Hi,
A family member is buying a house in another state (NJ) and has asked me to do the inspection. My license is in CT not NJ. Are there any things I should be concerned about?
Justin
What does NJ require of those that inspect in that state, if anything?
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Yes, you would be breaking the law, and the report and findings would not be able to be used by the buyer to satisfy any inspection contingency.
Find another inspector in the area and hire them to do it!
This is from the NJ License Board Q&A:
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If I am already licensed in another state as a home inspector, am I automatically licensed in New Jersey?
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:8-71a, upon payment to the Board of a fee and the submission of a written application provided by the Board, the Committee shall issue a home inspector’s license to any person who holds a valid license issued by another state or possession of the United States or the District of Columbia, which has standards substantially equivalent to those of this State, as determined by the Committee.
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Or, agree with the NJ inspector that you can tag along. and have input.
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Real estate contracts are different in all states. Some allow for a person to inspect the property themself and negotiate repairs. The licensing laws are often related to making money doing something so if you’re doing it for free?? I’d reach out to the broker.
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I have a Texas Professional Inspectors License and have been trying to contact Oklahoma CIB to see their requirements to inspect in that state as well. Emails don’t get responses, and when you call they send you to their “secretary” (voicemail that they don’t check). Anyone here know what hoops to jump through and who’s ring I’m suppose to kiss?
Morning, Larry. Hope to find you well.
Pros: They can retain a junior inspector and both colberate on the inspection and reporting but, the report is submitted by the state licensed inspector.
Each one gains experience and learns how to correlate with CPI.
Certified Home Inspectors in New Jersey
Cons: If issues are missed. The licensed inspector takes full responsibility.
Just my thoughts.
Hello David.
Pleasure meeting you. Hope to find you well and welcome to the InterNACHI message board forum.
Although I am a member living above the 49th parallel I copied the text below from AI.
I found the best time to call any governing body is early morning. As soon as the office opens. Be persistent! If you have 2 phone numbers, get them both working. Always have a smile on your face while talking with agents. Always wait. I have been on hold for over 30 minutes or more at times, in my neck of the woods. Be persistent!
The main phone number for the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB) is (405) 521-6550. You can also call the toll-free number 1-877-484-4424 or contact the field inspector in your specific area.
- Main Phone: (405) 521-6550
- Toll-Free: 1-877-484-4424
- Alternate: Call the Field Inspector in your area
- Fax: (405) 521-6525
Contact
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Most states stipulate “for a fee” so if you don’t charge anything for the inspection you should be okay, but, just in case, be sure to check NJ home inspection laws before you do it. Personally, I would email them and ask them if it’s okay to perform the home inspection for free.
A potential issue could arise if you found defects and went back to the seller and they decline because the inspection wasn’t performed by a home inspector licensed in NJ.
“Home inspector” means any person licensed as a home inspector pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:8-61 et seq., and this subchapter who practices as a home inspector and inspects the condition of a residential building on behalf of a client for which the client is charged a fee.
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I’m in New Jersey and would happy to assit.
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Yes, not being licensed in New Jersey should be a concern for everyone involved in the transaction.
I would try to find the best NJ inspector I could (Like @pgiannino, our 2024 Member of the Year, and not a junior one) and join him to inspect the home.
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You just need to meet their requirements, fill out the applications, and send in the fee. Having a TX Professional Inspector license, you have met their requirements. Oklahoma - National Home Inspector Examination
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I live North GA very close to the NC border. NC is a licensed state and GA is not. I can do inspections in NC, but I can’t be compensated for them. In the scenario from the OP, I could and would do the inspection for a family member at no charge. Just remember me when Christmas rolls around 
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Unlikely that you can do a fee inspection with an official report, but most states allow a buyer or their relatives to inspect the property. As others have commented, check with NJ regulators, first. If your relatives and their agent are ok with you doing an unofficial report, then OK, but I would recommend to your relatives to call Peter Giannino and get an official report.
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It’s been said already but help your family member find a good NJ inspector and then tag along (without being obnoxious). They’ll have a state legal inspection report to negotiate or back out on. You’ll have a chance to learn how someone else inspects houses. And after it’s all over you can help explain the findings.
Keep in mind you won’t have any liability or e&o insurance coverage if you do the inspection, and if the report needs to be used for anything other information the sellers will push back (and rightly so) when they find out you aren’t state licensed.
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