Home Inspections

Home inspection, in many states, is an uncertified and unregulated industry. In fact, for many home buyers, it is seen as a waste of money or unnecessary part of home buying. However, for savvy home buyers who have had experience in buying used homes, it has become an invaluable asset before the home buying process. As home inspection become a more professional and expanded industry, leaders in education are partnering with membership organizations to expand the standardization of home inspection.

In North America, since 1979, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has been the oldest and most widely recognized non-profit, professional organization of home inspectors. In fact, it has become the standard for all practices and code of ethics within the home inspection industry. And, in 2012, the ASHI School announced its educational partnership with Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. This partnership has created a professional and educational path for students who will be part of the engineering and construction industries. Upon successful completion of the ASHI school curriculum, students will earn college credit toward an associate or bachelor degree. The course combines 40 hours of pre-class study and 80 hours of classroom and field lab experience, including performing real property inspections.

The educational partnership is an extension of the ASHI School's was birthed out of the hope that home inspection standards and practical experience can enhance the practices performed by home inspectors across the country. And, the new educational partnership will be marketed to all backgrounds, but especially military veterans who are looking to embark on a new career. Students who are interested in property inspection as a career can advance to certifications in radon, fortified wind mitigation and commercial inspections. The ASHI School provides hands-on training for those wishing to pursue a career in home inspection.

Home inspection certification is more than just going to classes and doing practical training. Actually, it also involves national testing. Before you can become an ASHI inspector, you must pass the National Home Inspector Examination® (NHIE). The NHIE® is an exam developed, maintained an administered by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI), an independent not-for-profit organization. According to Walter Perry, executive director of EBPHI, the mission of EBPHI is to provide a valid, reliable, and legally defensible examination for states and others who need to assess home inspector competency. Yes, it's a difficult exam.

What does that mean for you as a home buyer? It's just become easier for inspectors to follow standardized guidelines and become certified as a property inspector. And, by hiring a certified inspector, you're ensuring the best value from your home inspection.