Fight the good fight

**Billy Stephens** · 03-23-2008, 07:25 AM

Originally Posted by Raymond Wand

.----Steven Meyer

,-----unless of course you are a redneck American.
.

Alright now,

We don't claim him.

**Raymond Wand** · 03-23-2008, 07:32 AM

Happy Easter everyone!

**Scott Patterson** · 03-23-2008, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by Joseph Burkeson

Good question and one I struggled with for a very long time since I am not an ivory tower guy I was not privy to the inner workings of ASHI, but through watching & listening I began understand the madness behind motive.

The simple answer is ASHI is very dedicated to the NHIE, it created and financially supported The Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors for a long time and the only way for the NHIE to survive on it's own would be to have states adopt this exam as the required licensing exam.

That is why ASHI national promotes the licensing of home inspectors even though when licensing comes (especially weak licensing like we have here in Florida) it undermines ASHI membership in areas where there is no local presence. It is beyond me why ASHI is willing to sacrifice itself on the alter of the NHIE but that appears to be the way it is.

Currently it is impossible to conceive that any meaningful change will come regarding ASHI's stand on licensing but recent economic events may help to break the stranglehold the NHIE has on ASHI licensing policy. I would not be surprised though to find out that in the end it was the NHIE that survived and thrived while ASHI floundered.

Joe, as of 2004 ASHI no longer has anything to do with EBPHI or the NHIE. EBPHI is not beholding to ASHI for anything. Yes, ASHI started EBPHI and funded it in the begining, but that all stopped in early 2003.

EBPHI is neutral on licensing and does not get involved in the political arena, but when asked to testify or help states with their licensing programs EBPHI is ready to offer any help that might be needed.

Deleted Account · 03-23-2008, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

Joe, as of 2004 ASHI no longer has anything to do with EBPHI or the NHIE. EBPHI is not beholding to ASHI for anything. Yes, ASHI started EBPHI and funded it in the begining, but that all stopped in early 2003.

EBPHI is neutral on licensing and does not get involved in the political arena, but when asked to testify or help states with their licensing programs EBPHI is ready to offer any help that might be needed.

Yes, I believe your post just about as much as I believe in the Easter Bunny. If it weren't for states adopting the NHIE as their official exam the EBPHI would be nothing but a bad memory, the fact is there just ain't enough new ASHI members entering the Society to keep the EBPHI in business.

The one & only hope for EBPHI is for MORE licensing, in my opinion to say that the EBPHI is neutral on licensing is one of the most disingenuous statements you ever made. Exactly where would the EBPHI be without state licensing? The short answer... nowhere!

**Scott Patterson** · 03-23-2008, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by Joseph Burkeson

Yes, I believe your post just about as much as I believe in the Easter Bunny. If it weren't for states adopting the NHIE as their official exam the EBPHI would be nothing but a bad memory, the fact is there just ain't enough new ASHI members entering the Society to keep the EBPHI in business.

The one & only hope for EBPHI is for MORE licensing, in my opinion to say that the EBPHI is neutral on licensing is one of the most disingenuous statements you ever made. Exactly where would the EBPHI be without state licensing? The short answer... nowhere!

Joe, are you saying that I'm not telling the truth? You have known me for several years and when have I never told the truth about anything. I even helped you to join ASHI without it being publicized so folks over at IACHI would not know.

Yes, it is true that EBPHI is supported by folks who need to take it for licensing. That is it's main purpose, mission and the reason it was established. EBPHI provides a service to the profession by offering an impartial third party exam.

EBPHI's sole purpose is development, maintenance and administration of a valid, reliable and legally defensible home inspector competence assessment test. It is governed by a volunteer board of directors, but it is not a membership organization.

Membership organizations and for-profit companies have inherent conflicts of interest in providing tests for public protection. Trade and professional organizations are focused on the agendas and market concerns of dues-paying members. For-profit entities may have a bias toward generating revenue rather than protecting the consumer and enhancing the home inspection profession. Because EBPHI does not depend on membership dues revenue, it is free to focus wholly on consumer protection in home inspector competency assessment.

EBPHI has a small budget so it's needs are not all that great. The major expense in the development of the exam has been done already. All that is needed now is ongoing maintenance of the exam and that is a relatively small amount when compared to the developement cost.

Steven Meyer · 03-23-2008, 01:41 PM

MICHALE O"HANDLEY

Two years in the making??!! WOW Have read the bill, and will have to say, GOOD JOB!!! There are no hurdles a current or future HI needs to worry to much about.

It was fear of the unknown/unexpected/unintended consequences that had me concerned. $300 to $600 for a 2 year license??? OUCH!!!! Just another "cost of doing business".

Will have to commend you, and all that worked on this legislation, Hard to admit, but think we can all live with it.

You say, "still much to be done" over the coming months. How does one get involved and are there any web sights?

As for one of the board members, YOU have my VOTE!!!

Thanks for all your information and clarification.
My mind is at ease, and thank God this is over and done with!!
So, lets all "get licensed" and back to the job of inspecting!!!!

Michael P. O'Handley · 03-23-2008, 05:32 PM

Hi Steve,

The folks from the Department of Licensing were at the bill signing on Friday and they explained to the home inspectors that attended that they will be putting together an application process and will be posting it to their website within the next few weeks. They said to spread the word among home inspectors so that they will get good distribution of applicants. That's what I'm doing.

As soon as I've got more information about what they're going to need, I'll be posting it for everyone.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

**Randy Aldering** · 03-24-2008, 10:53 AM

There's just something about real estate agents referring home inspectors and appraisers; used car salesmen referring mechanics; health insurance companies referring physicians.

As for licensing, well, it will never set well with me if home inspectors have to answer to anybody other than their peers. Physicians and dentists do not have pharmaceutical companies or insurance companies regulating them. IF home inspectors are licensed, they should ONLY answer to their PEERS.

And when a home inspector conducts an inspection, they should only answer to their CLIENT.

Steven Meyer · 03-24-2008, 02:28 PM

Michael

WA Legislation
Thanks for the up date, Appreciate it
So, guess it's time to fill out that paper work and write that check!!

Question: Do we still have to maintain that bug license???

Thanks, kindly keep me informed of further developements that I may not be privy to.

thanks

Michael P. O'Handley · 03-24-2008, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by Steven Meyer

Question: Do we still have to maintain that bug license???

That's a good question. The law that's signed gives specific drop dead dates for when experienced inspectors and inexperienced inspectors must have completed all of the licensing requirements. The law does not specify a date when the separation between bug guys and home inspectors takes place. I guess the Department of Licensing will have to clarify that.

In any event, my understanding of it is that, if you're going to comment on any insects identified or insect conditions you'll need to maintain the bug license. However, if you make a conscious decision not to do insects, then you can legally perform inspections without a bug license, will be able to comment about conducive conditions and rot, but will be required to refer anything that you suspect is a bug issue to a licensed SPI without further comment.

I think that's the way it works in most other states now.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike