutters and exterior cladding, windows, and doors. Inside, he moves through the kitchen, interior areas, bathrooms, foundation, basement, garage, electrical system, water heater, and HVAC, and he finishes in the attic. This routine ensures that he covers all aspects of the property systematically. He notes issues as he comes across them using reporting software.
Regarding his interaction with residential clients, KC is factual and evidence-based. He tells a story about how he handled a recent situation where his foot could have stomped through the roof near a downspout termination, and describes how he handled informing his clients. He said,
“Anything that I document has corroborating evidence behind me. It’s not just my opinion. I’m more of a black-and-white, fact-based inspector, wrong or right… I don’t blow things out of proportion or scare them, but I am going to let them know where there is a problem.”
Why did you enter the commercial inspection space?
KC mentioned he grew tired of turning down phone calls for commercial jobs because he wasn’t comfortable with certain inspections or didn’t know enough about them. He said,
“I grew tired of turning down calls for commercial jobs and saying I wasn’t comfortable with commercial… My comfort level has grown tremendously with industrial-style and retail-style commercial properties. Now, multi-family is pretty much residential, but once you break into industrial and retail, it’s nice to have those CCPIA® courses to show you where to go.”
When asked what he did to increase his comfort zone, he explained that he studied and learned more about various codes, including the IRC®, NEC®, IPC, and IBC. He pointed out that while the IBC mirrors the IRC® in many ways, there are some differences. He also completed CCPIA® courses, especially learning life safety, and has expanded to learning more about ADA, OSHA, and NFPA requirements.
How much of your residential methodology has translated into your approach to commercial?
KC said that his residential methodology translates 100% to commercial inspections, and compares some of the similarities and differences between each type of inspection, as well as the realtors and clients involved. He stated,
“Although it’s a secret I try to keep close to my chest, commercial may be easier than residential inspections once you get the backbone. There’s no emotion from the realtors and buyers like there is in residential. There are big, wide-open spaces. I really enjoy commercial.”
What have you done to help foster more commercial business for yourself?
KC said that his approach to fostering more commercial business is unique and may not be suitable for everyone. He said,
“So, this is where I may not be able to help others as a solo inspector firm compared to a multi-inspector firm. For residential and commercial inspections, 95% of my business comes from word of mouth. That’s how I get my business. I rely on others to speak highly of my work.”
While he currently does not court commercial realtors, he mentioned that he might consider it in the future since he enjoys commercial property inspections and would like them to represent a larger portion of his work compared to residential inspections.
KC discusses a lot more in the video, which highlights a recent job he completed for a local municipality, along his thoughts about his daughters entering the inspection field. He stated,
“I show her pictures so she knows about grading, and she’ll ask questions like, ‘Was the grading wrong today?’ or ‘Was there water in the basement?’ I can seriously see her doing it, and I’d love nothing more. It’s an amazing, rewarding, and profitable career. There are a lot of women in the industry now, but I think even more will move toward this field. Women are amazing communicators, technical, and observant. I’d love it if my daughter ever wanted to do it because she could make a good living at it.”
Tune in to the interview to learn about KC’s business, his tips for other inspectors, and his plans for the future in the commercial inspection industry!