In many industries today, there is a noticeable race to the bottom—where the goal seems to be doing the bare minimum, limiting liability, and completing the job as quickly and cheaply as possible. Unfortunately, the home inspection industry is no exception. In Washington State, the Standards of Practice (SOP) define the minimum requirements for a home inspection—covering roughly 150 items. Did you know that under these standards, a home inspector isn’t even required to walk the roof and can legally inspect it from the ground?

At Main Inspections, we see the Standards of Practice as a starting line, not the finish line. If you were choosing a doctor for surgery, would you want someone who does the bare minimum? Or would you want a professional who takes the time to listen, goes the extra step, and ensures you have a complete understanding of your situation? The same should apply to your home inspection.

That’s why we go beyond the basics. We take the extra time to perform additional tests, revisit concerns, and access areas others might skip—because a thorough inspection matters. We value long-term relationships and approach every home as if it were our own family buying or selling. Simply put, we care too much to settle for the minimum standard—and neither should you.