Buying a home? It's probably the most expensive purchase you'll ever make. This is no time to shop for a cheap inspection. The cost of a home inspection is very small relative to the value of the home being inspected. The additional cost of hiring an InterNACHI-Certified Professional Inspector® is almost insignificant.
You have recently been crunching the numbers, negotiating offers, adding up closing costs, shopping for mortgages, and trying to get the best deals. Don't stop now. Don't let your real estate agent, a "patty-cake" inspector, or anyone else talk you into skimping here. InterNACHI-certified inspectors perform the best inspections by far.
InterNACHI-certified inspectors earn their fees many 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.
The licensing of home inspectors only sets a minimum standard.
InterNACHI inspectors:
Must pass InterNACHI's Online Inspector Examination, and re-take and pass it every three years.
Must complete InterNACHI's online Code of Ethics Course (free to take after joining, and self-paced).
Must take InterNACHI's online Standards of Practice Course.
Must submit a signed Membership Affidavit.
Substantially adhere to InterNACHI's Standards of Practice.
Abide by InterNACHI's Code of Ethics.
Must submit four mock inspection reports to InterNACHI's Report Review Committee before performing their first paid home inspection for a client.
Within the first year of membership, must successfully pass the following online, accredited, and self-paced courses and exams:
InterNACHI’s "Safe Practices for the Home Inspector" course.
InterNACHI’s "25 Standards Every Inspector Should Know" course.
InterNACHI’s "Residential Plumbing Overview for Inspectors" course.
InterNACHI’s "How to Perform Residential Electrical Inspections" course.
InterNACHI’s "How to Perform Roof Inspections" course.
InterNACHI’s "How to Inspect HVAC Systems" course
InterNACHI’s "Structural Issues for Home Inspectors" course.
InterNACHI’s "How to Perform Exterior Inspections" course.
InterNACHI’s "How to Inspect the Attic, Insulation, Ventilation and Interior" course.
InterNACHI’s "How to Perform Deck Inspections" course.
InterNACHI’s "How to Inspect for Moisture Intrusion" course.
InterNACHI’s "How to Inspect Fireplaces, Stoves, and Chimneys" course.
Must pursue inspection-related training by taking 24 hours of additional accredited Continuing Education each year,
Must maintain their Online Continuing Education Log, per InterNACHI's rigorous Continuing Education policy,
Have access to InterNACHI's Message Board for exchanging information and tips with colleagues and experts,
Have access to InterNACHI's "What's New" section so that they can keep up with the latest news and events in the inspection industry,
Have access to InterNACHI's time-tested Inspection Agreement, which keeps them (and you) away from lawsuits,
Have access to InterNACHI's Report Review/Mentoring Service,
Must carry E&O and Liability Insurance,
Have access to many other benefits, training, marketing tools, and information to help themselves, as well as consumers and real estate professionals, provided for free by the world's largest inspector association.
So, the next time you need a home inspector (or need to refer your clients to one), contact J & H Home Inspections, LLC, located in Little River, SC.
Submitted By John Schuler, Professional Certified Home Inspector