In Maryland, disclosure requirements while selling real estate are mandated by law. This means that the seller should disclose existing material defects of the house before putting it on the market. Some sellers can hide behind disclaimer clauses so as not to disclose information, so buyers or agents can be protected with a professional home inspection. The inspection report will show the overall condition of the house from top to bottom, inside and out.
Home inspectors conduct inspections on previously owned or newly built residential properties, including condominiums, apartments, townhouses and single detached homes. They are often hired by prospective buyers who want to know the house's condition prior to selling or renovating it. Included in the different aspects of a home inspection are roofing, garage systems, interiors, plumbing, foundation, electrical, heating and gas systems. Home inspectors make sure to keep an eye on violations, though they don't have the authority to enforce building codes.
Maryland home inspectors must have a high school diploma and a certificate of completing an accredited home inspection course with a minimum of 72 hours. A certificate or associate degree can be earned from community colleges or online institutions approved by the state. Aspiring home inspectors have better chances of meeting opportunities with a college degree, which may serve to count as prior experience. Further home inspection courses can be taken to gain more expertise in building codes and regulations.
Maryland's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation governs the regulations of home inspections. Those who want to have the necessary credentials in home inspection must pass the National Home Inspector Exam before becoming a licensed home inspector in Maryland. The inspectors must also carry a minimum of $50,000 of liability insurance. The Maryland home inspection license should be renewed every two years.
The cost for home inspection license is $400 with a non-refundable application fee of $50. Online home inspection courses cost as little as $60 for basic level, while the more comprehensive national home inspection courses can cost around $1,000.