Washington State Home Inspector Study Cards

Questions and Answers

What is the length of the home inspector license term?

Two years

What must a licensed home inspector appear on?

Advertisements, correspondence, and documents

What are the requirements for license renewal?

Present evidence of continuing education and complete 24 hours of continuing education

What is required in a written report from a home inspector?

Provide a written report within the board-approved time period, including 'issues to be addressed' Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to civil infractions for home inspectors? (Select all that apply)

Performing inspection without a license Signup and view all the answers

Which professions are exempt from licensing? (Select all that apply)

Engineers Signup and view all the answers

What are the restrictions for home inspectors without a license concerning wood-destroying organisms?

Only refer to rot or conducive conditions for WDO in the report; refer to a structural pest inspector for identification Signup and view all the answers

What is a preinspection agreement?

A written contract signed by the client that outlines standards and work to be performed Signup and view all the answers

What is a prefer consultation?

A verbal report limited in scope performed by a home inspector that requires a signed preinspection agreement Signup and view all the answers

What does readily accessible mean in the context of home inspections?

Available for visual inspection without requiring moving personal property, dismantling, or causing risk Signup and view all the answers

Inspectors can minimize issues to gain favor with a realtor.

False Signup and view all the answers

Home inspectors can market their own services immediately after an inspection.

False Signup and view all the answers

How long must home inspectors maintain records?

Three years Signup and view all the answers

What must be included in a preinspection agreement? (Select all that apply)

Home inspector compensation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

License Length and Renewal

Home inspector licenses are valid for two years, expiring on the second birthday from the issue date.
Renewal requires evidence of continuous education and completion of 24 hours of coursework.

Advertising Regulations

Licensed home inspectors must include their license information on advertisements, correspondence, and official documents to maintain transparency.

Written Reports

Inspectors are required to provide written reports within a board-approved timeline, detailing issues that need addressing.
No additional work can be performed by the inspector for one year following the inspection.

Civil Infractions

Civil infractions can be issued by the Department for license violations including illegal inspections, using another’s license, fraudulent license acquisition, impersonation, or operating with an expired license.

Licensing Exemptions

Certain professions such as engineers, architects, licensed electricians, licensed plumbers, and licensed pesticide operators are exempt from home inspector licensing.

Structural Pest Inspectors

Home inspectors without a specific structural pest license are limited to referring to rot or conducive conditions for wood-destroying organisms (WDO) in reports and must defer identification needs to licensed pest inspectors.

Preinspection Agreement

A written contract must be signed by the client, outlining the scope and standards of the work to be performed prior to inspection.

Preferred Consultation

Verbal reports limited in scope, termed "prefer consultation," require a signed preinspection agreement and must occur before mutual acceptance of the inspection terms.

Accessibility Definition

Readily accessible areas can be visually inspected without needing to move personal items, dismantle, or perform any risky actions.

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on Professional Integrity

Inspectors must not downplay defects to secure future referrals, maintaining transparency with real estate professionals.

Restriction on Marketing Services

Inspectors are prohibited from being compensated for repairs or upgrades to a client's home within one year after conducting an inspection.

Client Confidentiality

Inspectors cannot disclose client report information without consent, except for health and safety hazards that may affect others.

Record Keeping Requirements

Home inspectors must retain records including the preinspection agreement, inspection report, and training timesheets for three years.

Contracts and Agreements

The preinspection agreement must detail property address, inspector compensation, the scope of inspections, and specify any exclusions regarding environmental issues unless agreed in writing.

SOP on Inspection Procedures

Inspectors must provide a copy of the preinspection agreement prior to the inspection and deliver the inspection report as per the agreement's terms.
They are obligated to refund fees related to inspections when mandated by court orders.

Description

Prepare for your Washington State Home Inspector exam with these study cards. Each card covers key concepts such as license renewal and advertising requirements. Perfect for quick revision and reinforcing your knowledge.