New Jersey Assembly Bill A4203

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/9/22
• Refer: 6/9/22

Caption

Broadens services allowed to be performed by licensed home inspectors under certain circumstances.

Impact

If enacted, A4203 would amend existing laws related to home inspection practices, particularly the Professional Home Inspection Law. This change allows home inspectors not only to advise homeowners regarding property conditions but also to perform work, thereby consolidating both inspection and repair services under one professional umbrella. For homeowners, this could result in reduced delays and potentially lower costs, as they could contract a single professional to manage both inspection and necessary improvements. However, the bill does stipulate that home inspectors must obtain any additional required licenses or credentials before performing renovations, promoting a standard of professionalism and accountability in the industry.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4203, introduced in June 2022, aims to broaden the scope of services that can be legally performed by licensed home inspectors in New Jersey. Specifically, it permits these professionals to carry out repairs, renovations, additions, and alterations to a property, provided they have conducted a home inspection of that property at least one year prior to undertaking any work. This bill intends to streamline practices within the home inspection and improvement industry by allowing home inspectors to directly apply their findings in a practical, service-oriented manner, thus enhancing service delivery for clients seeking renovations based on inspection reports.

Contention

While some stakeholders support A4203 for its potential to simplify processes and enhance service offerings by home inspectors, there are concerns about the quality of work and conflict of interest. Critics argue that allowing home inspectors to also perform renovations may lead to biased inspections that favor their own services. Furthermore, there may be apprehensions regarding a lack of oversight, which could compromise building safety and proper regulatory adherence. Discussions surrounding this bill emphasize the need for checks to ensure that home inspectors maintain objectivity and uphold construction standards while expanding their service capabilities.