Any bets?

[kpierce]

On how many complaints are filed with the WA state DOL today?

[Brian E. Kelly]

zero

[kpierce]

Originally Posted by bkelly2

zero

Doubt it.

[Nick Gromicko]

Washington is one of those states that harms its own citizens by forcing new inspectors to sit through a pricey, inferior classroom course before they can take InterNACHI's robust online courses.

[Mike O'Handley]

Hi,

Since you are no longer performing home inspections, why do you even care, Kevin?

To answer your question, I just talked to Rhonda; and, so far, at nearly close of business for the day, zero. She has fielded a few calls over the last week by folks who're still getting everything done that they need to get done - and there is one long-time inspector that insists he had no idea that just being approved for the test does not give him the right to practice without a license, which is pretty hard to believe at this late juncture, but she says it's been pretty quiet in comparison to last August. Even some of the arm wavers who failed to push through the extension and get CE requirements waived for the next six years have thrown in the towel and met the requirements.

I'm sure that there are, no-doubt, inspectors practicing without a license, but DOL doesn't have to go out looking for them; the way home inspectors are, you can bet that their competitors who've jumped through all those hoops to get licensed are already checking to see whether they've been licensed, are perusing their websites and are sure to let DOL know about anything they think violates the rules. Earlier this week I got a query from a fellow who wanted to know if an inspector who had posted "Approved for Testing" on his website could legally continue to practice despite not yet having completed all of the requirements. The answer is no.

Keep in mind that anyone who files a complaint against an inspector for violating the rules must provide DOL his/her own information; because anyone accused of violating the rules has a legal right to know the name of their accuser. DOL will not accept anonymous complaints and will not even forward them to their investigators.

For those who are thinking about blowing off the rules; think twice - if someone drops a dime on you, you can be fined up to $1,000 for every day you practice without a license by the Department of Licensing, you can be subject to an injunction issued by DOL that prohibits you from performing home inspections, and, if you defy that injunction and are caught and later found guilty of violating that injunction, you can be fined up to $25,000 per offense charged against you by DOL.

It's not worth it and it's a whole lot simpler just to bite the bullet and get it done.

Nice piece of propaganda, Nick. It would be even nicer if it were true but we all know how you really hate it when the truth interferes with your spin.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike O'Handley, LHI
Your Inspector LLC.
Kenmore, Washington
Wa. Lic. Home Inspector #202
Since Jan 30, 2002, Editor/Owner - The Inspector's Journal™

[Nick Gromicko]

Mike, I suggest you tell it to the U.S. Department of Education: U.S. Department of Education study showing online courses are better than classroom courses.... and I also suggest that you read: http://www.nachi.org/classroomsharm.htm

Mike, you aren't claiming that the U.S. Department of Education (which oversees a few classrooms I think ) is "spinning" their 12-year study to make the State of Washington look bad. Are you?

Are you claiming that the U.S. Department of Education's 93-page report is "propaganda" designed to make Mike O'Handley look stupid?

[kpierce]

Originally Posted by Mike O'Handley

To answer your question, I just talked to Rhonda; and, so far, at nearly close of business for the day, zero.

Aw, that's a disappointment. I was hoping for a bloodbath.

Originally Posted by Mike O'Handley

...the way home inspectors are, you can bet that their competitors who've jumped through all those hoops to get licensed are already checking to see whether they've been licensed, are perusing their websites and are sure to let DOL know about anything they think violates the rules.

Yep, that's why I was expecting an onslaught of complaints today. With the industry still relatively slow, I figured that pitchforks were being fervently sharpened over the last week.

Why do I care? I really don't care much. Doesn't mean I'm not curious. I'm just glad the board decided to put their tails between their legs on trying to regulate my business. I tried to tell you all that there was no logic behind your rants. I'm glad reason prevailed.