Experience, training and expertise are all required  to perform professional-quality home inspections. Many people do not realize that California does not require home inspectors to be licensed. Any one can start a home inspection business which is one of the reasons why inspection quotes vary so much. If you see a license number on an inspector's website it is most likely that individual's contractor's license. One of the best ways to ensure you are getting a qualified home inspector is to see if they are members of one of the professional organizations of home inspectors. The two most respected organizations are ASHI and CREIA.

Both organizations promote standards for property inspections and provide educational programs needed to achieve excellence in the profession. These professional associations require members to earn continuing education credits every year to keep their skills sharp and their knowledge of construction current. In addition members meet and share experiences with peers by attending chapter meetings and communicating through discussion forums.