HOW TO CHOOSE A HOME INSPECTOR

Every realtor, at some point, will be asked by a client who has just purchased a new home to recommend a home inspector. Obviously, you would like to recommend someone who demonstrates the same level of professionalism and qualifications that you, yourself, possess. However, a Realtor has earned a license from the State of Florida that indicates a level of knowledge and requires professionalism and commitment to maintain. Unfortunately, licensing is not available for home inspectors, at this time. If someone presents himself as a licensed home inspector, ask to see the license. A bill was introduced in the last legislative session, with the support of the Home Inspector and Realtor Associations, requiring the licensing of home inspectors. Although this bill died in committee, there are plans to reintroduce it in the upcoming session. With luck, by next fall, home inspectors will be required to be licensed. Until then, what is a realtor to do?

There are several Professional associations for Home Inspectors that have requirements for their members that are similar to the provisions contained in the proposed licensing bill. This includes: a professional code of ethics, standards of practice that set the minimum requirements for an inspection, demonstration of practical experience (minimum number of paid inspections performed), an extensive written examination, requirements for annual continuing education, and oversight and penalties for those failing to uphold the requirements. Both the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) represent Home Inspectors nation wide and have active chapters in Florida. The Florida Association of Building Inspectors (FABI) was formed to allow more focus on those areas and issues that are unique or much more prevalent in Florida. Unfortunately, of the more than 2000 people that are presenting themselves as qualified home inspectors, less than half are members of any professional Home Inspector association. Since a Home Inspector must meet the requirements for full membership in an Association before he is allowed to use the logo of that association on any literature or business card, displaying this logo is an indication of professional alliance. As a check, a member directory is available at the website of each association: (http://www.nahi.org/, http://www.ashi.org/, and http://www.fabi.org/)

Although membership in a professional home inspector association does not guaranty competency, it is an indication of a commitment to professionalism, education, continuing improvement, and exposure to current issues and information through forums, periodic newsletters, and seminars.

Larry Sullivan
www.home-inspection-network.com
www.suncoasthomeinspections.com