What is ASHI?
The American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI®) was formed in 1976 as a not-for-profit organization to build public awareness of home inspection and to enhance the technical and professional performance of home inspectors. It is the oldest and most respected professional association of home inspectors in North America, representing its membership and the profession as a whole in areas of education, marketing, and communications.
ASHI's Standards of Practice are the most widely accepted home inspection guidelines in use today. They include all of the home's major systems and components including the exterior, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating, central air conditioning, interiors, insulation and ventilation, and describe what the home inspector is required, and not required, to inspect. The ASHI Standards are recognized by many authorities as the definitive standard for professional performance in the home inspection profession.
In order to assist home inspectors in furthering their education, ASHI sponsors a number of technical seminars and workshops throughout the year, often in cooperation with one of its nearly 50 Chapters. ASHI also serves as a public interest group by providing accurate and helpful consumer information to home buyers on home purchasing and home maintenance.
What to Expect from an ASHI member:
ASHI professionals perform a visual inspection and a produce a written report of the condition of residential properties for buyers or owners. The purpose of such an examination is to describe observable major defects which require repairs.
The minimum scope of the inspection and report are described by the ASHI Standards of Practice. Inspectors are, of course, permitted to exceed the Standards.
ASHI's professional Code of Ethics prohibits Members from engaging in conflict of interest activities which might compromise their objectivity. This is the consumer's assurance that the inspector will not, for example, use the inspection to solicit or refer repair work. Inspections are also performed according to a strict Code of Ethics which protects consumers from conflicts of interest, and which assures an independent opinion regarding the property.
A basic home inspection of an average small home that meets the minimum ASHI Standards of Practice should take two hours or more. Larger homes and homes with more features take considerably more time. Naturally, the more thorough the inspector is, the longer the inspection will take.
Who Belongs to ASHI?
Members of ASHI® are independent professional home inspectors who have met the most rigorous technical and experience requirements in effect today. To become an ASHI® Member, an inspector must pass two written technical exams, have performed a minimum of 250 professional fee-paid home inspections, and maintained his or her candidate status for no less than six months. ASHI® Members are required to follow the Society's Code of Ethics, and to obtain continuing education credits in order to keep current with the latest in building technology, materials, and professional skills.