Code of ethics has a lot of parallels to Realtors. Mainly, do the right thing.
Hey everyone! I’m Garrett in KS. Enjoying the program!
What if the client doesn’t agree with what I do according to Code of Ethics?
Kade C. here and I’m excited to get learn more about this course! Good ethics are a very important part of society and business!
InterNACHI does a great job of making this course interesting and engaging. I’m excited to be a member of such a strong organization with high standards.
Beginning the course, enjoying it so far.
Jason from Kentucky, awesome course 
Just Finished the electrical course and am now starting the Code of Ethics Course
Hi everyone! My name is Tawny, super excited to be taking this course! How is everyone doing?
A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
View Question
To successfully complete this course, you must write two essays.
This course page contains instructions for the first essay. This assignment may take a few hours to complete.
The second essay is described on the next course page.
In relation to this research and writing assignment:
Reflect upon a situation where a home inspector would be involved in an ethical situation in which there is a choice to be made between two options to resolve the situation in an ethically acceptable fashion. Then, write an essay on that situation.
For example, the house seller requests that the home inspector “go easy” on the roof’s condition. How would an InterNACHI Certified Home Inspector handle that situation? One option would be to change your opinion; the other would be to write your observations in your report truthfully and accurately.
For this assignment, please write a short essay on a hypothetical situation that relates to the topic of this course. You may create your own situation, or refer to something that you've experienced in the past related to an ethical decision. This writing assignment has much to do with what a home inspector may experience during a home inspection.
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
- It must be written in English.
- It must be at least 80 words in length.
- It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.
- It must sufficiently relate to the topics of this course.
This research and writing essay assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--performing an inspection, researching, studying, making observations, evaluating, writing notes, formulating opinions, making decisions under pressure, making decisions about what is right and what is wrong, handling the actions of other people, and communicating observations in written form.
You will submit your essay in the box titled “Your Essay.” Once you submit your essay, staff will review and mark it.
Please continue with the course after submitting your essay. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.
Essay: The Ethical Dilemma of Inflating a Home’s ConditionImagine an InterNACHI Certified Home Inspector hired to assess a home’s condition before the sale closes. During the inspection, the seller pulls the inspector aside and hints that the roof, while old and showing signs of wear, “shouldn’t be made into a big deal.” They explain that disclosing its true state might scare off the buyer, who is already nervous about making a first-time purchase.
In this scenario, the inspector faces a clear ethical decision: to downplay the roof’s condition to please the seller, or to remain honest and thorough in the inspection report. Ethically, the inspector is obligated to act in the best interest of all parties involved, not just one. InterNACHI’s standards emphasize integrity, accuracy, and transparency, meaning the inspector must document what they observe truthfully and professionally. In this case, that means clearly noting the roof’s actual condition, its likely remaining lifespan, and any recommendations for maintenance or repair.
The best ethical choice is to report the roof’s condition accurately. This ensures the buyer can make an informed decision about the home purchase, protects the inspector’s professional reputation, and aligns with InterNACHI’s Code of Ethics. This approach upholds the core values of honesty and fairness, demonstrating the crucial role of integrity in the home inspection process.
A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
View Question
Research & Writing Essay Instructions
- Choose one library article from our online Library of Inspection Articles that is related to Legal and Risk Management topics. You'll study the information in the article, and then you'll write a short essay upon that information. For example, you may read this article about avoiding lawsuits and write about how a home inspector should never refer to themselves as "experts." You could also download this free "Sleep Well" book and write about what happens when a home inspector does damage to a house (pages 28 and 29) or about asset protection for inspectors (pages 6-8).
- In the box below titled “Your Essay," write an essay that describes what you’ve learned from reading the article.
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
- It must be written in English.
- It must be at least 80 words in length.
- It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.
- It must sufficiently comment upon the chosen article that is related to legal and risk management.
This research and writing essay assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--researching, studying, making observations, evaluating, writing notes, formulating opinions, and communicating observations in written form.
