Which home inspection certification is the best?
By Ben Murphy
When you’re looking for a home inspector one of the most common questions is “what inspection certification is the best?”, and that’s a great question! It makes perfect sense to want your home inspector to be well qualified to do the job because you’re making a HUGE investment, probably the largest in your life. The certifications for inspectors vary by state and some states don’t require a certification or license of any kind. We operate in North Carolina so this article will cover what’s required in our state.
North Carolina requires every inspector to be licensed by the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board(NCHILB)
North Carolina has some of the strictest requirements in the US to obtain a license to perform home inspections and that’s a good thing for you. They require a background check, 120 hours of classroom instruction, 80 hours of field training (inspecting homes under the supervision of an instructor) and then passing the state exam given through the Office of the State Fire Marshall. Home Inspectors have to adhere to a strict Standards of Practice set by the NCHILB to ensure that they inspect according to the state requirements which can be found here. We are also required to have general liability and errors and omissions(E&O) insurance. Feel free to ask your inspector for proof of these prior to your inspection so you’ll have peace of mind that if any damage occurs during the inspection, heaven forbid, it’ll be covered by their insurance. You can also look up your inspector and verify their credentials on the NCHILB website. NEVER have a home inspection in NC performed by an unlicensed inspector!
Many home inspectors are also part of professional organizations like the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors(InterNachi)
Membership in one of these organizations isn’t required in NC. But it shows a commitment to learning and continuing education that ensures the inspector is up to date with current practices and technology. All of Redline Home Inspection’s inspectors are Certified Professional Inspectors (CPI) through InterNachi. Obtaining the CPI certification requires 80 additional hours of training. There is a standards of practice that members of InterNachi adhere to as well as a yearly continuing education requirement. This certification means that the inspection a client receives is through, professional and accurate. You can check an inspector’s credentials with InterNachi here.
Membership in a Realtor’s Association Home Inspector Board
Again this is not a requirement in NC but it demonstrates the willingness to go above and beyond the state’s basic requirements and stay in tune with realtors and the real estate market. Membership on a board like this usually involves monthly 
meetings between realtors and home inspectors. Current hot topics are discussed or guest speakers give presentations on home inspection related topics. These speakers could be electricians, insurance adjusters, roofers or any professional that has deeper insight into the systems and issues that a home inspection covers. The meetings are a great way to keep up with current best practices and gain insight about subjects that would be important to their clients. Redline Home Inspections is a member of the Winston-Salem Regional Association of Realtors(WSRAR) and is also a member of its’ Home Inspection Committee.
Make the right choice!
In summary, NC requires a license to operate as a home inspector and their standards are strict. A properly licensed inspector should provide their client with a thorough detailed inspection, an easy to read report and have a willingness to teach a homebuyer about the issues or questions that they have about the home. Membership in a professional organization and a Realtor association demonstrates a commitment to being the best in their industry and should give you confidence when hiring them for your home inspection. Redline Home Inspections strives to be the best home inspection company in the TRIAD. We proudly serve Lexington, Winston-Salem, Greensboro and all surrounding areas and would be happy to work for your at your home inspection. Give us a call or schedule online anytime!
Ben Murphy
NC licensed home inspector #5089
Internachi CPI #21032474
