"I always remind my buyers to use an inspector who is licensed. It's okay to have 'Uncle Bob' at the showings or even at the home inspection. In fact, I welcome 'Uncle Bob.' 'Uncle Bob' may have worked in construction and built his own home, but can still miss important damage that would have been caught by a licensed home inspector. This piece was put together by WPRI channel 12. Enjoy!"
Find your perfect home at: My Re/Max Home Finder
Many RI home inspectors unlicensed
Updated: Saturday, 11 May 2013, 4:28 AM EDT
Published : Friday, 10 May 2013, 9:28 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 10 May 2013, 9:28 PM EDT
(WPRI) -- Buying a home is one of the most important purchases that most people make.Home inspectors are often the last line of defense for home buyers and their findings can sometimes make or break a deal on a dream home. While home inspectors in Massachusetts and Connecticut need licenses, hours of experience and insurance Eyewitness News uncovers the ongoing effort to require licenses for Rhode Island inspectors.
A Rhode Island state law enacted in 1999 created a separate home inspector licensing law requiring all home inspectors to be licensed. As part of the law, all home inspectors were also required to maintain $250,000 of liability insurance, pass the National Inspector Examination, abide by standards of practice and a code of ethics.
Yet, with no money from the General Assembly to fund a licensing program, the law is on the books but not enforced allowing a loophole for untrained and unlicensed inspectors in Rhode Island.
- Know More: Find a certified home inspector
- More: What to expect in a home inspection
- More: What not to expect in a home inspection
A modified version of the 1999 law was re-submitted this past March and with approval from the state House of Representatives, the bill's future lies in the hands of the state senate.
Officials tell Eyewitness News that this time there's money to fund the bill's licensing program.
"The governor has been able to give us additional staff, so we'll be able to staff the position," said George Whalen, executive director of the state Contractors' Registration Board. "So, now it's just a matter of putting the law together so that we can start enforcing it hopefully as of January of next year."
Without proper licensing and insurance, homebuyers in several states have reported issues of inspectors failing to point out damage and structural problems. Many home inspection contracts only require that the home inspector refund the inspection fee to a client.
Under the new law, Rhode Island home inspectors would be required to have several types of insurance covering errors, commissions and liability in addition to requiring home inspectors to be bonded.
Experienced home inspectors like Paul Brunetti want the law to pass, ensuring that homeowners make buying and selling decisions based on the findings of the most qualified inspectors.
"It's important because the consumer really should feel at ease that they're getting a good inspection and that the person has credentials and criteria," said Brunetti. "It will raise the bar for all of us home inspectors."
A vote on the amended home inspector licensing law is expected in the coming weeks. If the bill becomes law, the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration Board will oversee the licensing of home inspectors.
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Tammy J. Pelletier, GRI
Re/Max 1st Choice
980 Reservoir Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
Cell - 401-263-6913
tjpeltier1@gmail.com
TammyPelletierSells@gmail.com
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