National Property Inspections is a leading home and commercial inspection franchise. It was founded in 1987 by Roland Bates in Omaha, Nebraska. The company remains headquartered in Omaha today.

The franchise began offering opportunities in 1987, the same year it was founded. It was the first company in North America to offer combined residential and commercial inspection services under one brand. In 1999, the company expanded into Canada, operating there as Global Property Inspections.

NPI franchisees provide a wide range of services. These include home inspections, commercial inspections, builder’s warranty checks, field service work, and specialty evaluations. Inspectors are trained in structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Training

National Property Inspections provides a structured training program designed to fully prepare franchisees or their designated managers to operate a franchise effectively. The training covers all aspects of franchise operations and is conducted either in Omaha, Nebraska, virtually, or at another designated location. Travel-related lodging and some meals are covered, though the franchisee is responsible for other travel costs.

1. Initial Training Course
   This includes classroom instruction and hands-on field training. The in-person portion lasts up to two weeks, with Monday-to-Friday sessions. Franchisees also receive up to one week of in-the-field training with an experienced NPI inspector, subject to a cost allowance of up to $150/day, capped at $750.
2. Ongoing Training
   Franchisees may be required to attend additional training courses provided by the franchisor either online or in-person. These cover updates and continuing education topics and may include an annual franchisee meeting. Attendance at such meetings is not required for more than three days annually.
3. Employee Training
   The franchisor may require that newly hired or appointed employees also complete initial and ongoing training programs. Confidentiality agreements must be signed by all attendees to protect proprietary information.

Territory Protection

National Property Inspections grants franchisees a Designated Area in which they can operate their business, offering a form of territorial protection. While the franchisor commits to not opening or franchising another NPI business within this area during the franchise term, this is not an exclusive territory.

The franchisee must reside in or maintain a mailing address in the Designated Area and cannot advertise or accept orders from outside it without approval. Despite this protection, the franchisor retains extensive rights.

These include selling services via alternative channels such as the internet, acquiring competitors, or servicing clients like national accounts even within the franchisee's territory. Additionally, franchisees are not guaranteed expansion rights and the franchisor may reduce the Designated Area boundaries under certain circumstances.