As an ASHI Certified inspector I use the standards of practice created by ASHI for all of my inspections. Those standards are listed here:
HOME INSPECTION
Home inspections were being performed in the mid 1950s, and by
the early 1970s were considered by many consumers to be essential
to the real estate transaction. The escalating demand was due to a
growing desire by homebuyers to learn about the condition of a
house prior to purchase. Meeting the expectations of consumers
required a unique discipline, distinct from construction, engineering,
architecture, or municipal building inspection. As such, home
inspection requires its own set of professional guidelines and
qualifications. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
formed in 1976 and established the ASHI Standards of Practice
and Code of Ethics to help buyers and sellers make real estate
transaction decisions based on accurate, objective information.
American Society of Home Inspectors
As the oldest, largest and highest profile organization of home
inspectors in North America, ASHI takes pride in its position of
leadership. Its Membership works to build public awareness of
home inspection and to enhance the technical and ethical
performance of home inspectors.
Standards of Practice
The ASHI Standards of Practice guide home inspectors in the
performance of their inspections. Subject to regular review, the
Standards of Practice reflect information gained through surveys
of conditions in the field and of the consumers’ interests and
concerns. Vigilance has elevated ASHI’s Standards of Practice so
that today they are the most widely-accepted home inspection
guidelines in use and are recognized by many government and
professional groups as the definitive standard for professional
performance.
Code of Ethics
ASHI’s Code of Ethics stresses the home inspector’s responsibility
to report the results of the inspection in a strictly fair, impartial,
and professional manner, avoiding conflicts of interest.
ASHI Membership
Selecting the right home inspector can be as important as finding
the right home. ASHI Members have performed no fewer than 250
fee-paid inspections in accordance with the ASHI Standards of
Practice. They have passed written examinations testing their
knowledge of residential construction, defect recognition, inspection
techniques, and report-writing, as well as ASHI’s Standards of
Practice and Code of Ethics. Membership in the American Society
of Home Inspectors is well-earned and maintained only through
meeting requirements for continuing education.
Find local ASHI Members by calling 1-800-743-2744 or visiting the
ASHI Web site at www.ashi.org.
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ASHI Standards of Practice Effective October 15, 2006 © Copyright 2006 American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.® All rights reserved
1. INTRODUCTION
The American Society of Home Inspectors®, Inc. (ASHI®)
is a not-for-profit professional society established in 1976.
Membership in ASHI is voluntary and its members are
private home inspectors. ASHI’s objectives include promotion
of excellence within the profession and continual improvement
of its members’ inspection services to the public.
2. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
2.1 The purpose of the Standards of Practice is to
establish a minimum and uniform standard for
home inspectors who subscribe to these Standards
of Practice. Home inspections performed to these
Standards of Practice are intended to provide the
client with objective information regarding the condition
of the systems and components of the home
as inspected at the time of the home inspection.
Redundancy in the description of the requirements,
limitations, and exclusions regarding the scope of
the home inspection is provided for emphasis only.
2.2 Inspectors shall:
A. adhere to the Code of Ethics of the American
Society of Home Inspectors.
B. inspect readily accessible, visually observable,
installed systems and components listed in these
Standards of Practice.
C. report:
1. those systems and components inspected
that, in the professional judgment of the
inspector, are not functioning properly,
significantly deficient, unsafe, or are near
the end of their service lives.
2. recommendations to correct, or monitor for
future correction, the deficiencies reported
in 2.2.C.1, or items needing further
evaluation. (Per Exclusion 13.2.A.5
inspectors are NOT required to determine
methods, materials, or costs of corrections.)
3. reasoning or explanation as to the nature of
the deficiencies reported in 2.2.C.1, that are
not self-evident.
4. systems and components designated for
inspection in these Standards of Practice
that were present at the time of the home
inspection but were not inspected and the
reason(s) they were not inspected.
2.3 These Standards of Practice are not intended to limit
inspectors from:
A. including other inspection services or systems
and components in addition to those required in
Section 2.2.B.
B. designing or specifying repairs, provided the
inspector is appropriately qualified and willing to
do so.
C. excluding systems and components from the
inspection if requested by the client.
3. STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
3.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. structural components including the
foundation and framing.
2. by probing a representative number of
structural components where deterioration is
suspected or where clear indications of
possible deterioration exist. Probing is NOT
required when probing would damage any
finished surface or where no deterioration is
visible or presumed to exist.
B. describe:
1. the methods used to inspect under-floor
crawl spaces and attics.
2. the foundation.
3. the floor structure.
4. the wall structure.
5. the ceiling structure.
6. the roof structure.
3.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. provide any engineering or architectural services
or analysis.
B. offer an opinion as to the adequacy of any
structural system or component.
4. EXTERIOR
4.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. siding, flashing and trim.
2. all exterior doors.
