Home Inspection History

The home inspection industry was actually created by realtors! They needed to avoid the liability that resulted from buyers finding out about problems after the closing. Too often realtors found themselves in the position of being responsible for undisclosed material defects. The buyer’s demanded more information. Home inspectors who were specially trained to recognize the symptoms of defects began to perform inspections.

Standardization led to the creation of the American Society of Home Inspectors(ASHI®).(http://www.ashi.com/) This organization established ‘Standards of Practice’ which form the basis for how all home inspections are performed. Every inspector in this market area claims to perform inspections to ASHI®'s standards, whether they’re a member or not. ASHI® has long had tough membership requirements. ASHI® inspectors are independent, qualified, and professional. The 'Standards' define minimum requirements for what components or systems must be observed and what must be reported about each home inspected. The local chapter PRO-ASHI® provides a program where the area's professional inspectors have opportunities to learn and share information.

Today, the vast majority of homes sold have a home inspection performed. The realtors now have a different problem if material defects in the home they’ve just sold are discovered. A competent home inspection will actually make the home buyer aware of the condition of the home. Now instead of you, the home buyer, being the last person to know about a material defect, you will be the first person to know. With the help of your home inspector, of course.