Do it yourselfers are hamstrung?

[kalakoa]

State/County mostly don't recognize any "foreign" certifications or credentials.

[Kapohocat]

quote:

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Originally posted by peteadams....
"...how many of the inspectors are certified inspectors?"

Wasn't aware there is any certification program for inspectors in the county. Is there? As someone who has been honored to be considered a professional in two different fields and coming from a science background where "standards" are a bedrock concept, I always experience a rather deep disappointment when I see or hear of professionals acting unprofessionally. And below them are those who sneak in a back door to get professional status. But it happens.

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As I said in a previous post, but to use your word - "knuckleheads happen from DIY to contractors".

HI County has no certification required. There was a fight over one of the dept heads being an attorney and not a engineer, and that is just a paperwork position. Yet, HI County thinks it is okay to disregard it for inspectors. Even lots of experience would be a good idea. I'd like to see retired contractors being inspectors. But no, the county thinks giving someone a full pension for only 8 years service (to fully vest) is a bad idea.

38 states do require certification.

Home inspectors for a buyer of property must be certified.

Here is what I found on a quick search of 5-6 certification related sites:

"Types of Certification

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some states have their own certification programs that building inspectors must pass, while in others building inspectors can obtain certification through a national certification organization. These certifying bodies include the National Fire Protection Association, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and the International Code Council. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that 34 states regulate the home inspection industry as of 2008.

Certification Process

Although there are different types of organizations that provide certification in various area of building inspection, the process is typically the same for most of them. In some cases, the building inspector must have a minimum level of education to qualify. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that another common qualification includes a required amount of experience. This is generally determined on the basis of the number of inspections performed. Certification applicants also need to pass a certification examination and typically need to have a minimum amount of state-required liability insurance."

[rainyjim]

Aloha Carey,

First off, thank you for taking the time to educate us all.
Secondly, I was curious what this means:

"Home inspectors for a buyer of property must be certified."

This is different from the other inspectors? I'm confused. I thought they didn't require certification in Hawai'i. Does the above refer to a preliminary inspection prior to a purchase? It sounds important, but also intentionally confusing i.e. legalese.

Thanks.

Aloha mai kakou

[Carey]

OK, that was not ME...

but I think Cat was referring to the Home Inspectors that are used for BUYING a home (this is not required, but those inspectors ARE required to be certified...this is totally different than home construction inspectors from the Building Dept .... as the house buying inspectors are not looking within the walls (fact that is plainly stated in their report) but do inspect the inside & outside of the structure

Everyone ASSUMES that the framing & stuff within the walls is correct on a finalled permitted structure, as that IS what the Building Depts. inspectors are SUPPOSED to inspect...but I think it is pretty clear that may, or may not, have happened if you buy a finalled permitted house... In part because there really is no one overseeing the Building Depts inspectors, and really no action to be done if they miss major things like required framing...as there is no certification or license that they can loose for ...ummmm... substandard work...

[Seeb]

'' Building Inspector '' - is a public officer
''Home Inspector '' is kind of like the termite guy

[rainyjim]

: )
Foot in mouth moment.

Sorry Carey.
Sorry Cat.

Thanks for that explanation though Carey! And Seeb also - thanks!

It makes total sense now.

[Kapohocat]

Thanks Carey for explaining it! []

My point was a inspection essentially after the fact by a homebuyer's representative is certified yet a Bldg Dept inspector who is there at the time of construction is not certified?

Makes no sense.

[Seeb]

When I first moved here I applied for an inspector position. I had run a building dept in a small city, was certified in an I Code state with a degree in fire engineering. But somehow I wasn't qualified to even sit for the test

[Cheerio]

honestly, Seeb, not surprised. Much of the county/municipal employment seems to be all about knowing someone. My friend's father tried to break into the Hilo workplace in the 80's after surveying in California for years, but had no luck even though he was over-qualified. That particular department was run by a 100% Japanese workforce. So, they started their own business instead, which ended up doing well and is still operating.

[tada]

It's not slander if it's true. Did the Korean mayor know about this[?]