What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a professional, objective, visual examination of the condition of a home. Homebuyers now entering the market place view inspections as a way to gain valuable information about the biggest purchase of their lifetime. It helps them to determine if there are any major defects or system inadequacies before the sale goes through, so that there will be no unpleasant surprises or insurmountable financial burdens later on.

Home inspections are not intended to point out every small problem or any non-visible defects in a home. Most minor or cosmetic flaws, for example, should be apparent without the aid of a professional.

Home inspections also highlight the positive aspects of a home. In fact, many of the home inspectors observations or recommendations help to dispel homebuyers anxieties, and provide useful repair and maintenance suggestions. The home inspection should not be confused with an appraisal, a municipal code inspection, or a guarantee of any kind.

What the Inspection Involves

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is the nations oldest and leading professional association for independent home inspectors. ASHI's Standards of Practice list the many components and systems included in a typical pre-purchase home inspection, and are nationally recognized as the benchmark of performance for professional home inspectors. Copies of the Standards may be obtained from your local ASHI member or by writing to ASHI headquarters in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

The inspection typically conducted after the contract is signed-provided the contract contains a clause making the sale contingent on the results of the home inspection. Most inspectors are available on one to five days notice. Fees vary depending on the purchase price, geographic location, size, age, and any special features of the house.

Following the inspection, a written report is prepared for the client which describes the general condition of the home and its components.

ASHI Inspectors Meet Tough Standards

To properly spot and report on signs of age, damage, or defective housing components and systems, a home inspector should have knowledge gained from actual home inspections experience. He should also be up to date with latest materials, building techniques and equipment. Membership in the American Society of Home Inspectors assures both.

To become a member of ASHI, inspectors must meet rigorous professional and educational requirements, including the passage of a series of three comprehensive written exams. The inspector must also have performed at least 250 fee-paid professional home inspections according to the ASHI Standards of Practice. After review and a period of one year as a candidate, he may then be granted membership.

ASHI sponsors a number of technical seminars and workshops throughout the year to assist its members in furthering their technical education.

In addition, ASHI members subscribe to the Society's Code of Ethics, which helps eliminate the possibility of conflict of interest activities and demands fairness and impartiality towards clients.