You will submit your essay in the box that is titled “Your Essay.” Once you submit your essay, it will be posted to the InterNACHI Inspection Forum. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.
Please continue with the course after submitting your essay.
The article "Easy Steps That Help Home Inspectors Avoid Lawsuits" by Nick Gromicko outlines practical and affordable steps for home inspectors to reduce the risk of legal issues. Key recommendations include:Join InterNACHI: Membership provides a strong defense by adhering to the association's Standards of Practice, which surpasses basic local requirements. Incorporate or form an LLC: This limits personal liability by separating personal and business finances. Complete InterNACHI's online courses: Education enhances skills and helps inspectors defend against lawsuits, as certificates provide evidence of professionalism. Become a Certified Master Inspector®: This credential deters lawsuits and may lower insurance premiums. Avoid calling yourself an "expert": The term has legal implications, and home inspectors should be careful not to misrepresent their role. Use contracts with helpers: Independent contractor agreements protect against potential legal claims or liability.These steps collectively strengthen an inspector’s defense against lawsuits and ensure professionalism in the field.
1 Like
A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
View Question
To successfully complete this course, you must write two essays.
This course page contains instructions for the first essay. This assignment may take a few hours to complete.
The second essay is described on the next course page.
In relation to this research and writing assignment:
Reflect upon a situation where a home inspector would be involved in an ethical situation in which there is a choice to be made between two options to resolve the situation in an ethically acceptable fashion. Then, write an essay on that situation.
For example, the house seller requests that the home inspector “go easy” on the roof’s condition. How would an InterNACHI Certified Home Inspector handle that situation? One option would be to change your opinion; the other would be to write your observations in your report truthfully and accurately.
For this assignment, please write a short essay on a hypothetical situation that relates to the topic of this course. You may create your own situation, or refer to something that you've experienced in the past related to an ethical decision. This writing assignment has much to do with what a home inspector may experience during a home inspection.
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
- It must be written in English.
- It must be at least 80 words in length.
- It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.
- It must sufficiently relate to the topics of this course.
This research and writing essay assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--performing an inspection, researching, studying, making observations, evaluating, writing notes, formulating opinions, making decisions under pressure, making decisions about what is right and what is wrong, handling the actions of other people, and communicating observations in written form.
You will submit your essay in the box titled “Your Essay.” Once you submit your essay, staff will review and mark it.
Please continue with the course after submitting your essay. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.
-Example hypothetical essay #1A licensed home inspector, Ivan, was hired to evaluate a property a young couple was considering purchasing. The home appeared visually sound, but upon closer examination, Ivan discovered significant termite damage in the wooden beams supporting the structure in the basement. The damage was not immediately visible and would require costly remediation and possibly structural reinforcement.
When Ivan discussed the issue with the real estate agent who had referred him, the agent downplayed the seriousness of the finding and suggested that Ivan omit the termite damage from the official report. The agent hinted that doing so would ensure a smooth sale and implied that if Ivan wanted more referrals in the future, it would be in his best interest to “help out” this time. Ivan now faced an ethical dilemma. Follow through with an honest, thorough report that could jeopardize the sale and possibly his business relationship with the agent or compromise his integrity to secure future work.
Ivan chose to include the termite damage in his report, fully documenting the extent of the issue and recommending further evaluation by a pest control specialist. He also informed the buyers directly, ensuring they had a clear understanding of the potential costs and risks associated with the property.
This decision was not made lightly. Ivan understood the short-term consequences: losing the trust of a key referral partner and potentially suffering a decline in business. However, he also recognized that his duty as a home inspector was to serve the best interests of the client, who in this case was the buyer, and to uphold the standards of honesty, accuracy, and public safety established by his professional code of ethics.-Example hypothetical essay #2
Ivan is a certified home inspector who recently started his own inspection business. To build his client base, he partnered with several local real estate agents who regularly recommend him to their buyers. One afternoon, Ivan was hired to inspect a home for a couple who were first-time buyers, excited about purchasing their dream home.
