Home Inspection Certification
Before signing on the dotted line, a home buyer usually wants to know of any potential problems with the property. A home seller may desire to know the true condition of his home before putting it on the market. In either case, a certified home inspector can examine the home and offer objective information.
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Features
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Certification lets prospective clients know a home inspector has the knowledge, skills and experience to properly inspect a home. Some certifications allow the home inspector to claim affiliation with a widely recognized and respected professional organization, and use its logo on their web pages and business materials. Some of the most widely recognized associations offering certification include the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI), and the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI).
History
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In the early 1970s, home buyers began hiring general building contractors to perform inspection of potential properties. At the outset, real estate professionals and brokers didn't look favorably upon these inspections, but soon began to realize they presented a valuable marketing tool. Then the Easton vs. Strassberger court decision of1984 concluded that a real estate broker has "the affirmative duty to conduct a reasonably competent and diligent inspection of the residential property listed for sale and to disclose to prospective purchasers all facts materially affecting the value of the property that such investigation would reveal." This produced a significant increase in the number of home inspections.
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Benefits
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In many cases, certification gives a home inspector legitimacy. Some associations may list their affiliates' business information along with their certifications on their website, giving prospective clients easy access to their services. This acts as a marketing method for home inspectors. Many associations provide home inspectors with discounted prices on continuing education, discounted rates on errors and omissions insurance, and with seminars and conferences where they can learn advanced techniques and stay abreast of changes in the industry. Some associations keep their members enlightened by offering information about legislation issues that affect their trade.
Requirements
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A candidate seeking certification must take a test to prove that he knows code requirements, construction techniques and materials, and standards of practice in home building. Candidates for home inspector certification should have knowledge of plumbing, electrical, roofing, heating and air conditioning systems, mold, wood-destroying organisms, and proper operation and safety of pool and spa equipment.
The association with the most strict requirements for certification, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), requires its inspectors to pass the National Home Inspector Examination given by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors, and submit valid proof that they've completed at least 250 paid home inspections that meet ASHI standards of practice before receiving certification. Some associations may allow inspectors to substitute schooling in a construction-related profession for work experience. Most associations require the home inspectors do up to 24 hours of continuing education yearly to maintain their affiliation.
Considerations
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The government currently does not set standards for home inspector certification. The term "certification" could mislead some people into believing that anyone with this distinction is qualified to inspect their home. Some organizations certify members just for taking classes, while others have more strict requirements. New home inspectors seeking certification with reputable associations should realize they may work for several years before completing all of the requirements for certification. The NAHI requires completion of 250 inspections and a passing grade on the NAHI CRI proctored exam. Rick Bunzel, NAHI public relations chairman, says, "Typically for most new members it will take several years to complete 250 inspections."
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References
- Photo Credit building inspector,woman image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
