Professional realtors, as a result of this liability are now sending their customers to look for their own inspectors through listings such as that of the yellow pages, in essence leaving their clients to the wolves. Without any guidance or recommendation.

How can potential customers pick one inspector from another? Which is an experienced inspector, which is a newer inspector? Many have made it in our industry at the expense of their clients, by perception. Having a great marketing presence is enough unfortunately to pacify most home inspector customers.

Without knowledge of the inspection market, most customers will choose an inspector based on perception, price, availability or possibly because he or she is state licensed. They had no way of knowing that the inspector they choose was grandfathered into licensing because they had completed a 40 hour home inspection course or just entered the business right before the grandafathering date.

There is no question, no inspection company or inspector is shielded from claims. That is just the nature of our service. However, the probability of such complaints or claims is greatly reduced with every inspection conducted by an inspector or year in the inspection industry. This is what makes the master inspector designation so more important for the new home owners today.

The Master Inspector Network has been set up to help minimize this risk or choosing a professional home inspector. Only true veterans are allowed to register, and depending on the qualification, have in excess of 1000 completed fee paid inspections, 3000 hours of verifiable experience, have been in the business for at least three years to mention a few.

The requirements of both CMI and MBI are different but all incorporate a higher standard for home inspectors. Take your time and familiarize yourself with the qualification requirements of each designation.

From a customer perspective, this will offer you peace of mind knowing that inspectors have met and exceeded the minimum entry level requirements and are seasoned veterans of the home inspection industry.

A small mistake can cost thousands of dollars. Choose your building inspector with confidence.