RANDY WILCOX INSPECTIONS, L.L.C.
Tips on hiring an Inspector
Did you know?
What is "Certified?"
Certification and inspection standards for new and existing homes vary. Each state has its own version. In Georgia
there is a state building code and all homes are required to be built in accordance with it however, enforcement is
strictly voluntary for local governments. There are still counties in Georgia that do not enforce building codes and
other that have only recently adopted enforcement. In areas where they are not enforced, you are left to trust
that the builder inspected it himself.
All government building and code inspectors, nationwide, are tested to ICC (International Code Council)
standards. However, independent home inspectors in Georgia do not have to be certified or tested by anyone
and the state requirements are minimal. Georgia requirements are as follows:
Every home inspector shall provide to the person on whose behalf a
home or single-family dwelling is being inspected a written document
specifying:
(1) The scope of the inspection, including those structural
elements, systems, and subsystems to be inspected;
(2) That the inspection is a visual inspection; and
(3) That the home inspector will notify in writing the person on
whose behalf such inspection is being made of any defects noted
during the inspection, along with any recommendation that certain
experts be retained to determine the extent and corrective action
necessary for such defects.
What is International Code Council Certification?
The International Code Council writes the standard to which all houses and buildings are constructed.
If your house was built and inspected anywhere in the United States by a local building inspector it was done in
accordance ICC codes or a state version derived from it. The ICC national code examinations are designed to
test an inspector's knowledge of construction and building codes used in new and existing structures. All homes
that are remodeled or have had major modifications must meet current code requirements even if the original
construction was done before codes applied. Also, as mentioned above, some houses were never inspected
when first constructed or later, when additional remodeling work was done by a "handy man" or the by the owners
as a do-it-yourself project.
It is important to note that while "certification" is important, your home inspection is more than an official code
inspection. It must also focus on a number of other things, effects of age, wear and tear and operational safety of
its many functioning systems, just to name a few. Still, it justs makes good sense to hire an inspector that has
proven his or her knowledge of construction and inspection by gaining the ICC certification in all areas of
residential inspection.
Are there other certifications?
As stated above, Georgia's regulations for home inspectors are minimal. In truth, a person may start a home
inspection business with no experience or knowledge of the construction industry and there is not a requirement
to belong to any inspection organization. These organizations offer guidelines and procedures to their members
for a fee. Most require a test and that a minimum number of inspections be performed before they are considered
a "member." They do offer training and study materials and sponsor group meetings from time to time. Don't get
me wrong, the home inspection industry is certainly better off because of these organizations and I belong to one
myself. However, there is no way to determine which of them has the most qualified or experienced inspectors.
The various organizations define their own version of inspection standards and all of them are excellent. Their
membership is a nice addition to a professional ICC certification.
Just remember your inspector should....
As it turns out, I meet all of those requirements! Give me a call to schedule your inspection today!
- An inspector can be a home inspector or a building inspector or both.
- The state requires builders to follow building codes on a state level.
- The state does not enforce any building codes, local governments choose whether or not to enforce the
state building codes. - Government building inspectors that enforce local building codes are required to be certified.
- Home inspectors are not required to be certified.
What is "Certified?"
Certification and inspection standards for new and existing homes vary. Each state has its own version. In Georgia
there is a state building code and all homes are required to be built in accordance with it however, enforcement is
strictly voluntary for local governments. There are still counties in Georgia that do not enforce building codes and
other that have only recently adopted enforcement. In areas where they are not enforced, you are left to trust
that the builder inspected it himself.
All government building and code inspectors, nationwide, are tested to ICC (International Code Council)
standards. However, independent home inspectors in Georgia do not have to be certified or tested by anyone
and the state requirements are minimal. Georgia requirements are as follows:
Every home inspector shall provide to the person on whose behalf a
home or single-family dwelling is being inspected a written document
specifying:
(1) The scope of the inspection, including those structural
elements, systems, and subsystems to be inspected;
(2) That the inspection is a visual inspection; and
(3) That the home inspector will notify in writing the person on
whose behalf such inspection is being made of any defects noted
during the inspection, along with any recommendation that certain
experts be retained to determine the extent and corrective action
necessary for such defects.
What is International Code Council Certification?
The International Code Council writes the standard to which all houses and buildings are constructed.
If your house was built and inspected anywhere in the United States by a local building inspector it was done in
accordance ICC codes or a state version derived from it. The ICC national code examinations are designed to
test an inspector's knowledge of construction and building codes used in new and existing structures. All homes
that are remodeled or have had major modifications must meet current code requirements even if the original
construction was done before codes applied. Also, as mentioned above, some houses were never inspected
when first constructed or later, when additional remodeling work was done by a "handy man" or the by the owners
as a do-it-yourself project.
It is important to note that while "certification" is important, your home inspection is more than an official code
inspection. It must also focus on a number of other things, effects of age, wear and tear and operational safety of
its many functioning systems, just to name a few. Still, it justs makes good sense to hire an inspector that has
proven his or her knowledge of construction and inspection by gaining the ICC certification in all areas of
residential inspection.
Are there other certifications?
As stated above, Georgia's regulations for home inspectors are minimal. In truth, a person may start a home
inspection business with no experience or knowledge of the construction industry and there is not a requirement
to belong to any inspection organization. These organizations offer guidelines and procedures to their members
for a fee. Most require a test and that a minimum number of inspections be performed before they are considered
a "member." They do offer training and study materials and sponsor group meetings from time to time. Don't get
me wrong, the home inspection industry is certainly better off because of these organizations and I belong to one
myself. However, there is no way to determine which of them has the most qualified or experienced inspectors.
The various organizations define their own version of inspection standards and all of them are excellent. Their
membership is a nice addition to a professional ICC certification.
Just remember your inspector should....
- be experienced with new and previously owned houses;
- be a sole owner and a independent full-time inspector;
- be ICC code certified;
- have a relevant background, preferably in engineering and construction;
- be an active member of professional organizations;
- encourages you to verify his certifications; and
- be reasonably priced.
As it turns out, I meet all of those requirements! Give me a call to schedule your inspection today!
© 2005-2006 Randy Wilcox Inspections LLC All rights reserved
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| Randy Wilcox Inspections LLC (770) 843-4394 (706) 897-1531 Toll free 1-800-818-5343 rwi@randywilcoxinspections.com |
North Georgia Home Inspections