American Society of Home Inspectors

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), founded in 1976, is the oldest, largest and most reputable society for professional home inspectors. The society’s mission is to promote excellence and exemplary practice within the home inspection business, thus meeting the needs of its membership and consumers.

ASHI’s Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice and required membership examinations are nationally recognized as the standard for home inspection. In addition, the society’s public relations program provides all necessary information about ASHI’s membership and the home inspection business.

Moreover, the association continually advocates on behalf of the inspection profession on the federal level, and its efforts create a skilled inspection force trained to better serve the consumer.

ASHI Benefits in the Professional Community

• exclusive use of the association’s online discussion boards to obtain and share information or experiences with other inspectors across the country.
• access to the association’s library of technical and business resources, including training (practice education module) and service providers
• exposure, from ASHI’s links, to real estate, home improvement and other sites consumers use and recommend
• membership-only phone and e-mail access to ASHI National offices
• information-on-demand, 24/7 toll-free fax line for immediate access to documents, order forms, brochures etc.

ASHI Benefits for Members

• health insurance programs through Marsh Affinity Group Services Discounted rates on Errors & Omissions Insurance (E&O) from the association’s endorsed provider, Business Risk Partners
• ASHI’s merchant program offers the lowest available rates for credit card processing
• Prudential Insurance and affiliates offer low rates for auto and homeowner insurance programs
• discounts for InspectionWorld - the largest annual conference and exposition in the profession
• subscription to the ASHI Reporter - a monthly magazine with technical articles and ASHI news about the home inspection business
• technical support, education opportunities for becoming a professional home inspector, plus information about local legislative issues through ASHI’s 80 local chapters
• deals on marketing publications, technical information and forms needed in the home inspection business
• discounted subscription for the Journal of Light Construction magazine

Endorsed Programs - Training/ Licensing/ Certification

Currently, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) offers three endorsed training and educational opportunities:

• InspectionWorld - the industry’s largest gatering of home inspection professionals is held every January, each year in a different city, comprising several days of education, networking and exhibit hall
• ASHI@School Program - ASHI has endorsed the Inspection Training Associates (ITA) as its official provider of classroom-based education and training for home inspection
• ASHI@Home - a system of 10 practice education modules designed for the inspector looking for educational opportunities from home; it examines the important aspects of a particular home system

ASHI: The Difference Between Home Inspection and Appraisal

Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a 6.8 percent increase in existing-home sales in March, after three straight months of declines. First-time home buyers accounted for 44 percent of existing-home purchases, but for many it remains a mystery whether they should get a home inspection or an appraisal. The American Society of Home Inspectors sets the record straight, explaining the difference between a home inspection and an appraisal, as well as what should a home inspection cover.

An appraisal assesses the market value of a home. Banks typically require an appraisal when approving a loan for either the purchase of a home or the refinancing of an existing loan. Often, homeowners mistake this process for a home inspection, but actually an appraisal simply confirms the home’s market value to ensure the lender is not over-insuring the property. It is not intended to provide a thorough assessment of the overall condition or the safety of the home.

A lender conducts an appraisal in order to estimate the value of a house and make sure the house meets the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) minimum property standards and is marketable.

During a home inspection, however, a professional home inspector takes a detailed look at the physical structure and systems of a house, from the foundation to the roof. An appraisal takes only a fraction of the time it takes a certified home inspector to conduct a thorough inspection of the same house. In addition, an ASHI home inspector’s report will include the examination of the home’s:

• ventilation and air conditioning system
• heating system
• interior plumbing and electrical systems
• roof, attic and visible insulation
• foundation, basement and structural components
• walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors

While most people schedule a home inspection, The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) reminds homeowners that they should consider a maintenance inspection every three to five years so they can identify problems before they become costly repairs. Moreover, a professional home inspector can also help homeowners identify potential issues as part of a major remodelling or renovation project. An ASHI certified inspector can often spot problems before the actual damage happens.

Homeowners and homebuyers can find a home inspector certified by ASHI on the association’s website. ASHI’s “Find an Inspector” tool allows homeowners to locate an ASHI inspector in their area by language or services provided.

What to Verify Before Hiring a Home Inspector

Before proceeding to hire a certified inspector, ask for the inspector’s ASHI Membership Number, which can be verified by calling ASHI HQ, or check the inspector’s membership on the association’s website.

As many as 29 states have a regulation/legislation of home inspection, so the consumer should ask the inspector to show proof of license. The states with regulation/legislation of home inspection are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin.