American Home Inspection - Inspector Blind?

Do Not Play Patty Cake

Buying a home? It is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make. This is no time to shop for a cheap inspection. The cost of a home inspection is very small relative to the home being inspected. The additional cost of hiring a NACHI certified inspector is almost insignificant. (NACHI = National Assoc. of Certified Home Inspectors).

You have recently been crunching the numbers, negotiating offers, adding up closing costs, shopping for mortgages and trying to get the best deals. Do not stop now. Do not let your real estate agent, a patty-cake inspector or anyone else talk you into skimping here. NACHI certified inspectors perform the best inspections by far.

NACHI certified inspectors earn their fees many times over.

Licensing of home inspectors only sets a minimum standard. Much like being up to code, any less would be illegal. Imaginary people, children, psychics (who claim to "sense" if a house is OK) and even pets can be home inspectors. NACHI, the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors front-ends its 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 sign and submit an Affidavit.

Have to adhere to NACHI's Standards of Practice.

Have to abide by NACHI's Code of Ethics.

Have to continue learning (24 hours/year) as per NACHI's Continuing Education Policy.

Have to maintain a member Online Continuing Education Log (free) as per NACHI's Continuing Education Policy.

Have to (if never performed a home inspection for a fee) submit 4 mock inspections to NACHI's Report Review Committee (free) before performing their first home inspection for a client.

Have to (within 30 days after joining) successfully complete NACHI's comprehensive online Standards of Practice course (free).

Have to (within first 60 days after joining) complete NACHI's comprehensive online Roofing course (free) including all the quizzes within and pass it's final exam.

Have to (within first 3 months of membership) apply for a membership photo I.D. (free).

Have to re-take and pass NACHI's Online Inspector Examination again, every year (free).

Have to attend at least one chapter meetings or educational seminars every two years (reasonable exceptions apply).

Have access to Inspector's Quarterly, delivered to their doorstep.

Have access to NACHI's free visual aid inspection frames to help them learn.

Have access to NACHI's free library for improving their inspection skills.

Have access to NACHI's message board for exchanging information and tips.

Have access to NACHI's What's New section so they can keep up with the industry.

Have access to NACHI's specific-topic advisory boards.

Have access to Dear NACHI for detailed advice.

Have access to a time-tested Agreement which keeps them (and you) away from lawsuits.

Have access to NACHI's Report Review/Mentoring service.

Have to submit passport photos for their membership I.D.

Have access to NACHI's free online inspection courses.

Have to have mock inspections reviewed before performing their first fee paid inspection.

Have to carry E&O insurance (if their state requires it).

Have access to a real estate agent hold harmless clause.

Have access to NACHI University.

Have access to The NACHI Mall.

Have a consumer hot-line for their clients.

Have access to an Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Service.

Have access to a Client Satisfaction Survey.

So the next time you need to refer your clients to home inspectors, make sure they are members of NACHI.

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