Most people only meet a home inspector once — during one of the most important purchases of their lives. They see us walking around with flashlights, cameras, and ladders, calling out details that most folks overlook. But behind every inspection is a full day’s work that’s part detective work, part education, and part good old-fashioned elbow grease.
Here’s what a typical day looks like for me at Upchurch Inspection, serving homes across Memphis and West Tennessee.
Mornings Start Early (and Usually with Coffee)
My day usually starts around 6:30 a.m. I review the day’s schedule, confirm addresses, check for any special notes from clients or agents, and make sure my equipment is ready to go — cameras charged, moisture meter calibrated, and ladders secured.
The first inspection of the day might be a 1950s bungalow in Midtown Memphis, or it could be a brand-new build in Arlington or Collierville. Each one tells its own story, and my job is to read that story accurately.
Before heading out, I’ll check the weather — because a wet roof, frozen crawlspace, or 100-degree attic can change how I approach the job.
Every House Tells a Story
When I arrive on site, I start outside. The exterior of a home often gives the first clues to what’s happening inside.
I’m looking at how the home sits on the property — grading, drainage, foundation cracks, siding, gutters, roofing materials. You can tell a lot about a home’s health by how it sheds water and how the soil behaves around it. In West Tennessee’s clay-heavy soil, I pay special attention to slope and settlement.
Then I move inside, working methodically through every room: walls, ceilings, doors, outlets, windows, and insulation. In the attic, I look for signs of leaks, poor ventilation, or missing insulation. In the crawlspace, I check for moisture, damaged framing, or plumbing leaks.
I take hundreds of photos and notes, not just for the report, but to explain my findings clearly to the client later.
The Tools of the Trade
A modern inspection is more than a flashlight and clipboard. I use tools like:
- Moisture meters to detect hidden water intrusion
- Thermal imaging cameras to spot temperature differences that can indicate air leaks or dampness
- Gas and CO detectors for safety
- Electrical testers for outlets and GFCIs
- Cameras and video scopes for crawlspaces and drain lines
Each tool adds a layer of information, helping me see what’s invisible to most people.
Meeting Clients Face-to-Face
One of my favorite parts of the job is walking through the home with clients near the end of the inspection. I’ll point out what I found, explain what’s normal wear and what’s a genuine concern, and answer every question they have.
Most buyers are nervous — that’s natural. My goal isn’t to alarm them but to educate them. I always tell people:
“Every home has something wrong with it. The goal isn’t to find a perfect house — it’s to understand what you’re buying.”
When clients leave an inspection feeling confident and informed, I know I’ve done my job.
Writing the Report
After the on-site portion, I head back to my office or truck and start compiling the report. This is where I organize all my findings, photos, and notes into a clear, detailed document that clients and agents can understand.
Every report I produce through Upchurch Inspection includes full-color photos, concise descriptions, and practical recommendations. I aim to deliver every report the same day, so clients can move forward quickly with confidence.
The Reward: Helping People Make Smart Decisions
Being a home inspector isn’t just about finding defects — it’s about protecting families, investments, and peace of mind.
In Memphis, Jackson, and all across West Tennessee, I’ve seen homes that were built to last — and others that hid serious issues under fresh paint. But what never changes is the satisfaction that comes from helping people understand what they’re really buying.
Whether it’s a first-time buyer in Bartlett or a retiree downsizing in Collierville, I get to make a difference every single day.
📞 Schedule Your Home Inspection in West Tennessee
Serving Memphis, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, and surrounding communities, Upchurch Inspection provides certified home and commercial inspections, mold testing, radon testing, water quality analysis, and sewer scope inspections.
📞 Call (901) 350-8885 or visit UpchurchInspection.com to schedule your inspection today.
