TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Paul Sarlo that would eliminate the position of “associate home inspector,” thereby encouraging healthy competition in the field of home inspection was approved today by the Senate Commerce Committee.”
“Under the current law, anyone wanting to work as an associate home inspector would have to work under a home inspector, which is problematic because most home inspectors don’t want competition,” said Senator Sarlo, D-Bergen, Essex and Passaic. “This measure would amend last year’s ‘Home Inspection Professional Licensing Act’ to allow more recent graduates to break into the field, and eliminate the possibility of one group of home inspectors holding a monopoly over the system.”
Senator Sarlo’s measure, S-2503, would amend the “Home Inspection Professional Licensing Act” to eliminate the classification of associate home inspector. Under the bill, in order to become a home inspector, qualified applicants must have successfully completed an approved course of study of at least 180 hours, including 40 hours of unpaid field-based inspections under the supervision and liability of a licensed home inspector. Applicants must also pass an exam approved by the Home Inspection Advisory Committee.
“This measure is necessary to help promote healthy competition in the home inspection field, and to give more homeowners the freedom to choose the best possible candidate to inspect their property.” said Senator Sarlo.
This measure now awaits a vote by the full Senate.