Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

Preamble

• The responsibility of persons who engage in the business of performing independent inspections of buildings and all such structures, particularly when involved in a real estate transaction, imposes obligations beyond those of a person involved in ordinary merchantry. These responsibilities are recognized by those who are members of the California Real Estate Inspection Association, hereafter also referred to as Inspectors.
• Each member, and the firm they represent, agree to maintain a high standard of professionalism, independence, and fairness in all such actions while in the performance of inspections in a real estate transaction.
• Accepting this standard as their own, each member, and/or the firm they represent, pledge to conduct their business in accordance with the following Code of Ethics:
  • To use discretion concerning matters discovered in the course of an inspection.
  • To accept no compensation other then the inspection fee.
  • To inform clients, in advance, of the general scope of the work and the fees.
  • To do no construction or repair work of any kind for the same property for which they have submitted an inspection report.
  • To refrain from representation as a Realtor, Termite Inspector, Architect, engineer, Geologist, Attorney or Real Estate Consultant unless specifically qualified or licensed as such, and to refrain from making derogatory comments to the client concerning the professional opinion of persons in other fields.

1. Inspectors shall objectively review the property on behalf of the client to the best of their ability and knowledge, recognizing that the client has placed trust and confidence in the inspector.
2. Inspectors shall endeavor, in the interest of the client and the profession, to maintain and increase their level of knowledge regarding new developments in the field of inspections.
3. The inspector shall conduct business in a manner which will assure the client of the inspector's independence from outside influences and interest which would compromise the ability to render a fair and impartial opinion on any inspection performed.

1. The inspector shall deal with the public at all times and in all manners in a method that is conducive to the promotion of professionalism, independence, and fairness to the inspector, their business, the inspection profession, and this Association.
2. The inspector shall advertise, conduct business promotions, and generally conduct marketing activities in a manner that reflects the professionalism, independence, and fairness of the profession and the Association.
3. Inspectors, in understanding their obligations to the public, shall endeavor to maintain a high standard of knowledge and education regarding items which they undertake to inspect, and accept the responsibility of increasing such knowledge at every reasonable opportunity.
4. The inspector should attempt to assist the general public in recognizing and understanding the need for inspections, regardless of whether they are selected themselves to perform the inspection

1. Inspectors shall pledge themselves to the duty of maintaining fairness and integrity in all dealings with other inspectors and other persons performing real estate inspections.
2. Inspectors should seek no unfair advantage over other Inspectors, and should be willing to share with other Inspectors the lessons of their experiences and studies.
3. The Inspector should not solicit the services of employees of follow Inspectors, or of competitors, without the knowledge of such fellow Inspectors or competition.
4. Should an Inspector be charged with unethical practices, misrepresentation, negligence, or any similar breach, and a second Inspector is aware and knowledgeable of such breach, the second Inspector shall place the facts before the Board of Directors for investigation and binding judgment.
5. If a controversy should arise between Inspectors, the Inspectors agree to place the facts before the Ethics Committee of the Association for investigation and recommendation as to resolution of the controversy.
6. The Inspector shall cooperate with other Inspectors to insure the continued promotion of the high standards of the real estate inspection profession, and pledges to the continued pursuit of increasing competence, fairness, education, and knowledge necessary to achieve the confidence of the public.
7. Inspectors agree to foster a competitive market in the real estate inspection business, and to refrain from price-fixing or any agreements as to fees with other Association members.

Copyright 1996