As of January 1st, Alabama's new requirements for Home Inspector licensing take effect.
The Alabama Building Commission continues to lead the Southeast by requiring Home Inspectors to carry a minimum of $250,000 in Errors and Omissions coverage, and to have successfully completed the National Home Inspector Examination.

In addition to these new requirements, Alabama law requires that home inspectors adhere to the states strict Code of Ethics and that their inspections meet or exceed the Standards of Practice as set forth by the Alabama Building Commission.

What does this mean for home buyers?
For those buying in Alabama, and who use a home inspector licensed by the state, they can have peace of mind that the inspection on their new home should be performed to a level that meets the area's highest standards. It's a different story for Georgia home buyers.

Georgia has no licensing for home inspectors.
Only Columbus has adopted any home inspection legislation. So Georgia home buyers should only use an inspector who is licensed in Columbus. Columbus however, does not require inspectors to adhere to any Standards of Practice or Code of Ethics. Licensing requires membership in a national inspection association, and some of the accepted associations do not have any Code of Ethics or Standards of Practice either. Membership  in most of these associations only requires the inspector to  claim experience and pay the membership dues. No proof of experience or formal education in home inspections is required.

What can you do to make sure you get the best inspection on your new home?
Ask your prospective inspector a few questions before hiring them.

1. Are you licensed by Alabama or Columbus to perform home inspections?

2. Are you a member of a National Association that has Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics?

3. Have you been professionally trained to perform home inspections?

4. Do you provide a written description of what will be inspected?
     ( this is required by Georgia Trade practice act (Chapter 3, Title 8) enacted in 1994 )

5. Will you provide a sample report?

6. Do you offer on going support after the inspection?

7. Do you Guarantee Satisfaction?



Because buying a home is the largest investment you will make in your life, the cost of an inspection is a very small investment that will pay for itself over and over again. In addition to giving you a detailed report on the present condition of the systems and physical structure, the home inspection will offer practical maintenance information to help you plan for future repairs or replacements.