Completing the Ethics course tonight.
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 article "Three Photos Every Inspector Should Include at the End of the Report," I picked up some really useful tips for home inspectors. The authors talk about how important it is to take three photos of the water meter before leaving a property. This way, if there are any water leaks, inspectors can avoid misunderstandings later on. By showing that the water meter isn’t running, inspectors can confirm that there are no hidden leaks in the plumbing system. I really like how taking these pictures serves as a handy checklist for inspectors. It’s a smart way to make sure nothing gets overlooked during the inspection. Plus, documenting the water meter and other critical features can help inspectors stay organized and detailed in their work. In fact, keeping a picture folder for every major step of the job would be a great best practice. This not only provides solid documentation but also helps if they need to reference something later on. The article also makes a solid point about how including these photos in the inspection report can impress clients. It shows that the inspector is thorough and genuinely cares about their clients’ needs. If a leak is spotted on the water meter, the inspector can recommend calling in a licensed plumber. This proactive approach really boosts the inspector's credibility. Another thing I found helpful is how sharing these simple maintenance tips empowers clients to monitor their water usage. This can help them save money and catch any plumbing issues before they become a bigger problem. All in all, taking these extra steps builds trust with clients and encourages positive feedback that inspectors can use in their marketing efforts. In summary, this article underscores how important it is for home inspectors to pay attention to detail and communicate effectively. By incorporating these three photos into their reports and keeping good photo records, inspectors can protect themselves from potential issues while offering great service to their clients.
another one
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 articles (Library of Inspection Articles) nothing surprises me. I learned to always be aware of your surroundings; safety should be number one priority always. If safety signs are needed, not to hesitate and place them in your work zone. Also, some clients are just waiting for an opportunity to file a lawsuit. As a home inspector, you always got to protect yourself and clarify that you are not an expert to avoid any misunderstanding and to avoid a lawsuit.
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" is often a statement made with good intention by inspectors but could easily be turned around by a disgruntled client. The statement is made to convey that the inspector did not observe any visible evidence, but it is far better both for clarity and legality to say just that--no indications were observed at time of inspection. Stating that there was no visible evidence in itself is a bold claim to make, as someone could make the argument that there actually was visible evidence at the time of inspection, yet the inspector not only failed to note it but issued statement precluding the evidence.
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.
As a home inspector, the values of honesty, integrity, and professionalism are not just ideals—they are daily practices that shape my conduct, define my service, and protect the public interest. These core values guide every inspection I perform and every decision I make, ensuring I serve clients with transparency, fairness, and competence.Honesty is the cornerstone of trust in the inspection process. My clients depend on me to deliver accurate, unbiased information about the condition of a property. Whether I discover minor issues or major defects, I report findings truthfully, even when the truth may be inconvenient. For example, if I find signs of moisture damage in a home that is otherwise presented as “move-in ready,” I will document and report those findings clearly. Withholding such information would compromise my client’s ability to make informed decisions and could lead to costly surprises down the road. Honesty means putting the client’s right to knowledge above any pressure to protect a deal or please an agent.
Integrity means doing what’s right—even when no one is watching. It requires consistency in action, adherence to ethical standards, and a commitment to upholding the truth, even in complex or uncomfortable situations. InterNACHI’s Code of Ethics states that members shall avoid conflicts of interest and shall not allow relationships to influence inspection results . This guides me to maintain clear boundaries and never let personal gain influence my findings. For instance, I will never offer repair services for issues I uncover, as doing so could create a conflict of interest and diminish the trust clients place in my objectivity. My integrity assures clients that my evaluations are based solely on their best interests.
Professionalism encompasses both attitude and action. It shows in my punctuality, appearance, communication, and attention to detail. It also means recognizing the limits of my expertise and deferring to specialists when necessary. The InterNACHI Standards of Practice remind inspectors to describe systems and components and to report on observed defects—but not to diagnose or repair them . Respecting these boundaries ensures that I remain within the scope of my practice and deliver consistent, ethical service. Professionalism also means treating clients, agents, and sellers with respect, regardless of the challenges that arise.
Together, honesty, integrity, and professionalism ensure that I operate as a reliable, ethical, and respected inspector. These values not only protect my clients—they uphold the reputation of the home inspection industry and reflect my commitment to doing meaningful work. In every home I inspect, I carry these principles with me, ensuring that each inspection is more than a service—it’s a promise kept.
Working toward CPI qualifications with InterNACHI and licensing in my State. Ready to take this ethics course!
really excited to get into this course
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.
The professional interity of home inspector is of paramount importance and our assessments directly impact homebuyer's decisions.When the seller or broker pressures the inspector to withhold information, the inspector faces an ethical dilemma: should they compromise to facilitate the transaction, or stick to their principles and provide an honest and accourate report? Moral Conflict: When inspectors examined the roof, they found obvious damage, such as missing shingles, signs of water infiltration, and flashing corrosion. After learning about this, the seller asked the inspector not to include the problem in the report, claiming that "the roof can still be used for many years" and hinted that if the inspector cooperated, there might be more opportunities for cooperation.
- Choice and influence
1)Compromise and downplay the problem — this may allow the deal to go through, but the buyer may face expensive
repairs after moving in, or even compromise the safety of the property. If the buyer discovers that information has
been withheld, the inspector’s reputation and professional integrity will be seriously damaged and he or she may
even face legal liability.2)Insist on being honest and reporting truthfully - although this may cause dissatisfaction from the seller or loss
of future business, it can safeguard your professional ethics and ensure that buyers receive accurate information
and make wise decisions.
- Professional Standards and Integrity
Under the InterNACHI® Home Inspection Standards, inspectors must report all significant defects, including issues
that affect safety, property value or functionality. Adhering to standards and providing objective reporting is the
only right choice to maintain professional integrity.- in conclusion
Ethical challenges occur frequently in the home inspection industry, but adherence to principles and integrity are
the keys to long-term success. Honest and transparent reporting protects buyers’ interests, enhances inspectors’
professional reputation, and ensures fairness and accountability in the industry.
Great course. Short and sweet. About to start the essays.
Hello! Heather here in Wilmington, NC.
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.
During a recent home inspection, a seller approached me with a request that put me in a difficult situation. The house had an older electrical panel that showed signs of overheating and corrosion. As an Certified Home Inspector, I knew this was a potential fire hazard and needed to be reported. However, the seller asked me to downplay the severity the issue i observed and wrote in my report so the sale would not be delayed or fall through.I was faced with two difficult options. One option was to follow the seller’s request and soften the language in my report, risking the buyer’s safety and potentially damaging my reputation and license. The other option was to remain truthful and write my report accurately, noting the problems I found and recommending further evaluation by a licensed electrical contractor.
I chose the ethical path: I reported the condition of the electrical panel honestly and included clear photos and comments in the report. I also explained to the seller that my responsibility is to the client and to public safety, and that I must follow the Code of Ethics I promised to abide by. While the seller was disappointed, I knew I had done the right thing.
As home inspectors often face pressure from clients, agents, or sellers to bend the truth in there favor. But i find it important to maintain integrity an essential function of this career field. The job of a home inspector is not to make or break a deal—it is to provide accurate, unbiased information so people can make safe and informed decisions.