This blog will go over tips and maintenance ideas from Home Inspectors and for home owners in the Houston area.
You have recently been crunching the numbers, negotiating offers, adding up closing costs, searching for mortgages, and trying to get the very best deals. Do not stop now. Do not let your real estate agent, a "patty-cake" inspector, or anybody else convince you into skimping here. InterNACHI-certified inspectors perform the best inspections by far.
InterNACHI-certified inspectors earn their fees countless times over. They do more, they deserve more, and -- yes -- they generally charge a little more. Do yourself a favor... and pay a little more for the quality inspection you deserve.
Licensing of home inspectors only establishes a minimal standard. Much like being up to code, any less might be unlawful. Imaginary individuals, children, psychics (who declare to "detect" if a home is good) and perhaps pets can be home inspectors. InterNACHI, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, front-ends its membership requirements.
InterNACHI inspectors:
have to pass InterNACHI's Online Inspector Examination every year. (This basic, not association-specific exam, is available and free to all);
have to complete InterNACHI's online Ethics challenge program. (This open-book Ethics course is available and complimentary to everyone);
have to take InterNACHI's online Standards of Practice examination (This open-book Standards of Practice quiz is available and free to all);
have to sign and present an Affidavit;
have to comply with InterNACHI's Standards of Practice;
have to follow by InterNACHI's Code of Ethics;
have to continue pursuing techniques and education (24 hours annually), per InterNACHI's Continuing Education guidelines;
have to keep a Member Online Continuing Education record (free), per InterNACHI's Continuing Education guidelines;
have to submit four mock inspections to InterNACHI's Report Evaluation Committee (free) before performing their first compensated home inspection for a buyer (if the applicant has never performed a fee-paid home inspection previously);
within 30 days of joining, have to successfully finish InterNACHI's comprehensive online Standards of Practice course (free);
within 60 days of joining, finish InterNACHI's comprehensive online Roofing Inspection course (complimentary), including all the tests within, and pass its final exam;
within 3 months of membership, apply for a member photo I.D. (free);
have to re-take and pass InterNACHI's Online Inspector Examination again, every year (complimentary);
have to attend no less than one chapter conference or educational seminar every two years (reasonable exceptions apply);
have access to Inspector's Quarterly, delivered to their home;
have access to InterNACHI's free Visual Aid Inspection Frames to help them learn;
have access to InterNACHI's free library for improving their inspection skills;
have access to InterNACHI's message board for exchanging ideas and techniques;
have access to InterNACHI's "What's New" section for them to stay in touch with the trade;
have access to InterNACHI's specific-topic advisory panels;
have access to "Dear InterNACHI" for detailed advice;
have access to a time-tested Inspection Agreement, which holds them (and you) out from lawsuits;
have access to InterNACHI's Report Review/Mentoring service;
have to submit passport photos for their club membership I.D.;
have access to InterNACHI's free online inspection courses;
have access to a real estate agent hold-harmless clause;
have access to InterNACHI University;
have access to the InterNACHI shopping center;
have a customer hotline for their clients;
have access to an Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Service; and
have access to a customer Satisfaction Survey.
So, the when you need to recommend your customers to home inspectors, make sure they're active members of InterNACHI.
From Choosing the Right Home Inspector - InterNACHI http://www.nachi.org/blindc.htm#ixzz2mhciKEsi