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About The American Society of Home Inspectors - ASHI in 1996 (History of ASHI)
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General information about ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors, historical - a 1996 description.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HOME INSPECTOS
 

General Information - 6/17/9
 

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI(R)) was formed in 1976 as a
not-for-profit organization to build public awareness of home inspection and to
enhance the technical and professional performance of home inspectors. 


ASHI is the oldest and most respected professional association of home inspectors
in North America, representing its membership and the profession as a whole in
areas of education, marketing, and communications.


ASHI's Standards of practice are the most widely accepted home inspection
guidelines in use today. They include all of the home's major systems and
components, and describe what the home inspector is required, and not required,
to inspect. 


The ASHI Standards are recognized by many authorities as the
definitive standard for professional performance in the home inspection
profession.


Membership In ASHI


Home inspectors, or those aspiring to become home inspectors, must enter the
Society as Candidates first. Candidates receive a subscription to The ASHI
Reporter and are able to participate in various educational opportunities.
Candidates, however, have no promotional or voting benefits and are therefore
strongly encouraged to become Certified ASHI Members. During their Candidacy
period (a minimum of 6 months, maximum of 3 years), they must pass ASHI's two
written technical exams and provide valid proof of performance of at least 250
fee paid home inspections that meet or exceed the ASHI Standards of practice.
Once these requirements are met, and their applications approved, inspectors
may become Certified Members of ASHI. Only individuals may become Members, not
companies or groups. Membership is not transferable.


The ASHI Exams


ASHI's two written examinations test a Candidate's knowledge of residential
construction, defect recognition, and understanding of the ASIE Standards of
Practice and Code of ethics. They are administered at electronic testing centers
throughout North America, except Canada where they must be handwritten.

The exams are rigorous and cover the broad scope of technical, practical, and
professional information necessary to perform an inspection that meets ASHI
Standards. Detailed information on the exams including specific qualifications
needed and how, when, and where to take them is provided in the Candidate
confirmation packet after the Candidate's application is approved.


Experience Verification


ASHI's verification program provides a thorough check of a random number of
fee-paid inspection reports to determine strict compliance with ASHI's
Standards of practice. Candidates are encouraged to submit their reports for
verification early in the application process to ensure that all of the
required inspections meet or exceed the ASHI Standards.

Obligations of Membership


Candidates and Certified Members of ASHI are required to abide by the Society's
Code of Ethics. This code, among other things, forbids them from being active
in the brokerage or sale of real estate, doing any repairs, or recommending any
contractors on homes they inspect. ASHI Members who choose to use the ASIE logo
on their material, must also meet or exceed the ASHI Standards of practice in
their inspection and report writing procedures, and comply with all
requirements of ASHI's Name, Acronym, and Logo Use Policy.


Additional
obligations include obtaining continuing education credits and upholding the
Society's bylaws and policies.

Benefits of Membership

*Annual Conference
*Regional educational seminars
*Technical publications, conference proceedings, survey materials
*Exclusive E&O Insurance Policy
*ASHI On-line computer Bulletin Board service
*Public relations/marketing support, including a national Yellow Pages
 advertising program
*State inspector referral listing service
*Annual subscription to The ASHI Reporter monthly Society magazine
*Chapter affiliation
*Consumer brochures for distribution to clients
*ASHI Membership Directory
*Discounts on overnight shipping
*... and much more

Additional Membership Categories

Affiliate* - Groups or individuals who provide products or services to home
inspectors and the profession. Affiliates do not vote or hold office.

Retired - Certified Members of ASHI who are no longer actively engaged in the
home inspection profession.

Friend of the Society* - Individuals who are not home inspectors but perform
distinguished service or assistance to the home inspection profession. Friends
do not vote or hold office. Applications are available upon request from ASIR
Headquarters



PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

Home inspection is a distinct discipline requiring technical training and
experience that goes beyond the fields of home construction, individual
building trades, engineering, or architecture. However, since there is minimal
state or provincial regulation, and no government-required academic or
vocational curriculum, individuals are responsible for obtaining their own
professional training. ASHI's Training Manual is an excellent source of
information on the home's components and systems and the methods for inspecting
them according to the ASHI Standards of practice. There are also several private
institutions that offer varying degrees of classroom and/or hands-on training.

ASHI and many of its regional Chapters offer educational seminars and workshops
throughout the year. These range from single topic sessions to weekend-long or
four-day conferences. The largest of these is ASHI's Annual Conference, held
each January, featuring dozens of technical and business sessions with expert
speakers and an extensive exhibit hall showcasing products and services for the
professional home inspector.


MARKETING INFORMATION

The home inspection profession is growing rapidly. The housing market continues
to grow as does the percentage of home inspections, yet experts estimate that
only 40% - 45% of all single- family homes are inspected prior to purchase, so
there is plenty of room for continued market growth. The exact amount actually
varies depending upon local conditions, such as buyer awareness, or inspector
saturation. An inspector's success will depend largely on his or her individual
marketing efforts and local market conditions.

ASHI provides several sources for this type of marketing support: educational
sessions at the annual conference, articles in its monthly magazine, The -4SHI
Reporter, exhibitors and advertisers who market software, tools, and training
to the home inspection profession, and an exclusive on-line computer Bulletin
Board where Members and Candidates can exchange information and obtain expert
advice from authorities in their fields. Many consumer-oriented brochures are
also available to members from ASHI for marketing and customer service.

OCR scan 2/9/97 DJ Friedman, subject to OCR error


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