C'mon...the IL State Standards Don't Require That?: What's True and What's False About Home Inspections

Home Inspectors must attend over 100 hours of live inspections before they can obtain their license.

False. Home inspectors are only required to attend FIVE “INSPECTION EVENTS”. This often entails attending 5 live inspections with another (licensed) inspector.

Reality Check: Dunsing inspectors spend 400-800 hours training before taking on independent inspections.

A GFI and GFCI are different electrical devices required at different locations in a home.

False One of the most common misconceptions in the electrical world is the difference between a GFCI receptacle and a GFI outlet. There is no difference at all. The terms GFCI and GFI are used interchangeably.

GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters) are required in new or old homes at all kitchen electric receptacles (outlets).

False GFCI are only required in kitchens in homes built since about 1985, but it varies by city.

A typical asphalt shingled roof lasts 15-20 years.

True. Some can last longer, but 15-20 is true for most roofs.

Home Inspectors are required to have a signed agreement before they start an inspection.

True. Illinois state standards require that an agreement be presented to and signed by the client prior to beginning an inspection.

Home inspectors are required to be male.

False!!! There are many female inspectors in Illinois.

Reality Check: Dunsing Inspections employs one female inspector and would welcome the chance to hire more.

A home inspector is required to have general liability and errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.

False. The state of Illinois does not require home inspectors to have any insurance.

Reality Check: Dunsing Inspections carries full liability, E&O insurance as well as referring agent coverage. Further our inspectors are full, background checked employees.

Home inspectors are required to get on roofs to examine them.

False. The state standards do not require a home inspector to access roofs.

Reality Check: Dunsing inspectors will climb on any roof that is safe to access. If conditions temporarily make it unsafe, (rain, snow for example) we will return to inspect the roof at no additional charge when conditions are safe.

Home inspectors are required to estimate the age of the roof, water heater, or HVAC.

False Illinois state standards do not require this type of estimate.

Reality Check: Dunsing inspectors will provide an educated estimate of the remaining life expectancy of the home’s major systems.

A home inspection is intended to help a buyer get a better deal on the home, by providing negotiation points that can reduce the price of the home.

False. The goal of a good home inspection is to provide a thorough and accurate assessment about the condition of the property on the day of the inspection so that the buyer can make an educated choice about their purchase decision.

Home inspectors are required to enter attic spaces for inspection

False. Inspectors can look from a ladder

Reality Check: Like with a roof, Dunsing inspectors will climb into any attic…or crawl space…that is deemed safe to access.

Home inspectors are required to provide a written report within 24 hours of the conclusion of the inspection.

False. Illinois state standards require a report to be provided within 48 hours.

Reality Check: The standard turnaround for Dunsing reports is 24 hours.

Inspectors are required to test air conditioning in the winter.

False, Testing A/C below about 60F can harm the air conditioner. As a general rule, we wait for it to be above 60 degrees for 24 hours before an inspection.