​     Larry Baker is a Certified Professional Inspector for Home Sweet Home Advisor. The fifteen-year resident of Grain Valley officially started his new business on January 1st of this year. Baker had several things he was looking for as the next part of his career got underway. He was interested in applying his degree in Safety Management from Central Missouri State University along with something that would allow him to be up and active.
Previous stints of employment at a meat packing plant, human resources department at a local municipality, and the Chief Safety Officer for the Kansas City Metropolitan Transportation Authority have provided Baker with valuable experience on the relationship side of working with people along with accomplishing safety goals. Two of his past roles ending through reduction in force led Baker to wanting build something of his own.
Part of Baker’s transition into the home inspection market included working for his brother’s construction company prior to establishing his new business. Baker wanted to gain hands on experience so that he would be better versed in what he was going to face and must explain in his new endeavor. He undertook learning carpentry, roofing, and painting so that his knowledge base expanded past safety.
Home Sweet Home Advisor encourages people to understand that their home is typically the biggest purchase you’ll ever make, so it’s important to understand the condition of your investment. The company prides itself having certified Professional Inspectors trained by InterNACHI – the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors as well as certified Real Estate Inspectors trained by ICA – Inspection Certification Associates. The company’s goal is that their inspectors have the knowledge to spot problems with materials, installation, and workmanship. Baker has attained both certifications.
Baker is pleased with the accomplishments of his new business as well as the challenges, or opportunities as he positively refers to them.
“I enjoy interacting with people. I enjoy explaining the process of what I’m doing. Sitting down with people at the end of an inspection and starting with what’s good about their house is nice to hear, especially if you do have to inform them of something negative regarding their home,” Baker said.
“Marketing a new business is the biggest opportunity I think that a small business owner may face. Using social media to your advantage, making connections in your industry such as getting to know realtors are important elements.”
A Home Sweet Home Advisor standard home inspection will include the structure, systems, and components of the home, inside and out, from the foundation to the roof, using the latest tools and technology. The company also encourages you to attend your inspection so that they can describe the process, explain their findings, point out important maintenance items, and answer all your questions.
Baker considers the HVAC system to be the heart of the home and emphasized its maintenance as one of the best things you can do to protect your investment.
“Changing your filter regularly, along with having your unit inspected and cleaned annually can make a big difference since a new HVAC system typically runs between four to six thousand dollars. Preventative maintenance may help HVAC units last twenty years,” Baker said.
You may contact Larry Baker of Home Sweet Home Advisor at 816-805-4191 or hshadvisor@gmail.com.

Larry Baker, Certified Professional Inspector for Home Sweet Home Advisor encourages people to understand that their home is typically the biggest purchase you’ll ever make, so it’s important to understand the condition of your investment.
Photo credit: Home Sweet Home Advisor