ASHI Code of Ethics

by Edited by ASHI Staff December 1, 2010

The ASHI Code of Ethics
Effective on June 13, 2004

The ASHI Code of Ethics details the core guidelines of home inspection professionalism and home inspection ethics. Covering crucial issues such as conflicts of interest, good faith and public perception, these home inspection ethics are central pillars of home inspection professionalism for the entire industry.

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.
All inspector members of ASHI have agreed to abide by this Code of Ethics.

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.

American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.®
Effective on June 13, 2004
©2004 American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.®
All Rights Reserved.

Questions about Ethics? There’s a Committee for That

The ASHI Code of Ethics Committee is charged with developing ethics education and awareness for ASHI members and answering Requests for Interpretation (RFI) of the Code of Ethics.

When serious questions arise about the intent and applicability of the revised code, members are encouraged to review previous requests and responses on the ASHI Members Only Web site under Resources.

If there has not been a request for an interpretation of a similar situation, please submit your question using the required RFI form, which can be found under Downloads/ASHI Forms & Documents.

The committee will continue to provide ASHI members with the responses to the questions posed only by their fellow members. The service is not available to non-members.

ASHI Code of Ethics Request For Interpretation

RFI e100714
Question:
I have been a homebuilder 33 years. I get referrals on remodeling and bank foreclosure cleanups. I also get real estate inspection items to correct. I have a separate company for remodeling and inspections. I know I never will do any work from any inspection that I might perform, but I wanted to make certain I’m not violating anything by having two separate companies. Again, I know I cannot be involved in any compensation from any inspection I might do.

Response:
The situation, as described, does not violate the ASHI Code of Ethics.

Reference: 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.

Precedent RFIs: e011101, e060923, e070828, e080213, e081211, e080213, e090223

Date of Response: 7/16/10      

ASHI Ethics Committee


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