Standards of Practice

Home inspections were being performed in the mid 1950s and by the early 1970s were considered by many consumers to be essential to the real estate transaction. The escalating demand was due to a growing desire by consumers to learn about the condition of a house prior to purchase. Meeting the expectations of consumers required a unique discipline, distinct from construction, engineering, architecture, or municipal building inspection. As such, home inspection requires its own set of professional guidelines and qualifications. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) formed in 1976 and established the ASHI Standard of Practice for Home Inspections and Code of Ethics to help buyers and sellers make real estate transaction decisions based on accurate information.

American Society of Home Inspectors

As the oldest and most respected organization of home inspectors in North America, ASHI takes pride in its position of leadership. Its Membership works to build public awareness of home inspection and to enhance the technical and ethical performance of home inspectors.

Standard of Practice for Home Inspections

The ASHI Standard of Practice for Home Inspections guides home inspectors in the performance of their inspections. Subject to regular review, the Standard of Practice for Home Inspections reflects information gained through surveys of conditions in the field and of the consumers’ interests and concerns. Vigilance has elevated ASHI’s Standard of Practice for Home Inspections so that today it is the most widely-accepted home inspection guideline and is recognized by many government and professional groups as the definitive standard for professional performance.

Code of Ethics for the Home Inspection Profession

ASHI’s Code of Ethics stresses the home inspector’s responsibility to report the results of the inspection in a fair, impartial, and professional manner, avoiding conflicts of interest.