Hawaii's Professional Home Inspection GOLD STANDARD
The Hawaii Master Home Inspector (HMHI) designation is an inspector-specific program, awarded to qualified
applicants, by Blackburn Pacific Incorporated. It is a symbol of excellence, available to highly-qualified A.S.H.I.
Certified or N.A.H.I. C.R.I. Professional Home Inspectors only. The Inspector must be a full time resident of, and
operate in the State Of Hawaii only.
The purpose is to establish and maintain the highest possible standard available for Professional Home
Inspection in the State Of Hawaii. The program was designed and registered by long-time A.S.H.I Certified Inspector
Wayne Blackburn (Owner & President of Blackburn Pacific Incorporated / Inspector Homes).
The program is voluntary, fee-paid, and requires application & qualification, along with an agreement to very
specific Inspector / Inspection Company standards, well above and beyond those Standards and Code Of Ethics
already set forth by A.S.H.I (American Society of Home Inspectors) or N.A.H.I (National Association Of Home
Inspectors). Similarly, the program far surpasses requirements outlined in recent proposed legislation considered in
both the House and Senate in Hawaii for our industry. The program is basically modeled after Mr. Blackburn's very
own successful business model and experience, so a precedent has already been established.
The HMHI program is available to qualified inspectors in Hawaii, who are experienced, outstanding in every way,
who wish to offer market leading inspection / business standards, as well as enhanced consumer options and
protection. To ensure applicants are seasoned, the program requires prerequisites of either A.S.H.I. or N.A.H.I. top
certification, which means the inspector is most likely the best qualified, caring Professional Home Inspector
available to Hawaii's consumers and Real Estate Professionals. Additionally, it is the hope that those who DO NOT
qualify, will attempt to better themselves to the point of qualification, in the interest of better serving the community,
and industry. There is little incentive otherwise, largely due to inactive or stagnant local ASHI & NAHI Chapters.
Based on a market test, we know a program like this will not appeal to the inflexible, closed-minded inspector.
Then again, this is a voluntary program. We believe it will appeal to those who want to be recognized as an
excellent inspector, consumer friendly, and an industry leader. It would mean change for some, to qualify, as the
goal was purposely set high. The question the public should ask themselves is this: "By not participating, does this
mean the inspector I am considering is either not sufficiently experienced, or do they just not want to meet the high
standards?" Only those who elect NOT to participate can answer that.
Some inspectors (and organizations) have indicated they feel the program is a joke. That said, Mr. Blackburn
challenges each of them to a debate: The requirements of this program are very real, above and beyond, and
clearly in the best interest of the consumer and our industry. I'll note that many inspectors in Hawaii are either
struggling or have gone out of business, largely because they have refused to change with the times or committed
to a higher standard. So be it.
Mr. Blackburn chose the baseline of A.S.H.I. or N.A.H.I. Certification (applicants choice) to ensure excellence.
The unparalleled reputations of these organizations, including years in existence, meaningful & authentic testing
standards, respected certification for inspectors, ongoing education requirements, and true inspector accountability,
were all considerations over other national organizations. Further, the selected baseline organizations are
nationwide, therefore applicable to Hawaii, where other respected organizations may be specific to a certain state
only.
So why HMHI? There is a real need for a higher, maintainable standard in Hawaii, for many reasons. For
example, not having legislation in place; very limited support or exposure from the national organizations, seemingly
inept local Chapters, and basically a "free for all" that is occurring for anyone who wishes to call themselves a "Home
Inspector" in Hawaii. Husband & wife teams (Realtors & Home Inspectors) or inspection companies with direct ties to
Realtors or Brokers all compound the concern. Complaints abound, from experienced Realtors, Buyers, Sellers,
and from other ethical Home Inspectors. And, Mr. Blackburn has observed that some local inspectors are claiming
certification where not certified, displaying logos of organizations they do not belong to, or displaying levels of logos
they have not earned. Another major complaint is that of the "superficial" inspection, being performed by the
inexperienced or unethical. Consumers deserve better.
