Home Inspector

Home Inspector | Tampa | Finding a home inspector is a process full of questions. A home is a massive purchase, and one that can hide risks that the untrained buyer might miss, which is why you want an inspector. But anyone can claim to be a home inspector, so how do you find one you can trust?

There are a variety of organizations that provide accreditation for home inspectors to help you find a reliable one, including the American Society of Home Inspectors and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). One of these is the Master Inspector Certification Board (MICB), which awards those who pass its requirements the title of Certified Master Inspector (CMI). The MCIB accredits inspectors in both the United States and Canada.

To become a CMI, an inspector must:

– have been in business at least three years
– have performed 1,000 paid inspections and/or hours of training and education
– be subject to regular criminal background checks
– abide by the MCIB code of ethics

InterNACHI also administers a Certified Master Inspector Examination (CMIE), a five-hour advanced-level test for home inspectors that counts toward the requirements to become a CMI. The CMIE is administered regularly at various locations in North America; check InterNACHI’s Web page to see where it is being given.

Be aware that some unscrupulous home inspectors may claim to be “certified,” “master,” or other titles without actually having earned them. Some may even display the CMI seal or logos of other accrediting institutions. Don’t take the inspector’s word for it that he or she is entitled to use these. The MICB maintains a searchable online list that you can use to find a real CMI in your area.

One other thing to remember: don’t hire a home inspector based on credentials alone. Always read online reviews on reliable sites such as Yelp and Home Advisor, ask the inspector for a sample report, and ask for references before you hire. Doing your homework beforehand will pay off down the line.