How to Choose a Home Inspector.

Whether you select Built-Write Certified Real Estate Inspectors or another inspection service, we suggest you select one that maintains a membership in one or more professional organizations such as The National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI).

Membership in NAHI requires the inspector to earn annual continuing education units. Each CEU is equal to eight hours of classroom instruction. NAHI requires their members at the level of Certified Real Estate Inspector to earn a minimum of sixteen CEU credits per year. These classroom hours can be refresher courses, changes to the building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical codes or other subjects relating to the home inspection industry. 

Selecting an inspection company that maintains professional memberships means they take the business seriously.  Please take time to verify their membership with the organization. As in all businesses, there are individuals who join and fail to maintain their active status.

Responsible professional organizations also become involved in regulation of the home inspection industry. Home Inspectors Association of Florida (HIAF) for example, has been actively involved with Florida's elected representatives in the preparation of a bill that requires licensing of home inspectors in Florida. 

Why is a licensing bill important? There are many provisions, such as:

1. Creates a Home Inspection Advisory Committee to oversee licensing
2. Establishes minimum criteria to become a home inspector
3. Outlines the items that must be included in a home inspection report
4. Defines ethical conduct by a home inspector
5. Creates a penalty for violations of the license requirements

The last bill was vetoed, but new efforts are being undertaken as we speak.

We support a licensing bill that does not include "mold testing". That is a separate issue that should be regulated on its own.