From Doubt To Delight

Aaron McDonald: ‘It has given me everything I wanted’

A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections franchisee enjoys a better lifestyle

Nicola McDonald had her work cut out convincing husband Aaron that buying A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections franchise was what his body needed to escape heavy engineering work. But she managed it, and Aaron quickly went from doubt to delight. Five years later, the couple are now considering expanding their territory to give them total coverage of the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions.

‘I had a life-changing accident in the Huntly coal mines when I was 19 that means my right arm is now mainly metal and plastic,’ says Aaron. ‘When, in our early forties, daughter Charlie arrived, Nicola reckoned I needed to do something less physical and more flexible.

‘I hadn’t a clue she had been looking at A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections, so my initial reaction to her telling me about the franchise was pretty lukewarm,’ he confesses. ‘Also, having no building experience would surely rule me out.’ B

ut Nicola was a senior accountant in the corporate world, and had done extensive due diligence on the franchise. ‘She told me the franchise training and systems meant no building experience was required, and that being a work-from-home franchise where I could set my own schedule would enable me to focus on my Dad duties.

‘My belief in Nicola has always been strong so, after a quick think, I agreed to take things further. We met with New Zealand master franchisor John Goodrum, who told us all about the opportunity, on Christmas Eve 2017 and the following February we became franchisees for A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections in Hamilton West.’

High standards, thorough training

Established in Canada in 2005 and now operating in 19 countries, A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections arrived in New Zealand in 2013. It quickly built a strong reputation here: while New Zealand has no legislation requiring building inspectors to be qualified, franchisees are trained to the same high standard as certified inspectors operating in Canada and the US.

‘Once they’ve passed key exams, each franchisee is qualified to carry out comprehensive inspections meeting NZS4306:2005 (Residential Property Inspection),’ says John Goodrum. ‘In addition, they carry indemnity insurance underwritten by Lloyds. This protects both the franchisee and the buyer should something need fixing that wasn’t in an inspection report.’

Aaron recalls, ‘I completed 400 hours training in a series of block courses, only advancing to the next after achieving a pass. It taught me to know what to look for and identify any issues. Franchisees are supplied with specialist equipment to check power outlets, moisture levels and all matters related to dwellings, but we leave the fixing of problems to qualified builders, plumbers or electricians.’

Multiple income streams

A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections is a low-entry cost, high-return opportunity. Territories are available for $72,500 +gst, with the potential to earn a six-figure income once established. The package includes an exclusive territory, full training, a personal business coach and ongoing support. The business is not physically demanding or weather dependent, and offers strong cashflow.

Franchisees also benefit from a number of potential income streams. While Aaron chooses to specialise in pre-purchase home inspections, others also do renovation deficiency inspections; maintenance inspections; healthy homes; safe & sanitary reports; new home warranty services; methamphetamine testing and asbestos testing.

Providing certainty

Now the owner of a highly successful business which has received international recognition within the franchise, Aaron has some tips for other potential buyers. ‘To be successful, you should enjoy meeting people and not expect work to come to you. But finding customers isn’t hard: after taking Charlie to school I often visit houses for sale or do leaflet drops in my area. Facebook and Instagram work for me, as does establishing relationships with real estate agents. A Buyers Choice Home Inspections has a good reputation, and taking the uncertainty out of buying or selling a house is good for everyone.

‘This is a great business which has given me everything I wanted – even if I didn’t believe it at first,’ Aaron smiles. ‘Give John a call to find out more.’

Advertiser Info

A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections

www.abuyerschoice.co.nz

Contact John Goodrum

P 021 945 150

info@abuyerschoice.co.nz