August 24, 2009

Home inspector licensing goes into effect September 1

OLYMPIA—A new law requiring Washington state home inspectors to be licensed goes into effect on September 1 to improve consumer protection and oversight of this industry. The Department of Licensing began the licensing process for home inspectors July 1.

“A home is the single biggest investment many people make, and an incorrect or misleading report from an unqualified home inspector can lead to considerable financial risk,” said Department of Licensing Director Liz Luce.

The department is responsible for licensing and will help protect consumers by:

• Assessing home inspectors’ qualifications.
• Receiving and responding to consumer complaints.
• Monitoring compliance through inspections and enforcement, and taking action when appropriate.

To become licensed, home inspectors must:

• Take an approved Fundamentals of Home Inspection training course (120 hours).
• Complete 40 hours of field training.
• Pass a state-administered examination.

The law also created a Home Inspector Licensing Board that will advise the department on professional conduct standards. The board will be comprised of both representatives from the industry and members of the public.