During the inspection, Ivan discovered that the roof was at the end of its life expectancy and had multiple leaks that had caused water damage in the attic. Damage that had been cosmetically covered up. Repairing the roof and the resulting interior damage would be expensive and might significantly impact the couple’s decision to purchase the property.
The ethical complication arose when Ivan realized that the listing agent for the home was one of his key referral partners. This agent had sent Ivan several clients in the past few months and had privately expressed frustration when inspections “killed deals.” Knowing that a report highlighting these roof issues could lead the buyers to back out, Ivan was placed in a difficult position.
Ivan chose to follow his professional and ethical duty. He documented the roof damage in detail, included photographs, and recommended that the buyers consult a roofing contractor for a full estimate before proceeding. Additionally, he offered to speak directly with the buyers to answer any questions and ensure they understood the implications of the findings.
While the listing agent was disappointed and made it clear that Ivan might not receive future referrals, Ivan stood by his decision. He believed that the buyers’ right to make an informed decision outweighed the desire to maintain business relationships rooted in compromised ethics.
A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
View Question
Research & Writing Essay Instructions
- Choose one library article from our online Library of Inspection Articles that is related to Legal and Risk Management topics. You'll study the information in the article, and then you'll write a short essay upon that information. For example, you may read this article about avoiding lawsuits and write about how a home inspector should never refer to themselves as "experts." You could also download this free "Sleep Well" book and write about what happens when a home inspector does damage to a house (pages 28 and 29) or about asset protection for inspectors (pages 6-8).
- In the box below titled “Your Essay," write an essay that describes what you’ve learned from reading the article.
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
- It must be written in English.
- It must be at least 80 words in length.
- It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.
- It must sufficiently comment upon the chosen article that is related to legal and risk management.
This research and writing essay assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--researching, studying, making observations, evaluating, writing notes, formulating opinions, and communicating observations in written form.
You will submit your essay in the box that is titled “Your Essay.” Once you submit your essay, it will be posted to the InterNACHI Inspection Forum. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.
Please continue with the course after submitting your essay.
"For Members: A Letter Explaining Your InterNACHI Home Inspector Certification"A well written letter to explain all certifications, institutions etc., can be extremely helpful in gaining new clients, especially in a no licensed area. The letter gives certifications credibility and also can allow the client to look further into the institutions or education requirements to achieve said certification. Presenting the inspector in this way can certainly put a client at ease that they can trust the inspector to be thorough and knowledgeable.
A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
View Question
Research & Writing Essay Instructions
- Choose one library article from our online Library of Inspection Articles that is related to Legal and Risk Management topics. You'll study the information in the article, and then you'll write a short essay upon that information. For example, you may read this article about avoiding lawsuits and write about how a home inspector should never refer to themselves as "experts." You could also download this free "Sleep Well" book and write about what happens when a home inspector does damage to a house (pages 28 and 29) or about asset protection for inspectors (pages 6-8).
- In the box below titled “Your Essay," write an essay that describes what you’ve learned from reading the article.
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
- It must be written in English.
- It must be at least 80 words in length.
- It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.
- It must sufficiently comment upon the chosen article that is related to legal and risk management.
This research and writing essay assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--researching, studying, making observations, evaluating, writing notes, formulating opinions, and communicating observations in written form.
You will submit your essay in the box that is titled “Your Essay.” Once you submit your essay, it will be posted to the InterNACHI Inspection Forum. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.
Please continue with the course after submitting your essay.
Home inspectors must safeguard personal and business assets. Given the high risk of lawsuits in the inspection industry, even unfounded claims can jeopardize an inspector's financial stability. To mitigate these risks, the article, Asset Protection for Inspectors by Nick Gromicko, recommends several strategies:Incorporation: Forming a corporation or LLC can separate personal assets from business liabilities, offering a layer of protection.
Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs): FLPs allow individuals to control assets while limiting exposure to creditors.
Professional Liability Insurance (E&O): This insurance covers legal costs and potential damages from claims of negligence or errors.
Encumbering Major Assets: Leasing assets like company vehicles can make them less attractive to creditors.
Homestead Exemptions: State laws can protect one’s primary residence from certain creditors.
The article also stresses the importance of proactive planning. Asset protection measures should be implemented before legal issues arise, as post-claim asset transfers may be deemed fraudulent. Consulting with legal and financial professionals ensures that protection strategies are practical and compliant with the law. In summary, home inspectors can better shield themselves from potential legal and financial pitfalls by adopting these asset protection techniques.
A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
View Question
Research & Writing Essay Instructions
- Choose one library article from our online Library of Inspection Articles that is related to Legal and Risk Management topics. You'll study the information in the article, and then you'll write a short essay upon that information. For example, you may read this article about avoiding lawsuits and write about how a home inspector should never refer to themselves as "experts." You could also download this free "Sleep Well" book and write about what happens when a home inspector does damage to a house (pages 28 and 29) or about asset protection for inspectors (pages 6-8).
- In the box below titled “Your Essay," write an essay that describes what you’ve learned from reading the article.
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
- It must be written in English.
- It must be at least 80 words in length.
- It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.
- It must sufficiently comment upon the chosen article that is related to legal and risk management.
This research and writing essay assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--researching, studying, making observations, evaluating, writing notes, formulating opinions, and communicating observations in written form.
You will submit your essay in the box that is titled “Your Essay.” Once you submit your essay, it will be posted to the InterNACHI Inspection Forum. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.
Please continue with the course after submitting your essay.
As a home inspector, it's important to understand that causing damage during an inspection doesn’t always mean I did something wrong. If something breaks under normal use, like a roof tile cracking or a valve snapping that likely means the item was already defective. Discovering these issues is part of our job, not a failure. In fact, it protects the client from future problems. Legally, we are not responsible for fixing broken items that fail during normal operation. This protects us from liability and helps us manage risk properly while still providing valuable service to our clients.
A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
View Question
Research & Writing Essay Instructions
- Choose one library article from our online Library of Inspection Articles that is related to Legal and Risk Management topics. You'll study the information in the article, and then you'll write a short essay upon that information. For example, you may read this article about avoiding lawsuits and write about how a home inspector should never refer to themselves as "experts." You could also download this free "Sleep Well" book and write about what happens when a home inspector does damage to a house (pages 28 and 29) or about asset protection for inspectors (pages 6-8).
- In the box below titled “Your Essay," write an essay that describes what you’ve learned from reading the article.
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
- It must be written in English.
- It must be at least 80 words in length.
- It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.
- It must sufficiently comment upon the chosen article that is related to legal and risk management.
This research and writing essay assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--researching, studying, making observations, evaluating, writing notes, formulating opinions, and communicating observations in written form.
You will submit your essay in the box that is titled “Your Essay.” Once you submit your essay, it will be posted to the InterNACHI Inspection Forum. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.
Please continue with the course after submitting your essay.
I read the article about avoiding lawsuits. I learned that home inspectors must be careful with their language and scope of work to minimize legal risks. One key takeaway is that inspectors should never call themselves experts, as this sets an unrealistically high standard. If a missed defect leads to a lawsuit, the court may hold them to a higher level of accountability if they present themselves as experts.The article also emphasizes sticking to a clear inspection agreement that defines the limits of the inspection. For example, inspectors should note that they cannot see inside walls or predict future failures. By managing client expectations and avoiding exaggerated claims, inspectors can reduce the risk of costly legal disputes.
A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
View Question
Research & Writing Essay Instructions
- Choose one library article from our online Library of Inspection Articles that is related to Legal and Risk Management topics. You'll study the information in the article, and then you'll write a short essay upon that information. For example, you may read this article about avoiding lawsuits and write about how a home inspector should never refer to themselves as "experts." You could also download this free "Sleep Well" book and write about what happens when a home inspector does damage to a house (pages 28 and 29) or about asset protection for inspectors (pages 6-8).
