Why is it essential for inspectors to maintain their independence?

Maintaining independence is crucial for inspectors primarily because it ensures the accuracy and reliability of inspections. When an inspector is independent, they can provide objective assessments of a property's condition without any external pressures or conflicts of interest. This integrity fosters trust with clients, as they can be confident that the findings of the inspection are unbiased and based solely on the actual condition of the home rather than influenced by personal interests or relationships with real estate agents, sellers, or contractors. The credibility of the inspection process relies heavily on this impartiality, which ultimately benefits both the inspector and the client.