nesparky,
There are several home inspectors in my area who have built more than a few houses. I oeversaw the building of my own home and have done quite a bit of electrical on new and old homes (I'm an electrician and home inspector).
A home inspector should never cite code unless he is certified as a code official.
Yes, all of the states need to require laws that insure a home inspector knows what he is doing. The problem is that (there are currently 25 states that require experience and/or training)many of the states that have passed laws, have put the home inspector under the jurisdiction of the Real Estate Board or Commission and the HI Associations that are out there either can't work together or agree to this blatant conflict of interest. There are many of us (mostly the old electricians, contractors and building officials) who are advocating; 1)Home inspectors should come under the state entity that governs tradesmen (electricians, plumbers, contractors, etc), this will better insure knowledge, training and experience and get them out of bed with the real estate agents; 2)Not allow the real estate agents to refer buyers to home inspectors; 3)Not allow the home inspectors to solicit real estate agents (I do advertising that targets the buyer, but will not solicit agents).
One thing that needs to be done is for the trades to work with the states and local jurisdictions and the home inspectors to get these laws passed.
I for one am tired of the government butting into my business. But, to protect the public and stop some of the BS write ups, we need these laws.
Bob
