Home Stretch

January 1, 2008 is right around the corner. At that time licensing of Maryland home inspectors becomes mandatory. Penalties for operating without a license are severe.

It appears that the Standard of Practice and the Code of Ethics are in effect. Inspections performed in Maryland must, by law, be performed according to the SoP and in compliance with the CoE.

Another requirement of the license law is that the inspection report include some very specific disclosure language. The following statement must be included in the report in 14 point bold text.

An inspection is intended to assist in the evaluation of the overall condition of a building. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the building and its components on the date of the inspection.

The results of this home inspection are not intended to make any representation regarding latent or concealed defects that may exist, and no warranty or guaranty is expressed or implied.
If your home inspector is not a licensed structural engineer or other professional whose license authorizes the rendering of an opinion as to structural integrity of a building or the condition of its components or systems, you may wish to seek the professional opinion of a licensed structural engineer or other professional regarding any possible defects or other observations set forth in this report.

Only home inspections performed by Maryland licensed home inspectors will be recognized by the buyer as a valid home inspection under a real estate contract.