Just Had To Break The Ice

[Robert J. Hutchinson]

Well, this is the last day for us unlicensed Home Inspectors to be able to legally perform the inspections. I suggest that we hook up with a licensed inspector and just bring them along with us if we get a request to inspect. This will keep our business momentum going; add to the required 40 hour field work requirement; and keep us from feeling too nasty about the situation. I have been fortunate to have been able to have the accompanant of a now licensed inspector who is the president of the CNY NACHI Chapter. Out of the goodness of his heart, he has agreed to continue to go with me on any inspection that I may have between now and March when I will have all that is required to get my license. There are home inspectors out there that will do this..and I expect that many NACHI inspectors would do this gladly. Now, I know that it won't do much for your income, because the money should rightfully go to the licensed inspector, but it will keep your business "on the books", which is much more important than a short term income setback. Just go get a part time job like I have. I have the hours of 5:00AM to 9:00AM in the morning for the part time job and the rest of the day for booking home inspections. So, my fellow unlicensed, but soon to be licensed, home inspectors....lets keep up our chin and press forward in the new year. This too will pass and you will be able to look back and say, "well, it was hell, but I got through it!" We will see that the licensing is/was a good idea. Happy New Year to ALL!!

[James M. Troth]

Do what you have to. Glad you have an inspector to help you through the licensing that the state has done.

[rpaul]

Becareful! You better read the complete law. Especially 444-n. Unlicense Activities. you can not advertise doing home inspection without having a license. I just hate to see everyone get into trouble for doing this.

[Robert J. Hutchinson]

Rick, I am sure that you are correct, but I had spent over $1000.00 in advertisement way back in June when I started my business which is non-reversable and if I could even cancel it, would put so much egg on my face that my business would be ruined. So, it would be ruined by NYS also. And that means that NACHI must take us unlicensed inspectors out of their database as well??? I am hoping, actually, that I get licensed before anyone calls me for an inspection. I am not going to actively pursue the business before I get my license, but going back to all of the realtors and pulling business cards and brochures; taking their gifts back that have my business name on and web address(which were passed out in June) can't be done. You, know, you just struck a bad nerve in my body with this (not your fault), but the Satte of NY is just starting to irritate the heck out of me. I can see it now, all us unlicensed inspectors have to put a shingle over our shingle stating "oh, by the way, I am out of business per the state of new york, but just for a couple of months when I can get my license." This just does not feel like a democracy......

[pmackanos]

Wow, I have been reading the differnet threads, and I see a few of us guys in the business have different takes on the subject. Some guys are really mad . Well, I guess my two cents thrown in here won't hurt anyone. I have a business, and I need to do whatever it is to keep that business running and profitable. My take on this subject is: The state passed a law, it is a government agency - need I say more ? Yeh, they made it hard, did not return calls, or send applications like they said they would, etc. The bottom line is, we knew it was coming, and we needed to stay on top of it. I learned a long time ago in life. Learn to take care of yourself, you are number 1, and no one looks out for number 1 like number 1 can. I think I see a lot of blaming going on here, the state did this, they said that, etc. It's all done now, the law is passed, the licenses are issued and those that kept up with it - have their licenses and will be in business tomorrow. I feel sorry that many got hung up in the red tape or whatever, but the rules were pretty clear on their website, in fact they were crystal clear. I followed their rules and did what they required and they issued me a license. As for needing your license info on all of your advertisements, it's a law right ? That tells me that my license number will be (already is) on all of my future advertisements. Come on guys, it takes a whole lot less effort to comply with the law than to beat it up. It's the law, comply and get on with business. By the way, this subject was mentioned and tossed around with all of the senerios that could unfold, at our monthly chapter meetings. There is a lot to be said for being a member of NACHI, and a chapter member, and attending the meetings. That being said, all of you have a happy and prosperous new year.
Paul Mackanos - Professional Home Inspections, NYS License 16000006770
Rochester NY NACHI Chapter - President

[pmackanos]

Oh yeh, I forgot to mention this in the last post. Talk with your realtor association and NYAR, most of them have sent some pretty strong wording to the realtors about this law. Anyone who does not ask for the Home Inspectors License from the inspector, and knowingly uses an unlicensed inspector - will be held accountable for his/her actions. I have no idea what that means, and I am in no way quoting the exact words, but I did have the opportunity, and did read one of the letters. It's a pretty good guess, no license, no inspections ! No continuing to market without a license for future business, they just are not going to let that happen.

[rpaul]

Paul,

The law says it is up to the Real Estate Broker to make sure we are license to do inspections. So not only are we on the line but so are the
Real Estate Salespeople. Good marketing along with good inspection shall
our business grow.
Happy New Year!

Rick

[jrivera]

Paul M. I agree with what you said and I feel it could not have been clearer, you can't make everybody happy, you feel bad for the guys but its done and thats that.

