Gov. Easley Urges Against Facts-Only Home Inspection Reports

Governor Mike Easley on Wednesday urged the Home Inspector Licensure Board to drop a proposed state mandate that home inspectors give only facts, not their judgments, in their reports to home-buyers.

Home inspections are not required in North Carolina, but they are often recommended for both new and existing construction. The reports can be lengthy, and buyers often focus on the summary page, not the details.

Home inspectors who oppose the mandate claim facts-only reports will make it harder for them to alert home buyers to safety defects in properties.

"Many home inspectors believe that if finalized, the rule will limit the amount and content of their communications with home buyers on genuine safety issues. I concur with their assessment,” Easley said in a letter Wednesday to Home Inspector Licensure Board Members.

The mandate's backers have said it would stop home buyers from trying to squeeze personal opinions out of inspectors and would formalize reports.

The Home Inspector Licensure Board regulates the 1,000-plus home inspectors statewide. The board was scheduled to talk about the mandate Friday. Some home inspectors have promised a protest.