Realtors: is your home inspector really qualified?

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. That is why NACHI front-ends its membership requirements. NACHI turn down more than half the inspectors who want to join because they can't pass our exam or fulfill our membership requirements.

Our inspectors have to meet all of our membership requirements and pass our exam before being accepted into NACHI. We don't offer associate or candidate memberships (junior memberships for inspectors who have not met the requirements).

NACHI inspectors:

• Have to pass NACHI's Online Inspector Examination every year.
• Have to complete NACHI's online Ethics Obstacle Course.
• Have to take NACHI's online Standards of Practice Quiz.
• 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 submit 4 mock inspections to NACHI's Report Review Committee before performing their first home inspection for a client.
• Have to successfully complete NACHI's comprehensive online Standards of Practice course.
• Have to complete NACHI's comprehensive online Roofing course.
• Have to re-take and pass NACHI's Online Inspector Examination, every year.
• Have to attend at least one chapter meeting or educational seminar every two years.
• Have Inspector's Quarterly delivered to their doorstep.
• 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 specific-topic advisory boards.
• 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 access to NACHI's free online inspection courses.
• Have to carry E&O insurance(if their state requires it).
• Have a consumer hot-line for their clients.
• Have access to an Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Service.

Don't settle for using or recommending a candidate or associate of any association - your clients will appreciate that you took the time to find them a truly qualified professional to perform their home inspection. So, the next time you need to refer your clients to a home inspector, make sure you are recommending a NACHI certified home inspector.