Home Inspections & Home Inspectors

are Governed by Pennsylvania State Law under Act 114.

Understanding the Law will Protect your Investment.

Two Thirds of PA Inspectors May Not Be Compliant.

Make Certain Your Inspector is PA Compliant.

The Pennsylviania Home Inspectors Coalition

recognizes only NAHI & ASHI Members.

The HOME INSPECTION LAW OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA defines a home inspection as:  "A noninvasive, visual examination of some combination of the mechanical, electrical or plumbing systems or the structural and essential components of a residential dwelling designed to identify material defects in those systems and components, and performed for a fee in connection with or preparation for a proposed or possible residential real estate transfer.  An inspection does not include an examination for, or of, one or more of the following: Wood destroying insects, underground tanks and wells, septic systems, swimming pools and spas, alarm systems, air and water quality, tennis courts and playground equipment, pollutants, toxic chemicals and environmental hazards.

A Material Defect is defined as: "A problem with a residential real property or any portion of it that would have a significant adverse impact on the value of the property or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property.  The fact that a structural element, system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of the normal useful life of such a structural element, system or subsystem is not by itself a material defect.

A Home Inspection Report must be in writing and shall include the following:

"A decription of the scope of the inspection, including without limitation an identification of the structural elements, systems and subsystems covered by the report."

"A description of any material defects noted during the inspection, along with any recommendation that certain experts be retained to determine the extent of the defects and any corrective action that should be taken."

"By law "the following statements are to be set forth conspicuously" in the home inspection report:

"A home inspection is intended to assist in the evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling. The inspection is based on observation of the visible an apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of inspection. "

"The results of this home inspection are not intended to make any representation regarding the presence or absence of latent or concealed defects that are not reasonably ascertainable in a competently performed home inspection.  No warrant or guaranty is expressed or implied.   

When your Agreement of Sale is contingent upon the results of a home inspection. The law require that such inspection shall be performed by a full member in good standing of a national home inspection association in accordance with the ethical standards and code of conduct or practice of that association. 

A National Association is defined as follows: (1) Operates on a not-for-profit basis and is not operated as a franchise. (2) Has members in more than ten states. (3) Requires that a person may not become a full member unless the person has performed or participated in more than 100 home inspections and has passed a recognized or accredited examination testing knowledge of the proper procedures for conductin a home inspection. (4) Requires that its members comply with a code of conduct and attend continuing professional educations classes as an ongoing conditon of membership. 

A Home Inspector is required to "maintain insurance against errors and omissions in the performance of home inspections and general liability."