"Do I really need a home inspection?"...
Yes, you do. Buying a new home, existing home or commercial property is generally the most expensive investment people make. It can bring you happiness, joy and prosperity. Or, if problems go undiscovered, you may experience anguish, frustration and financial loss. Which do you prefer? Sellers should seriously consider having their home inspected before they list the home. This will instill confidence in future buyers and allow the seller to make any changes deemed necessary without the rush associated during a transaction.
"But... my brother-in-law is a contractor"...
We respect the experience of friends, family and co-workers very dearly. Unless these folks are experienced, licensed and insured professionals performing inspections full time and day-today, are you willing to risk your future on their friendly opinion alone?
Our members are comprised of engineers, builders, general contractors, remodelers, tradesman and technicians with a solid focus on training, experience and commitment of discovering the often times hidden or overlooked aspects of a building. But, what we all have in common is commitment to excellence, ethics and continuing education to provide you with comprehensive, detailed reporting of significant findings.
"The home is brand new, what could be wrong?"...
Well, lets see... The final coat of paint is dry, the house is nice and clean, and everything seems to be in order, right? WRONG. If your home wasn't inspected by an independent professional ASHI home inspector during the construction process, then the home was most likely built to minimum building codes and minimum standards. Are you willing to risk your future on minimum building codes and techniques?
Municipal building inspectors are not required to inform you or the builder of items of quality in construction, or the lifespan and durability of materials used. Basically, the items Municipal building inspectors look for are that the building conforms to what the blueprints specify. Experienced ASHI professionals go beyond this. Using their Experience and Knowledge of "how things really work", they point out items that will provide you with lower maintenance, better performing and longer lived homes and buildings. They will help ensure it gets done right BEFORE you move in. After you move in, game over...Reduce your headaches and anxiety, call a qualified, experienced professional ASHI inspector today.
"My last inspector just gave me a checklist and a pretty notebook, what makes you & your reporting different?"...
Experience and Technology. This is the 21st century... If inspectors are handing out "checklist" style reports to their clients, it may be a disservice to the client. Narrative reporting, explaining the items or issues discovered during the inspection, and recommendations needed to correct the deficiencies found, should be the key component of your report. Often times, our inspectors include key photos within their reports. The simple fact is, "You get what you pay for." Inspectors that utilize checklists and cartoon style reports are not investing in the advancement of this profession, nor are they providing you with the information you need. Comprehensive reports are a necessity in today's world. Utilize today's technology and reporting methods to their fullest advantage for you.
"What's so great about ASHI inspectors?"...
Just about everything...First, the journey to become a fully certified member often takes at least 1 year, sometimes longer. The inspector has to perform a Minimum of 250 paid inspections. Then, they have to provide random sampling of their pasts reports for verification by an elder ASHI inspector who has at least 5 years experience as a full member.
This is real stuff...not an online exam. (organizations do exist that have a "pay me a fee and Wham Bang Zoom, now you're a 'certified inspector' opportunity). That's not us. No. ASHI headquarters, inspectors and affiliated chapter organizations take great pride in assuring that the inspector has met these qualifications. We have to. We are professionals and our clients deserve the best.
Another interesting fact...Most all inspectors who achieve 'full ASHI certification of membership' stay in this profession for many years. Its not a part time thing for most of our members.
Education requirements are stringent with ASHI... Not only do we attend technical education events, schooling and seminars, we have to prove and verify that we were there. We call these 'Membership Renewal Credits' or MRC's. A minimum of 20 hours must be met each year for membership renewal.
Licensed and Insured... In the State of Washington, it is still not required to be "licensed" with the State to perform 'home inspections'. It is, however, required to be licensed by the State to perform Structural Pest Inspections. Don't be misled by inspectors who state to you that they are licensed. Yes, It is important to look for bugs in a home, but its pretty much meaningless in regard to knowledge or criteria for certification of performance as pertaining to the building inspection industry. Insurance requirements must be met. Its important for the protection of everyone that the inspector be fully insured for general liability and errors and omissions insurance. Ask your future inspector to provide proof of insurance. If they can't, seriously consider another inspector. Its a business fact of life for the inspector to have proper insurance coverage. Be protected.
Know The Truth
The vast majority of home inspectors do not possess the skills, training, and experience expected from a Certified member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) who is also licensed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) as a Structural Pest Inspector.
There are many inspectors who "falsely claim" their inspection performance and reports "meet or exceed ASHI standards". Using a non- ASHI inspector is not the same as using an individual who has been tested and has achieved the professional status of a Certified ASHI Member. Beware of inspectors citing credentials they have been unable to acquire.
To insure your inspector is a Certified Member, you are encouraged to use the inspector members of this chapter, and if you would like to verify their membership, you are invited to call ASHI National Headquarters at 1-800-743-2744 or visit them at: www.ashi.org
"The purpose of the inspection is to inform and educate the client about Significant Defects and Concerns, and always includes a written report. This report provides a general evaluation of existing conditions at the time of the inspection - it is not technically exhaustive, but may suggest future maintenance improvements."
