Licensed Home Inspector in Michigan
Licensing of Home Inspectors in Michigan
Im a licensed home inspector in Michigan. Whats the big deal?? Well licensed home inspectors dont exist in this great state. So…. what am I talking about? Well, Im a licensed Florida home inspector who has moved back to SW Michigan. Licensed for 9 yrs and one of the first groups in Fla to be licensed. HI959 Why is this important? Well in my opinion its very important.
Licensing in Florida became mandatory around 2010. Everyone and I mean everyone complained about it. What does this mean for our industry? How expensive will it be? Will be be difficult to qualify? Does this put a bulls-eye on my back as a business owner? And on and on. Ill be the first to admit all those concerns and more went thru my head.
Well after having the license for almost 10yrs now I see the value and wisdom in requiring it.
Let me Explain
First, as a licensed professional, the consumer, my client, can have every expectation of competence and quality. That means we have to demonstrate to the state and our license board a minimum amount of knowledge. Hours and hours of training, writing and observation are required to pass the state exam, and more is required to keep it.
Second, a state board was created to oversee the inspectors. This is important because it allows the public to have a place to complain to for egress errors or ask questions to for qualifications. In short it was yet another layer of consumer protection.
Third, as a licensed professional my opinion carries a certain amount of weight. Think about it. Who would you rather see a licensed doctor or lawyer or a unlicensed one? Doesn’t the license give you the consumer a sense of assurance?
I won’t tell you my license gives me an inspection advantage but the getting of the license and the keeping of the license has required me to keep my head in the game and continue to expand my inspection and building science knowledge.
My opinion is that all home inspectors need to be licensed for both professional certification and public trust and protection. In Michigan that is not currently the case. Hopefully it will become someday. Interesting fact: Michigan is only one of three state yet to adopt licensing.
I inspect homes throughout SW Michigan. Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Lansing, Tree Rivers, St Joseph, Grand Rapids are all in my service territory and I don’t charge a trip fee.
Todd Miller
HomeSpec Certified Inspections, LLC
Kalamazoo and SW Michigan
www.homespecmi.com
269-425-1203
homespecoffice@gmail.com
