Depending on whom you ask, home inspection training should only happen in the field, in the classroom, or online. Naysayers exist in nearly every direction to steer you away from one education model and toward another. There’s no single best path that leads to becoming a certified home inspector, but there is one that’s best […]
What Virginia Home Inspectors Need to Know About the New Licensing Requirements
For as long as home inspecting has been a viable industry, Virginians have operated under unique standards. Inspectors had some regulation, but licensing wasn’t part of becoming a home inspector. Certification later became an option, but licensing was still up for debate. As of July 1, 2017, the times are changing. New legislation in the […]
3 Steps to Get Your Home Inspection License in Indiana
Indiana requires all home inspectors to hold a valid license. But before it’s issued, there’s lots of work to do. It all begins with your education, and ICA School has you covered with that. If you’ve got your sights set on becoming an above-board home inspector, follow these three steps and you’ll have a valid […]
Expert Interview Series: Allison Paul of California Homebuilding Foundation on the State of the Golden State’s Construction Industry
Allison directs the operations of CHF’s CIRB (Construction Industry Research Board) Report and facilitates all media and public relations for both CIRB and the foundation. We recently spoke with Allison to get a clearer picture of the construction industry right now in California. What precisely does CIRB do? CIRB is the industry’s most accurate and reliable […]
These 5 States Have Their Own Home Inspector Licensing Exam
After home inspector education, there’s another step that leads to earning a license: the home inspector exam. In most states that require licensure, the National Home Inspector Licensing Exam fits the bill. States that don’t issue licenses have no exam requirements at all. The remaining five have state-level exams. Here’s what you need to know […]
What Causes Plumbing Pipe Corrosion and How to Spot It
PVC or polyvinyl chloride plumbing pipe has essentially eliminated corrosion in plumbing supply and drain lines, but plenty of homes still have old galvanized pipe. Copper isn’t immune from corrosion, either, but it’s sometimes easier to spot than corrosion on galvanized metal. When inspecting the plumbing in older homes or new ones that use copper, […]
5 Ways California Protects Home Inspectors and Consumers
California is one of a few states that doesn’t license home inspectors. But that doesn’t mean inspectors are free to do whatever they please. The California Trade Practice Act, which was enacted in 1996, sets forth regulations that inspectors must abide by. If an inspector belongs to the California Real Estate Inspector Association (CREIA), one […]
Why Can’t Home Inspectors Do Repairs on the Side?
Wouldn’t it be convenient to perform a home inspection and then offer more help with some repair work on the side? You could find a lot of customers that way, and customers could kill two birds with one stone by hiring you for both jobs. Unfortunately, that’s considered unethical in the home inspection industry. Depending […]
How to Pick the Right Home Inspection Association for You
If you ask members of the American Society of Home Inspectors, also known as ASHI, they’ll probably tell you that ASHI is the way to go. But you can expect the same type of answer from the members of any home inspection association, whether it’s a national organization or one at the state level. So, […]
Home Inspecting 101: What’s it All About?
So you’re thinking about becoming certified home inspector? That’s great! It also means there’s a lot to learn. Even for contractors with years of experience building and renovating houses, home inspecting is different. Here’s a quick primer on what home inspecting is and what it isn’t. Home Inspections and Appraisals are Different Plenty of homeowners […]