The Need for a Home Inspection

Public awareness, increased liability, and the growing demand for qualified information have catapulted the home inspector into the public spotlight. When purchasing a home, many home buyers have saved literally thousands of dollars through information provided by the home inspector. People who have owned a home for several years have benefited through the home inspector's knowledge of maintenance, repairs and experienced eyes to avert potential problems. In many areas where disasters have occurred, homeowners have relied on inspectors to help them identify any damage resulting from storms, earthquakes, etc. 

A competent and professional home inspector must be fully trained in the proper operation of all commonly found home systems which include:

• Structural Components (foundations, floors and walls).
• Exterior Components (siding paint, windows, decks, garage doors, etc.
• Roofing (coverings, flashings, chimneys, etc.).
• Plumbing (piping, fixtures, faucets, water heating and fuel storage systems, etc.).
• Electrical (wiring, main service panels, conductors, switches, receptacles, etc.).
• Heating (equipment, safety controls, distribution systems, chimneys, etc.).
• Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps (cooling and air-handling equipment, controls and ducting, etc.).
• Interior (partitions, ceilings, floors, railings, doors and windows, etc.).
• Insulation and Ventilation (attics, walls, floors, foundations, kitchen and bathrooms, etc.).

Home Inspector License Act 

All home inspectors are required to be licensed by January 1, 2003, including individuals and entities practicing in the form of a corporation, a limited liability company or a legally formed partnership. Please review the Home Inspector License Act (225 ILCS 441) and Administrative Rule (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1440).

As a pre-requisite to sitting for the examination, an applicant must successfully complete 60 hours of pre-license education from an education provider approved and licensed by DFPR.

Renewal requirements include the successful completion of 6 hours of continuing education per year or 12 hours per renewal from an education provider approved and licensed by DFPR.