Performing a home inspection was once considered only possible by combining the individual activities of many professions or skilled trades such as: a home builder, an architect, an electrician, an air conditioning contractor, a roofer, a plumber, an engineer, etc. That turned out to be too cumbersome and too expensive for a home buyer, and because the tradesmen often had another product, repair, or service to sell, it was not a neutral, unbiased opinion.
“Home Inspection” is a unique discipline requiring special training, knowledge, and communication skills that differ substantially from those other building professions. There are no college degrees offered in “Home Inspection.” Although some inspectors may try to tell you they are the only ones qualified to do a home inspection because of their experience as engineers, architects, contractors. The simple truth is that there is no one skill, trade or degree that automatically qualifies someone to be a home inspector. This fact has been borne out by every state that has ever instituted licensure or registration of home inspectors.
Inspecting a home is deceivingly simple: anyone can inspect a home, but not everyone has the training skills to be a “Professional Home Inspector.” “Home Inspectors” need a broad technical knowledge in home building, construction,, and the mechanical trades to be able to recognize conditions that may affect the future life of a home. They must be able to analyze and evaluate what they have seen and communicate their findings to their clients in a readily-understandable manner.
