Have you recently been crunching the numbers, negotiating offers, adding up closing costs, searching for mortgages, and trying to get the very best deals? Do not stop now! Do not let your real estate agent help you choose a home inspector who’s a “patty-cake” inspector, or anybody else convince you into skimping here. InterNACHI-certified home inspectors perform the best inspections by far.
InterNACHI-certified home inspectors earn their fees countless times over. They do more, they deserve more, and yes they generally charge a little more. Do yourself a big favor and pay a little more for the quality home inspection you deserve.
Licensing of home inspectors only establishes a minimal standard. Much like being up to code, any less might be unlawful. Imaginary individuals, children, psychics (who declare to “detect” if a home is good) and perhaps pets can be home inspectors. InterNACHI, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, front-ends its membership requirements.
InterNACHI Home Inspectors
- Pass InterNACHI’s online Inspector Examination every year. (This basic, not association-specific exam, is available and free to all);
- Complete InterNACHI’s online Ethics challenge program. (This open-book Ethics course is available and complimentary to everyone);
- Take InterNACHI’s online Standards of Practice examination (This open-book Standards of Practice quiz is available and free to all);
- Sign and present an Affidavit;
- Comply with InterNACHI’s Standards of Practice;
- Follow by InterNACHI’s Code of Ethics;
- Pursue techniques and continued education (24 hours annually), per InterNACHI’s Continuing Education guidelines;
- Keep a Member Online Continuing Education record (free), per InterNACHI’s Continuing Education guidelines;
- Submit four mock inspections to InterNACHI’s Report Evaluation Committee (free) before performing their first compensated home inspection for a buyer (if the applicant has never performed a fee-paid home inspection previously);
- Within 30 days of joining, successfully finish InterNACHI’s comprehensive online Standards of Practice course (free);
- Within 60 days of joining, finish InterNACHI’s comprehensive online Roofing Inspection course (complimentary), including all the tests within, and pass its final exam;
- Within 3 months of membership, apply for a member photo I.D. (free);
- Re-take and pass InterNACHI’s Online Inspector Examination again, every year (complimentary);
- Have to attend no less than one chapter conference or educational seminar every two years (reasonable exceptions apply);
- Access to Inspector’s Quarterly, delivered to their home;
- 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 ideas and techniques;
- Access to InterNACHI’s “What’s New” section for them to stay in touch with the trade;
- Access to InterNACHI’s specific-topic advisory panels;
- Access to “Dear InterNACHI” for detailed advice;
- Access to a time-tested Inspection Agreement, which holds them (and you) out from lawsuits;
- Access to InterNACHI’s Report Review/Mentoring service;
- Have to submit passport photos for their club membership I.D.;
- Access to InterNACHI’s free online inspection courses;
- Have access to a real estate agent hold-harmless clause;
- Access to InterNACHI University;
- Access to the InterNACHI shopping center;
- InterNACHI customer hotline for their clients;
- Have access to an Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Service; and
- Have access to a customer Satisfaction Survey.
So, the when you need to recommend your customers to a local Houston home inspector, make sure they’re active members of InterNACHI and we highly recommend SEI Home Inspections for Houston area clients.
