Indiana Administrative Code Title 878 - HOME INSPECTORS LICENSING BOARD
Indiana Administrative Code – Title 878
Home Inspectors Licensing Board
Overview
Title 878 creates the Home Inspectors Licensing Board (HILB), the body that regulates the practice of home inspection in Indiana.
The Board ensures that only qualified, trained, and licensed individuals may perform professional home inspections. Its rules cover licensing, education, professional conduct, examinations, and enforcement.
Key Components of Title 878
1. Establishment of the Board
The Home Inspectors Licensing Board is created as the main authority.
Members typically include:
Licensed home inspectors,
Industry professionals (such as builders, engineers, or real estate experts),
Public representatives.
The Board has power to:
Adopt rules,
Grant or deny licenses,
Enforce disciplinary actions,
Conduct hearings.
2. Licensing Requirements
To become a licensed home inspector in Indiana, applicants must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete approved training or education programs in home inspection.
Pass a Board-approved examination.
Submit an application and pay licensing fees.
3. Examinations
The Board establishes rules for the licensing exam.
Exams cover:
Structural components (foundation, framing, roofing).
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
Exterior and interior inspections.
Building safety and reporting standards.
Applicants must demonstrate both technical knowledge and the ability to prepare accurate inspection reports.
4. Standards of Practice
Title 878 sets rules for what a home inspection must include.
Standards cover:
Site and foundation conditions.
Roof, gutters, and exterior.
Interior walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors.
Major systems (heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical).
Insulation, ventilation, and fireplaces.
Inspectors must clearly report observed defects, safety concerns, or needed repairs.
5. Code of Ethics / Professional Conduct
Inspectors must follow a strict code of ethics, which includes:
Acting in the best interest of the client.
Avoiding conflicts of interest (e.g., no financial gain from repairs).
Maintaining confidentiality of client information.
Providing honest, unbiased, and factual reports.
Avoiding false advertising or misrepresentation.
6. License Renewal & Continuing Education
Licenses are issued for a set period (commonly 2 years).
Renewal requires:
Payment of renewal fees.
Proof of continuing education (CE) in home inspection or related fields.
CE ensures inspectors stay updated on building standards, safety practices, and technology.
7. Disciplinary Actions
The Board can discipline inspectors for:
Fraud or misrepresentation in licensing.
Gross negligence or incompetence in inspections.
Ethical violations (dishonesty, conflicts of interest).
Failure to comply with reporting or contract standards.
Penalties may include:
Fines,
License suspension or revocation,
Probation with conditions.
8. Complaints, Hearings & Enforcement
Consumers may file complaints against inspectors.
The Board investigates, holds hearings, and issues rulings.
Inspectors found in violation face sanctions as per Board rules.
Purpose of Title 878
The main goals of this Title are to:
Ensure home buyers and property owners receive accurate and reliable inspection services.
Protect the public by requiring only trained and ethical professionals to work as inspectors.
Maintain a system of licensing, continuing education, and enforcement.
Provide a Board of oversight to regulate the profession.
✅ In summary:
Indiana Administrative Code Title 878 – Home Inspectors Licensing Board establishes the licensing system, rules of practice, ethical standards, continuing education requirements, and enforcement mechanisms for home inspectors in Indiana. It ensures that home inspections are carried out by qualified, licensed, and professional individuals, protecting the public and maintaining trust in the real estate process.
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