Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhondalyn Riley.
Rhondalyn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in the construction industry. My father is a Class A Mechanical contractor, developer of office/warehouse projects, general contractor, and home builder. That is how I knew I never wanted to be self-employed in the construction industry.
After working for a plastering materials supply company for several years. I decided that I would like to provide inspection and consulting services to the plaster industry. So, I started Exterior Inspections, Inc. That was 20 years ago.
Since then, I have become a licensed Professional Real Estate Inspector (TREC #6330) and Certified Pool Operator/Inspector. I am approved through the Texas Real Estate Commission to teach core- and continuing education courses to pre-license and licensed inspector students.
I have also held certifications as a Residential Building Code inspector, Building Envelope Professional/Analyst, and Home Energy Rater.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have been a few bumps in the road along the way. 2009 was most notably the largest hurdle. During that time, the real estate industry took a big hit. While it wasn’t as bad in Texas as other places around the country, builders weren’t building because houses weren’t moving. I personally know several really good custom builders that couldn’t sustain and went out of business. Real estate transactions were slow and, consequently, that affected the inspection industry. I call that time period the ‘survival of the fittest’ era.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Exterior Inspections, Inc. – what should we know?
EI provides consulting and inspection services not only to the EIFS/Stucco industry, but also to home builders, contractors, general contractors, owners, insurance companies, and many others. Our focus has shifted over the years from EIFS and stucco to Building Envelope with emphasis on water intrusion investigations and includes all components of the exterior, not just the exterior cladding. Additionally, we provide structural, mechanical, electrical inspections for real estate transactions.
Our newest offering is Functional Living inspections. This inspection can be a value added service for those purchasing their forever home or an assessment of how safe and functional a home is for an elderly parent or someone with disability/mobility limitations. We have become a full service inspection company.
EI is a woman-owned construction consulting and inspection business. Most of our inspectors are also women. The construction and inspection industries are more receptive to women today than when I started, but are still largely male-dominated industries.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
EI has grown and become what it is today because of all our wonderful clients and customers. Most of our business comes to us by referral or word of mouth.
Melonie Smiech, our office manager, has been keeping things running smoothly for over 10 years now. She is the life-breath of the company.
Associate inspector, Twila (TJ) George (TREC #21335), is not only a Professional Real Estate inspector, but also a Registered Nurse with over 25 years of nursing experience. Our Functional Living inspection/assessment was largely developed based on her knowledge and experience in the medical industry working with elderly patients to assess living conditions as well as caring for elderly after devastating fall and burn injuries.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.exteriorinspections.com
- Phone: 281-353-8686
- Email: info@exteriorinspections.com
- Facebook: @ExteriorInspectionsInc
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