CREIA Explains Common Myths & Realities About Home Inspections.

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. -- Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) cautions home buyers and sellers, as well as all individuals involved in real estate transactions, that there are myths and misconceptions associated with retaining the services of

Myth:       You only need a general contractor to do a home
            inspection.

REALITY:    While having been a general contractor may be
            useful, a professional home inspector must possess an
            intricate combination of disciplines, skills, and
            learning, of which general construction is only one part.
            In addition to common construction knowledge, an inspector
            must recognize and evaluate various patterns of
            deterioration and wear affecting building structures and
            mechanics, conditions that would not be familiar to
            persons who deal primarily with new structures. An
            inspector must also maintain an applied knowledge of
            building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fire
            safety, typically more familiar to specialty tradesmen
            such as electricians, plumbers, roofers, heating
            contractors, etc. This knowledge cannot be confined to
            current building requirements only. An inspector deals
            with structures of all ages and must have a general idea
            of which standards were in effect when a particular home
            was built.

Myth:       A termite inspection is all you need to know about a
            home you're buying.

REALITY:    Although inspecting for termites is an important
            aspect of the home buying process, buyers and sellers
            should not confuse a termite inspection with a home
            inspection performed by a professional real estate
            inspector. In California, a termite or other wood
            destroying organism inspection can only be performed by a
            properly licensed Structural Pest Control Operator. The
            California Structural Pest Control Board oversees the
            licensing of this profession. Unless licensed to do so, a
            professional home inspector may not issue a report on
            termites or other wood destroying organisms. A
            professional home inspector who finds evidence of such
            activity will usually recommend that a qualified termite
            inspector be consulted. A professional home inspection
            will address the overall performance of the accessible
            structural elements, the functionality of the major
            systems, and some safety aspects of a home and its various
            components. The purpose of this process is to ensure that
            a homebuyer has a better understanding what is being
            purchased, prior to completing the transaction. By
            consulting with both a termite inspector and a
            professional home inspector, a consumer will receive
            valuable information on structural and operational
            conditions within the property.

Make sure you retain the services of a qualified inspector who is trained and experienced in home inspection and their respective field. It is also very important that your inspector be a member of a professional association such as CREIA to ensure continued education. Since 1976, CREIA, a non-profit voluntary membership organization has been providing education, training, and support services to the real estate inspection industry and to the public. Inspectors must adhere to CREIA's Code of Ethics and follow the Standards of Practice developed by the association. These Standards of Practice have been recognized by the State of California, and are considered the source for Home Inspector Standard of Care by the real estate and legal communities.

CREIA requires its members to successfully pass a written test of property systems and complete 30 hours of education each year. Members can accumulate credits through various sources of education including monthly chapter meetings, conferences, and other approved activities. CREIA keeps records to ensure that members are complying with the requirements. Educational topics cover a variety of technical subjects including updates and advances that affect property inspection and the business of real estate inspection.

CREIA is dedicated to consumer protection and education. To locate a qualified CREIA inspector near you, call CREIA at (800) 388-8443, or visit the CREIA website at www.CREIA.org.