ASHI STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
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 Effective
October 15, 2006 © Copyright 2006 American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.® All rights reserved
The
Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Home Inspectors
EXTERIOR 4.2, Continued
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.
ASHI Standards of Practice Effective October
15, 2006 © Copyright 2006 American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.® All rights reserved
The Standards
of Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Home Inspectors
Continued
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.
ASHI Standards of Practice Effective October 15, 2006 © Copyright 2006 American Society
of Home Inspectors, Inc.® All rights reserved
The Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the American
Society of Home Inspectors
Continued
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.
ASHI Standards of Practice Effective October 15, 2006 © Copyright 2006 American Society of Home
Inspectors, Inc.® All rights reserved
The Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society
of Home Inspectors
ASHI STANDARDS OF PRACTICE GLOSSARY OF ITALICIZED TERMS
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 Effective
October 15, 2006 © Copyright 2006 American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.® All rights reserved
The
Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Home Inspectors
ASHI® CODE OF ETHICS
For the Home Inspection Profession
I
I
ntegrity, 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.
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
Effective June 13, 2004 Copyright © 2004 American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc® All rights reserved
