Whatever your referral source, you will want to make sure that the home inspector is a Member of the American Society of Home Inspectors^Ò (ASHI^Ò) in order to be certain of his or her professional qualifications, experience, and business ethics.

WHAT IS THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HOME INSPECTORS^Ò?

The American Society of Home Inspectors^Ò (ASHI^Ò) is the oldest and leading non-profit professional association for independent home inspectors.  Since its formation in 1976, ASHI^Ò’s “Standards of Practice”; have served as the home inspector's performance guideline, universally recognized and accepted by professional and government authorities alike.  Copies of the Standards are available free from ASHI^Ò.

ASHI^Ò'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.  In order to assist home inspectors in furthering their education, ASHI^Ò sponsors a number of technical seminars and workshops throughout the year, often in cooperation with one of its nearly 50 Chapters.  ASHI^Ò also serves as a public interest group by providing accurate and helpful consumer information to home buyers on home purchasing and home maintenance.

WHO BELONGS TO ASHI^Ò?

Members of ASHI^Ò are independent professional home inspectors who have met the most rigorous technical and experience requirements in effect today.  To become an ASHI^Ò 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^Ò 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.

WHEN DO I CALL IN THE HOME INSPECTOR?

A home inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often available within a few days.  However, before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection.  This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

DO I HAVE TO BE THERE?

It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is recommended.  You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions directly, as you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it.  You will also find the written report easier to understand if you've seen the property first-hand through the inspector's eyes.

WHAT IF THE REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS?

No house is perfect.  If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect.  A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found.  If your budget is tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important to you.

IF THE HOUSE PROVES TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION, DID I REALLY NEED AN INSPECTION?

Definitely.  Now you can complete your home purchase with your eyes open as to the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems.  You will also have learned many things about your new home from the inspector's written report, and will want to keep that information for future reference.