Comments on How to Get a Professional Home Inspection

The recent emphasis placed upon state licensing of home inspectors over the past few years, let alone the belief that licensing ensures one is hiring an experience and competent home/building, is altogether misleading and erroneous. Unfortunately, what many fail to recognize and understand, is that while licensing of home inspectors is now a prerequisite in a number of states, it actually does very little to ensure you're hiring an experienced and competent inspector. The reasons for this are many but just to explore a few, 1) the licensing act usually provides for no more than a relatively easy to take state exam and a fee, 2) the licensing act is usually controlled by those in the real estate industry, a good example is the OBRE in the state of Illinois, 3) the standards or requirements as set forth by the state for performing a home inspection are minimal at best and abysmal to say the least, and it's not going to get any better. What this all means is simply this: While licensing may be a requirement in your state, this does not in itself guarantee that the person you are hiring is going to be experienced much less competent to perform your inspection. Also is the fact that the state allows one to repeatedly take the licensing exam until s/he passes it. As such, many end up hiring an inexperienced and incompetent home inspector who is really learning the art of performing home inspections at the client's expense. The licensing act also favors the real estate profession in that agents are now in a much better position to limit their liability since they can now provide you with a list of licensed yet incompetent inspectors to choose from. In truth, licensing has had a negative impact upon the home inspection profession in that it has now opened the door for anyone, regardless of their background, who takes and passes the exam to pass him/herself off as a bona fide inspector. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Needless to say, we could add more reasons to support our position w/regard to state licensing but suffice it to say, if you're hiring an inspector based upon licensing alone, you're in for a rude awakening! Elsewhere on this site, a comment was made relative to the time it takes to perform an inspection for a typical condo. I can assure you that if in fact the inspector is only taking the 2-hours as stated, s/he is merely looking at the four walls inside your unit, no more and no less. In reality, a condo inspection performed in this manner does very little to protect the client's interests therein much less mitigate their risk prior to purchase.

Professional Engineers may be good inspectors, however, they may have no training in home inspections. There is unfortunately no engineering course in home inspection that I am aware of. ASHI Members have had extensive training in home inspections and have had their knowledge tested and experience verified.

Professional Engineers may be good inspectors, however, they may have no training in home inspections. There is unfortunately no engineering course in home inspection that I am aware of. ASHI Members have had extensive training in home inspections and have had their knowledge tested and experience verified.

Since most states do not regulate home inspectors, hire a professional engineer that specializes in home inspections. Professional engineers are licensed and regulated in all states.

If the inspector you are interested in has no license, be sure they at least belong to one of the two largest home inspection trade organizations - The National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI), or the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Despite some claims to the contrary, both organizations have very similar requirements for inspector training, and have ongoing education and proficiency for their members. Make sure the inspector is properly insured with both Errors & Omissions (E&O) as well as General Liability (GL), for your own protection!

New construction: Make sure you have a copy of all the subcontractors, and all warranty books. Especially owner-builders, meet in person with the builder and find out his background then determine the likelihood that he can stand good for the first year builder warranty. Never purchase without a qualified home inspection.

Many states do not require home inspectors to be licensed, anyone could refer to themselves with lofty titles like, "Certified" or "Qualified." They will never be considered "Licensed," unless they are actually required to be licensed. They will have to pass all regulations set forth by your local agency (normally your state government). Inquire if they hold other licenses, such as contractors or engineers licenses. These folks will be better trained and are government regulated.