3. attached or adjacent decks, balconies,
stoops, steps, porches, and their associated
railings.
4. eaves, soffits, and fascias where accessible
from the ground level.
5. vegetation, grading, surface drainage, and
retaining walls that are likely to adversely
affect the building.
6. adjacent or entryway walkways, patios, and
driveways.
B. describe:
1. siding.
ASHI STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
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The Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Home Inspectors
The Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Home Inspectors
ASHI Standards of Practice Effective October 15, 2006 © Copyright 2006 American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.® All rights reserved
4.2 The inspector is NOT required to inspect:
A. screening, shutters, awnings, and similar
seasonal accessories.
B. fences.
C. geological and/or soil conditions.
D. recreational facilities.
E. outbuildings other than garages and carports.
F. seawalls, break-walls, and docks.
G. erosion control and earth stabilization measures.
5. ROOFING
5.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. roofing materials.
2. roof drainage systems.
3. flashing.
4. skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations.
B. describe:
1. roofing materials.
2. methods used to inspect the roofing.
5.2 The inspector is NOT required to inspect:
A. antennae.
B. interiors of flues or chimneys that are not
readily accessible.
C. other installed accessories.
6. PLUMBING
6.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. interior water supply and distribution
systems including all fixtures and faucets.
2. drain, waste, and vent systems including all
fixtures.
3. water heating equipment and hot water
supply system.
4. vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
5. fuel storage and fuel distribution systems.
6. drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related
piping.
B. describe:
1. water supply, drain, waste, and vent piping
materials.
2. water heating equipment including energy
source(s).
3. location of main water and fuel shut-off
valves.
6.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. clothes washing machine connections.
2. interiors of flues or chimneys that are not
readily accessible.
3. wells, well pumps, or water storage related
equipment.
4. water conditioning systems.
5. solar water heating systems.
6. fire and lawn sprinkler systems.
7. private waste disposal systems.
B. determine:
1. whether water supply and waste disposal
systems are public or private.
2. water supply quantity or quality.
C. operate automatic safety controls or manual
stop valves.
7. ELECTRICAL
7.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. service drop.
2. service entrance conductors, cables, and
raceways.
3. service equipment and main disconnects.
4. service grounding.
5. interior components of service panels and
sub panels.
6. conductors.
7. overcurrent protection devices.
8. a representative number of installed lighting
fixtures, switches, and receptacles.
9. ground fault circuit interrupters.
B. describe:
1. amperage and voltage rating of the service.
2. location of main disconnect(s) and sub
panels.
3. presence of solid conductor aluminum
branch circuit wiring.
4. presence or absence of smoke detectors.
5. wiring methods.
7.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. remote control devices.
2. alarm systems and components.
3. low voltage wiring systems and components.
4. ancillary wiring systems and components.
not a part of the primary electrical power
distribution system.
B. measure amperage, voltage, or impedance.
EXTERIOR 4.2, Continued
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The Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Home Inspectors
ASHI Standards of Practice Effective October 15, 2006 © Copyright 2006 American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.® All rights reserved
8. HEATING
8.1 The inspector shall:
A. open readily openable access panels.
B. inspect:
1. installed heating equipment.
2. vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
C. describe:
1. energy source(s).
2. heating systems.
8.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. interiors of flues or chimneys that are not
readily accessible.
2. heat exchangers.
3. humidifiers or dehumidifiers.
4. electronic air filters.
5. solar space heating systems.
B. determine heat supply adequacy or
distribution balance.
9. AIR CONDITIONING
9.1 The inspector shall:
A. open readily openable access panels.
B. inspect:
1. central and through-wall equipment.
2. distribution systems.
C. describe:
1. energy source(s).
2. cooling systems.
9.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect electronic air filters.
B. determine cooling supply adequacy or
distribution balance.
C. inspect window air conditioning units.
10. INTERIORS
10.1 The inspector shall inspect:
A. walls, ceilings, and floors.
B. steps, stairways, and railings.
C. countertops and a representative number of
installed cabinets.
D. a representative number of doors and windows.
E. garage doors and garage door operators.
10.2 The inspector is NOT required to inspect:
A. paint, wallpaper, and other finish treatments.
B. carpeting.
C. window treatments.
D. central vacuum systems.
E. household appliances.
F. recreational facilities.
11. INSULATION & VENTILATION
11.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished
spaces.
2. ventilation of attics and foundation areas.
3. mechanical ventilation systems.
B. describe:
1. insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished
spaces.
2. absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at
conditioned surfaces.
11.2 The inspector is NOT required to disturb insulation.
See 13.2.A.11 and 13.2.A.12.
12. FIREPLACES AND SOLID FUEL BURNING APPLIANCES
12.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. system components.
2. chimney and vents.
B. describe:
1. fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances.
