Licensing Requirements
Home Inspections
A Regional view
There is little in the way of state required licensing.
All the state requires is a General Business license (approx. $40, Dept. of Revenue), and a Structural Pest Inspector license (approx. $45, Dept. of Agriculture).
Anyone performing home inspections in Washington State that include Wood Destroying Organisms (WDO's), including conducive conditions, must be licensed by the state, as a Structural Pest Inspector.
* "conducive conditions" include such things as: earth to wood contact, excess moisture conditions, incorrect roofing or exterior envelope detailing, plumbing leaks, site drainage, etc. In other words, many of those things that are observed during the course of a good home inspection. (FYI: Rodents are not considered WDO's. A good inspector will report rodent activity anyway.)
To obtain Pest License pay $45 State filing fee, take a one day class, a one day test; provide proof of a $50,000 Bond (cost $400 or less) or Errors & Emissions Insurance (cost $3000+) and hang out your shingle. Licensing renewal credits (through education) required annually.
So, not much, in terms of state requirements. Anyone who can take a class and pass a test can become a home inspector in the state of Washington .
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) "Certified Member" designation has some meaning.
ASHI requirements to become a "certified member":
Pay $500, perform 250 or more fee paid inspections, pass 2/ 4hr. tests, and have your report reviewed (re; ASHI Standards).
Membership Renewal Credits required annually.
Most inspectors in this area base their inspections on the ASHI Standards of Practice, some on the ASHI Code of Ethics . Many are ASHI Certified Members. Some are not. Most solicit leads from real estate offices and agents. Some cater to the needs of the real estate agent over the needs of their clients.
The service I provide you will be the best in the business. I do it for you like I expect it to be done for me. Only the best.
Ray Foster, LLC. Independent Home Inspection Services © 2002 - 2005
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