Building Official Reveals Risks of Unregulated Home Inspections

During a recent city council meeting in Post Falls, Building Official Justin Miller provided an in-depth overview of the role of city inspectors compared to private home inspectors, highlighting significant differences in their responsibilities and qualifications.

Miller explained that city inspectors are tasked with ensuring compliance with the 2018 building code, which sets the minimum standards for construction. This includes a comprehensive series of inspections throughout the building process, from footing foundations to final drywall checks. He emphasized that while homeowners may hire private inspectors, these individuals often lack the necessary training and certification, as Idaho is one of 14 states that do not require home inspectors to be certified.

The discussion also touched on the recent collapse of a building in Hayden, which Miller attributed to inadequate bracing during construction. He noted that the city’s role is crucial in preventing such incidents through rigorous inspections, which are designed to ensure structural integrity and safety.

Miller addressed the current workload of the inspection department, revealing that staffing shortages have led to delays in plumbing plan reviews. Despite these challenges, he assured the council that the city maintains a high standard for inspection requests, often providing next-day service for urgent needs.

The meeting concluded with Miller answering questions from council members about the inspection process, including the criteria for grading around homes and the lack of regulations governing home inspectors in Idaho. He expressed hope for future changes that would require certification for home inspectors, which he believes would better protect homeowners.