"certified inspector".......what does it mean?
The State of Georgia does not currently regulate the home inspection industry. This makes it too easy, for anyone, to have a few business cards made and promote themselves as a Home Inspector. Since the State does not license inspectors, it is the industries responsibility to maintain minimum standards that are expected of a true Certified Inspector. These standards include being trained by a industry accepted Home Inspection Institute, such as "The American Home Inspectors Institue (AHIT)". Certified Inspectors should also be a become a member of a State, or National Home Inspection Association, such as the "International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (INAHCI)". Being a member of most of these associations requires more than just paying a fee. These requirements along with ongoing training and the desire to promote the advancement of our industry are what should deem somone as a true Certified Inspector.
InterNACHI inspectors:
- Have to pass InterNACHI's Online Inspector Examination every year;
- Have to complete InterNACHI's online Ethics Obstacle Course;
- Have to take InterNACHI's online Standards of Practice test;
- Have to sign and submit an Affidavit;
- Have to adhere to InterNACHI's Standards of Practice;
- Have to abide by InterNACHI's Code of Ethics;
- Have to continue seeking skills and education (24 hours per year), per InterNACHI's Continuing Education policy;
- Have to maintain a Member Online Continuing Education Log, per InterNACHI's Continuing Education policy;
- Have to submit four mock inspections to InterNACHI's Report Review Committee before performing their first paid home inspection for a client (if the candidate has never performed a fee-paid home inspection previously);
- Within 30 days of joining, have to successfully complete InterNACHI's comprehensive online Standards of Practice course;
- Within 60 days of joining, complete InterNACHI's comprehensive online Roofing Inspection course, including all the quizzes within, and pass its final exam;
- Within three months of membership, apply for a member photo I.D.;
- Have to re-take and pass InterNACHI's Online Inspector Examination again, every year;
- Have to attend at least one chapter meeting or educational seminar every two years;
- Have access to Inspector's Quarterly, delivered to their doorstep;
- 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 information and tips;
- Have access to InterNACHI's "What's New" section so they can keep up with the industry;
- Have access to InterNACHI's specific-topic advisory boards;
- Have access to "Dear InterNACHI" for detailed advice;
- Have access to a time-tested Inspection Agreement;
- Have access to InterNACHI's Report Review/Mentoring service;
- Have to submit passport photos for their 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 Mall;
- Have a consumer hotline for their clients;
So, the next time you need a Certified Home Inspector, make sure they are members of InterNACHI. |
