American Society of Home Inspectors   (ASHI)

 

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 American Society of Home Inspectors

In 1976, a group of visionary home inspectors established the American Society of Home Inspectors, a not-for-profit membership organization. Their goal was to build consumer awareness of home inspection and to enhance professionalism by developing high Standards of Practice and a Code of Ethics.

Today, ASHI is the largest and most respected professional association for home inspectors in North America, with more than 5,800 members. ASHI's Standards of Practice, covering all of a home's major systems, are specifically noted in state and federal legislation and recognized by consumers as the definitive standard for professional home inspection.

ASHI's Headquarters is located at 932 Lee Street, Suite 101, in Des Plaines, Illinois, 60016. You can reach us by calling 1-800-743-ASHI (2744). Our fax number is 1-847-759-1620.

ASHI Membership: Membership is limited to inspectors who have met professional and educational requirements through an exam and membership review process. Members are not allowed to actively engage in real estate sales or to have a financial interest in the sale or maintenance of any property that they inspect. The ASHI Code of Ethics governs professional behavior and avoids potential conflicts of interest.

Services Provided by ASHI Members to Consumers: Professional home inspectors examine and report the condition of houses for purchasers and homeowners. The inspection is performed according to the ASHI Standards of Practice. Survey scope is a comprehensive, visual inspection of the physical components of the building, its mechanical systems, and site conditions.

Services Provided by ASHI to its Members:

bulletProfessional home inspector education, qualification standards, national home inspector qualification exam.
bulletStandards of Practice for home inspections.
bulletCode of Ethics, keeps the concept of third-party neutral professionals intact.
bulletThrough publications, conferences, and seminars, ASHI informs members of the most advanced methods and techniques for examination and diagnosis of building defects.
bulletASHI's membership convenes annually to review and upgrade their services and to participate in a continuing technical education program.
bulletASHI conducts seminars through both national education programs and through local chapters in each state or province.

ASHI Objectives:

bulletPromote excellence within the home inspection profession and improve inspection service to consumers through ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
bulletBuild public awareness of and confidence in professional home inspectors
bulletProvide Members and others with a forum in which to enhance their professionalism through education, an informed exchange of ideas and other related benefits
bulletInteract with related professions, the legal community, and government agencies, serving as the leading authority in the home and in-service building inspection profession

An ASHI member is academically tested

The member has passed a tough and comprehensive national examination to become certified.  (National Home Inspector Examination)   

The examination covers 11 major content areas:

bulletStructural Components
bulletExterior
bulletRoofing
bulletPlumbing
bulletHeating
bulletCooling
bulletElectrical
bulletInsulation and Ventilation
bulletInteriors
bulletFireplaces and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances
bulletProfessional Practice

An ASHI member maintains continuing education

An ASHI member has performed at least 250 inspections that qualify for ASHI's rigorous standards before selection