It has been New York law since 2005 that home inspectors be licensed by the Department of State. The reasons are fairly numerous, but they include the following:
- Consumer protection. Licensure is a starting point for vetting people to hire for the job.
- Oversight. The population of inspectors is no longer murky, either.
- Peace of Mind. This can be misleading, as licensed inspectors can still stink.
- Professional Standards. Making them statutory protects the consumer.
In short, it is all about the consumer. I have great respect for ASHI and professional trade organizations with their own guidelines, but licensure gives consumer protection teeth. I should add that since the law went into effect I have had very few problems with any home inspectors. I could count on one hand the number of companies I would be reticent to work with, and that is more due to alarmist communication than competence.
To look up whether or not a home inspector is licensed, check them out on the New York Department of State Website.
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It does pay to have the Inspector licensed it gives the buyer's peace of mind.
It does pay to have the Inspector licensed it gives the buyer's peace of mind.
good post! Thanks for sharing. It's the same here in CA, which I am very thankful for. All the best!
I was thinking about taking the Home Inspector course at Realty Institute. All information I can gather would be better. I am a license agent in CT and NY and eventually want to start doing more work in the White Plains/Westchester area.
Philip, I feel a little more comfortable when they have to be licensed. Still, we've had a few go off the deep end.
Yes, I hear you in terms of communication - making sure they are clear but not creating a panic. I recently met a great inspector in the area and I know some realtors who are working w/ him, so maybe at some pt I'll introduce you guys.
It is the same here in Massachusetts. It makes perfect sense that something as important as an inspection should be done by a licensed professional.