Map Reveals Home Inspection Blind Spots Where Anyone Can Be An Inspector
In more than a dozen states, you don't need training, studying, or licensing to enter the property assessing profession.
A new map has revealed significant gaps in home inspection regulations across the United States, allowing anyone to enter the profession without proper training or licensing in 15 states. Homebuyers rely on inspectors to uncover issues like structural flaws, faulty wiring, and plumbing leaks, which can determine whether a property is a wise investment.
While 35 states require a state-issued license, the remaining states have lax or no regulations. In one instance, a homebuyer in Washington state was told their new house's foundation was in dangerous condition after a home inspector failed to detect it during a visible inspection. Similarly, a homeowner in 2021 discovered significant problems after paying for an inspection and follow-up, questioning the inspector's competence.
In 2002, an Iowa Supreme Court case held a home inspector liable for failing to identify dangerous siding despite warning they were untrained. Dillon M. White, a social media influencer and constitutional law professor in Minnesota, recently claimed to have become a home inspector by simply declaring it so, with no requirement for training or a license.
While some states have associations that impose requirements, participation is voluntary. California requires E&O insurance and adherence to the California Trade Practice Act, while Georgia mandates a business license. Pennsylvania mandates membership in an association with certain requirements. In the absence of a government license, buyers have no clear way to assess the competence of inspectors, as there is no single national standard or federal regulation.
Home inspection licensing is entirely state-regulated, with requirements ranging from minimal to highly rigorous. Texas requires extensive coursework, a state exam, and continuing education, while Florida mandates licensing through a rigorous process. New York and New Jersey also have stringent requirements, including classroom instruction, field training, and passing an exam.
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