Trade experience meets community trust

Nic Gawletz on launching Next Adventure Home Inspections in Cranbrook

Nic Gawletz spent 20 years in plumbing and heating, building a foundational, ground-up understanding of the field. When the physical toll of trade work signaled it was time for a pivot, Gawletz channeled that hands-on knowledge into launching Next Adventure Home Inspections. Founded three years ago, the Cranbrook-based business was named with a push from his wife, Noelle, capturing both a personal career shift and the high-stakes journey local buyers face when purchasing a home.

​Today, Gawletz runs Next Adventure as a hands-on, sole proprietor, personally handling every step from the initial roof climb to post-inspection follow-up calls. For homebuyers navigating an ever-changing market across the region, his approach offers a grounded, educational resource. In this interview with KootenayBiz, Gawletz opens up about transitioning out of the trades, the value of long-term client relationships, and why success in the local business community is all about trust.

What is your background, and what led you to become a home inspector?

I come from a trades background, with over 20 years of experience in plumbing and heating. Throughout my career, I’ve worked on everything from large commercial projects to residential construction and service work, which gave me a strong understanding of how homes are built and how the different systems work together.

Owning an older home and taking on multiple renovation and repair projects myself has also been very educational. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the challenges homeowners face and the importance of understanding and maintaining a home properly.

I got into home inspections because I saw an opportunity to make a successful career while still using my skills and knowledge from the trades. It also felt like a good direction to take where I could continue working around homes and helping people, while stepping away from some of the harder physical demands of trade work.

How did Next Adventure Home Inspections get started?

Next Adventure Home Inspections was founded three years ago after I saw an opportunity to build a business that would allow me to continue using the knowledge and experience I had gained over two decades in the trades. After years of plumbing and heating work, I was looking for a direction that would be easier on my body while still allowing me to work with homes and help people.

The name actually came from my wife, Noelle. As I was considering this new chapter, she said, “This feels like another adventure for you.” Having tried many different things throughout my career, the name just fit. We also agreed that buying a home is an adventure in itself, sometimes more exciting than others.

I started Next Adventure Home Inspections with the goal of providing thorough, educational inspections and helping clients feel confident about one of the biggest investments they will ever make.

Are you the sole owner?

Yes. I am the sole owner and operator of Next Adventure Home Inspections. As a one-person business, I personally handle every aspect of the process, from scheduling and inspections to report writing and client follow-up.

I enjoy being directly involved with every inspection because it allows me to provide a consistent experience and build lasting relationships with clients and local real estate professionals.

What are some of the most common concerns homebuyers have when they hire an inspector?

Every home and every client are different, and that is one of the things that makes this job enjoyable. It is hard to point to one single concern because each buyer has different needs, plans, and comfort levels.

Overall, the biggest concern most homebuyers have is whether the home is in good shape and whether they are making a smart buying decision. My role is to help them better understand the condition of the home, identify concerns, and give them the information they need to move forward in a way that fits their needs and comfort zone.

What do you wish more people understood about the value of a home inspection?

I wish more people understood that a home inspection is not about giving a home a pass or fail. There is no such thing as a perfect home. My role is to provide the facts, help identify possible concerns, and give clients direction on how to approach those concerns.

Buying a home can be stressful, and it is not something most people do every day. I feel my job is to provide clear information, help with next steps, and answer questions so clients can make a decision that feels right for them.

What has been the most rewarding part of running Next Adventure Home Inspections?

One of the most rewarding parts of running Next Adventure Home Inspections is when clients reach out after they have moved into their home. Sometimes they have questions about renovations, maintenance, or how to approach an issue they are dealing with.

Those calls mean a lot to me because it shows they trust me as a resource even long after the inspection is complete. I enjoy being able to continue helping clients understand and care for their homes.

Can you share a memorable client story that has stayed with you?

I do not have one specific story that stands out, but some of the inspections I enjoy the most are with first-time homebuyers. Buying your first home can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming.

Being part of that process, helping reduce some of the stress, and answering their questions is something I really enjoy. It is rewarding to help people feel more comfortable and confident as they take that next step.

What do you enjoy most about living and working in this part of British Columbia?

What I enjoy most about living and working in this part of British Columbia is the area itself. I was driving home from an out-of-town inspection recently, the sun was out, and the views of the mountains were incredible. There are days where I catch myself at a job and have to take a moment to appreciate the view.

Every home and property has something different and special about it. I also really enjoy the community we live in. There are so many friendly and amazing people here, and I feel fortunate to be able to work with them.

How has the local housing market influenced the demand for inspections in recent years?

I would not say the local housing market itself is increasing the need for inspections, and I am not a real estate market expert. My view is that buyers are becoming more cautious with this type of investment as housing prices continue to increase.

I also think insurance and liability can play a role in the need for inspections. Overall, homebuyers want to better understand what they are getting into before making such a large decision.

What are your goals for the company’s future?

My goal for Next Adventure Home Inspections is to continue building a trusted, sustainable business that serves the East Kootenays and surrounding communities. I enjoy being owner-operated and having the opportunity to personally work with every client.

I want to continue growing the company at a pace that allows me to maintain the quality of service and relationships that have helped build the business over the last three years. I also hope to continue expanding the educational side of the company, helping homeowners better understand and maintain their homes long after the inspection is complete.

I am very happy and fulfilled with the career path I have chosen. It has provided me with incredible opportunities, both professionally and personally, and I look forward to continuing to serve the community for many years to come. At the end of the day, success for me is not about becoming the biggest company. It is about building something that my family and community can be proud of while helping people with one of the biggest investments they will ever make.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I feel fortunate to be able to do something I genuinely enjoy while serving the communities that my family and I call home. Buying a home is a major milestone, and I appreciate the trust that clients place in me to help guide them through that process.

A big part of my success has come from the amazing partnerships I have built with real estate agents throughout the area. Their support, trust, and professionalism have meant a lot to me and have helped Next Adventure Home Inspections continue to grow.

I have also gained incredible skills through being part of JCI Kootenay. It has been a game changer for me as a business owner, and I would encourage anyone looking to learn new skills, meet great people, and grow personally or professionally to consider joining.

At Next Adventure Home Inspections, my goal has always been to provide honest information, answer questions, and be a resource long after the inspection is complete. I believe buying a home is an adventure, and I am grateful to be able to join people on that journey.

Thank you to my family, clients, local real estate professionals, and the community for their support over the past three years. I look forward to many more years of helping people make informed decisions and feel confident in their homes and being part of their next adventure.

Visit the Next Adventure Home Inspections online or follow the company on Instagram!