Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis Hooper.
Travis, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
If you could ask my Dad, he would say it started when he let me take my toys apart as a child and that may be true. I’ve always had a curiosity for how things worked, but the path to where I am today started with a company that is no longer in business. I was hired by Kimball Hill Homes in 1999 as a warranty representative. It was my job to address any warranty issues for homes that were complete and had home owner living in them. Kimball Hill was not well known for building a quality home, so early in my career I learned what not to do when building a home. The constant problems and angry customers fortified my resolve to build a quality home if I ever had the chance to manage the construction of homes. I got my chance 8 months later, when I was promoted. From there I had the highest quality scores for three quarters straight. I moved on to other builders after a while. I built with different materials and had to learn many different building techniques in my 10 years as a construction manager. Unfortunately, the housing bubble popped in 2008 and I found refuge at the City of Houston/Housing and Community Development as a Multi Family and Single Family Home Inspector. This type of home inspector is not like the home inspector that I am today. It was my job at the CoH to inspect and rehab housing for the poor. Basically identifying life and safety issues and in the home, putting together a scope of work and an estimate for the repairs then managing the general contractors who would be hired to perform the rehab. I kept this job for more than five years, before going back to being a Construction Manager. But what I really learned from this experience is the building techniques of the past. Balloon framing, pier and beam foundation construction, lead abatement, asbestos encapsulation etc. The time at the city really helped round out my experience and effectiveness as a residential home inspector. It’s always funny how you don’t know what you learn things for till you need it, like geometry, history, science or how they used to build, wire (electric), plumb, roof, side etc… All the materials were different in 1900 – 1930’s, 1940’s – 1960’s and so forth. But because of what I learned at CoH, I can thoroughly inspect and explain home construction to people who buy homes constructed in the last 120 years. However there was no room to grow at the city and pay was tight. So I spent my free time taking online energy and home inspection courses. Because of my past knowledge, I was able to achieve 328 hours of required study and passed my 250+ question examine in less than three months. My past education includes a BS from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Communication degree in journalism (PR/Advertising emphasis) and second major in Public Speaking. This knowledge came in handy as I saw the future with the creation of Myspace. Myspace was irrelevant by the time I started my home inspection business, but social media was very alive. I had a webpage up and running and started working on my online reviews. I worked hard and I knew that the home inspection is not about me, what I know, who I know or how I know. It’s about the people buying the home. That’s what I focus on. I have some good reviews across many sites, but I want to keep that going.
Additional Facts about me and SEI Inspections:
Born in Houston, TX 1973
Just completed my fifth year with the CoH MS150 Bike Team
Former Certified National BPI Energy Auditor
Former Licensed Property and Casualty Claims Adjustor
Patent Pending Invention for a 10-15′ retractable charging cable
2016 Angie’s List Super Service Award
2016 Best of HomeAdvisor Award
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course lol. I had an investment property with a friend, it needed a relatively major face lift. A lot of work was needed and funds. I gave my friend a pass on the funds, if he helped. He said he would, but didn’t. I took on the load, did a lot of work on the place and a lot of money put in, and took on a second job as an airport bus driver at Hobby Airport for a year. I had to rent it out myself as well. In the end, it was a profit for me.
2008 Housing Bubble was tough as well. Laid off by my employer, Unemployed twice in a year. Other company start-ups that failed like Coolsouth.com a webpage dedicated to energy efficiency in the Southern United States. I still have the videos on YouTube. Coolsouth1. An energy efficiency remodeling company.
My Father who was also considered a close friend passed away in 2012. I was working two jobs in 2011. Engine block cracked on my truck (Not kidding). City of Houston job paid nearly half of what I made as a Construction Manager. I was in an office job for over 5 years. I like my freedom.
SEI Inspections – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Apparently people say that I’m a thorough inspector, I’m professional, but personable. I explain things in a way that people can understand about the home they want to buy. And that’s good because that is how I want my company to be. I want my company to be accurate, thorough, useful, easy to use, easy to understand, easy to reach and fast.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Freedom to do what I want, when I want. I have a ways to go, but one day it is inevitable.
Pricing:
- Homes under 1500 square feet and less than 25 years old only cost $250.00 W/ free Thermal Image Inspection
- Condos under 700 sf and less than 25 years old only cost $150.00 W/ free Thermal Image Inspection
Contact Info:
- Address: 1901 S. Voss Unit 49
- Website: www.inspect713.com
- Phone: 832 322 1481
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeInspectors281
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Homeinspect281
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sei-inspections-houston
- Other: https://member.angieslist.com/member/store/11008523?ref=search&query=sei%20inspections
Image Credit:
Kyle Landwere (friend)
Sarah Birney (friend)
Iris Blum (Niece)
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
