NACHI TOP The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors,
is the largest and most progressive association in the country today. It was
formed in 1990 and provides continuing education and training throughout the
country to all its members every day!. Entrance requirements to be a certified
member with NACHI include a psychometric validated online examination,
completion of several mandatory core subject courses and report review
confirmation that the inspector has completed 100 inspections in substantial
compliance with NACHI's Standards of Practice. NACHI also has an entry level
working member program whereby inspectors must have completed 4 mock
inspections for review purposes by NACHI peers before the new inspector can
undertake/complete his first fee-paid inspection.
ASHI Candidate
Becoming an ASHI candidate requires no qualification or training of any nature.
Candidates merely complete an ASHI application form and commit to comply with
the ASHI standards of practice and codes of ethics. Candidates with logo use
privileges have completed 50 inspections. ASHI does not have any online testing
or training requirements for its candidates.
ASHI Member
The American Society of Home Inspectors is the oldest national association
related to the home inspection industry. There are various levels of
membership. The highest level is a Full ASHI Member. To become a full member,
inspectors must have completed 250 inspections and passed a national test for
home inspection given by the National Home Inspectors Examination board.
NAHI
The National Association of Home Inspectors is also a very respected
qualification for home inspectors. It requires inspectors to have completed 250
fee-paid inspections and passed a psychometrically approved examination such as
the national home inspector's examination. NAHI inspectors adhere to a strict
code of ethics and standards of practice.
Licensed Contractor TOP
There are various levels of licensed contractors and various divisions.
Licensed residential contractor, licensed building contractor, licensed general
contractor, licensed plumber, licensed roofer, licensed electrician, etc. The
qualification requirements to become a state licensed contractor are extremely
rigorous, typically requiring at least 2-5 years of qualified experience along
with passing the state examination. The pass rates for these exams are
relatively low.
Thermal Imaging Level 1 & 2
While the thermal imaging business has been around for a long time it has only
recently entered the home inspection market. Thermal imagining requires the use
of infra red cameras. Understanding building sciences is critical for the
proper use and interpretation of these devices. While many inspectors are
beginning to offer this service, very few have taken the time to get properly
trained in the use of these devices and their findings. Level I and II training
is the accepted standard throughout the infrared industry. Home inspectors come
from an array of other professions. Some were engineers, industrial hygenists,
construction superintendents or real estate professionals. Some inspectors are
retired corporate professionals and have retrained with no past construction
experience. Making sure your inspector is adequately experienced and trained is
critical to the outcome of your building inspection. The lowest price may not
always be your best choice in an inspector.