Home Inspector licensing (the difference)
Why Home Inspector Licensing Matters
Not all home inspectors are licensed the same.
An inspector’s license determines what types of homes they can legally inspect, how deep their expertise goes, and how well your investment is protected. Choosing the right inspector isn’t just about experience—it’s about authority.
Here’s the difference, straight to the point.
Existing Home License
(Previously Lived-In Homes)
What This License Covers
Inspectors with an Existing Home License are authorized to inspect previously occupied residential properties only.
What They Do Well
- Identify safety concerns
- Evaluate wear, tear, and maintenance issues
- Review the condition of major systems (roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
- Required to pass the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE)
Limitations
- ❌ Cannot inspect new construction
- ❌ Cannot perform phase inspections on homes under construction
- ❌ Cannot inspect homes that have never been occupied
Bottom Line
A solid option for older homes—but limited in scope and authority.
New Home License
(New Construction)
What This License Covers
- Phase inspections during the construction process
- Homes that have never been occupied
Strengths
- Evaluates construction quality and code compliance
- Often required by lenders and builders
- Requires passing four ICC national exams:
- Building
- Electrical
- Mechanical
- Plumbing
- Special Requirement: For Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) loans, inspectors must also complete an approved Plan Review course
Bottom Line
Excellent for new construction.
Why Biff’s Professional Home Inspections Stands Above the Rest
Biff’s Professional Home Inspections holds both licenses—for previously occupied homes and new construction.
In addition, Biff has completed the AHFC-required Plan Review course, qualifying him to inspect construction financed through the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation.
This represents the highest licensing standard available in Alaska.
What This Means for You
- ✔ One inspector for any residential property
- ✔ Deeper knowledge than single-license inspectors
- ✔ More accurate and complete inspections
- ✔ Fewer missed issues
- ✔ Greater confidence in your decision
Inspectors with only one license are limited.
Biff isn’t.
Final Word
When it comes to protecting your investment, limitations matter.
Biff’s Professional Home Inspections offers the broadest authority and most complete qualifications—whether the home is brand new or decades old.
One inspector. All homes.
Biff’s Professional Home Inspections
🌐 www.biffsproinspect.com
📞 (907) 227-3720