I think your right about usefulness of a state issued license. Up until now the home inspectors did not need one. This is why I always tell clients to look for some one that is bonded (keeps out the know felons and dead beats) and has insurance ( keeps out the untrained and those who have been repeatedly sued ) Does boat surveyors regularly get bonded and have insurance?
Washington State requires that a real-estate agent tell you that you can pick your own inspector or do the inspection yourself. Now like most agent I have a few that I like to use. I like to use one guy for the simple fact that he finds everything. Fred is really good and quite through. I do not do many listings so most of my transactions are for buyer. If you are looking for a home you should always use your own agent and not the listing agent of the seller. Yes you can save a little money by asking the listing agent to give up half the listing commission but it is not worth it as you will have no representation. Yes they will draw up the offer for you but by law they are the sellers agent and own fiduciary duties to the seller first. Always best to have your own counsel.
I have had buyer use their own inspectors and some are good some are just lazy. Buyer beware.
