There are no federal laws governing home inspectors. We are regulated only by the individual states. Since the laws vary from state to state – and some states don’t even have home inspection regulations – how can you be sure that your inspector is qualified, experienced, and trustworthy? One way is through home inspector associations. Some of them require minimum training, education, experience, and adherence to ethical standards. Be sure to check out the individual associations to see their individual requirements.As a member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI), you can be assured that not only am I qualified, but I also adhere to the association’s standards of practice and code of ethics. You can find more information about NACHI at their website, www.nachi.org. Is your home inspector blind? If he’s not a member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI), he might just be! — Article courtesy NACHI, www.nachi.org/blind.htm used with permission 12/27/2004Other home inspection associations have no entrance requirements. Blind people, children, psychics (who claim to “sense” if a house is ok) and even pets have joined other associations. NACHI is the only association that front-ends its membership requirements. We turn down more than 1/2 the inspectors who want to join because they can’t pass our exam or fulfill our membership requirements.NACHI inspectors:
Have to pass NACHI’s Online Inspector Examination every year. (This general, not association-specific exam is open and free to all).
Have to complete NACHI’s online Ethics Obstacle Course. (This open book Ethics course is open and free to all).
Have to take NACHI’s online Standards of Practice Quiz (This open book Standards of Practice quiz is open and free to all).
Have to complete NACHI’s Occupant Hazard Recognition Primer.
So the next time you need a home inspector, make sure they are members of NACHI and never use a candidate or associate of any association. NACHI, America’s elite home inspection association.