Maine

Maine Home Inspector

Every state in the country implements its own rules and regulations regarding home inspections. In Maine, there are currently no licensing requirements in place. This doesn’t mean that just because you are an experienced architect, electrician, carpenter, or engineer, you are qualified to be a home inspector. It is in your best interest to acquire the proper training. Inspecting a home is an extensive process and there are a lot of different areas that need to be scrutinized.

Maine home inspectors should follow certain standards of practice, including inspecting the following areas: Exterior of the home, Interior of the home, Roof covering, flashings, and gutters, Attic insulation, Garage, Foundation, Plumbing, Heating, Central air conditioning and Electrical.

Although it isn’t necessary for Maine home inspectors to possess a license, they must adhere to a strict code of ethics. This code includes:
• Use honor, dignity, and professionalism during inspections.

• Ensure that there is no conflict of interest present and that you inspect by being impartial and unbiased.

• Must use honesty at all times and base decisions on professional experience and not on personal opinions.

• Always act in good faith towards the client. This means that the intentions of the inspector's actions are in the best interest of the client.

• Maintain confidentiality and do not disclose any personal information without the written consent of the client.

• Never accept commissions or gifts outside of regular compensation for services rendered.

• If clients request additional services, you may comply, as long as you advise the client that these services are outside of the usual benefits offered.

• Reporting all violations discovered to the appropriate authorities.

• Provide clients with a written dispute statement should they insist on requesting mediation or arbitration to resolve a conflict.

Any home inspection that is conducted in Maine also has exclusions that are in placed to protect the safety of the inspector. The inspector is not required to:
• Move furniture or any other property in order to perform an inspection. This includes moving floor, wall, or ceiling coverings; especially if to do so will cause damage to the property.

• Inspect property that is concealed or not available. For example, if it is covered by snow or personal property. It is the home owner's responsibility to make sure the inspector has access to all areas.

• Inspect appliances, security or smoke alarms, or underground sprinkler systems.

• Carry special testing devices or instruments, such as gas detectors.

• Include information regarding environmental problems or hazardous waste.

• Determine the property boundaries or encroachments.

• Inspect common areas in a condominium corporation if they are conducting a personal inspection of a condominium. It is up to the condo corporation to employ an inspector for this.

• Determine the presence of mold or mold spores.

• Determine any damage due to termites or other wood-damaging insects.