The Hawaii Master Home Inspector (HMHI) designation is an inspector-specific program designed and registered by Wayne Blackburn, Owner & President of Inspector Homes, Inc. It is available to qualified applicants by Inspector Homes, Inc. It is a symbol of excellence, available to highly-qualified full-time A.S.H.I. Certified Professional Home Inspectors only, who 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. There is a real need for a higher, maintainable standard in Hawaii, for many reasons. For example, Hawaii has yet to regulated the professional home inspection industry, which our inspector believes is a bit of an injustice to Hawaii's consumers. To name a few more, there is very limited support and consumer education from the national organizations, lack of a proactive ASHI Chapter, and basically a "free for all" that is occurring for anyone who wishes to call themselves a "Home Inspector" in Hawaii. Home Inspectors in Hawaii range from unethical to simply outstanding. Complaints abound from experienced Realtors, Buyers, Sellers, and from other ethical Home Inspectors. Mr. Blackburn has discovered on numerous occasions local inspectors 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. Mr. Blackburn's position? Consumers deserve better. Thus the drive to create a higher standard. Mr. Blackburn chose the baseline prerequisite of A.S.H.I. Certification to ensure a good solid foundation. The unparalleled reputation of this senior national organization, including 33 years in existence, meaningful & authentic supervised testing standards, respected certification for inspectors, ongoing education requirements, and true inspector accountability, were all considerations over other national organizations. Further, ASHI is nationwide, therefore applicable to Hawaii, where other organizations may be specific to a certain state only. Mr. Blackburn excluded consideration of any nation inspection organization or franchise with lesser Standards Of Practice or Code Of Ethics, those known to be controversial, and those who do not require supervised, in-person testing for certification. One-shot school credentials were also not considered, as these do not require ongoing education or annual renewal like ASHI Members. 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). 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 those 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 the prerequisite of A.S.H.I. 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. Based on a market test a couple years ago, we know a program like this won't appeal to everyone. 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 requirements of this program are very real, above and beyond, and clearly in the best interest of the consumer and our industry. For over 7 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 become more aware. Education is the most powerful tool for consumers. Not all inspectors will qualify, or agree to the terms of this program. Here are some of the requirements:
The program further demands strict ethical conduct, such as:
Sorry, applicants / Inspectors MAY NOT be:
RE: The second point is a disturbing new trend in Hawaii, and consumers need to be aware. 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. 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 Wayne Blackburn. Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. HAWAII MASTER HOME INSPECTOR is a registered Trade Name and Service Mark of Inspector Homes, Inc. |
| For those who seek a greater degree of excellence. |
Advantageous to Hawaii's Buyers and Realtors
It's not for everyone
| Wayne Blackburn is the only inspector in Hawaii entitled to display the HMHI logo at this time. He has either met, or far exceeded the requirements of this program. |