Veteran-Owned Franchise Combines Entrepreneurship, Service and Family Values
Building a successful business often requires more than financial investment. It takes commitment, structure and a long-term vision. Kevin and Laurie Crane found all three through their HouseMaster franchise, transforming a home inspection business into a family legacy that continues growing today.
The Pennsylvania-based couple has operated their HouseMaster franchise since 2001, serving homeowners and real estate clients throughout Northern and Central Pennsylvania. Over the years, the business evolved into a family-driven operation with multiple generations involved in its future.
Their son-in-law, Kyle Solomon, now serves as the company’s lead inspector, while Kevin and Laurie hope to eventually transition leadership responsibilities to their children.
According to Kevin, family involvement has always remained at the center of the business. Laurie oversees scheduling and office operations as administrative director, helping ensure the company maintains strong customer service and organizational efficiency.
An Unexpected Discovery Led to Franchising
Kevin did not originally plan on entering the home inspection industry. At the time, he was working in corporate America but searching for a career path that better aligned with his goals and aspirations.
Everything changed during a conversation with a new neighbor. While visiting the property, Kevin noticed workers in matching uniforms and tool belts performing a home inspection. Curious about the profession, he began researching the industry in depth.
That initial curiosity quickly turned into a six-month exploration of franchise ownership and the home inspection business model.
After evaluating different opportunities, Kevin and Laurie decided HouseMaster offered the right combination of support, reputation and family-focused culture. They believed the franchise system provided more than operational guidance — it created a network designed to help owners succeed together.
Military Discipline Became a Competitive Advantage
Kevin credits much of his entrepreneurial mindset to his military experience. He served in active Army duty from 1981 through 1985 and later continued in the Army Reserve until 1988.
The discipline, focus and resilience developed during those years became valuable assets when building a business.
Kevin believes franchising shares many similarities with military structure. Both systems rely on proven processes, training and operational support to help individuals succeed.
Rather than navigating every challenge independently, franchise owners gain access to systems refined through years of experience. Kevin says this approach allowed them to avoid many of the costly mistakes entrepreneurs often face when building businesses from scratch.
Neighborly’s Support Expanded Growth Potential
In 2020, HouseMaster became part of the Neighborly network of home service brands. While Kevin says the transition period involved some adjustments after two decades of operating independently, the long-term impact proved highly positive.
The larger organization introduced expanded resources, broader leadership support and new growth opportunities for franchise owners.
Kevin explains that moving from a smaller franchise organization into a more diversified platform helped the business think bigger about future possibilities. Access to additional tools and support systems positioned franchisees for continued expansion and operational improvement.
He believes Neighborly will continue playing a major role in the future success of the HouseMaster network.
Why HouseMaster Continues Attracting Franchise Owners
The home inspection franchise industry remains attractive for entrepreneurs seeking scalable service businesses with relatively low overhead.
HouseMaster operates across all 50 states and Canada, giving the brand widespread visibility and market recognition.
Several key advantages continue driving interest in the franchise opportunity:
Lower Startup Investment
Compared to many franchise concepts, HouseMaster offers a lower startup cost structure that allows owners to scale operations more efficiently.
Attractive Margins
The average home inspection fee in 2024 reached $582, with labor expenses accounting for approximately one-third of the revenue generated per inspection.
Efficient Service Model
A typical inspection for a 2,000-square-foot home generally takes between two and three hours, allowing franchisees to maximize scheduling efficiency.
Strong Brand History
Founded in 1979, HouseMaster has expanded to more than 250 franchise units while building decades of operational expertise within the industry.
Customer Satisfaction
The company maintains a 92% customer satisfaction rating, reinforcing the importance of professionalism and trust within the home inspection process.
Building a Business Designed for Future Generations
For Kevin and Laurie Crane, the HouseMaster franchise became more than a business investment. It created an opportunity to build something sustainable that could eventually be passed down to future generations.
Their journey reflects a growing trend among franchise owners seeking businesses that combine flexibility, community impact and family involvement.
As the home services industry continues expanding, HouseMaster remains positioned as a strong option for entrepreneurs looking to build long-term value through a scalable, service-focused franchise model.
