Choosing the Right Home Inspector -http://www.onesourceinspection.com/
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 value of the home being inspected. The additional cost of hiring an InterNACHI-certified inspector is almost insignificant.
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.
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. 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 general, not association-specific exam, is open and free to all);
- have to complete InterNACHI's online Ethics Obstacle Course. (This open-book Ethics course is open and free to all);
- have to take InterNACHI'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 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 (free), per InterNACHI's Continuing Education policy;
- have to submit four mock inspections to InterNACHI's Report Review Committee (free) 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 (free);
- within 60 days of joining, complete InterNACHI's comprehensive online Roofing Inspection course (free), including all the quizzes within, and pass its final exam;
- within three 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 (free);
- have to attend at least one chapter meeting or educational seminar every two years (reasonable exceptions apply);
- 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, which keeps them (and you) away from lawsuits;
- 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 to carry E&O insurance (if their state requires it);
- 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;
- have access to an Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Service; and
- 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 InterNACHI.
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