Home Health & Safety Tips 
The Home Inspection Profession
By David M. Haught CHI
One profession that has shown continued growth over the past 20 years is the profession of Home Inspectors. The growth has been stimulated by the sharp increase in the cost of obtaining a home. For most families the purchase of a home is the largest investment they may make in their lifetime. In the past a buyer may have depended on Uncle Charlie to look at the house and gave his opinion of the homes condition. Some even expected their professional realtor to give their opinion on the condition. (a responsibility not wanted or should reasonably be expected from a realtor)
About 20 years ago a new profession emerged from the need to have a home inspected by a trained individual. At first the inspectors were contractors or craftsmen that took on the responsibility. Many with little or no training, and the results reflected the lack of training. Now classroom schools with hands on training are available to thoroughly educate the home inspector. With a classroom setting and hands on use of high tech inspection tools you can now retain a highly qualified Certified Home Inspector.
With the increase in the quality of education, professional organizations have emerged to standardize inspection procedures. During the growth of the profession, Standard Inspection Practices and a Codes of Ethics were adopted by organizations such as NACHI (National Association of Certified Home Inspectors) ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) WVAHI (West Virginia Association of Home Inspectors) for members to follow to maintain membership. And now WV state law incorporates their Standards and Codes of Ethics.
Once you have found a qualified Certified Home Inspector, plan to attend the home inspection. A good home inspector is not one who only finds problems, he takes pride in his profession, he is there to educate you about the home, to point out ways to improve the safety of your home, save energy cost and to answer your questions.
A thorough inspection will take three to four hours. More than what you may want to take out of your workday. It is important for you to attend the inspection and some home inspectors will perform inspections in the evening, and weekends to meet your schedule.
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