Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Home inspection standards are essential for setting client expectations and ensuring consistency across the industry. Two of the most prominent standards in the U.S. are those established by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). Both standards are widely adopted by state licensing boards and referenced in legislation but differ significantly in philosophy and practice. This post explores the critical differences between these two Standards of Practice (SoP) and examines what a minimal compliance inspection report might look like under each set of standards.
Background: A Tale of Two Associations
ASHI, the oldest of the two associations, was founded in 1976 and is known for establishing the original guidelines for home inspections. It emphasizes the inspector’s independence and impartiality, striving to build public trust through a structured and consistent approach. InterNACHI, on the other hand, was established by a former ASHI member and aims to be more inclusive and accessible, especially to new and aspiring inspectors. InterNACHI’s standards emphasize flexibility and customization, allowing inspectors to tailor their inspections to specific client needs.
Differences in Scope and Reporting Requirements
The most striking differences between ASHI and InterNACHI are in how they approach scope, flexibility, and reporting:
- ASHI follows a rigid and traditional structure with well-defined minimum inspection requirements. It has strict guidelines for what must be inspected, emphasizing that inspections are not intended to be exhaustive. It also does not mandate the inclusion of digital photos in reports.
- InterNACHI is more adaptable, allowing the scope to be customized based on agreements between the client and inspector before an inspection. InterNACHI also clearly defines material defects and requires inspectors to identify defects that could significantly impact property value or safety. While photos are optional, InterNACHI strongly encourages using them to enhance clarity.
Line-by-Line Comparison: Minimum Inspection Requirements
A bare minimum inspection report highlights both the similarities and nuanced differences in each association’s requirements:
1. Roof and Exterior
- ASHI requires inspection of roofing materials, gutters, and downspouts but does not require the inspector to predict the roof’s life expectancy.
- InterNACHI includes similar elements but requires inspectors to note any active roof leaks. InterNACHI also allows the inspector flexibility in deciding whether to walk on the roof.
2. Electrical Systems
- ASHI specifies the inspection of grounding, overcurrent devices, and representative outlets but does not require testing of AFCI or GFCI devices.
- InterNACHI mandates AFCI and GFCI testing as part of the inspection and requires inspectors to report if these devices are absent or malfunctioning.
3. Plumbing and Interiors
- ASHI requires a description of water heaters and plumbing systems but does not require measuring water pressure or assessing water quality.
- InterNACHI emphasizes identifying specific deficiencies, such as improperly functioning drain stops and whether the water supply is public or private.
4. Structural Elements
- ASHI inspectors are not required to evaluate the adequacy of structural components, such as framing or foundations, beyond a visual inspection.
- InterNACHI has similar exclusions but encourages inspectors to report visible signs of foundation movement or other significant issues that may indicate a structural problem.
The Ethics and Professional Conduct Angle
Both standards include ethical guidelines, but they differ in their focus:
- ASHI enforces a strict Code of Ethics that emphasizes avoiding conflicts of interest. For example, inspectors are prohibited from working on properties they have inspected for at least one year.
- InterNACHI focuses on ongoing education and transparency. It requires members to complete continuing education and provide honest, direct assessments to clients. It also promotes accessibility for inspectors, which can benefit those starting in the industry.
What Does a Minimum Report Look Like?
If a home inspector were to create a report following only the bare minimum requirements of each SoP, several distinctions would be evident:
- ASHI’s minimum report would be straightforward, listing the systems inspected with fewer mandatory details. Photographs would not be required, and the report would focus more on general observations rather than specifics.
- InterNACHI’s minimum report would likely include more detailed descriptions of issues and clear identification of material defects that pose safety risks. While photos are not mandatory, they would be encouraged to provide a more comprehensive picture of the issues found.
Conclusion: Which Standard is Best for You?
The ASHI SoP represents a traditional, structured approach, emphasizing clear minimum requirements without much room for customization. InterNACHI, in contrast, provides greater flexibility and encourages inspectors to go beyond the basics, which may be more appealing to those who want to adapt inspections to specific client needs.
Choosing the right standard depends on balancing structure with flexibility and your ability to customize reporting for unique client situations. ASHI’s standards might suit inspectors who prefer a strict, minimalist approach, while InterNACHI’s standards may attract those interested in tailoring inspections and providing added depth when needed.
Understanding these key differences in Standards of Practice can help determine which approach best fits your clients, market, and professional goals.
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