Is your inspector blind?

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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 home being inspected.  The additional cost of hiring a InterNACHI certified 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.  Do not stop now.  Do not 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.

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. 

• 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 learning (24 hours/year) as per InterNACHI's Continuing Education Policy.
• Have to maintain a member Online Continuing Education Log (free) as per InterNACHI's Continuing Education Policy.
• Have to (if never performed a home inspection for a fee) submit 4 mock inspections to InterNACHI's Report Review Committee (free) before performing their first home inspection for a client.
• Have to (within 30 days after joining) successfully complete InterNACHI's comprehensive online Standards of Practice course (free). 
• Have to (within first 60 days after joining) complete InterNACHI's comprehensive online Roofing course (free) including all the quizzes within and pass it's final exam.
• Have to (within first 3 months of membership) apply for a membership 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 meetings or educational seminars 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 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 have mock inspections reviewed before performing their first fee paid inspection.
• 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 hot-line for their clients.
• Have access to an Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Service.
• Have access to a Client Satisfaction Survey.