And that darn school up there that really isn't up there.....or is it. Is useless at this time for guys who need to catch a few courses to get up to speed. Too bad Bill's school is far for some.

Oh well, wish you guys luck.

Mic

[Robert J. Hutchinson]

Just curious, did the DOS specify just what type of education will be required back in 2004? Was there ever an instance when they said that distance learning would not be acceptable? I'll bet not and I rest my case.

[pmackanos]

The Rochester NY Chapter had Susan John, Assemblywoman, here in Rochester for a day in May to talk to us about the NYS Licensing Law. She was a co-sponsor of the law. Remember, I said in MAY. She did not have much of a clue as to what the final requirements were going to be, but she did say that it is a government agency and did one of these . The problem with all agencies is that one faction makes the law, and others have to write up the requirements, one person wants this, another wants that, and it takes a long time to negotiate it out. The state could not possibly write up this law without a lot of outside intervention from parties involved in the field. My guess is, knowing that I was not involved, was that they talked a great deal with NACHI, ASHI, the exisiting schools, checked out course requirements, etc. and worked with a whole bunch of other organizations and other licensed states. They accept NACHI's exam, so I guess they were mentioned somewhere. The law is pretty explicit and really, really clear on the requirements, so they did their homework. We may not agree with them, but they are there, and are the law. My guess is that that knew that they were under the gun, and had to have it in place by 12/31/05. They finished negotiations, and this is what we have to live with. We as home inspectors in the state of NY have an obligation as a license holder, to keep up with our profession. This law is for the betterment of the profession and gives us a standard to work by. That is something that we all need, and we will all profit from in the future. I do feel bad that those that did not meet the minimum requirements or those that were not grandfathered in, but as in any new endeavor, it takes time to get it going along smooth. Have patience, comply with the law, and meet their requirements, and you will have a wonderful business opportunity. Oh yeh, HAPPY NEW YEAR ! Get involved with a NACHI Chapter in your area, have monthly meetings, what no chapter in your area? - Start one . E-mail me, I'll help you with all the info I can. If you are in the Rochester NY area, we meet at 7:00 PM the last Wednesday of every month. Send me an e-mail, I will put you on my distribution list, and you will know what is going on in the area. paul@ProHomeInspector.net. We are also having a Mold Certification Course here on Saturday, March 11 from Pro Labs. Keep the date open and attend, it will count as 8 hours of continuing education. It will be announced here on the NACHI site in the very near future, as I have just completed the details of booking the room. Send me that e-mail.
Paul Mackanos - Professional Home Inspections
Rochester NY NACHI Chapter - President

[pmackanos]

The Rochester NY Chapter had Susan John, Assemblywoman, here in Rochester for a day in May to talk to us about the NYS Licensing Law. She was a co-sponsor of the law. Remember, I said in MAY. She did not have much of a clue as to what the final requirements were going to be, but she did say that it is a government agency and did one of these . The problem with all agencies is that one faction makes the law, and others have to write up the requirements, one person wants this, another wants that, and it takes a long time to negotiate it out. The state could not possibly write up this law without a lot of outside intervention from parties involved in the field. My guess is, knowing that I was not involved, was that they talked a great deal with NACHI, ASHI, the exisiting schools, checked out course requirements, etc. and worked with a whole bunch of other organizations and other licensed states. They accept NACHI's exam, so I guess they were mentioned somewhere. The law is pretty explicit and really, really clear on the requirements, so they did their homework. We may not agree with them, but they are there, and are the law. My guess is that that knew that they were under the gun, and had to have it in place by 12/31/05. They finished negotiations, and this is what we have to live with. We as home inspectors in the state of NY have an obligation as a license holder, to keep up with our profession. This law is for the betterment of the profession and gives us a standard to work by. That is something that we all need, and we will all profit from in the future. I do feel bad that those that did not meet the minimum requirements or those that were not grandfathered in, but as in any new endeavor, it takes time to get it going along smooth. Have patience, comply with the law, and meet their requirements, and you will have a wonderful business opportunity. Oh yeh, HAPPY NEW YEAR ! Get involved with a NACHI Chapter in your area, have monthly meetings, what no chapter in your area? - Start one . E-mail me, I'll help you with all the info I can. If you are in the Rochester NY area, we meet at 7:00 PM the last Wednesday of every month. Send me an e-mail, I will put you on my distribution list, and you will know what is going on in the area. paul@ProHomeInspector.net. We are also having a Mold Certification Course here on Saturday, March 11 from Pro Labs. Keep the date open and attend, it will count as 8 hours of continuing education. It will be announced here on the NACHI site in the very near future, as I have just completed the details of booking the room. Send me that e-mail.
Paul Mackanos - Professional Home Inspections
Rochester NY NACHI Chapter - President