Doing our part: For over 6 years now, Mr. Blackburn has been proactive in monitoring and protecting the
industry, out of concern for it and Hawaii's consumers, seeing to it that those who display false or non-earned
credentials or who operate less than ethically are held accountable. But this is not enough; change is needed. A
goal of this program is to simply raise the bar in a very real, public way, so that Hawaii's consumers and Realtors
know they have qualified, high-quality choices, more so than delayed legislation is expected to provide for. We feel
that Hawaii's consumers, (ethical) Realtors, respected Home Inspectors, as well as our industry, have all suffered
long enough.
Not all inspectors will qualify, or agree to the terms of this program. Here are some of the
abbreviated requirements:
The program further demands strict ethical conduct, such as:
Sorry, applicants / Inspectors MAY NOT be:
RE: The above is a disturbing new trend in Hawaii. It is the belief of Mr. Blackburn (and of every leading ethical
Realtor and Home Inspector we have surveyed) that maximum separation needs to be maintained at all times
between Realtors and Home Inspectors. It is further the belief of Mr. Blackburn and others, that no matter how they
are structured, Realtor-owned or operated home inspection businesses or franchises are certainly NOT in the best
interest of consumers, or the industry. The shared concern: There is simply an unacceptable risk of biased
inspections or conflicts of interest, regardless of any disclosure offered, by those offering the service- especially
where the inspector may have been previously employed as a Realtor. One stop shops are all the rage, of which
some services offered make sense- however home inspection is not one of those. Therefore, HMHI participants are
required to maintain complete separation from these arrangements.
Applications will be denied for inspectors who:
For inspectors married to active Realtors or Brokers:
In closing, we encourage all of Hawaii's qualified top inspectors to apply and participate. Others who feel they
are qualified may apply. We believe benefits will include increased business for participants, an improvement in the
image of the industry locally, and less post inspection grief for Hawaii's consumers. Proceeds from this program will
be used to fund advertising, and administrative costs etc. It will be advertised locally, recognizing its current
participants at the time of each publication.
Wayne Blackburn is currently the only inspector in Hawaii entitled to display the HMHI logo.
For more information, or to apply, please call Wayne Blackburn at 258-9268 or visit my home page at www.
C51Hawaii.com
By applying and qualifying, and displaying the logo, the inspector is insuring the public they have either met or exceeded (and will continue to meet)
all requirements of this program. Each inspector warrants, as an individual, that they satisfy program qualifications, and must answer for their own actions,
or claims following approval.
This program was opened for application 7/1/07. Full program requirements will be made available by written request. to qualified applicants only.
The first year annual dues are $399.00 per inspector, and $199.00 each year thereafter. Under penalty of law, no person or company may use this logo, or
claim participation in this program, without written application to and approval from Blackburn Pacific Incorporated / Wayne R. Blackburn. Violators will be
prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. HAWAII MASTER HOME INSPECTOR is a registered Trade Name of Blackburn Pacific Incorporated; the HMHI
LOGO is a registered Service Mark of Blackburn Pacific Incorporated.
The Hawaii Master Home Inspector (HMHI) designation is an inspector-specific program, awarded to qualified
applicants, by Blackburn Pacific Incorporated. It is a symbol of excellence, available to highly-qualified A.S.H.I.
Certified or N.A.H.I. C.R.I. Professional Home Inspectors only. The Inspector must be a full time resident of, and
operate in the State Of Hawaii only.
The purpose is to establish and maintain the highest possible standard available for Professional Home
Inspection in the State Of Hawaii. The program was designed and registered by long-time A.S.H.I Certified Inspector
Wayne Blackburn (Owner & President of Blackburn Pacific Incorporated / Inspector Homes).
The program is voluntary, fee-paid, and requires application & qualification, along with an agreement to very
specific Inspector / Inspection Company standards, well above and beyond those Standards and Code Of Ethics
already set forth by A.S.H.I (American Society of Home Inspectors) or N.A.H.I (National Association Of Home
Inspectors). Similarly, the program far surpasses requirements outlined in recent proposed legislation considered in
both the House and Senate in Hawaii for our industry. The program is basically modeled after Mr. Blackburn's very
own successful business model and experience, so a precedent has already been established.
The HMHI program is available to qualified inspectors in Hawaii, who are experienced, outstanding in every way,
who wish to offer market leading inspection / business standards, as well as enhanced consumer options and
protection. To ensure applicants are seasoned, the program requires prerequisites of either A.S.H.I. or N.A.H.I. top
certification, which means the inspector is most likely the best qualified, caring Professional Home Inspector
available to Hawaii's consumers and Real Estate Professionals. Additionally, it is the hope that those who DO NOT
qualify, will attempt to better themselves to the point of qualification, in the interest of better serving the community,
and industry. There is little incentive otherwise, largely due to inactive or stagnant local ASHI & NAHI Chapters.
Based on a market test, we know a program like this will not appeal to the inflexible, closed-minded inspector.
Then again, this is a voluntary program. We believe it will appeal to those who want to be recognized as an
excellent inspector, consumer friendly, and an industry leader. It would mean change for some, to qualify, as the
goal was purposely set high. The question the public should ask themselves is this: "By not participating, does this
mean the inspector I am considering is either not sufficiently experienced, or do they just not want to meet the high
standards?" Only those who elect NOT to participate can answer that.
Some inspectors (and organizations) have indicated they feel the program is a joke. That said, Mr. Blackburn
challenges each of them to a debate: The requirements of this program are very real, above and beyond, and
clearly in the best interest of the consumer and our industry. I'll note that many inspectors in Hawaii are either
struggling or have gone out of business, largely because they have refused to change with the times or committed
to a higher standard. So be it.
Mr. Blackburn chose the baseline of A.S.H.I. or N.A.H.I. Certification (applicants choice) to ensure excellence.
The unparalleled reputations of these organizations, including years in existence, meaningful & authentic testing
standards, respected certification for inspectors, ongoing education requirements, and true inspector accountability,
were all considerations over other national organizations. Further, the selected baseline organizations are
nationwide, therefore applicable to Hawaii, where other respected organizations may be specific to a certain state
only.
So why HMHI? There is a real need for a higher, maintainable standard in Hawaii, for many reasons. For
example, not having legislation in place; very limited support or exposure from the national organizations, seemingly
inept local Chapters, and basically a "free for all" that is occurring for anyone who wishes to call themselves a "Home
Inspector" in Hawaii. Husband & wife teams (Realtors & Home Inspectors) or inspection companies with direct ties to
Realtors or Brokers all compound the concern. Complaints abound, from experienced Realtors, Buyers, Sellers,
and from other ethical Home Inspectors. And, Mr. Blackburn has observed that some local inspectors are claiming
certification where not certified, displaying logos of organizations they do not belong to, or displaying levels of logos
they have not earned. Another major complaint is that of the "superficial" inspection, being performed by the
inexperienced or unethical. Consumers deserve better.
Doing our part: For over 6 years now, Mr. Blackburn has been proactive in monitoring and protecting the
industry, out of concern for it and Hawaii's consumers, seeing to it that those who display false or non-earned
credentials or who operate less than ethically are held accountable. But this is not enough; change is needed. A
goal of this program is to simply raise the bar in a very real, public way, so that Hawaii's consumers and Realtors
know they have qualified, high-quality choices, more so than delayed legislation is expected to provide for. We feel
that Hawaii's consumers, (ethical) Realtors, respected Home Inspectors, as well as our industry, have all suffered
long enough.
Not all inspectors will qualify, or agree to the terms of this program. Here are some of the
abbreviated requirements:
- First, hold and maintain either A.S.H.I's or N.A.H.I.'s top active certification (ASHI Certified Inspector or NAHI
CRI) or both. - Pass an entrance exam of our design, conducted in person, based on real life inspection situations and
problems, and professional ethics based on actual inspection situations. - Carry industry standard insurance.
- Applicants to provide an Affidavit of having performed at least 1500 fee-paid, verifiable professional home
inspections in accordance with A.S.H.I or N.A.H.I, Standards. (per inspector, not company wide) - Operate full time.
- Have a completed, ready to use consumer friendly website, displaying all current pricing, etc. No "in
progress" or incomplete sites allowed. Further, to aide in consumer trust, the inspector may not have a
dedicated, or preferred Realtor page, or any advertising of or for such on their website. (Legitimate
testimonials only). - Submit for our review the applicants last 5 home inspection reports for compliance and consistency review.
