David,

In New York and a few other states, up until recently (within the past few months), a Home Inspector could take a few courses, join any number of networking organization and poof, hang the sign and begin business.

Now, H.I's are being required to obtain a certain number of hours training before taking a state exam.  The problem is, many of these inspectors have been in business for years.  "Grandfather" you say.....nothing like this is being offered at this time.  Furthermore, our state officials have yet to provide us with dates/times/locations of information classes or literature outlining the new law(s).  Other states have begun joining suit and/or devising their own way of overseeing this fast growing service.

Our problem (Picketline Home Inspections) is not the regulatory engagement.  What is disturbing is that we have been in business, yet, will not meet the requirements that are coming down the pike.  It is terribly inefficient to place these regulations upon us, yet, offer no point of contact or informational setting to assist existing companies in moving past the law(s) and still operate under their current business plan.

Regarding the thread by Loretta which prompted my post, she referred to it as Home Inspections.  I guess this may be another occasion when different terms are used in different parts of the country.  That, more than anything else in our move to expand, has been the biggest challenge.  What one state or company calls a service may be different from that of another state or company.  To you, Loretta or anyone else, I do appologize for the confusion.  I thought she was talking about Home Inspections....JT