A home inspection plays an important role when it comes to buying or selling a home in Ohio. It is helpful to protect the investment by making the right decision. Whether you are buying or selling your home, you must know about the laws of this essential step. Let’s see what the laws say and how they affect buyers, sellers, and inspectors when it comes to scheduling a home inspection in Columbus, Ohio.
Why Home Inspections Matter in Ohio
First of all, it is necessary to understand the importance of a home inspection. The home inspection is a visual examination of a property in which the inspector checks the structure and mechanical systems installed there. From the rooftop to the foundation, everything is assessed in an inspection.
Buyers schedule an inspection before completing a purchase to ensure that they are buying the right home against their investment. In Ohio, there are homes of almost all ages. From historic structures to new developments, inspection of every home is necessary when someone is going to make a purchase. So, there is a set of rules that buyers, sellers, and home inspectors in Ohio follow.
Home Inspection Laws in Ohio
Previously, the inspection industry wasn’t regulated. But it changed with House Bill 211, signed into law in January 2019. This law formally created licensing requirements for home inspectors, overseen by the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing. The purpose of this law was to bring consistency and accountability to the home inspection industry.
Who Needs a License?
According to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4764, the person performing a home inspection for compensation must be licensed. So, if you are hiring home inspectors in Columbus, Ohio, make sure they have a valid license without any exceptions.
What are the Requirements to Become a Licensed Home Inspector in Ohio?
The home inspectors willing to work as professionals in Ohio must meet the following criteria:
- Complete at least 80 hours of pre-licensing education from a state-approved provider
- Pass the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE)
- Submit electronic fingerprints for a background check
- Show proof of errors and omissions (E&O) insurance and general liability insurance
- Pay the applicable licensing fees and submit an application to the Ohio Division of Real Estate
What Does an Ohio Home Inspection Include?
The licensed inspectors in Ohio follow the standards often set by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the International Association of Home Inspectors. So the typical home inspection in Columbus, Ohio, covers:
- Structural Systems
- Exterior Components
- Interior Components
- Roofing and Attic
- Plumbing and Electrical System
- Heating and Cooling System
- Insulation and Ventilation
- Built-in Appliances
The inspectors just check the condition of the above-listed components. They can’t predict future conditions and can’t provide a guarantee of structure or mechanical systems.
What Inspectors Can’t Do?
In Ohio, licensed home inspectors can’t do the following things:
- They can’t offer repair service after inspecting a home
- They must disclose any financial interests related to referrals
- They are not allowed to perform invasive or destructive tests unless there is a written agreement.
- They are not supposed to brief the client on defects without being mentioned in a written report.
What are the Rights of Buyers in Ohio?
The buyers in Ohio have the right to:
- Hire their own licensed home inspector
- Be present during the inspection
- Request repairs or negotiate for a price reduction on the basis of findings
- Walk away from the deal if there are bigger issues
What Happens if a Home Inspector in Ohio Misses Major Problems?
The licensed home inspectors in Columbus, Ohio, with a well-formulated checklist, are not likely to miss anything during the inspection. However, if a home inspector misses something major like the presence of mold, structural issues, or faulty wiring, you can file a complaint with the Ohio Home Inspector Board. Such complaints may lead to:
- Fines
- License Suspension
- Mandatory Retraining
- Possible Civil Liability if Negligence is Proven
If the issue is found out of the scope of standard inspection or in an inaccessible area, then the inspector will not be liable for negligence.
How to Verify a Home Inspector in Columbus, Ohio?
If you want to verify your home inspector in Columbus, Ohio, here’s the way:
- Check the Ohio eLicense Center by using the inspector’s name or license number
- Look for affiliations with ASHI or InterNACHI
- Ask for proof of liability and E&O insurance
- Read reviews or ask for a reference
- Request a sample inspection report
Verifying your inspector means you are going to get an inspection from certified professionals in Ohio.
Tips for Buyers and Sellers
Pro tips if you are buying a home:
- Don’t waive the inspection even in a competitive market
- Be present and clear your queries during the inspection
- Act quickly to get the repairs or negotiation done in time
Pro tips if you are selling a home:
- Consider a pre-listing inspection to spot problems early
- Disclose the issues honestly to avoid future trouble
- Use inspection to your advantage by making suitable repairs
Looking for a Home Inspection in Columbus, Ohio?
The laws for home inspection in Ohio are for the legal protection of all parties during the process. The state has the protected interests of everyone involved in the real estate transaction. If you are planning to buy or sell a home in Columbus, it’s time to hire professionals offering the best home inspection in Columbus, Ohio. Linkhorn Inspections makes sure to follow the set of rules and provide its clients with the most authentic inspection reports. You can schedule your inspection today and relax because the certified and well-trained inspectors will provide you with all the essential information about the home.
