Buying a home in northern Michigan? Whether in Charlevoix, Petoskey, Boyne City, or East Jordan, you’re making one of the biggest purchases of your life, and you deserve to know exactly what you’re getting. But here’s something that might surprise you: Michigan doesn’t require home inspectors to have a license.
That’s right – anyone can call themselves a home inspector in Michigan. No training required. No testing. No oversight.
This is exactly why choosing a certified home inspector is so important. When the state doesn’t set the bar, you need to find inspectors who’ve set their own high standards through professional certification.
What exactly does that mean in the home inspection industry?
Glad you asked. Let’s take a look!
Why InterNACHI Certification Matters
The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) is the world’s largest and most respected home inspection training organization. When an inspector earns InterNACHI certification, they’re joining an elite group of certified home inspectors who have committed to excellence.
But what does that actually mean? What does it actually take to become a certified home inspector through InterNACHI? The requirements are extensive – and that’s exactly what you want protecting your investment in northern Michigan’s unique housing market.
Rigorous Training and Testing
Unlike many other professions, InterNACHI doesn’t wait until after someone starts working to test them. They front-load their requirements, making sure every certified home inspector is qualified before they ever step foot in your future home.
Every certified home inspector must pass a comprehensive online examination. This isn’t a one-and-done deal, either. Inspectors have to retake and pass this exam every three years to stay current with industry changes and best practices.
Before performing their first paid inspection for a client, new inspectors must also submit four mock inspection reports to InterNACHI’s Review Committee. This ensures they can actually write clear, helpful reports that homebuyers can understand and use.
Commitment to Ethics and Standards
Professional standards matter when someone is evaluating your future home in Charlevoix, Petoskey, or anywhere in northern Michigan. InterNACHI-certified home inspectors must complete specialized ethics training and agree to follow the industry’s strictest Code of Ethics.
They also follow InterNACHI’s comprehensive Standards of Practice, which outline exactly what should be inspected and how. This means you get consistent, thorough service no matter which InterNACHI inspector you choose.
These aren’t just suggestions – they’re binding commitments that every certified home inspector makes to you and every other homebuyer they serve.
Extensive Education Requirements
Becoming a certified home inspector isn’t quick or easy. In their first year alone, new inspectors must successfully complete twelve specialized courses, each with its own exam:
Foundation Safety and Knowledge:
- Safe Practices for the Home Inspector
- 25 Standards Every Inspector Should Know
Core Building Systems:
- Residential Plumbing Overview for Inspectors
- How to Perform Residential Electrical Inspections
- How to Perform Roof Inspections
- How to Inspect HVAC Systems
Structural and Exterior Evaluation:
- Structural Issues for Home Inspectors
- How to Perform Exterior Inspections
- How to Perform Deck Inspections
Interior and Environmental Concerns:
- How to Inspect the Attic, Insulation, Ventilation and Interior
- How to Inspect for Moisture Intrusion
- How to Inspect Fireplaces, Stoves, and Chimneys
Each course builds on the others, creating a complete foundation of knowledge that covers every major system in your home – whether you’re buying a lakefront cottage in Boyne City or a historic home in East Jordan.
Ongoing Professional Development
Learning doesn’t stop after certification. Certified home inspectors must complete 24 hours of continuing education every year. This keeps them updated on new building technologies, safety concerns, and inspection techniques.
They maintain detailed education logs and have access to constantly updated resources through InterNACHI’s online platform. This means your certified home inspector isn’t just working with yesterday’s knowledge – they’re current on today’s building practices and tomorrow’s innovations.
Professional Support and Resources
Certified home inspectors aren’t working alone. They have access to:
- A professional message board where they can consult with colleagues and experts on unusual findings
- Time-tested inspection agreements that protect both inspectors and clients
- Report review and mentoring services for ongoing quality improvement
- Regular industry updates and news
- Marketing tools and professional development resources
This network means even if your certified home inspector encounters something unusual, they have immediate access to expert guidance.
Insurance and Accountability
Professional responsibility matters. InterNACHI requires certified home inspectors to carry Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance where state law requires it. This protects you if something goes wrong.
The organization also provides hold-harmless clauses for real estate agents and maintains high professional standards that help everyone avoid legal issues in the first place.
The North Point Difference
At North Point Home & Property Inspections, we believe you deserve the best. That’s why we require all our inspectors to be InterNACHI certified home inspectors. We don’t cut corners on training, continuing education, or professional standards.
When you choose North Point for your home inspection in Charlevoix, Petoskey, Boyne City, East Jordan, or anywhere in northern Michigan, you’re not just getting an inspection – you’re working with certified home inspectors who’ve met the industry’s highest standards. Our team brings years of experience, extensive training, and unwavering commitment to helping you make smart and informed decisions about your home purchase.
Your Next Step
Don’t leave your biggest investment to chance. Choose an inspection company that requires InterNACHI certification and delivers the thorough, professional service you deserve.
Ready to schedule your inspection? Call us at (989) 370-3683 or schedule online today. Let our InterNACHI-certified team give you the confidence you need to move forward with your home purchase.
This article was updated in July 2025 to reflect current InterNACHI certification requirements and industry best practices.
Looking for a thorough, accurate home inspection in Gaylord, Harbor Springs, or elsewhere in Northern Michigan? I’m Scott Frakes, Board Certified Master Inspector®, and I’ve been helping buyers make informed decisions about northern Michigan properties throughout our region since 2013. Call me at 989-370-3683 and let’s make sure your home purchase is everything you hope it will be.