Providing Property Education To Make Informed Decisions

Did you know that in Hawai’i there are 100s of home inspectors to choose from but that only a handful are ASHI certified?  In fact, as of July 2022 there are only 10 ASHI certified inspectors in Hawai‘i and 3 of them are from Building Specs Hawai’i.  The reason this is so important is because Hawai‘i is a state that does not require home inspectors to be licensed by the state government.  While the state does not have a requirement to practice home inspections, all ASHI members subscribe to the ASHI Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics.  This ensures that your home inspection will be conducted to the highest industry standards regardless of the lack of state regulations.  The reason so few inspectors are ASHI certified in Hawai’i is because achieving certification is difficult due to the experience required and the proctored examination.  Below is a quick breakdown of the main differences between the two largest certification agencies for home inspectors ASHI and InterNachi:

ASHI:

1. Must complete 250 fee paid inspections to be eligible for certification
2. Must take a proctored exam at a testing site on island
3. Must complete and pass a background check
4. Paid membership fee required

InterNachi

1. Must complete 4 online inspections designed by InterNachi
2. Must complete and pass an online test, NOT proctored, on a personal computer
3. Paid membership fee required

At Building Specs Hawai‘i, we require that our inspectors complete six months of an apprenticeship training program in addition to becoming InterNachi certified.  Our inspectors are then required to meet all criteria for ASHI certification at which point they must test and become certified to the highest industry standards.  Our company follows protocols and standards set by ASHI which developed the first Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics in the United States and are widely respected.  This ensures that the homebuyer will receive a quality inspection across the nation regardless of local ordinance. 

Building Specs Hawai‘i has been in operation for over 20 years.  We have developed a reputation for being a thorough and professional company.  Our building inspection team is equipped to provide inspection services on the quaintest studio apartment to the largest commercial project.  Our highly trained team can expedite the inspection process of a larger property through coordinated efforts.  Building Specs Hawai‘i is certified to the highest industry standards.  Our team goes through a detailed training process with yearly continued education courses and quarterly training programs in order to stay in the forefront of the home inspection industry.  We utilize the tools and equipment that exceed these industry standards from surface moisture meters to thermal imaging cameras to synced Ipad’s for completing quality work in a timely manner.  We are prepared to handle all of your home inspection needs and have the experience to provide you with the best services possible.

Building Specs Hawai‘i was founded by O’ahu born resident Barry Wong in 2000.  It is now owned and operated by native born and raised O’ahu resident Jesse K. Maka’ina’i III.  In addition, our entire inspection team and staff are born and raised in Hawai’i.  This means that our inspectors have grown up in the homes that they are now inspecting.  Being from Hawai‘i gives our inspectors an additional understanding of the types of conditions that they may encounter based on the environment as well as the typical construction materials utilized in Hawai‘i builds.  Choosing to work with a local business is also a way for you to personally support and invest in long time members of our community.

Our inspection team has long been referred to as being the most thorough inspection team in the islands.  We take great pride in having that reputation and constantly work to stay on top of any new information, technology, trainings and equipment.  From scheduling through report assistance, our team treats everyone we encounter through the process from agents, to clients, to transaction managers, to home owners and tenants with great respect.  We are professional in all our affairs and have highly trained inspectors who will deliver materials in an organized, informative and understandable way.  Our reports are processed and prepared the same day as the inspection occurs, so you can expect to see your final report in your inbox before the end of the day.

Buying a home, especially in Hawai‘i, is likely to be your biggest lifetime investment.  With the median price of single family homes on O’ahu exceeding $1,000,000, having a Building Specs Hawai‘i home inspection performed on your property is essential.  Our inspectors are trained to assess your potential property and to provide you with detailed information in relatable ways.  Our prioritized reports will provide you with a valuable tool to understanding your potential property and to making the best decision for yourself and family.  With such a huge investment at stake, you want to be confident that your inspection is being performed to the highest industry standards, with the best equipment available and by a trained, experienced and professional inspector.  We are Building Specs Hawai‘i and it is our pleasure to work with you.