Home Inspectors Certification Scheme

The Certification Scheme should ensure that the work of the Home Inspectors (who prepare Home Condition Reports) can be trusted by sellers, buyers and lenders alike.

The Certification Schemes should:

• Ensure that all Home Inspectors are 'fit and proper' people
• Check the background of Home Inspectors, including carrying out a Criminal Records Bureau check
• Ensure that the Home Inspectors are qualified to carry out their duties
• Ensure that the Home Inspectors have insurance cover to deal with any claims that might arise
• Check the quality of the work produced by Home Inspectors and ensure that there is no drop in standards
• Have the power to suspend and cancel the membership of any Home Inspector whose work falls below acceptable standards or who does not adhere to a strict code of conduct
• Ensure that Home Inspectors deal with any complaints in a fair, quick and transparent manner
• Keep a public register of their members.

Certification

The Secretary of State has approved a number of Home Inspector Certification Schemes: The schemes will guarantee that the work of the Home Inspectors can be trusted by sellers, buyers and lenders. For details of the schemes, see the industry site.