HOME INSPECTION EXPLAINED
What services does a Home Inspector provide?
While it may vary from house-to-house, a home inspection may include the home’s exterior; landscaping and drainage; decks; the home’s foundation and walls; chimneys and roofs; windows and doors; attic insulation; electrical components; plumbing; central heating and air conditioning; lighting fixtures and appliances; and garages. The extent of the home inspection is dependent upon safe access and an environment that does not pose a risk to the home inspector.
What is the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI)?
NAHI is a national nonprofit association of some 2,000 professional home inspectors. Members belonging to NAHI must meet strict membership criteria, including demonstrating experience and competence as a home inspector, completion of a written exam, and adherence to a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. A home inspector who has conducted 250 inspections and has passed required examinations and requirements set by the NAHI Board of Directors is recognized as a NAHI Certified Real Estate Inspector (NAHI CRI).
Is there an advantage to using a NAHI member home inspection company?
Absolutely. NAHI members have the training and experience, but also comply with NAHI’s strict Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics sets forth certain standards, the most important of which is, that: “The inspector will act as an unbiased third party to the real estate transaction and will discharge the Inspector’s duties with integrity and fidelity to the client.” NAHI members also “will not conduct a home inspection or prepare a home inspection report for which the Inspector’s fee is contingent upon the conclusion in the report.” In addition, “the Inspector will not disclose any information concerning the results of the inspection without the approval of the client for whom the inspection was performed, unless compelled by court order.”
What if the client (customer) disagrees with the home inspection report?
A client (customer) is always encouraged to discuss the inspection with the NAHI professional. Differences in opinion may arise. The NAHI inspector’s first priority is to determine the integrity of the home. A NAHI inspector will work diligently to resolve the issue.
After the real estates transaction is completed, what if problems arise?
A NAHI member will work with the client (customer) to determine whether the problem could have been foreseen during the inspection. In most cases, such as appliance failure, the inspector could not have foreseen the problem. The NAHI member will work with their client to resolve any disputes.
What recourse does a client (customer) have if they have a dispute with an NAHI member?
NAHI is the ONLY NATIONAL HOME INSPECTION ORGANIZATION with a formalized system for resolving conflicts with its members. Only clients (customers) using a NAHI inspector have this recourse. Clients (customers) may call 1-800-448-3942 to discuss the issue.
As a consumer, we encourage you to review the NAHI Standards of Practice and NAHI Code of Ethics. The NAHI Standards comprise a minimum guideline for conducting a home inspection.
- NAHI Standards of Practice (PDF)
- NAHI Code of Ethics (PDF)
