IDEA aims to provide a link between the assessors and home inspectors in the market and providers and the government, as well as influence the path of HIPs as they are further developed.
It also hopes to enforce standards of professionalism in assessors to ensure customers are getting a good deal by providing help and advice for members.
Jim Gillespie, founder and chairman of IDEA, commented: “We want the institute to punch its weight when representing its members to the government, awarding bodies and other decision makers. We also want the pursuit of professionalism to be the key objective for us all.”
To coincide with the launch of IDEA, a website has been set up so that consumers, as well as parties within the house buying chain, can find a qualified assessor in their area.
IDEA membership is free to anyone who has qualified as an assessor or an inspector.
Simon Biddle, head of marketing and communications at Infinity Mortgages, commented: “Now that the long-awaited advent of HIPs is finally upon us, a set of standards and a trade association for assessors is an excellent idea. It will be interesting to see how many inspectors they can get into the market after all the problems with HIPs, but the association is a good move.”
