What requirements are there to become a Home Inspector? In Davenport, Iowa, there are no laws yet for licensing or continuing education. There are national companies to certify such as NACHI, NAHI and ASHI but no requirements in order to perform a Home Inspection.
Should a Home Inspector, who is expected to give a report on the strengths and weaknesses of possibly the single largest investment a person will make in their life be licensed? Should they be required to take continuing education in order to keep up on their trade? Should they just inspect the property without discussing anything with the Buyer? Wouldn't that be hanging them out to dry?
The most important part of a Home Inspection IMHO is the teaching that goes on. The teaching of how to determine safety concerns and what to do about it. The teaching of how to care for a house. The teaching of some routine maintenance.
Any Home Inspector can point out things that are obviously wrong with a property. It is what they do after the obvious that is important. I choose to refer Home Inspectors that do just that. Teach. Spend some time with the clients to help them understand their purchase so they don't feel like a deer caught in the headlights!
I've used Home Inspectors that tried to "kill deals" before. By this, I don't mean that they pointed out things that are wrong with the property. That is part of their job. What I do mean is that they tried to renegotiate the deal. That is NOT part of their job. When a Home Inspector starts a sentence with, "If I were you, I'd ask the Sellers to......" it's that time! Time to find another Home Inspector!!!
Should Home Inspectors be required to get a license?
Should they be required to do continuing education?
What say ye?
Lucky :)
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