Home inspectors; authorize to perform inspections on new construction without having residential home builders license.
Impact
The bill is expected to streamline processes within the construction industry related to home inspections. By removing the requirement for a separate residential builder’s license, the legislation could lead to increased efficiency and enable more home inspectors to engage in new construction assessments, thus expanding their business opportunities. Lawmakers believe this could foster better competition and potentially lower costs for consumers looking for home inspection services.
Summary
House Bill 867 seeks to amend existing legislation in Mississippi by allowing licensed home inspectors to conduct inspection services on new construction for a fee without needing a residential home builders license. This legislative change is designed to simplify the process for home inspectors who are currently required to hold additional qualifications in order to perform these inspections, potentially broadening their scope of work and service offerings. Under the new law, home inspectors will be able to operate independently, thereby increasing their ability to serve clients in the residential sector.
Contention
However, the bill has garnered concerns from certain stakeholders within the construction and regulation sectors who worry that loosening these licensing requirements could compromise the quality and safety of home inspections. Critics may argue that without a comprehensive qualification encompassing residential building standards, the inspections may lack thoroughness, thereby endangering homeowners by allowing inadequately assessed new constructions to enter the market. Proponents of the bill argue that current licensing processes are overly restrictive without significantly enhancing safety outcomes.