- In the box below titled “Your Essay," write an essay that describes what you’ve learned from reading the article.
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
- It must be written in English.
- It must be at least 80 words in length.
- It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.
- It must sufficiently comment upon the chosen article that is related to legal and risk management.
This research and writing essay assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--researching, studying, making observations, evaluating, writing notes, formulating opinions, and communicating observations in written form.
You will submit your essay in the box that is titled “Your Essay.” Once you submit your essay, it will be posted to the InterNACHI Inspection Forum. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.
Please continue with the course after submitting your essay.
“No visible evidence” language may be evidence against youThis particular article discusses, and reinforces, the importance of using language properly, in order to convey your findings in terms that will hold up under scrutiny. It cautions the reader against using the terms “visible” and “evidence” specifically, and elaborates on their legal definitions, as well as elaborates on their meanings when included in an inspection report. It further describes how each term can be used in a manner to blame fault on the Inspector.
What I’ve learned from reading the article is that no matter what you deem material results, refrain from using “visible” and “evidence” on inspection reports. Instead, using a phrase like “not observed” to replace “visible” put the context of the report into the perspective of a single time period (during the inspection). It removes the ambiguity of whether or not something was actually visible, versus whether or not it was observed by the Inspector at the time of the inspection. The article also recommends replacing the term “evidence” with “indications”, for the same reason. Removing any possible gaps in the continuity of the report, whereby something may or may not be present during the inspection, yet the exact opposite at a later time/day.
In closing, this article has been very enlightening in regard to the importance of the terminology used when detailing the findings of future inspection reports, and I found it to be a tremendous help.
Hello from Georgia, new to this but very much wanting to try. Have a great weekend everyone
A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
View Question
Research & Writing Essay Instructions
- Choose one library article from our online Library of Inspection Articles that is related to Legal and Risk Management topics. You'll study the information in the article, and then you'll write a short essay upon that information. For example, you may read this article about avoiding lawsuits and write about how a home inspector should never refer to themselves as "experts." You could also download this free "Sleep Well" book and write about what happens when a home inspector does damage to a house (pages 28 and 29) or about asset protection for inspectors (pages 6-8).
- In the box below titled “Your Essay," write an essay that describes what you’ve learned from reading the article.
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
- It must be written in English.
- It must be at least 80 words in length.
- It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.
- It must sufficiently comment upon the chosen article that is related to legal and risk management.
This research and writing essay assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--researching, studying, making observations, evaluating, writing notes, formulating opinions, and communicating observations in written form.
You will submit your essay in the box that is titled “Your Essay.” Once you submit your essay, it will be posted to the InterNACHI Inspection Forum. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.
Please continue with the course after submitting your essay.
After reading the InterNACHI article “Easy Steps That Help Home Inspectors Avoid Lawsuits” by Nick Gromicko, I learned that there are many simple but important steps a home inspector can take to avoid legal trouble. One of the most important tips is never calling yourself an “expert” in marketing materials. Legally, an expert is held to a higher standard of care, which can increase liability in a lawsuit. Since home inspectors are generalists, not specialists, this kind of language should be avoided.The article also strongly recommends forming an LLC or corporation to protect your personal assets, using a pre-inspection agreement to clearly define the scope and limits of the inspection, and continuing your education through InterNACHI’s training programs. Completing these courses builds credibility and helps defend against false claims.
I was especially interested in the suggestion to take photos of the water meter before leaving an inspection. This can protect the inspector from being blamed for leaks or water damage that might occur after the inspection is complete.
Overall, the biggest takeaway is that clear communication, proper documentation, and professionalism are the best tools to reduce risk. Following InterNACHI’s advice helps inspectors stay protected while providing honest, high-quality service to clients.
Great essay!