Why don't Home Inspectors just do their job?!?

Your post touched a nerve here. I had an inspector tell a buyer , I would not buy this house because it is too small. NOT badly made a danger or what ever, but he didf not like the size! Needless to say I do not recommend this jerk

Hi Lucky,

We must have it good in TN.  They must be licensed here in order to do a valid inspection. (which means the buyer cannot ask for repairs unless the inspector is licensed)   The only people qualified  to do an inspection are the buyer and a licensed inspector.  (No contractors, relatives etc)  The funny part is, the inspectors will generally suggest getting a licensed contractor to review certain items on the list.  Hmmm.

Good luck in Iowa...we experience the same frustration until we got the laws changed.

Verlyn

I've had a home inspector advise my Buyer to have a licensed electrician to further inspect a junction box in the attic that JUST NEEDED A COVER!!!!  My Buyer was pretty high strung anyway and this didn't help.  It's the last time I use him. 

I only use licensed home inspectors.  A buyer who uses an unlicensed home inspector is asking for greatly increased odds of "hidden" issues to be discovered after closing when it will be difficult to do anything about it.

Rob

On May 18, 2008, Gov. Sebelius signed HB 2315 requiring all home inspectors practicing in the state of KS to be registered.  As of July 1, 2009, all home inspectors practicing in counties with a population of 60,000 or more must have:

•-          A high school diploma (or equivalent) and be at least 18 years of age

•-          Proof of General Liability Insurance coverage of at least $100,000

•-          Proof of Errors & Omissions Insurance (or similar fiscal responsibility) of at least $10,000.

•-          Proof of membership in good standing in one of the nationally recognized home inspection organizations (TBD by the board by January 1, 2009).

•-          Have passed a proctored exam by a testing organization approved by the board.

•-          And have done one of the following options prior to May 18th, 2009:

•o         Completed an 80 hour classroom course on home inspections

•o         For inspectors operating in counties with populations of 60,000, have been in business for two years and completed 100 fee-paid inspections.

•-          For inspectors operating in counties with populations of less than 60,000, have been in business for two years and completed 35 fee-paid inspections.

•o         Inspectors working in counties of 60,000 or less have an additional 18 months to meet these qualifications (till January 1, 2011).

Once licensed, home inspectors must obtain a minimum of 16 hours of continuing education each year.