Connecticut has recently in the last few years, as many of you are aware, instituted licensing for Home Inspectors.  Along with licensing comes new rules and regulations regarding how inspectors must conduct their business with their clients.  The days of anyone just hanging up a shingle and calling themselves a Home Inspector are gone.  New inspectors must pass over many hurdles on the way to becoming a fully licensed home inspector.  Established inspectors are required now to attend continuing education and all inspectors must conduct their inspections to minimum state standards and a Code of Ethics.  This presents many advantages for the consumer who needs the services of an inspector.  Lets explore some of these requirements and how they may be beneficial to the savvy homebuyer. 

 

First there are two types of Home Inspectors operating in Connecticut, fully licensed Home Inspectors (HOI) and Home Inspector Interns (HOP).  Both are licensed by the Department of Consumer Protection the difference being the Intern has not yet satisfied the state requirements for obtaining his complete license standing.  He is currently working under the supervision of a fully licensed Home Inspector. 

Under intern status the inspector must be supervised for the first 100 home inspections they perform.  This can be valuable to the consumer in many ways.  Presently the intern's supervisor is also involved in the inspection in essence giving the client two inspectors responsible for their home inspection.  Supervisors in effect mentor the interns and give them the benefit of their knowledge and experience. This means the intern does not have to learn solely by "trial and error" and is less likely to make errors in his reporting.  Interns who later become licensed Home Inspectors are better skilled than their predecessors because of supervision and the intense training they must undergo to receive their license.

 

As mentioned previously all inspectors are obligated to perform inspections to minimum state standards.  The Home Inspector is required to give a copy of the state-mandated standards, which should include the state endorsed Home Inspectors Code of Ethics, to the customer for review with the home inspection report.  The home inspection report itself must contain certain and specific information based upon these standards.  You should be wary of any inspector who presents a few pages long inspection report.  The state standards themselves are seven pages in length. 

 

It would seem evident that this system is quite favorable to the consumer, but as with most organization there are flaws.  The burden rests on the homebuyer to thoroughly screen the company that they ultimately will choose to do their home inspection.  Here are some tips for interviewing your home inspection company. 

 

Don't price shop: You are paying, in most instances, hundreds of thousands of dollars for your new home.  Why would you skimp on the price you pay for the company that is going to determine whether this is in fact your "Dream House" or the proverbial "Money Pit".  The price difference between what most home inspection companies charge is usually about $100.00.  Saving a few dollars now may cost you thousands later.  Remember the golden rule; you usually get exactly what you pay for.

 

Ask for qualifications: What is the inspectors license number, are they insured, are they members of any organizations, what is their experience, how long does the inspection take, what type of report do they use and when will you receive it.  Do they perform any additional services such as radon or water testing?  Do they have the proper training or certifications, when necessary, to conduct these tests?  If you desire proof of insurance ask for it before you book the inspection.  Good home inspectors will carry E&O (Errors & Omissions) insurance but are not obligated to do so.

 

Personal recommendations: Did your favorite aunt, brother, co-worker, etc. just recently buy a house?  If so they most likely had a home inspection.  Talk with them about the company that did the inspection on their home.  Good or bad it's information you can use in narrowing down your choices.

 

If you are unsure about an inspector’s credibility you may check their license status or any complaints and/or actions against them by either calling the Dept. of Consumer Protection @ 860-713-6000 or on the web @ http://www.ct-clic.com/.  Home Inspectors are listed under the Home Improvement and New Home Construction category.