2. chimneys.
12.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. interiors of flues or chimneys.
2. firescreens and doors.
3. seals and gaskets.
4. automatic fuel feed devices.
5. mantles and fireplace surrounds.
6. combustion make-up air devices.
7. heat distribution assists (gravity fed and fan
assisted).
B. ignite or extinguish fires.
C. determine draft characteristics.
D. move fireplace inserts and stoves or firebox
contents.
Continued
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The Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Home Inspectors
ASHI Standards of Practice Effective October 15, 2006 © Copyright 2006 American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.® All rights reserved
13. GENERAL LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
13.1 General limitations:
A. The inspector is NOT required to perform any
action or make any determination not specifically
stated in these Standards of Practice.
B. Inspections performed in accordance with these
Standards of Practice:
1. are not technically exhaustive.
2. are not required to identify concealed.
conditions, latent defects, or consequential
damage(s).
C. These Standards of Practice are applicable to
buildings with four or fewer dwelling units and
their garages or carports.
13.2 General exclusions:
A. Inspectors are NOT required to determine:
1. conditions of systems or components that
are not readily accessible.
2. remaining life expectancy of any system or
component.
3. strength, adequacy, effectiveness, or
efficiency of any system or component.
4. the causes of any condition or deficiency.
5. methods, materials, or costs of corrections.
6. future conditions including but not limited to
failure of systems and components.
7. the suitability of the property for any
specialized use.
8. compliance with regulatory requirements
(codes, regulations, laws, ordinances, etc.).
9. market value of the property or its
marketability.
10. the advisability of purchase of the property.
11. the presence of potentially hazardous plants
or animals including, but not limited to,
wood destroying organisms or diseases
harmful to humans including molds or
mold-like substances.
12. the presence of any environmental hazards
including, but not limited to, toxins,
carcinogens, noise, and contaminants in
soil, water, and air.
13. the effectiveness of any system installed
or method utilized to control or remove
suspected hazardous substances.
14. operating costs of systems or components.
15. acoustical properties of any system or
component.
16. soil conditions relating to geotechnical or
hydrologic specialties.
B. Inspectors are NOT required to offer:
1. or perform any act or service contrary to law.
2. or perform engineering services.
3. or perform any trade or any professional.
service other than home inspection.
4. warranties or guarantees of any kind.
C. Inspectors are NOT required to operate:
1. any system or component that is shut down
or otherwise inoperable.
2. any system or component that does not
respond to normal operating controls.
3. shut-off valves or manual stop valves.
D. Inspectors are NOT required to enter:
1. any area that will, in the opinion of the
inspector, likely be dangerous to the
inspector or other persons or damage the
property or its systems or components.
2. under-floor crawl spaces or attics that are
not readily accessible.
E. Inspectors are NOT required to inspect:
1. underground items including but not
limited to underground storage tanks or
other underground indications of their
presence, whether abandoned or active.
2. items that are not installed.
3. installed decorative items.
4. items in areas that are not entered in
accordance with 13.2.D.
5. detached structures other than garages
and carports.
6. common elements or common areas in
multi-unit housing, such as condominium
properties or cooperative housing.
F. Inspectors are NOT required to:
1. perform any procedure or operation that will,
in the opinion of the inspector, likely be
dangerous to the inspector or other persons
or damage the property or its systems or
components.
2. describe or report on any system or
component that is not included in these
Standards and was not inspected.
3. move personal property, furniture, equipment,
plants, soil, snow, ice, or debris.
4. dismantle any system or component, except
as explicitly required by these Standards of
Practice.
Continued
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The Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Home Inspectors
ASHI Standards of Practice Effective October 15, 2006 © Copyright 2006 American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.® All rights reserved
Alarm Systems
Warning devices installed or freestanding
including but not limited to
smoke detectors, carbon monoxide
detectors, flue gas, and other spillage
detectors, and security equipment
Automatic Safety Controls
Devices designed and installed to
protect systems and components from
unsafe conditions
Component
A part of a system
Decorative
Ornamental; not required for the proper
operation of the essential systems and
components of a home
Describe
To identify (in writing) a system or
component by its type or other
distinguishing characteristics
Dismantle
To take apart or remove any component,
device, or piece of equipment that
would not be taken apart or removed by
a homeowner in the course of normal
maintenance
Engineering
The application of scientific knowledge
for the design, control, or use of
building structures, equipment, or
apparatus
Further Evaluation
Examination and analysis by a qualified
professional, tradesman, or service
technician beyond that provided by the
home inspection
Home Inspection
The process by which an inspector
visually examines the readily accessible
systems and components of a home and
which describes those systems and
components in accordance with these
Standards of Practice
Household Appliances
Kitchen, laundry, and similar
appliances, whether installed or
free-standing
Inspect
To examine any system or component
of a building in accordance with these
Standards of Practice, using normal
operating controls and opening readily
openable access panels
Inspector
A person hired to examine any system
or component of a building in accordance
with these Standards of Practice
Installed
Attached such that removal requires tools
Normal Operating Controls
Devices such as thermostats, switches,
or valves intended to be operated by the
homeowner
Readily Accessible
Available for visual inspection without
requiring moving of personal property,
dismantling, destructive measures, or
any action that will likely involve risk to
persons or property
Readily Openable Access Panel
A panel provided for homeowner
inspection and maintenance that is
readily accessible, within normal reach,
can be removed by one person, and is
not sealed in place
Recreational Facilities
Spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming
pools, exercise, entertainment, athletic,
playground or other similar equipment,
and associated accessories
Report
Communicate in writing
Representative Number
One component per room for multiple
similar interior components such as
windows, and electric receptacles; one
component on each side of the building
for multiple similar exterior components
Roof Drainage Systems
Components used to carry water off a
roof and away from a building
Shut Down
A state in which a system or component
cannot be operated by normal operating
controls
Siding
Exterior wall covering and cladding;
such as: aluminum, asphalt, brick,
cement/asbestos, EIFS, stone, stucco,
veneer, vinyl, wood, etc.
Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
A hearth and fire chamber or similar
prepared place in which a fire may be
built and that is built in conjunction
with a chimney; or a listed assembly of
a fire chamber, its chimney, and related
factory-made parts designed for unit
assembly without requiring field
construction
Structural Component
A component that supports non-variable
forces or weights (dead loads) and variable
forces or weights (live loads)
System
A combination of interacting or
interdependent components, assembled
to carry out one or more functions.
Technically Exhaustive
An investigation that involves
dismantling, the extensive use of
advanced techniques, measurements,
instruments, testing, calculations, or
other means
Under-floor Crawl Space
The area within the confines of the
foundation and between the ground and
the underside of the floor
Unsafe
A condition in a readily accessible,
installed system or component that
is judged to be a significant risk of
bodily injury during normal,
day-to-day use; the risk may be due
to damage, deterioration, improper
installation, or a change in accepted
residential construction standards
Wiring Methods
Identification of electrical conductors or
wires by their general type, such as
non-metallic sheathed cable, armored
cable,or knob and tube, etc.
ASHI STANDARDS OF PRACTICE GLOSSARY OF ITALICIZED TERMS
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The Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Home Inspectors
1. Inspectors shall avoid conflicts of interest or activities that compromise, or appear to compromise, professional
independence, objectivity, or inspection integrity.
A. Inspectors shall not inspect properties for compensation in which they have, or expect to have,
a financial interest.
B. Inspectors shall not inspect properties under contingent arrangements whereby any compensation
or future referrals are dependent on reported findings or on the sale of a property.
C. Inspectors shall not directly or indirectly compensate realty agents, or other parties having
a financial interest in closing or settlement of real estate transactions, for the referral of
inspections or for inclusion on a list of recommended inspectors, preferred providers, or
similar arrangements.
D. Inspectors shall not receive compensation for an inspection from more than one party unless
agreed to by the client(s).
E. Inspectors shall not accept compensation, directly or indirectly, for recommending contractors,
services, or products to inspection clients or other parties having an interest in inspected
properties.
F. Inspectors shall not repair, replace, or upgrade, for compensation, systems or components
covered by ASHI Standards of Practice, for one year after the inspection.
2. Inspectors shall act in good faith toward each client and other interested parties.
A. Inspectors shall perform services and express opinions based on genuine conviction and only
within their areas of education, training, or experience.
B. Inspectors shall be objective in their reporting and not knowingly understate or overstate the
significance of reported conditions.
C. Inspectors shall not disclose inspection results or client information without client approval.
Inspectors, at their discretion, may disclose observed immediate safety hazards to occupants
exposed to such hazards, when feasible.
3. Inspectors shall avoid activities that may harm the public, discredit themselves, or reduce public confidence
in the profession.
A. Advertising, marketing, and promotion of inspectors’ services or qualifications shall not be
fraudulent, false, deceptive, or misleading.
B. Inspectors shall report substantive and willful violations of this Code to the Society.
ASHI® CODE OF ETHICS
For the Home Inspection Profession
Integrity, honesty, and objectivity are fundamental principles embodied by this Code, which sets forth
obligations of ethical conduct for the home inspection profession. The Membership of ASHI has
adopted this Code to provide high ethical standards to safeguard the public and the profession.
Inspectors shall comply with this Code, shall avoid association with any enterprise whose practices
violate this Code, and shall strive to uphold, maintain, and improve the integrity, reputation, and
practice of the home inspection profession.
8 ASHI Code of Ethics For the Home Inspection Profession Effective June 13, 2004 Copyright © 2004 American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc® All rights reserved
