California Real Estate Inspection Association increases industry standards, consumer protection.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 16, 1996--The California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA), a nonprofit organization representing the home-inspection industry statewide, has launched the campaign ``20 Years Building Professional Standards'' in celebration of its 20th anniversary and support of SB258, which will be presented before the Assembly this year.

CREIA is confident that the two-year bill, sponsored by the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.), will improve the level of professionalism throughout the industry and increase protection for consumers since it uses criteria set by professional organizations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and CREIA as an industry standard.

``We actively support any legislation that would set standards for the home-inspection industry and provide more protection to consumers,'' said Scott Clements, vice president and president-elect of CREIA.

``Since its inception, CREIA has strived to increase industry standards throughout California with consumers' best interest in mind. SB258 solidifies our efforts and recognizes home inspections as a profession since it defines the role of a professional home inspector.''

Because of a sharp increase in the home-inspection industry and absence of regulation in California, CREIA was formed in 1976 to establish minimum standards of practice and a level of professionalism throughout the industry.

Since then, the association has also taken a leadership role in strengthening consumer protection through proposed legislation and by working closely with the C.A.R.'s consumer-protection committee.

``Another primary goal was to offer education, training and support services to the inspection industry so individual inspectors could strengthen their skills and knowledge and provide more value to their customers,'' recalled Scott Whitten of C. Scott Whitten Inc. in Sacramento, Calif., one of CREIA's original members.

``Today, the association holds regular educational seminars and forums with industry-related speakers as well as an annual trade show, and has established a referral hot line for consumers.''

Other members instrumental in formalizing CREIA as an entity include Don Douglas, Jay Ellis, Larry Hoytt, Bob Jonathan, Jim Milnarik, Gene Prowizer, Bob Reeds, Jerry Sandusky and Carl Thole.

Over the past two decades, CREIA has grown from an informal group of six inspectors to a professional trade association that currently serves 500 members and candidates through 11 local chapters statewide.

Members of CREIA are required to successfully complete entrance examinations, adhere to a strict code of ethics and standards of practice, and maintain 30 hours of continuing education each year.

For more information about home inspections or to obtain a copy of CREIA's standards of practice, call 800/848-7342.

CONTACT: California Real Estate Inspection Association

Linda O'Hanlon, 818/981-2448