News
February 2010
A Closer Look Inspection Service joins the Senior Home Safety Network and begins offer Senior Home Safety Inspections. Call us at 940-891-3803 about important information regarding this vital new inspection service,
January 2009
Jim Hemsell is awarded the ASHI Ironman Award for his long and enduring efforts to improve the home inspection industry
January 2009
Jim Hemsell publishes his 3rd article in the ASHI Reporter about his experiences performing FEMA Inspections on the Gulf Coast after Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
December 2008
Jim Hemsell publishes his 2nd article in the ASHI Reporter about his experiences performing FEMA Inspections on the Gulf Coast after Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
November 2008
Jim Hemsell publishes his 1st article in the ASHI Reporter about his experiences performing FEMA Inspections on the Gulf Coast after Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
January 2008
Jim Hemsell wins the prestigious ASHI John Cox Award
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Take a closer look at inspectors
by James Hemsell I’m sure you know the Texas Real Estate Commission regulates sales agents and brokers. They also regulate home inspectors, and the commission made some dramatic changes that may affect the quality of home inspectors inspecting properties for your buyers and sellers. Prior to January 1st 2005, home inspectors received their licenses through one of two tracks. The original licensing program followed the models of many trades, such as plumbers and electricians. An apprentice inspector worked under the direct supervision of a professional inspector until he had acquired 90 hours of classroom training, performed 25 inspections under the direct supervision of the professional inspector, and passed the TREC licensing exam. The apprentice inspector then became a real estate inspector and had to acquire an additional 38 hours of classroom education, 200 more inspections, and pass another test to become a professional inspector. About eight years ago, an
alternate track was developed that eliminated the sponsorship
requirements and substituted additional classroom education
(60 hours) in lieu of the experience and supervision
requirements. Soon, most inspectors were acquiring their
professional licenses this way. This eased entry into the
profession but also created problems with the quality of many
home inspections. Numerous professional inspectors were now
licensed who had never performed a single inspection. These
inspectors had not developed the skills necessary to inspect
the property, communicate effectively with the parties in the
transaction, or fully understand the role of the inspection in
the transaction. James Hemsell is a Denton-based Professional Inspector with 23 years experience. He is the past president of the Lone Star chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors (www.ASHITexas.org). Illustration © Digital Vision. |



