Having everything ready for the inspection can prevent unnecessary delays. For liability reasons home inspectors do not move personal belongings. Most home inspectors will charge an additional fee if they must return to the property to inspect item which were not accessible.
The current owner should verify that:
- All utilities are on
- Pilot lights are lit (the gas provider will usually light pilots at no cost to the owner)
- Attic access is clear of clothing or stored items
- Crawlspace entrances are not blocked or nailed in place
- Water heaters are accessible
- Furnaces are accessible
- Sinks, showers and bathtubs are clear of dishes or personal items
- Built-in appliances are free of stored items and can be operated
- Electrical panels are accessible and not locked (Electrical sub-panels inside the home are often painted and removing the cover will mar the finish. The listing agent should ask the current owner to grant permission to the inspector to remove the panel cover to look for life/safety issues)
- Areas or items to be inspected are freely accessible
- Pets are secured (Unsecured animals should be removed from the property or secured in an area that will not need to be inspected if the current owner (or occupant) will not be present)
A home inspection is an independent, unbiased review and report on a home’s systems, components and conditions. Consumers and real estate professions should expect no less than full professionalism, education, competence, credentials, knowledge, courtesy and an adherence to ASHI/CREIA’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Licensing
Resources (click to read)
Home Safety Tips for Homeowners
Click here Printable Version of Preparing for a Home Inspection Checklist
Carbon Monoxide Resource Guide
Click here for information regarding the new Pool Safety Act alt (SB 552, signed September 27, 2024. The updated law officially took effect on January 1, 2025)
Complaint Against a Home Inspector?
Do I Need a Building Permit?
Green Home Checklist
The History of Home Inspections
The Home Remodel Safety Net
Historic Homes
Home and Property Owners: Property Check-Up
Home and Property Owner FAQ
How to Read A Home Inspection Report by Lorena Romo (Inspection Support Network)
KITEC Water Supply Piping and Brass Fittings - What You Need to Know
Making Your Home Green
Real Estate Inspection Law
Residential Standards of Practice (pdf)
11 Questions about the Pool Safety Act (pdf)
United States Consumer Product Safety Commission
What is a Home Maintenance Inspection? (pdf)
KITEC Water Supply Piping and Brass Fittings - What You Need to Know
Additional Inspection FAQs
The State of California does NOT license home inspectors. ASHI/CREIA takes the lead in requiring adherence to ASHI's Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice. ASHI/CREIA members have been successfully setting the standard – in the field, in the courtroom, and in the legislature – for more than a quarter of a century.
CREIA's 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.
Inspectors should not be indicating that they are ASHI/CREIA Members, CREIA Certified Members, ASHI Inspectors, or ASHI Certified Inspectors, (CCIs, MCIs, & ACIs), using the ASHI/CREIA logo or holding themselves out to inspect according to the ASHI/CREIA Standards of Practice unless they are an ASHI/CREIA member. Click here to find an inspector.
Section 1 of Stats.1996, c. 338 (S.B.258), provides:
“It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this act to assure that consumers of home inspection services can rely upon the competence of home inspectors. It is the intent of the Legislature that, in ascertaining the degree of care that would be exercised by a reasonably competent home inspector pursuant to Section 7196 of the Business and Professions Code, the court may consider the standards of practice and code of ethics of the California Real Estate Inspection Association, the American Society of Home Inspectors, or other nationally recognized professional home inspection associations.”
ASHI/CREIA is the oldest and largest nonprofit state inspector association in the country… and we are California-specific in our education and consumer outreach. Since 1976, CREIA has been dedicated to enhancing consumer protection and promoting public awareness.
ASHI/CREIA requires its certified members to successfully pass the National Home Inspection Examination, the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics Examination, complete 02 hours of education per year, attend two chapter meetings per year, take two ride-alongs and submit written reports to be verified that the reports are in accordance with the ASHI Standards of Practice, Ethical Standards, and California Law.
The State of California does NOT license home inspectors. ASHI/CREIA takes the lead in requiring adherence to ASHI's Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice.
The membership and certifications assures REALTORS® and consumers that the Inspector has been tested and qualified in accordance with ASHI’s Standards of Practice. Additionally, the ASHI Code of Ethics requires a high degree of professionalism and integrity, requiring the member to act fairly and impartially. Any conflict of interest activity must be avoided in order to assure the consumer a completely objective inspection.
Specifically, ASHI/CREIA members may NOT:
(a) use the inspection as a vehicle to obtain repair or related work on the building;
(b) reveal the contents of an inspection report to anyone but the client without the client’s consent;
(c) be involved in any real estate activity from which they might benefit financially as a result of their inspection work;
(d) offer an opinion or evaluation on any subject which they are not sufficiently familiar and experienced.
Many inspectors claim to be ASHI/CREIA members or claim their reports meet or follow ASHI’s Standards of Practice. However, these individuals may not have been properly tested. Only inspectors who meet ASHI’s rigorous professional and educational requirements may qualify as members. Click here to verify a certified inspector in your area.
“CREIA receives calls on nearly a daily basis regarding homes that were not reported to standard,” says Michele Hyson, CREIA’s former Executive Director. “Many times the inspector has misleadingly indicated in marketing materials and websites that he/she inspects according to ASHI or CREIA Standards of Practice. Others may indicate they are members but who are not actually CREIA members.
Inspectors should not be indicating that they are ASHI or CREIA Members, CREIA Certified Members, (CCIs, MCIs, or ACIs), using the ASHI or ASHI/CREIA logo or holding themselves out to inspect according to the ASHI Standards of Practice unless they are a member.
The California Real Estate Inspection Association, CREIA’s vision statement is to protect lives, health and investments. CREIA’s public relations efforts are dedicated to this end.
CREIA = Tier One Inspectors
Unsurpassed testing; Un-matched training and education requirements; Industry leading performance Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics – That’s why California Law specifically mentions CREIA as an industry benchmark.