- Show proof of at least 4 years as a full-time Professional Home Inspector, with at least 2 years of that in
Hawaii. - Strict adherence to specific dress code minimums. For example: The inspector must wear a polo type or sport
shirt, and tuck them in. - Inspectors must display current organizational ID cards or embroidered logos.
- Accept minimum payment options, including cash, check, MC/Visa, and Escrow.
- Vehicle appearance requirements: The inspection vehicles MUST clearly display (by way of painted-on or
vinyl decals) the company name & either the phone number or web URL- NO magnetic signs, etc. Further,
vehicles may not have offensive or controversial markings / decals, and must be in good condition overall. - Enhanced inspection report standards, such as a bound report with detailed summary, and photos printed on
glossy stock- for every inspection performed. - A written customer service pledge at least equal to that of Inspector Homes.
- Payment of HMHI dues initially, and annually thereafter.
The program further demands strict ethical conduct, such as:
- An inspection "stop-option" for clients, for homes clearly in severe disrepair.
- A statement that the inspector has not, and does not pay (or award) kick-backs of any kind to anyone, for
referrals, etc. - Agreement never to minimize findings, out of fear of not being referred again by the Realtor.
- No offering to make repairs or improvements of any kind on homes they have inspected.
Sorry, applicants / Inspectors MAY NOT be:
- A licensed Realtor or Broker, in Hawaii or other State (active or inactive status).
- Employed by (or become employed by) ANY inspection company or franchise, which is in fact owned or
operated (directly or indirectly) by a Realtor, Real Estate Broker, or Real Estate Company, or by a "front"
company controlled by such.
RE: The above is a disturbing new trend in Hawaii. It is the belief of Mr. Blackburn (and of every leading ethical
Realtor and Home Inspector we have surveyed) that maximum separation needs to be maintained at all times
between Realtors and Home Inspectors. It is further the belief of Mr. Blackburn and others, that no matter how they
are structured, Realtor-owned or operated home inspection businesses or franchises are certainly NOT in the best
interest of consumers, or the industry. The shared concern: There is simply an unacceptable risk of biased
inspections or conflicts of interest, regardless of any disclosure offered, by those offering the service- especially
where the inspector may have been previously employed as a Realtor. One stop shops are all the rage, of which
some services offered make sense- however home inspection is not one of those. Therefore, HMHI participants are
required to maintain complete separation from these arrangements.
Applications will be denied for inspectors who:
- Have, in the past, displayed (anywhere) false or unearned credentials or logos.
For inspectors married to active Realtors or Brokers:
- If the inspector is married to an active Realtor or Broker, they must agree to NEVER inspect any property
listed by the wife, or wife's real estate office or business. - The inspector must also agree to NEVER be featured in any publications or articles, that are in fact
sponsored by, or paid by the wife or wifes real estate office or business.
In closing, we encourage all of Hawaii's qualified top inspectors to apply and participate. Others who feel they
are qualified may apply. We believe benefits will include increased business for participants, an improvement in the
image of the industry locally, and less post inspection grief for Hawaii's consumers. Proceeds from this program will
be used to fund advertising, and administrative costs etc. It will be advertised locally, recognizing its current
participants at the time of each publication.
Wayne Blackburn is currently the only inspector in Hawaii entitled to display the HMHI logo.
For more information, or to apply, please call Wayne Blackburn at 258-9268 or visit my home page at www.
C51Hawaii.com
By applying and qualifying, and displaying the logo, the inspector is insuring the public they have either met or exceeded (and will continue to meet)
all requirements of this program. Each inspector warrants, as an individual, that they satisfy program qualifications, and must answer for their own actions,
or claims following approval.
This program was opened for application 7/1/07. Full program requirements will be made available by written request. to qualified applicants only.
The first year annual dues are $399.00 per inspector, and $199.00 each year thereafter. Under penalty of law, no person or company may use this logo, or
claim participation in this program, without written application to and approval from Blackburn Pacific Incorporated / Wayne R. Blackburn. Violators will be
prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. HAWAII MASTER HOME INSPECTOR is a registered Trade Name of Blackburn Pacific Incorporated; the HMHI
LOGO is a registered Service Mark of Blackburn Pacific Incorporated.
