To begin, we should outline what a home inspection is in our state as defined by our licensure board (NC).
A written evaluation of two or more of the following components of a residential building: heating system, cooling system, plumbing system, electrical system, structural components, foundation, roof, masonry structure, exterior and interior components, or any other related residential housing component.
Then, what a Home Inspector is as defined by our licensure board.
Home inspector. – An individual who engages in the business of performing home inspections for compensation.
It has come to our attention that a company based out of Durham, NC is performing what is defined as a home inspection, but labeling it as a, "certification".
This poses an issue as this company and the individual conducting the inspections is not educated on the inspection process. And also presents a conflict of interest as this person is attempting to solicit sales of repairs as a result of their, "certifications".
This individual outlines in an article posted by WRAL, that they do not know more about a home besides maybe changing a light bulb. You can find that article here.
What is more interesting is the founder, George Kirkland, is the person who is also conducting these, "inspections" as defined, not being licensed. And has managed to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars from investors, backing an unlicensed, uneducated (on home inspections) individual.
The draw seems to be they provide a "digital report". Of course most modern home inspection companies today provide these and have been for years.
The real concern is safety. If you don't know much more than changing a lightbulb, our guess would be you also would not be able to remove a panel and identify single strand aluminum wiring. "certifying" a home and then it catching fire because of lack of information or warning.
You can file a complaint with the board here after reviewing his website and making the determination yourself if this company is impersonating, and misleading the inspection process while not being licensed. There is currently a pending meeting with the board in order to officially determine if action will be taken against the individual. Others experienced with our awesome licensed inspectors in NC should also voice your opinions and concerns to the board.
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