Home inspection is like any other profession. Most home inspectors are fully qualified, experienced professionals who will perform the service that meets your expectations. You have an opportunity to “inspect” the credentials and to ask questions of the inspector before hiring. But, what authority inspects the home inspector? How are the less reputable home inspectors identified and how might you find this information?
There are currently 35 states that have regulations for the home inspection profession, including state certification or licensing. Although the criteria varies by each state, typically certification or licensing includes possessing a high school diploma, passing the National Home Inspector Examination, meeting the education and experience requirements, and completing a criminal investigation check.
State licensing or certification is overseen by a governing board. You can check with the appropriate state office to verify that the home inspector has current qualifications. Continuing Education credits are required to maintain a license. Likewise, a home inspector can have a license suspended, revoked, or denied renewal by a governing board.
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) recommends that each state's governing board be composed of seven members, five of whom are licensed and practicing home inspectors and two of whom represent the general public. The home inspectors that are appointed to the Board must have at least five years of experience immediately prior to their appointment, have performed a minimum of 500 home inspections, and passed a National Exam for Home Inspectors. These members demonstrate authority in the home inspection profession.
The governing board has the power and the duty to adopt, establish, and/ or publish the code of ethics and standards of practice for licensed home inspectors. Complaints by a client who believes that a home inspector has performed poorly are taken seriously. Disciplinary actions are often recorded and made available to the public. Check with your state's governing board to view complaints and/ or disciplinary actions of licensed home inspectors.
If you live in a state that does not regulate the home inspection profession, you can find information on a home inspector's credentials if he/ she belongs to a professional organization: American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI), or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). Each of these associations offer certification to their members upon meeting stringent requirements that demonstrate education and experience. Certification by an association does not replace the need to meet the state's certification/ licensing requirements. Each association has an authority to review a violation of the code of ethics or standards of practice. InterNACHI, for example, has an Ethics Committee that can impose sanctions or expel a member.
A professional home inspector has integrity, honesty, and objectivity. The code of ethics and standards of practice are key components of “inspecting” the performance of a home inspector. Less reputable home inspectors tarnish the public perception and do damage to the profession. The professional associations, especially, have a vital interest in advocating only the best home inspectors and addressing those who would discredit the profession. States recognize that the public wants regulations to protect the interests of home buyers in making one of the biggest purchases of a lifetime, their home! A professional home inspector recognizes the importance of their work to the home buyer and earns a good reputation.
