Professional Home Inspectors Are in Demand!

Effective December 31, 2005 , the real property law is amended by adding a new Article 12-B, "The Home Inspection Professional Licensing Act." In order to perform home inspections, licensure will be required.

Who employs a home inspector?

Growing consumer awareness about the benefits of home inspection has spurred dramatic growth in this relatively young industry. According to The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 77% of home sales in the U.S. today are inspected prior to purchase. As more Americans buy and sell their homes, the need for qualified home inspectors grows.

Homebuyers have the desire to know the condition of the property.
Sellers, in many cases, have their properties inspected prior to listing.
Mortgage lenders need to be aware of a property’s condition and repair amounts in the event of foreclosure.
·Insurance companies get an inspection to determine possible liability under insurance policies.

What is Home Inspection?

Home Inspection is defined as the process by which a home inspector observes and provides a written report of the systems and components of a residential building including but not limited to:

A. Heating System

B. Cooling System

C. Plumbing System

D. Electrical System

E Structural Components - foundation, roof masonry structure, exterior and interior components or any other related residential building component recommended by the Home Inspection Council and implemented by the Department through the regulatory process.

Who must apply for a license?

Persons engaged in performing home inspections of residential buildings for compensation.

How does one become licensed as a Home Inspector?

The license application is available from the Department of State Website at http://www.dos.state.ny.us

Is there a liability insurance requirement?

Yes, pursuant to § 444-K (1) of The Home Inspection Professional Licensing Act, every licensed home inspector who is engaged in home inspection shall secure, maintain, and file with the Secretary proof of a certificate of liability coverage, which terms and conditions shall be determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Council.

Can one obtain a Home Inspector's license based on licensure in another state?

Yes. Upon submission of an application and fee,the Dept. of State will review application requests from individuals submitting proof of current licensure from another state where requirements are equivalent to NYS. Where found equivalent, education and exam requirements will be waived, and a license issued.

What are the fees, terms of registration?

Examination Fee: $50 - for each exam taken
Application Fee: Each application must be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee of $250; the license will be effective for 2 years.

What qualifications and supporting documents does one need to apply for licensure?

You can apply based on any of the following categories: Details regarding supporting documentation needed will be provided on the application.

I. New Home Inspectors

- Have successfully completed high school or its equivalent;
- Education: Taken and successfully completed a course of study of not less that 140 hours approved by the Council. 40 of those hours must be unpaid field based inspections in the presence of and under direct supervision of a Home Inspector licensed by NYS, or a professional engineer or architect, regulated by NYS. The specifics regarding coursework will be determined by the DOS, or
- Have performed not less than 100 home inspections (paid or unpaid) in the presence of and under the direct supervision of a Home Inspector licensed by NYS, or a professional engineer or architect regulated by NYS,and
- Successful Completion of an Exam: Have passed the NYS written examination, or have taken and passed an existing nationally recognized examination, deemed equivalent, prior to December 31, 2005.
- Freedom from Disqualifying Criminal Convictions
- Application Fee: Each application must be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee of $250; the license will be effective for 2 years.

II. Grandfathering Clause

Method 1. - Competent proof** that you performed 100 or more home inspections for compensation within 2 years prior to 12/31/2005.
- Have successfully completed high school or its equivalent
- Have passed the NYS written examination, or have taken and passed an existing nationally recognized examination, deemed equivalent, prior to December 31, 2005.
- Freedom from Disqualifying Criminal Convictions.
- Application Fee: Each application must be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee of $250; the license will be effective for 2 years.

Method 2 . - Competent proof** that you performed 250 or more home inspections for compensation within 3 years prior to 12/31/05.
- Have successfully completed high school or its equivalent
- Waived from the examination
- Freedom from Disqualifying Criminal Convictions
- Application Fee: Each application must be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee of $250; the license will be effective for 2 years.
** The guidelines with respect to the nature of the proof will be set forth at a later date

Method 3. Education and experience equivalent to either Method 1 or Method 2 of the above.
- Freedom from Disqualifying Criminal Convictions
- Application Fee: Each application must be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee of $250; the license will be effective for 2 years.

Are there any continuing education requirements?

Yes, as a condition of renewing your home inspector's license, you will need to complete continuing education. The guidelines with respect to the content of the continuing education course will be set forth at a later date.

What is the renewal fee, and how does one renew their license?

The renewal application is posted to the Home Inspector approximately 3 months prior to the expiration of his or her license. The application must be completed and submitted with a $100 fee to the Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. Instructions for proper submission will be included with the renewal application. The term of licensure is 2 years.

Commercial Building Inspection Course New !!!