Home inspections are an important part of buying or selling a home today. It wasn’t always this way. Not so long ago, buying a house meant crossing your fingers and hoping for the best. Over the years, the home inspection process has evolved dramatically, providing more assurance for both buyers and sellers. Let’s take a journey through the history of home inspections — from the early days of “buyer beware” to today’s more regulated and comprehensive approach.

A Look Back: The Early Days of Home Inspections

In the past, home inspections were much less formal. The idea of hiring someone specifically to inspect a home before buying or selling was not common. Buyers relied on their own judgment, their uncle’s opinion, or simply hoped for the best. Homes were usually bought “as-is,” and any issues discovered after the sale were solely the buyer’s responsibility. Not exactly a comforting thought, right?

It wasn’t until the 1970s and 1980s that home inspections began to gain traction in the real estate industry. As home buying became more complex and regulations around real estate transactions increased, more buyers sought professional help to ensure they were making sound investments. However, even then, there were no consistent standards or regulations governing who could call themselves a home inspector. Pretty much anyone with a ladder and a flashlight could give it a go!

Fast Forward to Today: Professionalization and Standards

Thankfully, things have changed quite a bit since then! Today, home inspections are a well-established part of the home-buying process. Buyers hire professional inspectors to identify potential issues, from structural problems to faulty wiring or hidden mold. Home inspectors play a crucial role in protecting both parties in a real estate transaction by providing a detailed, unbiased assessment of a property’s condition.

But here’s where things get interesting: not every state has the same rules or requirements for home inspectors. Some states, like Colorado, don’t require any certification at all for home inspectors. Surprising, right? Anyone can hang up a sign and call themselves an inspector, which means buyers need to be extra cautious and do their homework.

On the other hand, states like Texas have a more structured approach. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) oversees all real estate licensing, including home inspectors. TREC sets strict education and certification standards, ensuring that inspectors have the necessary training and qualifications to do their job properly. In fact, Texas inspectors must complete over 400 hours of coursework, pass an exam, and participate in continuing education to maintain their licenses. Now that’s what we call thorough! 

At TLC Home Inspections, we believe in setting a high bar, regardless of state requirements. That’s why all our inspectors are professionally trained and certified, giving our clients peace of mind knowing their home is in good hands. No guesswork, no crossed fingers — just reliable, knowledgeable inspections every time.

The Role of Technology in Modern Inspections

Another significant change in the world of home inspections is the use of technology. Back in the day, inspectors relied mainly on their eyes, a flashlight, and perhaps a moisture meter. Today, inspectors use a range of high-tech tools to ensure nothing is missed. Infrared cameras can detect temperature changes that reveal hidden water leaks, missing insulation, or electrical hotspots. Drones are used to inspect hard-to-reach areas like roofs, and advanced software helps create comprehensive, easy-to-read reports.

These innovations have made home inspections more accurate and efficient, allowing inspectors to catch issues that might have been overlooked in the past. Curious about how infrared technology works in inspections? Check out this article to learn more!

What Should You Look for in a Home Inspector Today?

With so much variation in state regulations, it’s important for buyers to know what to look for in a home inspector. Here are a few tips:

• Check for Certification: Make sure your inspector is certified by a recognized organization, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or InterNACHI, which set rigorous standards for training and ethics.
• Ask About Experience: Experience matters! Ask how long the inspector has been in the business and how many inspections they’ve completed. A seasoned inspector will have seen a variety of issues and know what to look for.
• Read Reviews: Don’t just take their word for it. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients to get an idea of their reputation and reliability.
• Get a Sample Report: Ask for a sample inspection report to see how thorough and clear their documentation is. A good report should include detailed explanations, photos, and clear recommendations for next steps.

Why Home Inspections Matter More Than Ever

A recent article from USA Today highlights that a home inspection could help buyers save as much as $14,000 on their home purchase. It also emphasizes that the expense of skipping an inspection could be up to 100 times more than the inspection fee, depending on the severity of the problems discovered later.

At the end of the day, home inspections have come a long way from their early beginnings. With more regulation, better technology, and higher standards, today’s inspections offer a lot more protection and peace of mind for homebuyers. Whether you’re buying a home in a state with strict regulations or one with a more relaxed approach, choosing a trained and certified inspector can make all the difference.

At TLC Home Inspections, we’re proud to be part of this evolving industry, bringing the best practices and technology to every inspection we do. Our goal is simple: to help you make informed decisions and feel confident in your home purchase, now and for years to come.