“They’re licensed. They must know what they’re doing.”

That’s exactly what thousands of New Hampshire homebuyers think every year.

Unfortunately, that’s also one of the biggest myths in the home inspection industry.

Let’s stir the pot a little.

Congratulations! You Have a License…Now What?

In New Hampshire, home inspectors are required to be licensed by the state. That sounds reassuring, doesn’t it?

It should be.

But here’s the catch…

A license is the minimum legal requirement to perform home inspections. It isn’t a badge declaring someone an expert. It simply means they’ve met the state’s minimum qualifications to begin inspecting homes.

Think of it this way.

Would you rather have a surgeon who just received their medical license yesterday or one who has successfully performed thousands of surgeries?

Would you hire the mechanic who just graduated from trade school to rebuild your transmission without supervision?

Probably not.

Yet every day, homebuyers unknowingly hire inspectors based on one phrase:

“They’re licensed.”

Licensing Actually Lowers the Bar

That headline probably made a few inspectors cringe.

Here’s why it’s true.

Before licensing existed, inspectors often had to build their reputation through extensive training, professional organizations, referrals, continuing education, and years of experience.

Today, many consumers stop asking questions once they hear the word “licensed.”

The conversation ends before it should even begin.

Instead of asking:

• How long have you been inspecting?
• How many inspections have you completed?
• What additional certifications do you hold?
• How much continuing education do you complete each year?

People simply assume the state has already answered those questions.

It hasn’t.

Not All Home Inspectors Are Created Equal

Imagine walking into a gym.

One trainer earned their certification last week.

The other has spent fifteen years coaching thousands of clients, continues to attend advanced education, and has earned the industry’s highest credentials.

Technically, both are certified.

Who would you trust with your health?

The same logic applies to your largest investment.

Every house tells a story.

Experience teaches inspectors which stories matter.

What Is an InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector?

One credential worth looking for is the InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector (CPI®) designation.

InterNACHI is one of the world’s largest organizations for residential property inspectors.

To become a CPI®, inspectors must:

• Complete extensive accredited education.
• Pass examinations.
• Follow a strict Code of Ethics.
• Adhere to nationally recognized Standards of Practice.
• Complete continuing education every year to maintain certification.

In other words…

Getting certified isn’t the finish line.

It’s the starting line for ongoing professional development.

What Is a Certified Master Inspector (CMI®)?

Now let’s raise the bar.

The Certified Master Inspector® (CMI®) designation isn’t something you earn by simply taking another class.

It recognizes inspectors who have demonstrated significant experience, completed extensive education, and committed themselves to the highest levels of professionalism.

Think of it as the difference between:

• A private pilot.
• An airline captain with thousands of flight hours.

Both can fly.

One has simply seen—and solved—a lot more situations.

That’s exactly what you want when you’re buying a home.

More Certifications Mean More Knowledge

The best inspectors never stop learning.

Homes change.

Building materials change.

Construction methods change.

Moisture science changes.

Heating systems evolve.

If your inspector stopped learning after getting licensed, they’re already falling behind.

That’s why additional certifications matter.

They demonstrate a commitment to becoming better—not just staying legal.

Examples include specialized training in:

• Radon testing
• Mold testing
• Sewer scope inspections
• Water quality testing
• Septic systems
• Thermal imaging
• Deck inspections
• Roofing systems
• Energy efficiency

Every certification represents additional education that ultimately benefits the client.

Wait…Doesn’t That Cost More?

Yes.

And that’s a good thing.

Advanced education isn’t free.

Professional equipment isn’t cheap.

Continuing education takes time.

Specialized certifications require additional testing, training, and ongoing renewal.

Naturally, inspectors who invest heavily in their education often charge more than someone who simply meets the minimum requirements.

That’s not because they’re expensive.

It’s because they’re investing in providing a better inspection.

When you’re spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a home, choosing the cheapest inspector is a little like buying the cheapest parachute.

Sure…you saved money.

Let’s hope that decision never gets tested.

Specialized Certifications Protect You Even More

At Premier Home Inspection Services, we believe our job extends beyond identifying defects visible during a standard inspection.

That’s why we also maintain certifications for services such as radon and mold testing.

Radon Testing

New Hampshire has some of the highest radon levels in the country. Since radon is invisible, odorless, and the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, professional testing is one of the smartest investments you can make.

Learn more about our Radon Testing Services:
https://premierhouseinspection.com/home-inspection-services/radon-testing/

Mold Testing

Not every stain is mold, and not every mold problem is visible.

Professional mold testing helps determine whether elevated mold spores are present and whether additional evaluation or remediation is warranted.

Learn more about our Mold Testing Services:
https://premierhouseinspection.com/home-inspection-services/mold-testing/

Questions Every Homebuyer Should Ask

Instead of asking only, “Are you licensed?” consider asking:

• How many inspections have you completed?
• What professional certifications do you maintain?
• How much continuing education do you complete annually?
• Are you a Certified Professional Inspector?
• Are you a Certified Master Inspector?
• What additional services are you qualified to perform?
• What specialized equipment do you use?
• Can you explain your inspection process?

Those answers will tell you far more than a state license ever could.

The Bottom Line

Licensing is important.

It protects consumers by establishing minimum standards.

But minimum standards should never be your goal when choosing someone to evaluate the largest purchase of your life.

Look for experience.

Look for continuing education.

Look for professional certifications.

Look for someone who treats learning as part of the job—not something they finished years ago.

At Premier Home Inspection Services, we’ve built our reputation on going beyond the minimum. Through advanced certifications, ongoing education, specialized testing, and years of real-world experience, our goal is simple: provide the knowledge and confidence you need to make informed decisions about your home.

Because when it comes to your biggest investment…

“Good enough” shouldn’t be good enough.