“Residential Home & Commercial Building Inspections for over 22 Years”
Serving Southeastern Michigan With Over 18,000 Completed Inspections
Troy,
MI (248) 646-5219 or 800 870-7092
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American Society of
Home Inspectors General Information The American Society of Home Inspectors 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. It 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 including the exterior, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating, central air conditioning, interiors, insulation and ventilation, and describe what the home inspector is required, and not required, to inspect. Many authorities recognize the ASHI Standards 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 many benefits of membership including an annual subscription to The ASHI Reporter, access to ASHI’s Errors & Omissions Insurance, and the ability to participate in various educational opportunities and ASHI Chapter activities. Candidates, however, have limited promotional benefits and no voting rights and are therefore strongly encouraged to become ASHI Members. During their Candidacy period (a minimum of 6 months), they must pass ASHI's two membership 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, Candidates may become Members of ASHI. Only individuals may become Candidates and Members, not companies or groups. Membership is not transferable. Benefits of ASHI
Membership
Obligations of
Membership Candidates and 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, and performing repairs on items identified during an inspection. ASHI Members and qualified Candidates* who choose to use the ASHI logo on their material, must also meet or exceed the ASHI Standards of Practice in their inspection and report writing procedures, and must 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. * Candidates who have passed both of ASHI’s Membership Exams, have passed the inspection report verification program and have performed at least 50 fee-paid home inspections are granted permission to display the ASHI Candidate Logo. This approval must be officially granted to the individual by ASHI. The ASHI Exams ASHI's two membership examinations test a Candidate’s knowledge of residential construction, defect recognition, and understanding of the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. The three-hour timed exams are administered at electronic testing centers throughout the US. In addition, the exams can be taken in a written format in conjunction with one of the numerous ASHI Chapter meetings taking place in the US and Canada.. 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 report verification program provides a thorough check of a random number of the required 250 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. Candidates may enter the verification program prior to conducting the required amount of inspections. 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. (Contact ASHI to obtain application) Retired - Members of ASHI who are no longer actively engaged in the home inspection profession. (Requires Member status for at least five years) Education &
Training For Home Inspection 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 federal 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". (C)
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