Posts in category: ETHICS

During our home inspections, we are often asked if an item “meets code”. According to New York State law, home inspectors are not required to determine what meets, or does not meet code. Because municipalities and states are regularly changing codes, the only person that can determine if something meets code is the local building inspector.

Having said this, it is still a good idea for home inspectors to be familiar with various codes as basic background knowledge and training. Codes are there for various reasons, including functionality and safety of the building and its systems. So, understanding the various codes is a good thing for home inspectors. Obviously, this enables the inspector to do a better job which ultimately helps the client.

For more related information click on this link:

https://safeharborinspections.com/blog/

Should a home inspector pay a commission to a Real Estate Agent for Home Inspection referrals? In a word, NO. In 2006, New York State instituted a Home Inspection License Law which includes a “Code of Ethics”, and states that Home Inspectors may not pay real estate agents (or anybody else for that matter) for Home Inspection referrals. This is to avoid a potential conflict of interest and harm to the client. Before 2006, and before the license law came into effect, it was the “Wild West” where Home Inspectors regularly paid real estate agents for their referrals. But now it’s illegal!

So, if you are a Real Estate Agent, our recommendation to you is this: if a Home Inspector offers to pay you a commission for home inspection referrals, just say no. IT’S ILLEGAL.

Also, the reverse is true. It’s illegal for real estate agents to pay a home inspector. This is also to avoid a potential conflict of interest and harm to the client.

Of course, the Code of Ethics contains many more rules and regulations that I am not mentioning here. If you are interested, you can Google “New York State home inspection code of ethics”.

For more related information click on this link:

https://safeharborinspections.com/blog/