COVID-19 Guidance for NC Home Inspectors and their Clients

Updated December 17, 2020

An Important Message about the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
North Carolina Licensed Home Inspector Association

To all North Carolina licensed home inspectors, real estate professionals, home buyers and home sellers: Due to ongoing concerns over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the North Carolina Licensed Home Inspector Association (NCLHIA) wants to provide guidelines to help protect inspectors and their staff, as well as the general public as it relates to performing home inspections and other inspection related activities (e.g., radon test drop-off/pick-up, termite inspections, etc.). First, we would like to stress that most home inspection companies across the state are OPEN for business and will continue to provide onsite inspection services so long as they deem it to be safe, or until local, state, or federal guidelines change to the extent that they make performing a home inspection impossible. Since the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus, the NCLHIA strongly urges its members and all inspectors practicing in North Carolina to implement and adhere to consistent and stringent safety practices AND request the same of those that occupy the dwelling being inspected (Property) and those that may be present during the inspection. Reliable resources for these practices can be found with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But in addition, we further advise:

INSPECTORS

If you exhibit symptoms of acute respiratory illness, stay home (except to get medical care) until you are free of fever (100.4° F or greater using an oral thermometer), or have signs of a fever, or any other symptom for at least 24 hours without the use of feverreducing or other symptom-altering medicines.

Licensees who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should refrain from public exposure in accordance with CDC guidelines. This may or may not preclude the performance of certain home inspection activities.

For your safety, implement a procedure during the inspection booking process to obtain written confirmation from the Listing Agent that none of the Property’s occupants have recently been ill, are known to have been in the company of someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, are under quarantine, or under self-isolation. In the event that one or more of these conditions exist, the inspection should not proceed until at least two (2) weeks subsequent to the end of the condition that triggered the cancellation and assurances that CDC cleaning and disinfection methods have been followed.

As the greatest known risk in the spread of this virus is from person-to-person through respiratory droplets, limit in-person contact during the inspection by adhering to social distancing standards (approx. 6 feet) and encourage real estate agents and buyers that desire to attend the home inspection to preferably not enter the home. Instead, offer to meet outside at the end of the inspection. Alternatively, offer to hold a conference call rather than have face-to-face meetings.

In addition to social distancing, all individuals attending the inspection, including the inspector, are encouraged to wear a mask or other recommended face covering. 

For more information concerning the use of masks please see the CDC’s guidance. 

As is current policy of many/most Multiple Listing Services (MLS) and or Realtor Associations, home inspectors should not provide anyone else access to the Property.

REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS and HOME BUYERS

For everyone’s safety and to adhere to the guidance issued by the NCDHHS and CDC, we strongly recommend that you refrain from attending the inspection. Inspectors are more than willing to hold phone and/or video conferencing to answer any questions.

We understand that you may be disappointed that you are being asked not to attend. But these measures are to protect you and the Inspector during these extraordinary circumstances. In the event that you insist on being physically present during an inspection, some inspection companies may opt out of performing the inspection. When allowed by the company, the number of people in attendance should be in conformance with the thencurrent maximum number of people gathering (currently 10) and we recommend that the meeting be held outside of the Property.

SELLERS and TENANTS

If you or someone staying in or visiting the Property exhibit any known symptoms of the Coronavirus prior to the scheduled inspection, please have your Agent contact the Buyer’s Agent and the Inspector so that the inspection can be appropriately rescheduled.

While this is your home, for your protection as well as the protection of all parties involved, we request that you vacate the home during the duration of the scheduled home inspection. All individuals should consider what is best for them, their families, and their business in order to limit the spread and decrease the impact of COVID-19. With careful hygiene and interaction limits, each of us can be an integral part in flattening the curve and allowing for a quicker return to the old norm.

For questions contact:
Robert Wilson, NCLHIA Executive Director
704.622.2607
[email protected]

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