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Code of Ethics of the American Society of Home Inspectors
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This is a public, consumer information document describing the code of ethical behavior required for professional home inspectors in the United States.

Notes:
Contrary to the practice of some home inspection companies and individuals, the application of rules of ethical behavior cannot be "turned on or off" at the will of an individual. Some companies engaging in unethical practices have informed me (Daniel Friedman) that "ethics does not apply" and that "this is just business, not ethics" in response to charges of improper practice. Therefore let us be clear:

The principles of ethical conduct are always present, and always apply in all situations. An individual or company can choose to follow ethical business practices or not. But it cannot choose to declare that "ethics does not apply." Similarly, a professional association can decide to enforce its code of ethics, or not, in a given situation. But it is incoherent and thus impossible for an association to state that "ethics does not apply." [Daniel Friedman, prior chairman, ASHI National Ethics and Standards Committees.]

Because ASHI's ethics committee continues to meet and review ethical guidelines for the profession, a revised version of this particular ethics document may present at the ASHI HQ website www.ashi.com.
Other individual home inspection associations and individual states may write their own codes of ethics.

Honesty, justice, and courtesy form a moral philosophy which, associated with mutual interest among people, constitutes the foundation of ethics. The members should recognize such a standard, not in passive observance, but in a set of dynamic principles guiding their conduct. It is their duty to practice the profession according to this code of ethics.

As the keystone of professional conduct is integrity, the members will discharge their duties with fidelity to the public, their clients, and with fairness and impartiality to all. They should uphold the honor and dignity of their profession and avoid association with any enterprise of questionable character, or apparent conflict of interest.

1. The member will express an opinion only when it is based on practical experience and honest conviction.
2. The member will always act in good faith toward each client.
3. The member will not disclose any information concerning the results of the inspection without the approval of the clients or their representatives.
4. The member will not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one interested party for the same service without the consent of all interested parties.
5. The member will not accept nor offer commissions or allowances, directly or indirectly, from other parties dealing with their client in connection with work for which the member is responsible.
6. The member will promptly disclose to his or her client any interest in a business which may affect the client. The member will not allow an interest in any business to affect the quality of the results of their inspection work which they may be called upon to perform. The inspection work may not be used as a vehicle by the inspector to deliberately obtain work in another field.
7. An inspector shall make every effort to uphold, maintain, and improve the professional integrity, reputation, and practice of the home inspection profession. S/He will report all such relevant information, including violations of this Code by other members, to the Association for possible remedial action.

© 1993 American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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