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Home Inspection Licensing in Indiana
On July 01, 2005 home inspections became regulated in Indiana under
Indiana Code 25-20.2 The new law and it’s components require
any person conducting a home inspection for compensation to be licensed
under this law. The exception to this rule is basically that architects
and engineers who are registered with the state are not regulated
by this law. Code enforcement officials acting as agents for the government,
performing in their job capacities are also exempt (this governmental
exemption does not allow performing a private home inspection for
compensation).
Provisions were made to allow practicing home inspectors to apply
for a license based on certain experience requirements. This is called
“grandfathering”. Any future applicants will be required
to complete state approved courses, and pass the National Home Inspector
Exam.
All licensed home inspectors are required to meet several requirements:
1) Meet the “Minimum standards of competent performance of home
inspections” (878 IAC 1-2-1) on each inspection performed.
2) Complete 32 hours of approved continuing education in each two
year licensing period.
3) Maintain general liability insurance in accordance with the standards
4) Comply with the “Code of Ethics for Home Inspectors”
(878 IAC 1-2-2). This important requirement prohibits any financial
compensation between inspectors and realtors and other interested
parties except the inspector’s client. It prohibits any inspector
from repairing or otherwise gaining employment connected with an inspection,
for any item covered in the “minimum standards” within
one year of the inspection.
5) Maintain “licensed” status by renewing and paying a
$400.00 fee at each renewal cycle.
6) Maintain confidentiality, inspectors may not reveal inspection
results or client information without client approval.
There is also a provision for any complaints from the public to be
investigated by the State Attorney General’s office.
This legislation was enacted with the stated objective of protecting
the public from inspectors and / or inspections that were inadequate,
or compromised by unethical behavior or conflicts of interest. At
Gil Inspex we support the licensing initiative and other efforts to
improve the professionalism of our industry. Gil Hendrickson is Indiana
Licensed home inspector #HI00500160, and Paul Munoz is Indiana Licensed
home inspector #HI00500215.
Gil Hendrickson |
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Cover story of Newsweek, August 22, 2005 edition, story about Peter
Jennings and Lung Cancer, important news for home owners and buyers
assessing the causes of lung cancer: “What, aside from smoking,
might shape a person's risk? Environmental pollutants are clearly
part of the story. The most important ones are radon, an odorless
natural gas that can seep into homes and buildings from the soil…”
(Page #44) |
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